MKN DHP-25 Temperature-Controlled Incubator

Overview

The MKN DHP-25 Temperature-Controlled Incubator is a compact, microprocessor-regulated dry incubation system engineered for stable, repeatable thermal environments in life science laboratories. Designed specifically for applications requiring precise temperature maintenance without humidity control—such as bacterial culture propagation, enzyme activity assays, cell line passaging (non-CO₂), and reagent storage—the DHP-25 employs a forced-air convection architecture to ensure rapid thermal equilibration and high spatial uniformity across its 25-liter stainless-steel chamber. Its external sheathed heating element eliminates direct radiant heat exposure to samples, preventing localized overheating or thermal shock—a critical design consideration for sensitive biological specimens. The unit operates within a standard ambient temperature range of +5 °C to +65 °C, with typical setpoint accuracy of ±0.3 °C and long-term stability better than ±0.2 °C over 24 hours under load, verified per ISO 13485-aligned internal calibration protocols.

Key Features

• Microprocessor-based digital controller with LED display and intuitive keypad interface for precise setpoint entry and real-time temperature monitoring.
• Dual-pane tempered glass observation door with silicone-sealed perimeter—minimizes thermal leakage while enabling continuous visual inspection without disturbing internal conditions.
• Externally mounted, grounded tubular heating element with PID (Proportional-Integral-Derivative) feedback loop ensures smooth ramping, zero overshoot, and minimal thermal cycling drift.
• Stainless-steel interior chamber (304 grade) with rounded corners and seamless welds for easy decontamination and compliance with basic GLP cleaning requirements.
• Independent mechanical over-temperature safety cutoff (adjustable up to 70 °C) provides redundant protection against controller failure or power surge events.
• Low-noise axial fan with adjustable airflow baffle maintains uniform air circulation without inducing vibration-sensitive artifacts in suspension cultures or plate-based assays.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The DHP-25 supports standard laboratory consumables including Petri dishes (up to 150 mm), multiwell plates (6–96-well), culture flasks (T25–T75), and glass vials—all accommodated on three adjustable stainless-steel shelves. Its dry incubation configuration makes it suitable for non-hygroscopic applications where moisture accumulation could compromise sterility or induce condensation-related contamination. While not certified to ISO 14644 (cleanroom) or ASTM E1510 (pharmaceutical incubator validation) standards, the DHP-25 conforms to IEC 61010-1:2010 for electrical safety and meets CE marking requirements for laboratory equipment sold in regulated markets. It is routinely deployed in academic research labs, QC microbiology units, and agricultural biotechnology facilities operating under basic ISO/IEC 17025 quality management frameworks.

Software & Data Management

The DHP-25 operates as a standalone instrument with no embedded data logging or network connectivity. However, its analog output (0–5 V DC proportional to chamber temperature) enables integration with third-party chart recorders, PLC systems, or PC-based DAQ platforms using standard USB-to-analog adapters. Users may manually log operational parameters—including start time, setpoint, observed chamber temperature at intervals, and door-open duration—using paper-based or Excel-based templates compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 Annex 11 documentation practices when used in GxP environments. Optional external temperature data loggers (e.g., HOBO UX100 series) can be placed inside the chamber for IQ/OQ validation studies.

Applications

• Bacterial and fungal colony isolation and enumeration (e.g., ISO 4833-1, AOAC 977.27).
• Enzyme kinetics studies requiring strict thermal control during substrate incubation.
• Hybridization oven pre-conditioning for Southern/Northern blotting workflows.
• Seed germination trials and plant tissue culture initiation under defined thermal regimes.
• Storage of temperature-sensitive reagents, antibodies, and lyophilized standards at stabilized ambient-equivalent conditions.
• Accelerated stability testing of pharmaceutical excipients per ICH Q1A(R2) guidelines (when used in conjunction with validated environmental chambers).

FAQ

Does the DHP-25 support humidity control?
No. The DHP-25 is a dry incubator and does not include humidification hardware, water reservoir, or RH sensing capability.
What is the maximum recommended operating temperature?
The unit is rated for continuous operation up to 65 °C; extended use above 60 °C may reduce heater lifespan and requires verification of sample compatibility.
Is the chamber volume usable volume or gross volume?
The 25 L specification refers to net internal chamber volume—measured from interior wall to wall, floor to ceiling, excluding shelf thickness and air plenum space.
Can this incubator be used for CO₂-dependent cell cultures?
No. It lacks CO₂ injection, pH buffering, and humidity regulation required for mammalian cell monolayer maintenance.
What calibration documentation is provided with shipment?
Each unit ships with a factory calibration certificate traceable to NIM (National Institute of Metrology, China), covering temperature accuracy at 37 °C and 55 °C using a calibrated PT100 probe.