WIGGENS WH-21C Low-Temperature Biochemical Incubator with Orbital Shaking
| Brand | WIGGENS |
|---|---|
| Origin | Germany |
| Model | WH-21C |
| Temperature Range | +4 °C to 60 °C |
| Chamber Volume | 250 L |
| Temperature Accuracy (ATC-calibrated) | < ±0.1 °C |
| Temperature Stability | ±1 °C at 37 °C |
| Control System | Digital PID with Touch-Sensitive Membrane Keypad |
| Interior Material | Stainless Steel |
| Exterior Material | Powder-Coated Cold-Rolled Steel |
| Shelf Capacity | 3 standard / up to 7 adjustable stainless steel shelves |
| Internal Dimensions (W×D×H) | 550 × 500 × 1000 mm |
| External Dimensions (W×D×H) | 660 × 605 × 1415 mm |
| Net Weight | 120 kg |
| Heating Power | 450 W |
| Cooling Power | 350 W |
| Power Supply | AC 220–240 V, 50/60 Hz |
| Timer Function | On/Off/Alarm (1 min to 99 h 59 min) |
| Safety Features | Door-Interlocked Motor & Fan Shutdown, Overtemperature Alarm & Cut-off, Auto-Restart Option After Power Failure |
| Shaking Modes | Orbital and Reciprocating |
| Speed Range | 1–300 rpm |
| Amplitude Options | 20 / 30 / 40 mm (via compatible shaker modules WS-300R/600R) |
| Drive System | Microprocessor-Controlled Constant-Speed Regulation Regardless of Load |
Overview
The WIGGENS WH-21C Low-Temperature Biochemical Incubator with Orbital Shaking integrates precise temperature control, programmable agitation, and robust chamber design into a single platform engineered for reproducible cultivation and incubation under controlled physiological and sub-physiological conditions. Unlike standard static incubators, the WH-21C incorporates a microprocessor-driven shaking mechanism compliant with ISO 17025 traceable calibration protocols, enabling consistent oxygen transfer, suspension homogeneity, and metabolic uniformity across diverse biological samples. Its temperature range spans +4 °C to 60 °C—optimized for low-temperature enzyme assays, psychrophilic microbial culture, cold-adapted protein expression, and long-term stability studies in pharmaceutical development. The chamber’s ATC (Automatic Temperature Calibration)-enabled digital PID controller ensures thermal accuracy better than ±0.1 °C at setpoint, while stability remains within ±1 °C at 37 °C—a specification validated per ASTM E2753-21 for incubator performance verification.
Key Features
- Dual-mode shaking system supporting both orbital and reciprocating motion, programmable with directional selection (clockwise/counterclockwise) and positional stop functionality
- Load-independent speed regulation: maintains set rpm across variable vessel weights via real-time torque compensation algorithm
- Integrated safety interlocks: automatic shutdown of shaker motor and circulation fan upon door opening
- Overtemperature protection with audible alarm and heating cutoff, meeting IEC 61010-1 Class II safety requirements
- Configurable power recovery mode: user-selectable auto-restart or auto-hold after grid interruption
- Seven-position shelf adjustment system with corrosion-resistant stainless steel trays (3 supplied, 4 optional)
- Touch-sensitive membrane keypad with intuitive menu navigation and real-time parameter display
- Energy-efficient dual-system thermoregulation: Peltier-assisted cooling (350 W) paired with precision resistive heating (450 W)
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The WH-21C accommodates standard laboratory vessels including Erlenmeyer flasks (up to 5 L), baffled bottles, microtiter plates, serum bottles, and custom bioreactor sleeves. Optional accessories—including universal spring-clamp platforms, rubber-padded trays, separatory funnel holders, tube racks, and adhesive mounting panels—enable secure fixation of heterogeneous container geometries without mechanical slippage. All internal surfaces are electropolished stainless steel (AISI 304), ensuring compliance with USP analytical instrument qualification guidelines and facilitating routine cleaning validation per ISO 14644-1 Class 7 cleanroom maintenance protocols. The unit is CE-marked and conforms to EN 61326-1 (EMC) and EN 61010-1 (safety) standards. Temperature uniformity mapping data (per ISO 14644-3 Annex B) is available upon request for GLP/GMP audit documentation.
Software & Data Management
While the WH-21C operates via embedded firmware without external PC dependency, its timer and alarm functions support full experimental scheduling—including delayed start, duration-limited operation, and end-of-cycle audible notification. All critical parameters (setpoint, actual temperature, rpm, elapsed time) are logged internally with timestamping. For regulated environments requiring electronic records, optional RS-485 serial interface (with Modbus RTU protocol) enables integration into centralized LIMS or SCADA systems. Audit trail generation—including operator ID, parameter changes, and event timestamps—can be enabled to satisfy FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when paired with validated third-party data acquisition software.
Applications
- Cultivation of cold-tolerant bacteria (e.g., Pseudomonas fluorescens, Psychrobacter spp.) and cryophilic yeasts
- Low-temperature enzymatic reactions and kinetic profiling of thermostable mutants
- Stability testing of biologics, vaccines, and mRNA-LNP formulations per ICH Q5C guidelines
- Cell-based assays requiring simultaneous temperature control and gentle agitation (e.g., suspension CHO cultures, organoid expansion)
- Environmental microbiology studies involving soil slurry enrichment or aquatic sediment incubation
- Food safety testing workflows including Listeria monocytogenes enrichment at 4 °C and Salmonella recovery per ISO 6579-1
- Chemical synthesis under controlled thermal-agitation conditions (e.g., crystallization screening, polymerization kinetics)
FAQ
Does the WH-21C support remote monitoring or Ethernet connectivity?
No—this model features standalone operation only. Remote access requires integration via its RS-485 port using third-party industrial gateways.
Can the shaking amplitude be adjusted directly on the WH-21C unit?
Amplitude selection (20/30/40 mm) is configured via compatible external shaker modules (WS-300R/600R); the WH-21C chassis itself does not house amplitude-adjustment hardware.
Is the temperature sensor calibrated traceable to NIST standards?
Yes—the ATC function supports user-initiated calibration against an external reference probe certified to ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratories.
What is the maximum flask size supported on standard shelves?
With standard universal clamps, the largest supported configuration is a 5 L Erlenmeyer flask; larger vessels require custom bracketing solutions.
Are spare parts and service manuals available internationally?
WIGGENS provides global technical documentation and authorized service partner referrals through its regional distribution network; consumables and mechanical components carry 24-month warranty coverage.

