MEMMERT INE700 Forced-Air Incubator

Overview

The MEMMERT INE700 is a high-precision, microprocessor-controlled forced-air incubator engineered for stable, reproducible temperature conditioning of biological, pharmaceutical, and microbiological samples under GLP-compliant laboratory conditions. Unlike natural convection units, the INE700 employs an actively regulated air circulation system with adjustable fresh-air admixture via throttle valve—enabling precise control over internal humidity dynamics and thermal homogeneity. Its core measurement and control architecture integrates dual A-class Pt100 sensors (4-wire configuration), independently monitored by a PID-based fuzzy logic controller with real-time self-diagnosis. The system operates across a wide temperature range (20 °C to 250 °C standard; optional up to 300 °C), with standard operation validated at 37 °C—a critical benchmark for mammalian cell culture and microbial growth studies per ISO 13408-1 and USP . All thermal performance data—including uniformity (±0.6 °C at 37 °C per DIN 12880) and stability (±0.05 °C at 37 °C)—are traceable to accredited calibration certificates supplied with each unit.

Key Features

• Dual independent A-class Pt100 temperature sensors (4-wire circuitry) for redundant monitoring and fault-tolerant operation
• PID-controlled microprocessor with integrated fuzzy logic algorithm and automatic diagnostic system featuring error code display
• Four-stage programmable timer with ramp-soak profiles: up to 4 segments, each configurable from 1 minute to 999 hours; supports delay start, hold, ramp-to-setpoint, and cooling phases
• Cyclic operation mode: repeat temperature profiles 1–99 times or infinitely; compatible with STERI chip cards for automated 160 °C/4 h internal sterilization cycles
• GLP-compliant data logging: 1024 kB circular memory storing setpoints, actual values, timestamps, and system errors at user-defined intervals (e.g., 1 min resolution ≈ 6 months retention)
• Triple-layer safety architecture: electronic overtemperature protection (TWW, Class 3.1), mechanical thermal limiter (TB, +10 °C cutoff), and fixed-limit cut-off (+3 °C above setpoint for INE700 I-series)
• Stainless steel interior (material 1.4301 / ASTM 304), deep-drawn construction, fully insulated walls and door; double-locking, quadruple-adjustable insulated glass door with stainless steel frame
• RS232 interface with included Celsius 2007 software (Windows NT4 through Vista certified) for remote programming, real-time monitoring, and export of CSV/Excel-compatible log files

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The INE700 accommodates standard microbiological and cell culture formats—including Petri dishes, multiwell plates, flasks, and test tubes—within its 416 L chamber volume. Its airflow design minimizes turbulence-induced desiccation while maintaining uniform thermal distribution (validated per DIN 12880). The unit complies with EN 61010-1 (Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use) and meets essential requirements for use in GMP-regulated environments. Data integrity features—including audit-trail-capable logging, password-protected parameter modification, and time-stamped event records—support compliance with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when deployed with validated Celsius software configurations. Calibration documentation includes a factory-issued 37 °C working certificate traceable to national standards.

Software & Data Management

Celsius 2007 software provides full bidirectional communication with the INE700 via RS232. It enables unlimited ramp-soak profile creation, real-time graphical display of temperature trajectories, and secure export of raw log data with metadata (operator ID, instrument serial number, timestamp, alarm flags). The software supports electronic signature workflows and generates PDF reports compliant with GLP Annex 11 principles. Internal storage operates as a ring buffer: once full, oldest entries are overwritten—ensuring continuous recording without manual intervention. Optional parallel printer interface (PCL3-compatible) allows direct hardcopy output of validation-relevant logs. Firmware updates and configuration backups are supported via USB-to-RS232 adapters (sold separately).

Applications

The INE700 serves critical roles in quality control laboratories conducting accelerated stability testing (ICH Q1A–Q1E), environmental stress screening of medical devices, BSL-1/BSL-2 microbial cultivation (e.g., E. coli, S. aureus, yeast), enzyme activity assays requiring thermal precision, and material aging studies per ASTM D3045. Its extended upper temperature range supports dry-heat depyrogenation validation (250 °C/45 min), while its low-drift 37 °C performance makes it suitable for long-term CO₂-free mammalian cell maintenance where humidity control is managed externally. The sterilizable chamber and STERI card functionality further enable reuse in aseptic process development environments.

FAQ

What is the temperature uniformity specification at 37 °C?
Uniformity is ±0.6 °C across the working volume, measured per DIN 12880 using nine sensor positions.
Does the INE700 support 21 CFR Part 11 compliance?
Yes—when used with validated Celsius 2007 software, password controls, electronic signatures, and immutable audit trails satisfy Part 11 requirements for electronic records.
Can the incubator operate without external PC connectivity?
Yes—full local control is available via the 8-character alphanumeric LED interface; PC connection is optional for advanced programming and data export.
Is the internal chamber material compliant with ISO 10993 for biocompatibility?
The 1.4301 (ASTM 304) stainless steel interior meets ISO 10993-18 chemical compatibility requirements for non-implantable device testing environments.
What safety certifications does the INE700 hold?
It carries CE marking per EN 61010-1 and conforms to EMC Directive 2014/30/EU; additional regional certifications (e.g., UL, CSA) available upon request for specific voltage configurations.