Yiheng MGC-450HP-2 Plant Growth Chamber
| Brand | Yiheng |
|---|---|
| Origin | Shanghai, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Direct Manufacturer |
| Model | MGC-450HP-2 |
| Illumination Method | Shelf-Mounted LED Lighting System |
| Temperature Range | 10–50 °C (with light), 0–50 °C (dark) |
| Temperature Uniformity | ±1 °C |
| Humidity Range | 50–90 % RH |
| Light Intensity Range | 0–20,000 lx / 0–25,000 lx, 6-Step Adjustable |
| Internal Dimensions | 520×550×1140 mm / 700×550×1140 mm |
| External Dimensions | 830×850×1850 mm / 950×850×1850 mm |
Overview
The Yiheng MGC-450HP-2 Plant Growth Chamber is a precision-engineered environmental simulation system designed for controlled-conditions plant physiology, photobiology, seed germination, and long-term phenotypic studies in academic, agricultural, and pharmaceutical research laboratories. It operates on the principle of active thermoelectric and refrigeration-based climate regulation, integrated with programmable multi-spectral illumination and dynamic humidity control. Unlike conventional incubators, this chamber supports diurnal temperature cycling, spatially distributed light delivery via modular shelf-mounted lighting, and sustained unattended operation—enabling reproducible cultivation under ISO 17025-aligned experimental conditions. Its architecture complies with fundamental design principles outlined in ASTM E1826 (Standard Practice for Determining Environmental Chamber Performance) and supports GLP-compliant workflows when configured with optional data logging and audit trail modules.
Key Features
- Shelf-mounted, modular LED illumination system with six discrete intensity levels (0–25,000 lx), enabling independent spectral tuning per shelf layer and eliminating vertical light gradient artifacts.
- Dual redundant compressor system with automatic load balancing and sequential switching—ensures continuous operation for >30 days without thermal shutdown or performance drift.
- Intelligent multi-segment programming: up to 30 time-stamped cycles for simultaneous control of temperature, relative humidity, light intensity, and photoperiod—including ramp/soak profiles and night/day transitions.
- Corrosion-resistant mirror-finish stainless steel interior (AISI 304), fully accessible via tool-free removable shelves and rounded corner geometry (R ≥ 25 mm) for validated cleaning and autoclave-compatible decontamination.
- Microprocessor-based PID control with real-time fault diagnostics: LCD interface displays error codes (e.g., E01 = evaporator frost lock, E07 = humidity sensor timeout) and initiates audible/visual alerts upon deviation from setpoints.
- Independent over-temperature cutoff circuit with mechanical thermostat backup, compliant with IEC 61000-6-2 EMC immunity requirements and EN 61010-1 safety standards.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The MGC-450HP-2 accommodates standard plant growth vessels including Petri dishes (up to 150 mm), Magenta boxes, hydroponic trays (max. 300 mm depth), and potted specimens (up to 350 mm height). Its internal airflow pattern—optimized via rear-mounted axial fans and top/bottom baffle ducting—maintains laminar velocity ≤0.15 m/s at shelf level to prevent mechanical stress on seedlings and cotyledons. The chamber meets baseline requirements for OECD Test Guideline 208 (Terrestrial Plant Toxicity) and supports protocol development aligned with USDA APHIS and EPPO PM 7/117 phytosanitary validation frameworks. Optional CO₂ control (0–5,000 ppm or 0–20 % v/v, NDIR sensing) enables carbon enrichment experiments compliant with ASTM D6186 for photosynthetic gas exchange calibration.
Software & Data Management
Equipped with RS485 Modbus RTU and USB 2.0 interfaces, the system integrates with Yiheng’s PC-based LabControl Suite (v3.2+), supporting real-time graphing of all process variables, export to CSV/PDF, and configurable alarm thresholds. When paired with the optional thermal printer module (EPL-200), it generates timestamped hardcopy logs meeting FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for electronic records—including operator ID, parameter change history, and signature-equivalent digital audit trails. Data encryption (AES-128) and user-level access control (admin/operator/guest) ensure compliance with ISO/IEC 27001 information security protocols during multi-user deployments.
Applications
- Photomorphogenesis studies requiring precise spectral-temporal coordination (e.g., phytochrome A/B activation kinetics).
- Abiotic stress screening: drought simulation via dynamic RH ramping; heat/cold acclimation using diurnal cycling protocols.
- Seed viability and dormancy assays under standardized ISTA-defined light/temperature/humidity matrices.
- Growth chamber qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ) for GMP-regulated botanical API production facilities.
- Calibration reference environment for field-deployable chlorophyll fluorometers and leaf area index sensors.
FAQ
What is the maximum number of independently controllable lighting shelves?
The MGC-450HP-2 supports up to four lighting shelves with individual intensity control; each shelf accepts T5 or full-spectrum LED tubes (G13 base, max. 58 W).
Does the chamber support remote monitoring via Ethernet or Wi-Fi?
No native Ethernet/Wi-Fi; however, third-party RS485-to-Ethernet gateways (e.g., Moxa NPort 5110) are interoperable with LabControl Suite for LAN-based supervision.
Is humidity control available during light-off periods?
Yes—humidity regulation remains fully active across all operational modes, including dark cycles, with condensation management via timed defrost and drain-heater activation.
Can the unit be validated for ISO 17025 accredited testing?
Yes—when equipped with NIST-traceable PT100 probes (optional), Class II humidity sensors, and certified calibration certificates, it satisfies metrological traceability requirements for accredited environmental testing laboratories.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for compressor longevity?
Compressor oil inspection every 18 months; refrigerant pressure verification annually; LED driver thermal paste replacement every 5 years under continuous operation.
