MKN DHP-270 Electric Constant Temperature Incubator

Overview

The MKN DHP-270 Electric Constant Temperature Incubator is an entry-level, microprocessor-controlled laboratory incubator engineered for stable and reproducible thermal environments in life science applications. Designed around a robust external sheath-type resistive heating system—distinct from internal coil or air-jacket configurations—the unit eliminates temperature overshoot and minimizes thermal gradients across the chamber. This architecture ensures consistent heat distribution without localized hot spots that could compromise sensitive biological samples. The incubator operates within a usable temperature range of ambient +5°C to 65°C, with typical stability of ±0.3°C and uniformity of ±0.5°C at 37°C—a performance envelope aligned with ISO 13408-1 requirements for microbiological culture storage and short-term cell maintenance. Its 270 L stainless steel interior (304 grade) supports standard-sized petri dishes, multi-well plates, flasks, and culture tubes, making it suitable for routine use in clinical microbiology labs, pharmaceutical QC units, agricultural research facilities, and academic teaching laboratories.

Key Features

• Microprocessor-based digital PID temperature controller with real-time display and adjustable setpoint resolution of 0.1°C
• Dual-layer tempered glass observation window—maintains thermal integrity during visual inspection without disturbing internal conditions
• Externally mounted heating elements eliminate direct contact between heating surfaces and chamber air, preventing sample desiccation and reducing contamination risk
• Stainless steel interior chamber (304 grade) with rounded corners for easy cleaning and compliance with GLP cleaning validation protocols
• Over-temperature protection circuit with independent mechanical safety cutoff (non-resettable at 70°C)
• Low-noise axial fan for gentle air circulation—no forced convection turbulence that may disturb delicate monolayers or suspension cultures

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The DHP-270 accommodates standard biological containers including 90 mm Petri dishes (up to 80 per shelf), T-75 flasks (up to 12 per shelf), 6–96-well microplates, and cryovial racks. It meets essential safety and electromagnetic compatibility requirements per IEC 61010-1:2010 and carries CE marking for conformity with EU Directive 2014/30/EU (EMC) and 2014/35/EU (LVD). While not certified to ISO 14644-1 Class 5 or USP environmental standards, its design supports routine use under ISO 13408-1 Annex A (microbiological process validation) and ASTM E1710-19 (standard practice for incubator qualification). The absence of humidity control limits its applicability to non-hygroscopic cultures or short-duration incubations where moisture loss is mitigated by sealed vessel lids.

Software & Data Management

This model does not include embedded data logging or remote connectivity. Temperature setpoints and real-time readings are displayed locally via a 4-digit LED interface. For audit-trail compliance in regulated environments (e.g., GMP or GLP), users must integrate external calibrated thermistors connected to validated data loggers meeting FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements. The unit’s analog output signal (0–5 V DC proportional to chamber temperature) allows integration with third-party SCADA or LIMS systems when paired with compatible analog-to-digital converters. All calibration procedures follow traceable NIST-equivalent reference standards; factory calibration certificates are provided with each unit.

Applications

• Maintenance of bacterial, fungal, and yeast stock cultures at standardized temperatures (e.g., 4°C for short-term storage, 30–37°C for active growth)
• Incubation of agar plates for colony isolation and antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST)
• Pre-incubation of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) plates and immunoassay reagents
• Seed germination studies and plant tissue culture initiation under controlled thermal conditions
• Quality control incubation of media sterility tests per USP and EP 2.6.12
• Supporting ASTM D6979-21 (standard guide for microbial enumeration in water) and ISO 6222:2016 (water quality — enumeration of culturable microorganisms)

FAQ

Does the DHP-270 support humidity control?
No. This is a dry-air constant-temperature incubator. Humidity-sensitive applications require supplemental humidification via external saturated salt solutions or dedicated humidified incubators.
What is the recommended calibration frequency?
Per ISO/IEC 17025 guidance, annual calibration against NIST-traceable references is advised. In high-use environments (>8 hr/day), quarterly verification using calibrated thermistors is recommended.
Can this incubator be used for CO₂-dependent cell lines?
No. It lacks gas inlet ports, CO₂ sensors, and pH-buffered atmosphere control—essential for mammalian cell culture requiring 5% CO₂ and 95% air.
Is the chamber interior autoclavable?
No. The stainless steel chamber is cleanable with ethanol or quaternary ammonium disinfectants but is not rated for steam sterilization cycles.
What documentation is included for regulatory submissions?
Each unit ships with a Factory Calibration Certificate (traceable to national standards), CE Declaration of Conformity, Electrical Safety Test Report, and User Manual compliant with IEC 62366-1 usability engineering requirements.