Thermo Scientific Heratherm Compact Biochemical Incubator
| Brand | Thermo Fisher Scientific |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA |
| Manufacturer | Thermo Fisher Scientific |
| Import Status | Imported |
| Model | Heratherm Compact |
| Price | Upon Request |
| Convection Type | Mechanical (Forced Air) |
| Temperature Range | 17°C to 40°C |
| Temperature Uniformity | ±1.2°C at 37°C |
| Temperature Stability | ±0.2°C at 37°C |
| Benchtop Footprint | 0.12 m² |
| Chamber Volume | 18 L |
| Chamber Dimensions (W×H×D) | 180 × 310 × 290 mm |
| External Dimensions (W×H×D) | 260 × 415 × 470 mm |
| Standard Shelves | 2 (up to 3 optional) |
| Max Shelf Load | 2 kg per shelf |
| Power Supply | 100–240 V, 50 Hz |
| Power Consumption | 45 W (max), 14 W at 37°C |
| Net Weight | 7.2 kg |
Overview
The Thermo Scientific Heratherm Compact Biochemical Incubator is a precision-engineered, space-optimized environmental chamber designed for consistent, low-energy microbial and cell culture incubation in resource-constrained laboratory settings. Utilizing mechanical (forced-air) convection, the unit ensures rapid thermal equilibration and uniform temperature distribution across its 18 L stainless-steel chamber—critical for reproducible growth kinetics in bacterial, fungal, and yeast cultures. Its operational range of 17°C to 40°C—capable of maintaining setpoints at or slightly below ambient temperature—supports standard microbiological protocols including ISO 8573-1 compliant incubation, ASTM D6978 antimicrobial efficacy testing, and USP and microbial enumeration procedures. The compact footprint (0.12 m²) and shallow depth (470 mm) enable seamless integration into biosafety cabinets, laminar flow hoods, or under-bench configurations without compromising thermal performance or accessibility.
Key Features
- Engineered mechanical convection system with optimized airflow path for ±1.2°C temperature uniformity at 37°C and ±0.2°C stability—validated per ISO 15270:2017 for incubator performance verification.
- Energy-efficient design: consumes only 14 W at 37°C operating point, reducing cumulative energy load in high-density lab environments.
- Integrated LED interior lighting with independent switch control—enabling non-invasive visual monitoring without door opening or thermal disturbance.
- Stainless-steel inner chamber (AISI 304) with rounded corners and seamless welds for ease of decontamination and compliance with GLP cleaning validation requirements.
- Dual-shelf configuration (standard), expandable to three shelves; each rated for 2 kg static load and compatible with standard Petri dishes, test tubes, and multi-well plates.
- Microprocessor-based PID temperature controller with real-time digital display, factory-calibrated sensor, and over-temperature cut-off protection (independent safety thermostat).
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The Heratherm Compact accommodates common microbiological sample formats—including agar plates (90 mm and 150 mm), slant tubes, broth cultures in screw-cap vials, and microtiter plates—without spatial interference. Its chamber geometry supports simultaneous incubation of heterogeneous sample types while maintaining thermal homogeneity. The unit meets IEC 61010-1 safety standards for laboratory equipment and is designed to support compliance with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when integrated with validated Thermo Fisher software platforms. It aligns with ISO/IEC 17025:2017 clause 6.4.3 for environmental condition control in accredited testing laboratories and satisfies core requirements for EU Annex 1 (sterile manufacturing) auxiliary equipment qualification when used in pre-sterilization holding or environmental monitoring workflows.
Software & Data Management
While the Heratherm Compact operates as a standalone unit with local control, it is fully compatible with Thermo Fisher’s ChronoStar™ IQ/OQ/PQ validation suite and Traceable™ data logging accessories. Optional USB-connected temperature loggers (e.g., Traceable® Model 42520-00) provide time-stamped, tamper-evident records compliant with ALCOA+ principles. When deployed in regulated environments, the incubator can be incorporated into electronic lab notebook (ELN) workflows via CSV export or Modbus RTU interface (with add-on module), supporting audit trails, user access control, and change management per GMP Annex 11 and ISO 13485:2016 documentation frameworks.
Applications
- Routine microbial growth studies (e.g., E. coli, S. aureus, C. albicans) under CLSI M07-A10-defined conditions.
- Environmental monitoring incubation for pharmaceutical cleanrooms (ISO 14644-1 Class 5–8) and medical device manufacturing facilities.
- Pre-incubation of samples prior to MALDI-TOF MS identification or automated colony picking systems.
- Short-term storage and conditioning of diagnostic reagents requiring stable sub-ambient or mesophilic temperatures.
- Teaching laboratories where footprint, safety, and repeatability are prioritized over extended programmability.
FAQ
Does the Heratherm Compact support CO₂ or humidity control?
No. This model is a temperature-only incubator. For CO₂ or humidified environments, consider the Thermo Scientific Forma™ series or the HeraCell™ line.
Is calibration certificate included with shipment?
A factory-issued calibration report (traceable to NIST standards) is provided. Full IQ/OQ documentation requires separate purchase of the ChronoStar™ validation package.
Can the unit be stacked or installed in enclosed cabinetry?
No. Minimum 10 cm rear clearance and unrestricted top/bottom ventilation are required to maintain thermal regulation and comply with IEC 61010-1 cooling specifications.
What is the recommended maintenance interval?
Visual inspection and door gasket integrity check every 6 months; annual verification of temperature uniformity and stability using calibrated reference probes per ISO 15270.
Is the incubator suitable for BSL-2 applications?
Yes—when used with appropriate containment practices (e.g., sealed vessels, secondary containment trays). The stainless-steel chamber and smooth surfaces facilitate disinfection with 70% ethanol or hydrogen peroxide vapor-compatible agents.
