BINDER KT115 Biochemical Incubator
| Brand | BINDER |
|---|---|
| Origin | Germany |
| Manufacturer | BINDER GmbH |
| Type | Imported |
| Model | KT 115 |
| Heating Method | Water-jacketed |
| Cooling Method | Compressor-based refrigeration |
| Temperature Range | 4–100 °C |
| Temperature Stability at 37 °C | ±0.1 °C |
| Temperature Uniformity at 37 °C | ±0.3 °C |
| Chamber Volume | 102 L |
| External Dimensions (W×D×H) | 600 × 455 × 355 mm |
Overview
The BINDER KT115 Biochemical Incubator is a precision-engineered, water-jacketed incubation system designed for demanding life science laboratories requiring stable, uniform, and energy-efficient thermal environments across a broad operational range (4–100 °C). Unlike forced-air units, its double-walled water-jacket design provides exceptional thermal inertia and minimizes temperature overshoot during setpoint transitions—critical for sensitive cell culture, enzymatic assays, and long-term microbiological studies. The integrated compressor-based refrigeration system enables active cooling below ambient, supporting low-temperature biochemical applications such as cold-adapted enzyme characterization or psychrophilic organism cultivation. Engineered in Tuttlingen, Germany, the KT115 complies with IEC 61010-1 for laboratory equipment safety and meets ISO 13485 requirements for quality management in medical device-related research environments.
Key Features
- Water-jacketed thermal insulation ensures high thermal stability (±0.1 °C at 37 °C) and superior uniformity (±0.3 °C at 37 °C), minimizing spatial gradients across the 102 L chamber.
- Compressor-driven refrigeration enables precise sub-ambient temperature control down to +4 °C—essential for protocols requiring cold incubation without external chillers.
- Intuitive controller with LCD display supports multi-segment programming, real-time time/date stamping of setpoints, and tactile button-and-knob interface for glove-compatible operation.
- Double-glazed inner door constructed from safety glass reduces condensation, improves visibility, and maintains internal humidity stability during frequent access.
- Energy-optimized architecture achieves up to 30% lower power consumption versus conventional air-jacketed models at equivalent stability performance, aligning with ISO 50001-aligned lab sustainability initiatives.
- Rugged stainless-steel interior (AISI 304), rounded corners, and seamless welds facilitate decontamination and comply with GLP-compliant cleaning validation protocols.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The KT115 accommodates standard SBS-format microplates (96-/384-well), Petri dishes (up to 150 mm), Erlenmeyer flasks (up to 2 L), and roller bottles—supported by adjustable, corrosion-resistant shelf rails. Its temperature performance has been verified per DIN EN 255-2 and ASTM E145-22 Annex A3 for incubator uniformity and stability testing. The unit is CE-marked and conforms to EU Directive 2014/30/EU (EMC) and 2014/35/EU (LVD). For regulated environments, optional data logging modules support 21 CFR Part 11-compliant audit trails, electronic signatures, and alarm event timestamping—fully traceable for FDA inspections or ISO 17025 accreditation audits.
Software & Data Management
While the KT115 operates via its embedded standalone controller, optional connectivity kits enable integration with BINDER’s ecoControl software suite (v5.2+). This platform supports remote monitoring, automated report generation (PDF/CSV), deviation alerts via email/SMS, and historical trend analysis with configurable statistical process control (SPC) limits. All logged data—including temperature, runtime, door-open events, and alarm history—is stored with cryptographic hash integrity verification. Audit logs retain full metadata (user ID, timestamp, action type) and are exportable in formats compatible with LIMS systems such as LabWare or Thermo Fisher SampleManager.
Applications
- Mammalian and insect cell culture maintenance at physiological (37 °C) or hypothermic (25–32 °C) conditions.
- Bacterial and fungal growth studies requiring strict thermal consistency across extended incubation periods (e.g., AST, MIC determination per CLSI M07-A11).
- Enzyme kinetics assays where thermal drift must remain below ±0.15 °C over 24 h to ensure reproducible Vmax and Km derivation.
- Stability testing of biopharmaceutical intermediates under ICH Q5C guidelines (2–8 °C, 25 °C/60% RH, 40 °C/75% RH simulated profiles).
- Environmental simulation for ecotoxicology studies involving temperature-dependent metabolic rate measurements in aquatic invertebrates.
FAQ
Does the KT115 support humidity control?
No—the KT115 is a dry incubator optimized for temperature-critical applications. For humidity-integrated solutions, consider the BINDER BD series or CB series with steam humidification.
Is the water jacket fill port accessible without disassembly?
Yes—integrated quick-fill and drain valves are located on the rear panel, enabling tool-free refilling and descaling maintenance.
Can the controller be calibrated in-house?
Yes—users may perform two-point calibration (offset adjustment) using NIST-traceable reference thermometers; full factory recalibration is recommended annually.
What safety certifications apply to the KT115?
It carries CE marking, complies with IEC 61010-1:2010, and meets UL 61010-1 (North America) when ordered with region-specific certification options.
Is door-opening compensation activated automatically?
Yes—the controller dynamically adjusts heating/cooling output within 90 seconds of door opening to minimize recovery time and maintain chamber stability per ISO 15197:2013 Annex B.
