Chu Ding Technology DHP-360S Digital Display Electrically Heated Incubator
| Brand | Chu Ding Technology |
|---|---|
| Origin | Shanghai, China |
| Model | DHP-360S |
| Power Supply | 220 V AC, 300 W |
| Interior Dimensions (W×D×H) | 420 × 360 × 360 mm |
| Exterior Dimensions (W×D×H) | 460 × 445 × 770 mm |
| Temperature Control Range | Ambient +5 °C to 60 °C |
| Control Type | Digital PID Controller with LED Display |
| Chamber Material | Painted Steel (Standard) / Optional Stainless Steel (B variant) |
| Door Seal | Silicone Rubber or Magnetic Gasket |
| Viewing Window | Double-Layer Tempered Glass |
Overview
The Chu Ding Technology DHP-360S Digital Display Electrically Heated Incubator is a precision-engineered, benchtop-grade laboratory incubator designed for stable, uniform thermal environments in microbiological, biochemical, and cell culture applications. It operates on resistive heating principles with forced-air convection (natural convection configuration), ensuring minimal temperature gradients across the chamber volume. The unit maintains setpoint accuracy within ±0.5 °C under steady-state conditions — a performance level aligned with ISO 13485–compatible quality assurance protocols for routine lab use. Its operating range of ambient +5 °C to 60 °C covers standard bacterial growth (e.g., E. coli at 37 °C), fungal cultivation (25–30 °C), and enzyme activity assays requiring controlled thermal stability. Unlike CO2 or refrigerated incubators, the DHP-360S is optimized for non-humidified, non-sterile ambient-air applications where simplicity, energy efficiency, and long-term reliability are prioritized over advanced environmental modulation.
Key Features
- Digital PID temperature controller with LED display provides real-time setpoint visibility and intuitive parameter adjustment; supports manual calibration offset input for traceable instrument verification.
- Double-layer tempered glass observation window integrated into the front door enables continuous visual monitoring without compromising thermal integrity or introducing external air drafts.
- High-compliance sealing system utilizing either food-grade silicone rubber gasket or magnetic closure strip ensures consistent chamber isolation, reducing heat loss and improving energy efficiency during extended operation cycles.
- Internally finished with electrophoretically coated carbon steel (standard); optional stainless-steel inner chamber (DHP-360BS variant) available for enhanced corrosion resistance and cleanability in high-salinity or acidic reagent exposure environments.
- Robust mechanical design includes reinforced corner joints, removable wire shelving (two standard shelves included), and rear-mounted heating elements with thermal cutoff protection per IEC 61000-4-2 ESD immunity standards.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The DHP-360S accommodates standard Petri dishes (90–150 mm), multi-well plates (6–96-well), culture flasks (T25–T175), and test tubes up to 20 mm diameter. Its chamber geometry supports simultaneous placement of up to 12 Petri dishes per shelf or four T75 flasks stacked vertically. While not certified for GLP/GMP production environments, the incubator meets baseline requirements for ISO/IEC 17025-accredited testing laboratories conducting routine microbial enumeration (e.g., ASTM D3274, ISO 8589), stability studies (ICH Q1A), and educational microbiology curricula. No integrated data logging or audit trail functionality is provided; users requiring 21 CFR Part 11 compliance must integrate external validated recording systems.
Software & Data Management
This model operates as a standalone hardware device with no embedded firmware-based software, network interface, or USB connectivity. All operational parameters are managed via front-panel push-button controls and displayed on a 4-digit LED screen. Temperature setpoints, current chamber reading, and status indicators (heating active, overtemperature alarm) are visible without auxiliary instrumentation. For laboratories requiring electronic recordkeeping, third-party USB data loggers (e.g., Omega OM-DAQPRO-5300 series) may be deployed with thermocouple probes placed inside the chamber — subject to internal validation per SOP-QA-027 guidelines. No proprietary drivers, cloud services, or mobile applications are associated with this device.
Applications
- Bacterial colony isolation and enumeration in food safety testing (AOAC 990.12, ISO 4833-1)
- Yeast and mold propagation in agricultural biotechnology labs
- Enzyme kinetics studies requiring fixed-temperature reaction blocks
- Seed germination trials under standardized thermal regimes (ISTA Rules)
- Quality control incubation for pharmaceutical excipient stability screening
- Teaching laboratory use in undergraduate life sciences courses (e.g., Microbiology 101, Cell Biology labs)
FAQ
What is the temperature uniformity specification across the working chamber?
The DHP-360S achieves ≤±1.0 °C spatial uniformity (measured at 37 °C, per ISO 8589 Annex B methodology) when loaded with standard glassware and operated at mid-range setpoints.
Is the incubator suitable for use with volatile organic solvents?
No — it lacks explosion-proof certification (ATEX/IECEx) and is not rated for solvent-laden atmospheres. Use only in well-ventilated areas with non-flammable samples.
Can the unit be calibrated internally by the user?
Yes — the digital controller supports manual offset calibration using a NIST-traceable reference thermometer (e.g., Fluke 1523), following procedure outlined in the operator manual Section 4.2.
Does the DHP-360S include overtemperature protection?
Yes — a redundant bimetallic thermal cutoff switch de-energizes the heater if chamber temperature exceeds 70 °C, independent of the main PID controller.
What maintenance is required for long-term reliability?
Biannual cleaning of the interior chamber and door gasket with 70% ethanol; annual inspection of heating element terminals and fan (if equipped) for dust accumulation — documented per facility PM schedule.
