Thermo Scientific Precision BOD Incubator, Large-Capacity Low-Temperature Model 815

Overview

The Thermo Scientific Precision BOD Incubator, Model 815, is a large-capacity, low-temperature biochemical incubator engineered for rigorous environmental control in wastewater treatment laboratories, regulatory testing facilities, and environmental monitoring programs. Designed specifically to meet standardized Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) assay requirements per ASTM D5210, ISO 5815-1, and EPA Method 405.1, this incubator maintains stable, uniform thermal conditions across its 566 L internal chamber—capable of accommodating up to 300 × 300 mL BOD bottles simultaneously. Its microprocessor-based temperature control system delivers high reproducibility and long-term stability, with precision maintained within ±0.1 °C at the critical 37 °C operating point. The forced-air circulation architecture ensures rapid equilibration and minimal spatial gradients, while the non-CFC polyurethane insulation (cabinet) and fiberglass-reinforced glass door provide thermal integrity without compromising visibility or safety.

Key Features

• Large-volume chamber (566 L) optimized for high-throughput BOD5 and BOD20 analyses in compliance with standard methods.
• Extended temperature range from –10 °C to 50 °C, supporting both low-temperature biochemical assays (e.g., cold-water ecosystem studies) and elevated-temperature incubation protocols.
• Forced-air convection system with calibrated fan speed and airflow distribution to ensure uniform temperature distribution (±0.5 °C at 20 °C and 37 °C).
• Microprocessor temperature controller with LED digital display, real-time setpoint adjustment, and password-protected parameter locking for GLP/GMP environments.
• Robust thermal recovery performance: ≤10 minutes to return to setpoint after a 30-second door opening event at 20 °C—critical for minimizing assay drift during routine sample handling.
• RS232 serial interface enables direct connection to external data loggers or laboratory information management systems (LIMS) for audit-ready temperature traceability.
• Six fixed, corrosion-resistant stainless-steel shelves (non-adjustable), each rated for uniform load distribution—designed to support full racks of standard BOD bottles without deflection or thermal bridging.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Precision BOD Incubator Model 815 is validated for use with standard 300 mL glass or PET BOD bottles, as specified in APHA Standard Methods 5210B and ISO 5815-1. Its chamber geometry and shelf spacing accommodate stacked bottle configurations while maintaining unobstructed airflow. All materials in contact with the internal environment—including shelf supports and interior lining—are inert, non-outgassing, and compliant with USP Class VI biocompatibility requirements. The unit meets IEC 61010-1 safety standards for laboratory equipment and carries CE marking for EMC and low-voltage directives. It is suitable for operation in ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratories and supports FDA 21 CFR Part 11–compliant data capture when integrated with validated third-party logging software.

Software & Data Management

While the incubator operates via an embedded microcontroller (no onboard software stack), its RS232 interface provides ASCII protocol output for integration with industry-standard data acquisition platforms such as LabVIEW, MATLAB, or custom Python-based monitoring scripts. Users may configure periodic temperature polling (e.g., every 30 seconds), timestamped logging, and automated alarm generation upon deviation exceeding user-defined thresholds. When paired with a certified external chart recorder or a 21 CFR Part 11–validated electronic logging system, the unit satisfies audit requirements for temperature history retention, operator attribution, and change control—essential for wastewater discharge reporting and regulatory submissions.

Applications

• Standard five-day (BOD₅) and twenty-day (BOD₂₀) oxygen demand testing in municipal and industrial wastewater laboratories.
• Temperature-controlled incubation for nitrification inhibition studies and carbonaceous vs. nitrogenous BOD differentiation.
• Low-temperature microbial activity assessment in cold-climate effluent monitoring and sediment toxicity assays.
• Stability testing of environmental isolates under controlled aerobic conditions per OECD Test Guidelines 301 series.
• Supporting ISO 9001 and ISO/IEC 17025 quality system requirements for temperature-critical process validation.

FAQ

What is the maximum number of 300 mL BOD bottles supported in a single run?
The chamber accommodates up to 300 standard 300 mL BOD bottles when arranged in six layers on the included shelves.
Is the incubator suitable for GLP-compliant laboratories?
Yes—its microprocessor controller supports parameter lockout, and the RS232 interface enables integration with audit-trail-capable data loggers meeting GLP documentation requirements.
Does the unit include built-in data logging capability?
No—the incubator does not feature internal memory or USB storage; however, it provides real-time serial output compatible with external compliant logging systems.
Can the temperature be calibrated in-house?
Yes—calibration is performed using NIST-traceable reference thermometers via the service mode, with calibration offsets stored in non-volatile memory.
What safety certifications does this model hold?
It complies with IEC 61010-1 (Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use) and carries CE marking for EMC Directive 2014/30/EU and Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU.