DRETOP ZYCL-R102 Precision Temperature-Controlled Orbital Shaking Incubator

Overview

The DRETOP ZYCL-R102 is a benchtop temperature-controlled orbital shaking incubator engineered for precise, reproducible cultivation and agitation of biological and biochemical samples under tightly regulated thermal and mechanical conditions. It integrates a high-stability PID-controlled heating system with a microprocessor-driven orbital shaker, operating on the principle of uniform circular motion (26 mm orbit) to ensure consistent suspension, aeration, and mass transfer in liquid cultures—critical for aerobic microbial growth, enzyme kinetics, cell line expansion, and small-scale fermentation processes. Designed for demanding life science applications, the unit maintains thermal stability across its full operational range (RT+5°C to 150°C), making it suitable not only for standard microbiological incubation but also for high-temperature applications such as protein denaturation studies, thermal stability assays, and accelerated aging protocols. Its robust stainless-steel chamber, sealed insulation, and optimized airflow distribution contribute to exceptional temperature uniformity (±0.1°C) and minimal spatial gradients—parameters essential for GLP-compliant experiments and inter-laboratory method transfer.

Key Features

• Microprocessor-based PID temperature and speed controller with backlit LCD display showing real-time setpoints and actual values for temperature, rotational speed (rpm), and elapsed time.
• Orbital drive mechanism featuring a three-dimensional eccentric cam system with soft-start acceleration to prevent sample splashing and ensure gentle, repeatable agitation—especially critical for low-volume or viscous cultures.
• Brushless DC motor with wide-speed range (adjustable up to 300 rpm), constant torque output, zero carbon brush wear, and maintenance-free operation over extended service life.
• Tempered glass observation window with integrated LED illumination and one-touch on/off control, enabling continuous visual monitoring without compromising chamber integrity.
• Electrostatically coated steel exterior and 304 stainless-steel interior chamber and platform—resistant to corrosion, easy to decontaminate, and compatible with common laboratory disinfectants including 70% ethanol and hydrogen peroxide vapor.
• Comprehensive safety architecture including over-temperature alarm, over-speed cutoff, timed shutdown, power-fail recovery (auto-resume from last settings), and user-configurable parameter locking to prevent accidental modification.
• Optional UV-C germicidal lamp module (254 nm) for periodic sterilization of internal air and surfaces, reducing airborne contamination risk during sensitive mammalian or primary cell culture workflows.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The ZYCL-R102 accommodates a broad range of vessel formats via interchangeable clamping systems—including universal spring clips, fixed Erlenmeyer flask holders (50–2000 mL), test tube racks, and custom-shaped bottle adapters. Its 26 mm orbital amplitude ensures efficient oxygen transfer in vessels up to 5 L total volume while minimizing shear stress on fragile cells. The unit complies with general electrical safety standards (IEC 61010-1) and supports adherence to quality management frameworks including ISO/IEC 17025, CLIA, and FDA-regulated environments where documented environmental control is required. While not pre-certified for 21 CFR Part 11, its optional USB data logging interface enables export of timestamped temperature and speed logs—facilitating audit-ready documentation for GxP-aligned validation protocols.

Software & Data Management

An optional USB data acquisition module allows continuous recording of temperature and rotational speed at user-defined intervals (1–60 sec). Exported CSV files are compatible with Excel, MATLAB, and LabChart for trend analysis, deviation reporting, and integration into electronic lab notebooks (ELNs). All logged data retain native timestamps synchronized to the instrument’s internal clock, supporting traceability requirements under GLP and internal QA procedures. Parameter encryption and non-volatile memory ensure configuration persistence across power cycles, eliminating re-calibration or manual re-entry after interruptions.

Applications

• Aerobic bacterial and yeast cultivation (e.g., E. coli, S. cerevisiae) under controlled thermal and agitation conditions.
• Enzyme activity profiling and kinetic assays requiring defined temperature ramping and mixing homogeneity.
• Mammalian and insect cell suspension culture optimization, particularly for transient transfection or bioproduction screening.
• Thermal stability testing of proteins, antibodies, and nucleic acid complexes (e.g., DSC pre-screening, aggregation onset studies).
• Environmental microbiology applications including BOD testing, bioremediation simulation, and soil slurry incubations.
• Material science studies involving temperature-dependent polymer dissolution or nanoparticle dispersion kinetics.

FAQ

What is the maximum recommended load capacity for stable orbital performance?
The ZYCL-R102 is rated for a maximum platform load of 15 kg when evenly distributed; exceeding this may affect speed accuracy and temperature uniformity.
Can the unit operate continuously at 150°C with shaking enabled?
Yes—the heating system and motor cooling design support uninterrupted operation across the full temperature range (RT+5°C to 150°C) at any speed setting within specification.
Is the interior chamber humidity-controlled?
No—this model does not include active humidification; relative humidity is ambient and unregulated. For high-humidity applications, external humidification chambers or alternative models with RH control are recommended.
Does the USB data logger record both temperature and speed simultaneously?
Yes—both parameters are logged synchronously with millisecond-level timestamp resolution and stored in a single CSV file.
Are calibration certificates available for temperature and speed sensors?
Factory calibration reports are provided with each unit; NIST-traceable third-party calibration services can be arranged through authorized DRETOP service partners upon request.