WIGGENS WHT-150 Temperature and Humidity Controlled Incubator
| Brand | WIGGENS |
|---|---|
| Origin | Germany |
| Model | WHT-150 |
| Heating Method | Air-jacketed |
| Cooling Method | Compressor-based |
| Humidity Reservoir Type | Traditional Water Pan |
| Temperature Range (with Humidification) | +4 °C to +60 °C |
| Temperature Uniformity | < ±0.5 °C |
| Humidity Range | 10–85 %RH (@ 25–55 °C) |
| Humidity Accuracy | ±1 %RH |
| Capacity | 150 L |
| External Dimensions (W×D×H) | 740 × 672 × 1220 mm |
Overview
The WIGGENS WHT-150 Temperature and Humidity Controlled Incubator is an engineered environmental simulation chamber designed for precise, long-term stabilization of temperature and relative humidity across life science, materials testing, and quality assurance applications. Built upon a dual-control architecture—air-jacketed heating combined with compressor-based cooling—the system delivers rapid thermal response and high reproducibility in dynamic ambient conditions. Unlike water-jacketed or Peltier-driven alternatives, the air-jacket design surrounds the inner chamber with thermally insulated, independently regulated airflow, minimizing thermal lag and eliminating condensation risks on samples or sensors. Humidity is actively maintained via evaporation and re-condensation cycle management using a traditional stainless-steel water pan, ensuring stable vapor-phase equilibrium without ultrasonic misting artifacts or mineral deposition. The chamber’s internal volume of 150 L accommodates standard ISO/IEC 17025-compliant test protocols—including ASTM D4332 (conditioning of plastics), ISO 4892-2 (plastics exposure to humidified UV), and ICH Q1A(R2) stability testing guidelines—while maintaining uniformity better than ±0.5 °C and humidity accuracy within ±1 %RH at setpoints between 25 °C and 55 °C.
Key Features
- Air-jacketed heating system with PID-controlled 1350 W heating element ensures fast ramp rates and minimal overshoot during setpoint transitions.
- Compressor-based cooling (300 W nominal capacity) enables stable operation down to +4 °C even under full humidity load and ambient temperatures up to +35 °C.
- Dual-sensor feedback loop: independent Pt100 temperature sensors and capacitive RH transducers provide real-time closed-loop regulation with digital display resolution of 0.1 °C and 0.1 %RH.
- Forced-air convection via adjustable axial fan maintains spatial uniformity; validated per DIN EN 61000-6-3 for electromagnetic compatibility in shared lab environments.
- Safety-critical protections include over-temperature cutoff (mechanical backup thermostat), over-current interruption, door-open interlock (disables heater/fan and activates interior LED), and audible/visual alarm for deviation >±2 °C or >±5 %RH.
- Autostart function supports GLP-compliant continuity: upon power recovery, users select either automatic resumption of prior program or safe hold mode pending manual confirmation.
- Structural integrity: outer casing fabricated from cold-rolled steel with epoxy-polyester electrostatic coating; insulation layer uses halogen-free, low-VOC polyurethane foam (λ ≤ 0.022 W/m·K).
- Integrated mobility: four lockable casters (two with brakes) allow repositioning without disassembly; leveling feet ensure stability on non-uniform flooring.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The WHT-150 accommodates diverse sample formats—including Petri dishes, multi-well plates, vials, polymer specimens, electronic components, and textile swatches—within its 304 stainless-steel interior (560 × 500 × 535 mm). Standard configuration includes two removable, load-rated shelves (30 kg each), expandable to five positions. Its operational envelope complies with key regulatory frameworks: temperature/humidity profiles meet ISO 17025 clause 5.4.2 requirements for equipment calibration traceability; data logging capability satisfies FDA 21 CFR Part 11 Annex 11 expectations when paired with compliant software; and mechanical design conforms to IEC 61010-1:2010 for laboratory electrical safety. Humidity control performance has been verified per ISO 8503-2 surface roughness conditioning protocols and ASTM E104-02 standard practice for maintaining constant humidity environments.
Software & Data Management
Equipped with RS232 and RS485 serial interfaces (Modbus RTU protocol), the WHT-150 supports integration into centralized building management systems (BMS) or LIMS platforms. Optional PC-based software enables scheduled programming (up to 99 segments), real-time graphing of T/RH trends, event-triggered alerts (e.g., door open >30 s), and audit-trail generation including user ID, timestamp, parameter change, and reason code. All logged data are stored in CSV format with SHA-256 checksums for integrity verification. Firmware updates retain historical calibration coefficients and user-defined alarm thresholds, preserving metrological continuity across maintenance cycles.
Applications
- Pharmaceutical stability studies (ICH Q5C, Q1A) requiring controlled humidity at intermediate and accelerated storage conditions.
- Biological material preconditioning prior to tensile testing, adhesion assays, or enzymatic activity profiling.
- Accelerated aging of packaging films, adhesives, and composite laminates per ASTM F1980 and ISO 11607.
- Microclimate simulation for corrosion testing of metallic substrates (ISO 9223, ASTM G154).
- Pre-hydration of hygroscopic reference standards used in gravimetric moisture analysis.
- Environmental stress screening of printed circuit boards and MEMS devices before HALT/HASS qualification.
FAQ
What is the maximum allowable ambient temperature for continuous operation?
The unit is rated for uninterrupted use at ambient temperatures between +10 °C and +35 °C, with relative humidity ≤ 80 %RH non-condensing.
Can the WHT-150 maintain humidity below 25 °C?
Humidity control is specified and validated only within the 25–55 °C range; operation outside this band may result in uncontrolled condensation or insufficient vapor pressure.
Is the stainless-steel chamber electropolished?
No—the interior uses standard mill-finish 304 stainless steel, optimized for cleanability and chemical resistance rather than optical reflectivity.
Does the RS485 interface support Ethernet gateway bridging?
Yes, third-party Modbus TCP-to-RTU gateways (e.g., Moxa EDS-205A) enable seamless integration into TCP/IP networks without firmware modification.
What calibration documentation is supplied?
Each unit ships with factory-as-tested certificate listing as-installed temperature and humidity uniformity data at three points (center, top rear, bottom front) per ISO/IEC 17025 Annex A.3.
