Labotery BOD Incubator Series (BOD-80 to BOD-450)
| Brand | Labotery |
|---|---|
| Origin | Tianjin, China |
| Model Variants | BOD-80 / BOD-150 / BOD-250 / BOD-350 / BOD-450 |
| Temperature Range | 0–65 °C |
| Temperature Uniformity | ±0.3 °C |
| Humidity Control | None (0% RH) |
| Chamber Capacity | 80 L – 450 L |
| Power Supply | 220 V, 50 Hz |
| Refrigerant | R134a |
| Heating Power | 0.3–1.5 kW |
| Temperature Resolution | 0.1 °C |
| Temperature Fluctuation | ±0.3 °C |
| Internal Dimensions (W×D×H, mm) | 500×350×500 to 600×710×1000 |
| External Dimensions (W×D×H, mm) | 640×610×970 to 740×965×1470 |
| Standard Features | Mirror-finish stainless steel chamber with radius corners, centrifugal fan-based air circulation, UV germicidal lamp, adjustable-speed internal airflow, external power socket, magnetic door seal, LED illumination, 30 mm test port on left side, dust-filtered refrigeration system, fuzzy PID temperature control with over-temperature alarm and parameter memory |
| Optional Accessories | Programmable multi-segment controller (30-step), USB data export, RS-485 remote monitoring interface, thermal printer module |
Overview
The Labotery BOD Incubator Series (models BOD-80 through BOD-450) is a precision-engineered, forced-air thermostatic incubation platform designed specifically for biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) testing, microbial cultivation, and long-term biological sample stabilization in environmental, public health, pharmaceutical, agricultural, aquacultural, and academic laboratories. Operating on the principle of active air circulation via centrifugal fan-driven convection, these incubators maintain stable, uniform thermal conditions across the entire working chamber—critical for reproducible BOD5 assays per ASTM D5210 and ISO 5815-1 standards. Unlike general-purpose incubators, the BOD series features a zero-humidity environment (no humidification system), eliminating condensation risks during extended low-temperature incubation (e.g., 20 °C for 5-day BOD) and preventing cross-contamination between samples. Its refrigeration system employs environmentally compliant R134a refrigerant—free of ozone-depleting chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs)—in alignment with Montreal Protocol requirements and EU F-Gas Regulation (EU No. 517/2014).
Key Features
- Mirror-polished 304 stainless steel inner chamber with seamless radius-corner construction—resists corrosion, facilitates cleaning, and meets GLP-compliant decontamination protocols.
- Centrifugal fan-assisted air distribution system with infinitely variable airflow speed control—ensures ±0.3 °C temperature uniformity throughout the chamber volume, validated under empty-load conditions at 20 °C ambient.
- Fuzzy logic PID temperature controller with real-time deviation compensation, over-temperature cut-off protection (adjustable threshold), and non-volatile parameter memory—supports uninterrupted operation during brief power interruptions.
- Dedicated 30 mm diameter access port on the left chamber wall—enables integration of external sensors (e.g., dissolved oxygen probes, pH electrodes) without compromising thermal integrity.
- Integrated 254 nm UV-C germicidal lamp—activated manually or programmatically to sterilize interior surfaces between cycles, reducing carryover risk in sequential microbiological assays.
- Front-panel 260,000-color TFT-LCD touchscreen display with intuitive navigation—simultaneously shows setpoint, actual temperature, elapsed time, and alarm status; supports multi-language UI (English default).
- External AC outlet (rated 250 V, 10 A) mounted inside the chamber—powers ancillary devices such as stirrers, peristaltic pumps, or data loggers without requiring external cable routing.
- High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA)-grade dust filter on the refrigeration intake—minimizes compressor wear and extends service intervals in non-sterile lab environments.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
This incubator series accommodates standard BOD bottles (300 mL glass or plastic), Petri dishes (up to 150 mm diameter), culture flasks (up to 2 L), and plant tissue culture vessels. The absence of humidity control eliminates water-mediated artifacts in BOD measurements—particularly important when analyzing wastewater, surface water, or effluent samples where headspace moisture can interfere with manometric or optical BOD detection methods. Units comply with IEC 61010-1:2010 safety requirements for laboratory equipment and meet electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) standards per EN 61326-1. While not certified for ISO Class 5 cleanroom use, the sealed chamber design and UV sanitation capability support applications requiring low-bioburden environments per USP Sterility Tests and CLSI M22-A3 guidelines for environmental monitoring.
Software & Data Management
Standard configuration includes embedded firmware supporting timestamped temperature logging at user-defined intervals (1–60 min). Optional upgrades include an RS-485 Modbus RTU interface for integration into centralized lab information management systems (LIMS) and SCADA networks—enabling remote setpoint adjustment, real-time trend visualization, and audit-trail generation compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements (when paired with validated electronic signature modules). The USB port permits export of CSV-formatted temperature logs for post-hoc statistical analysis in MATLAB, Python (Pandas), or Excel. Optional programmable controllers offer 30-segment ramp-soak profiles—supporting complex protocols such as temperature-gradient seed germination studies or multi-stage fungal growth assays.
Applications
- Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD5) determination per EPA Method 405.1 and APHA Standard Methods 5210B.
- Aerobic/anaerobic bacterial enumeration (e.g., coliforms, E. coli, Pseudomonas spp.) using membrane filtration or multiple-tube fermentation techniques.
- Fungal and yeast culture maintenance at controlled mesophilic temperatures (25–30 °C).
- Environmental sample incubation for toxicity bioassays (e.g., Daphnia magna, Vibrio fischeri).
- Plant seed germination and early-stage seedling development under standardized thermal regimes.
- Stability testing of diagnostic reagents and vaccine components under accelerated aging conditions (ICH Q1A).
FAQ
Does this incubator support humidity control?
No. The BOD series is intentionally configured for dry-air operation (0% RH) to prevent condensation during prolonged low-temperature incubation—critical for accurate BOD measurement and microbial colony isolation.
Can I validate temperature uniformity per ISO 14644-1 or ISO 14644-3?
While not classified as a cleanroom device, the ±0.3 °C uniformity specification was determined per ISO/IEC 17025-accredited methodology using NIST-traceable PT100 probes at nine spatial locations (per ICH Q5C Annex 2 guidance). Full validation documentation kits are available upon request.
Is the UV lamp interlocked with the door switch?
Yes. The UV-C lamp automatically deactivates when the door is opened, and cannot be manually enabled while the door is unlatched—ensuring operator safety per IEC 62471 Photobiological Safety standards.
What is the maximum load weight per shelf?
Each standard stainless steel shelf supports up to 15 kg distributed load. Shelf count varies by model: BOD-80 (2 shelves), BOD-150 and above (3 shelves).
Are calibration certificates provided with shipment?
Factory calibration certificates (traceable to CNAS-accredited reference standards) are included. On-site IQ/OQ/PQ qualification support and annual recalibration services are available through Labotery’s authorized service network in North America and EU regions.
