MKN HSX-250 Temperature and Humidity Controlled Incubator

Overview

The MKN HSX-250 Temperature and Humidity Controlled Incubator is a precision-engineered environmental chamber designed for stable, long-term cultivation of biological samples under tightly regulated thermal and hygric conditions. Utilizing dual independent PID-controlled systems for temperature and relative humidity, the incubator maintains consistent setpoints across its 250 L working volume—critical for reproducible cell culture, microbial growth, plant tissue propagation, and stability testing in life science and pharmaceutical R&D laboratories. Its operational range spans 5–50 °C with humidification enabled, and supports humidity levels from 45 to 95 %RH—covering standard mammalian cell culture (37 °C / 95 %RH), fungal incubation (25–30 °C / 70–85 %RH), and accelerated environmental stress testing per ICH Q1 guidelines. The unit complies with fundamental design principles outlined in ISO 13408-1 (aseptic processing environments) and supports GLP-compliant workflows through traceable parameter logging and stable setpoint retention during power recovery.

Key Features

• Dual-channel microprocessor-based PID control system ensures independent, high-stability regulation of temperature and humidity—minimizing cross-interference between thermal and moisture dynamics.
• Stainless steel interior chamber (304 grade) with seamless welded corners and electropolished finish provides corrosion resistance, ease of decontamination, and compliance with ISO 14644-1 Class 7 cleanroom-compatible surface requirements.
• High-efficiency polyurethane foam insulation (≥80 mm thickness, CFC-free) delivers low thermal conductivity (<0.022 W/m·K) and reduces energy consumption while maintaining uniform internal conditions.
• Optimized air circulation architecture employs a rear-mounted centrifugal blower with adjustable airflow baffle—achieving ±0.5 °C temperature uniformity across all shelf positions as verified per ASTM E145 Annex A3.
• Double-glazed tempered glass door with anti-fog heating film enables uninterrupted visual monitoring without compromising chamber integrity or humidity retention.
• Compressor protection circuitry includes automatic delay-on-restart (≥3 min) and brownout detection—preventing mechanical stress during voltage fluctuations common in shared laboratory power grids.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The HSX-250 accommodates standard laboratory vessels including Petri dishes (up to 150 mm diameter), multi-well plates (6–96-well), culture flasks (T25–T225), and glass jars with breathable closures. Its interior dimensions (520 × 480 × 1020 mm W×D×H) allow flexible shelving configurations (3 adjustable stainless steel shelves included). The unit meets electromagnetic compatibility requirements per IEC 61326-1 for laboratory use and conforms to safety standards IEC 61010-1 (Equipment for Laboratory Use). While not certified for sterile operation, its smooth interior surfaces and removable drip trays support validated cleaning protocols aligned with USP Analytical Instrument Qualification frameworks.

Software & Data Management

The incubator features an integrated LED display interface with real-time digital readouts for current temperature, setpoint, humidity level, and elapsed runtime. Data logging capability (optional external USB module) records timestamped values at user-defined intervals (1–60 min), generating CSV-formatted files compatible with LIMS integration and 21 CFR Part 11–compliant audit trail generation when paired with validated third-party software. All parameter changes are logged with operator ID (via optional RFID badge reader add-on), supporting ALCOA+ data integrity principles required under FDA and EMA GMP inspections.

Applications

• Mammalian and insect cell line maintenance (e.g., HEK293, Sf9) at 37 °C / 5 % CO₂-compatible ambient humidity settings.
• Fungal and yeast culture (e.g., Aspergillus niger, Saccharomyces cerevisiae) requiring elevated humidity (75–90 %RH) and moderate temperatures (25–30 °C).
• Seed germination and plant tissue culture under photoperiod-independent conditions per ISO 20781.
• Environmental stress testing of medical devices and packaging per ISO 11607-1 accelerated aging protocols (40 °C / 75 %RH).
• QC stability studies for raw materials and finished pharmaceuticals in accordance with ICH Q5C and Q1A(R2).

FAQ

What is the maximum allowable ambient temperature for continuous operation?
The unit is rated for uninterrupted use in laboratory environments up to 40 °C ambient temperature and ≤85 %RH (non-condensing), as specified in IEC 60068-2-14.
Can the incubator operate without active humidification below 45 %RH?
Yes—the humidity control system can be disabled independently, allowing dry incubation mode for applications such as desiccation studies or low-moisture microbial assays.
Is the stainless steel interior passivated per ASTM A967?
The 304 stainless steel chamber undergoes standard alkaline cleaning and water-rinse passivation during final assembly, meeting minimum requirements for corrosion resistance in aqueous biological media.
Does the unit include validation documentation (IQ/OQ/PQ templates)?
Standard delivery includes a Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) report and calibration certificate traceable to NIM (National Institute of Metrology, China); IQ/OQ templates are available upon request for qualified customers.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for optimal performance?
Humidifier tank cleaning every 72 hours during continuous use; annual inspection of door gasket integrity and compressor oil level by authorized service personnel.