MKN DHP-50 Temperature-Controlled Incubator

Overview

The MKN DHP-50 Temperature-Controlled Incubator is a benchtop forced-air dry incubator engineered for precise, stable thermal environments in life science laboratories. It operates on convective air circulation principle—using an external sheathed heating element and internal fan-assisted airflow—to ensure uniform heat distribution without direct radiant exposure to samples. Unlike humidity-controlled incubators, the DHP-50 is specifically designed as a dry incubation system optimized for applications requiring strict temperature fidelity and minimal condensation risk. Its operational range spans from ambient +5°C to 65°C, making it suitable for bacterial culture maintenance (e.g., E. coli, Bacillus spp.), enzyme activity assays, cell line passaging at sub-physiological temperatures, and stability testing of reagents or diagnostic kits. The unit complies with core safety and performance benchmarks defined in IEC 61010-1 and aligns with general laboratory good practice (GLP) requirements for non-clinical study conduct.

Key Features

• Microprocessor-based digital controller with dual LED display showing both setpoint and real-time chamber temperature
• External heating configuration eliminates thermal overshoot and minimizes localized hot spots—critical for preserving thermosensitive cultures and enzymatic preparations
• Dual-layer tempered glass observation door with silicone gasket seal reduces thermal leakage while enabling continuous visual monitoring without opening the chamber
• PID (Proportional-Integral-Derivative) temperature regulation algorithm ensures rapid recovery (<6 min from door opening at 37°C) and long-term stability (±0.3°C)
• Independent mechanical over-temperature safety cutoff (adjustable up to 70°C) provides redundant protection per IEC 61010-1 Clause 7.3.2
• Smooth stainless-steel interior chamber (304 grade) with rounded corners facilitates cleaning and inhibits microbial retention

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The DHP-50 accommodates standard microbiological vessels including Petri dishes (up to 150 mm), test tubes (16 × 150 mm), multi-well plates (96- and 24-well formats), and serum bottles (up to 500 mL). Its 50 L internal volume supports stacking of up to three full-height wire shelves (included), each rated for 15 kg static load. The unit meets essential regulatory expectations for non-GMP research environments: temperature mapping validation protocols (per ISO 13408-1 Annex C) are supported via optional 4-channel data logger integration; audit trail functionality is available when paired with MKN’s optional PC-based logging software (sold separately). While not certified for USP or FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance out-of-the-box, its hardware architecture allows configuration for qualified systems under GxP frameworks when deployed with validated accessories and documented SOPs.

Software & Data Management

The DHP-50 operates autonomously via its embedded controller but supports external data acquisition through an RS-232 serial interface (standard) or optional USB-to-RS232 adapter. When connected to a Windows-based host running MKN’s IncuLog v3.2 software (freely downloadable), users can perform real-time temperature trending, generate CSV-exportable logs, schedule ramp/soak profiles, and configure alarm notifications via email or system sound. All logged data include timestamp, setpoint, actual reading, and event flags (e.g., door open, over-temp trigger). The software conforms to ALCOA+ principles—ensuring data Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, Accurate, Complete, Consistent, Enduring, and Available—as required for GLP-compliant documentation.

Applications

• Maintenance of stock cultures (bacteria, yeasts, molds) at defined sub-critical temperatures (e.g., 4°C for short-term storage, 30–37°C for active propagation)
• Incubation of agar plates post-streaking or pour-plating in clinical microbiology and food safety labs
• Thermal pre-conditioning of reagents prior to ELISA, PCR setup, or chromatographic analysis
• Accelerated stability studies of pharmaceutical excipients and biologics intermediates per ICH Q1A(R2)
• Environmental simulation for entomological or plant tissue culture experiments requiring controlled dry-heat exposure

FAQ

Is the DHP-50 suitable for CO₂-dependent cell cultures?
No. This is a dry, temperature-only incubator without CO₂ regulation, humidity control, or sterile filtration. For mammalian cell culture, consider MKN’s CO₂-compatible models (e.g., DHP-C50 series).
Can the temperature sensor be calibrated onsite?
Yes—the unit includes a user-accessible PT100 RTD sensor port compatible with NIST-traceable calibration sources; procedure outlined in Section 4.2 of the Operation Manual.
What is the mean time between failures (MTBF) under continuous operation?
Based on accelerated life testing per MIL-HDBK-217F, MTBF exceeds 25,000 hours at 37°C ambient loading, assuming scheduled maintenance every 12 months.
Does the incubator support remote monitoring via Ethernet or Wi-Fi?
Not natively. Remote access requires third-party IoT gateways or MKN’s optional RS-232-to-Ethernet converter module (part #INC-ETH-RS232).
Are replacement shelves and door gaskets available as spare parts?
Yes. Stainless steel shelves (P/N: DHP-SH50), silicone door gaskets (P/N: DHP-GSKT-01), and heater assemblies (P/N: DHP-HTR-EX) are stocked globally and ship within 3 business days.