YiHeng PH Series Dual-Function Incubator & Drying Oven
| Brand | YiHeng |
|---|---|
| Origin | Shanghai, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Direct Manufacturer |
| Origin Category | Domestic (China) |
| Model | PH Series |
| Price Range | USD 530 – 1,500 (FOB Shanghai) |
| Temperature Range | Incubation Mode: RT+5°C to 80°C |
| Drying Mode | 80°C to 220°C |
| Temperature Uniformity | ±3% at 100°C (per IEC 61000-4-3 test point protocol) |
| Humidity Capability | Not equipped / Dry-only operation |
| Capacity Options | 16 L, 30 L, 50 L, 100 L, 200 L |
Overview
The YiHeng PH Series Dual-Function Incubator & Drying Oven is an engineered laboratory platform designed for sequential or independent thermal processing of biological and material samples under controlled dry-heat conditions. Unlike conventional single-mode incubators or drying ovens, this device integrates two distinct operational regimes—low-to-moderate temperature incubation (RT+5°C to 80°C) for cell culture, enzyme assays, or microbial growth, and high-temperature drying (80°C to 220°C) for moisture removal, sterilization of glassware, or thermal conditioning of polymers and ceramics. Its dual-mode architecture eliminates the need for separate equipment, reducing footprint, cross-contamination risk, and capital expenditure in resource-constrained labs. The chamber operates on forced-air convection with optimized airflow distribution, ensuring thermal stability and repeatability across all volume configurations.
Key Features
- Mirror-finish stainless steel interior (AISI 304), featuring seamless semi-circular corner welds and removable adjustable shelving for full accessibility and compliance with ISO 14644-1 Class 8 cleanroom-compatible cleaning protocols.
- Microprocessor-based LCD controller with PID algorithm tuning, offering ±0.5°C setpoint accuracy and real-time digital display of actual chamber temperature.
- Forced-air circulation system with rear-mounted centrifugal blower and directional air baffles—engineered to minimize thermal stratification and achieve ≤±3% uniformity at 100°C (verified per IEC 60068-2-2 Annex A).
- Dual-layer tempered glass observation window with silicone rubber gasket seal, providing visual monitoring without compromising thermal integrity or introducing condensation artifacts.
- Interlocked safety logic: automatic suspension of heating and fan operation upon door opening, preventing overshoot and supporting GLP-compliant thermal process documentation.
- Independent over-temperature protection circuit (mechanical backup thermostat) compliant with EN 61000-6-2 immunity requirements.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The PH Series accommodates a broad range of sample formats—including Petri dishes, flasks, vials, weighing boats, and ceramic crucibles—across its 16 L to 200 L capacity variants. Its dry-only operation excludes humidity control components, making it unsuitable for CO₂-dependent cultures or hygroscopic stability studies but ideal for applications requiring absolute desiccation (e.g., gravimetric moisture analysis per ASTM E1868, pre-sterilization of pipette tips, or ash content determination per AOAC 923.03). The unit meets CE marking requirements for electrical safety (EN 61010-1) and electromagnetic compatibility (EN 61326-1), and supports audit-ready operation under ISO/IEC 17025 and FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when paired with validated external data loggers.
Software & Data Management
While the PH Series operates via embedded standalone controller (no built-in USB/Ethernet interface), it supports external validation and data capture through analog output (0–10 V DC or 4–20 mA) compatible with third-party SCADA systems or calibrated chart recorders. Users may integrate it into centralized lab infrastructure using optional RS-485 communication modules (sold separately), enabling time-stamped temperature logging, alarm event history, and export to CSV for traceability in GMP environments. All firmware revisions undergo functional verification per IEC 62304 Class B software lifecycle standards.
Applications
- Pre-sterilization drying of microbiological media preparation glassware and stainless-steel instruments.
- Thermal curing of epoxy resins, adhesives, and printed circuit board substrates (80–180°C range).
- Moisture loss-on-drying (LOD) analysis for pharmaceutical excipients per USP <731>.
- Incubation of mesophilic bacteria (e.g., E. coli, B. subtilis) and fungal strains under non-humidified conditions.
- Accelerated aging studies of packaging materials per ASTM F1980.
- Drying of filter membranes post-gravimetric particulate analysis (e.g., EPA Method 160.1).
FAQ
Can this unit maintain humidity control?
No. The PH Series is a dry-heat-only system with no integrated humidification or dehumidification mechanism.
Is calibration certificate included with shipment?
A factory calibration report (traceable to NIM, China) is provided; on-site IQ/OQ/PQ validation must be performed by end-user or qualified third party.
What is the maximum allowable load weight per shelf?
Shelf load capacity is 15 kg per level (uniformly distributed); exceeding this may compromise airflow uniformity and temperature stability.
Does the unit comply with UL or CSA safety standards?
It carries CE marking per EN 61010-1 and EN 61326-1; UL/CSA certification is not available, but design principles align with equivalent hazard mitigation requirements.
Can it be used for sterilization of surgical instruments?
Not for medical-grade sterilization (e.g., autoclaving). It supports dry-heat depyrogenation (>250°C required per USP <1211>) only at the upper limit of its drying mode—220°C is insufficient for complete endotoxin inactivation.
