Hanuo PRX-250B Plant Growth Chamber

Overview

The Hanuo PRX-250B Plant Growth Chamber is a precision-engineered environmental simulation system designed for controlled plant physiology, photobiology, and developmental biology research. It integrates high-stability temperature regulation, programmable relative humidity control, and multi-level photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD)-compatible illumination into a single, robust platform. Based on closed-loop PID temperature control and ultrasonic humidification technology, the chamber maintains tightly bounded environmental parameters—critical for reproducible experimental outcomes in long-term growth studies, seed germination assays, tissue culture incubation, and small organism rearing (e.g., Drosophila, Arabidopsis, nematodes). Its architecture complies with fundamental design principles outlined in ISO 17025 for environmental test equipment validation and supports GLP-compliant workflows when integrated with audit-trail-capable data logging systems.

Key Features

• Programmable microprocessor controller enabling independent day/night scheduling of temperature, humidity, and light intensity across five discrete illumination levels (0–12,000 lx)
• High-fidelity temperature regulation: ±0.5 °C accuracy over 0–50 °C operating range, achieved via rapid-response Peltier-assisted heating/cooling and optimized air duct geometry
• Ultrasonic humidification system delivering consistent moisture distribution without condensation or localized saturation—critical for avoiding fungal contamination in sterile culture applications
• Ducted laminar airflow design ensures spatial uniformity (<±0.8 °C and <±3 %RH deviation across working volume), validated per ASTM E145-22 Annex A3 for environmental chambers
• Dual-redundant thermal safety architecture: primary chamber sensor monitoring + independent duct-mounted overtemperature cutoff switch
• Non-corrosive construction: electropolished 304 stainless steel interior, anodized aluminum structural frame, and triple-pane low-emissivity insulated glass door for thermal integrity and UV stability
• Power-loss recovery function retains all active program steps, setpoints, and runtime counters—ensuring continuity in multi-week experiments without manual reconfiguration

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The PRX-250B accommodates standard botanical growth vessels (e.g., Magenta boxes, Petri dishes, hydroponic trays), microbial culture plates, insect rearing cages, and small aquatic mesocosms (up to 15 cm height clearance). Its internal dimensions (520 × 480 × 1020 mm W×D×H) allow flexible shelving configurations with adjustable stainless steel racks. The chamber meets mechanical safety requirements per IEC 61010-1:2010 and electromagnetic compatibility standards EN 61326-1:2013. While not certified for medical device use under FDA 21 CFR Part 820, it is routinely deployed in preclinical agricultural biotechnology labs conducting OECD TG 208 (Lemna sp. growth inhibition) and ISO 11269-2 (soil microbial activity) compliant studies.

Software & Data Management

The embedded controller supports real-time parameter display and local event logging (temperature/humidity/light status, alarm triggers, power interruptions) with timestamped records stored in non-volatile memory (retention >10 years). Optional RS-485 Modbus RTU interface enables integration with LabVIEW, MATLAB, or SCADA platforms for remote monitoring and centralized data aggregation. When paired with third-party compliant software (e.g., WinWedge Pro with 21 CFR Part 11 add-on), full electronic audit trail functionality—including user authentication, change history, and digital signature support—can be implemented to satisfy GxP documentation requirements.

Applications

• Controlled-environment phenotyping of crop mutants under defined photoperiods and stress gradients (drought, heat, chilling)
• In vitro propagation of horticultural species requiring precise cytokinin/auxin response modulation via stable RH and temperature profiles
• BOD₅ incubation per APHA Standard Methods 5210B, maintaining 20.0 ± 0.5 °C for 5-day biochemical oxygen demand assays
• Entomological rearing of model organisms under standardized diel cycles for circadian rhythm studies
• Pre-acclimation protocols for stress tolerance screening in algae biofuel strains (e.g., Chlamydomonas reinhardtii)
• Validation of sterilization efficacy in low-bioburden environments through controlled humidity-dependent spore germination assays

FAQ

What is the maximum sustained illumination level supported by the PRX-250B?
The chamber delivers up to 12,000 lx at shelf level using integrated white LED arrays—calibrated to approximate PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation) output suitable for C3/C4 plant growth studies.
Does the unit support external data export via USB or Ethernet?
No native USB/Ethernet port is included; data retrieval occurs via RS-485 serial interface or manual LCD menu navigation. Third-party USB-to-RS485 adapters are compatible for PC-based logging.
Can the humidity system operate independently of temperature control?
Yes—humidity setpoint and activation are decoupled from thermal control logic, allowing isothermal humidification or dehumidification trials when used with optional external desiccant modules.
Is the stainless steel interior electropolished and passivated per ASTM A967?
Yes—the 304 SS chamber surface undergoes electropolishing followed by nitric acid passivation, achieving Ra ≤ 0.4 µm roughness and enhanced corrosion resistance in high-humidity (>90 %RH) regimes.
What calibration documentation is provided with shipment?
Each unit ships with a factory calibration certificate traceable to NIM (National Institute of Metrology, China) standards for temperature (PT100 probe) and humidity (capacitive sensor), including as-found/as-left readings at three points across the operational range.