VELP FOC Series Programmable Temperature-Controlled Incubators

Overview

The VELP FOC Series Programmable Temperature-Controlled Incubators are precision-engineered environmental chambers designed for consistent, reproducible thermal conditioning of biological samples in research laboratories, quality control facilities, and environmental testing applications. Utilizing a microprocessor-controlled Peltier-based or compressor-assisted refrigeration system (model-dependent), the FOC series maintains precise setpoint temperatures across its full operating range of 3.0 °C to 50.0 °C—enabling both low-temperature incubation (e.g., psychrophilic microbial studies) and standard mesophilic culture protocols. The chamber’s double-wall insulated construction, combined with forced-air circulation and adaptive PID temperature regulation, ensures exceptional thermal uniformity (±0.5 °C) and stability (±0.5 °C) throughout the working volume—critical for BOD analysis, seed germination assays, enzyme activity profiling, and long-term cell viability studies.

Key Features

• Microprocessor-based digital temperature controller with 3-digit LED display (0.1 °C resolution) and intuitive keypad interface
• A+-rated energy-efficient refrigeration system minimizing power consumption without compromising thermal performance
• Configurable internal power outlets (2–3 x 230 V/50–60 Hz) enabling direct integration of external devices such as BOD meters, stirrers, or pH loggers
• Optional transparent inner door (FOC 120I & FOC 200I models) for non-invasive visual monitoring without opening the main chamber
• Modular capacity configuration: available in 1–5 independent compartment variants (e.g., FOC 120E/I: 109 L; FOC 200E/I: 169 L), supporting flexible experimental scaling
• Robust stainless-steel interior with rounded corners for easy cleaning and compliance with ISO 14644-1 Class 7 cleanroom-compatible handling practices

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The FOC series accommodates a broad spectrum of sample formats—including BOD bottles (6- or 10-position configurations), Petri dishes, flasks, multiwell plates, and custom fixtures—without requiring chamber modification. Its temperature profile meets the operational requirements of ASTM D5210 (Standard Test Method for Determining the Anaerobic Biodegradation of Plastic Materials in a Municipal Sewage Sludge Digestion System), ISO 8192 (Water Quality – Test for Inhibition of Oxygen Consumption by Activated Sludge), and USP / microbiological enumeration protocols. All models support GLP-compliant operation when paired with TEMPSoft™ and Wireless DataBox™, delivering audit-ready temperature traceability with timestamped event logs, user access controls, and electronic signature capability per FDA 21 CFR Part 11 Annex 11 guidelines.

Software & Data Management

TEMPSoft™ is a dedicated Windows-based application that transforms the FOC incubator into a networked, data-integrated environmental station. It enables remote real-time monitoring, programmable ramp-and-soak temperature profiles, dual high/low alarm thresholds, graphical trend visualization, and automated export of CSV- or PDF-formatted reports. Temperature data is continuously streamed via Bluetooth or USB to the Wireless DataBox™—a standalone logger that stores up to 1 million readings with 1-second sampling resolution—eliminating manual intervention and minimizing thermal disturbance caused by repeated door openings. Data integrity is preserved through encrypted storage, cyclic redundancy checks (CRC), and tamper-evident file hashing aligned with ALCOA+ principles (Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, Accurate, Complete, Consistent, Enduring, Available).

Applications

• Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) determination in wastewater and environmental water testing laboratories
• Microbial growth kinetics and antimicrobial susceptibility testing under controlled thermal conditions
• Seed germination and plant tissue culture incubation per OECD 208 and EPPO PM 7/107 standards
• Enzyme stability assessment and protein denaturation studies requiring precise low-temperature holds
• Stability testing of diagnostic reagents, vaccines, and biologics per ICH Q5C guidelines
• Environmental simulation for material degradation studies under regulated humidity-free thermal stress

FAQ

What is the maximum number of independent temperature zones supported within a single FOC unit?
The FOC Series does not feature multi-zone temperature control; however, modular configurations (1–5 groups) allow physical segmentation of the chamber for parallel experiments at identical setpoints.
Is TEMPSoft™ compatible with LIMS or ELN systems?
Yes—TEMPSoft™ supports ODBC-compliant database exports and can be integrated into enterprise laboratory informatics platforms via standardized CSV/Excel data interchange protocols.
Can the FOC incubators operate continuously for extended periods (e.g., >30 days)?
All FOC models are rated for uninterrupted 24/7 operation under nominal load conditions, with built-in thermal overload protection and self-diagnostic firmware alerts.
Does the Wireless DataBox™ require external power during data logging?
No—the Wireless DataBox™ operates on internal rechargeable lithium-ion batteries with up to 12 months of continuous logging life on a single charge.
Are replacement shelves and accessories available for all FOC configurations?
Yes—VELP supplies certified stainless-steel shelves, BOD bottle racks, and custom mounting brackets with documented calibration traceability to NIST-traceable reference standards.