MKN DHP-160 Electric Constant Temperature Incubator

Overview

The MKN DHP-160 Electric Constant Temperature Incubator is a precision-engineered benchtop incubation system designed for stable, uniform thermal environments in life science laboratories. It operates on the principle of external air-jacketed heating—where heating elements are positioned outside the main chamber and thermally coupled via insulated airflow channels—to eliminate temperature overshoot, minimize thermal gradients, and protect sensitive biological samples from localized hot spots or thermal shock. This architecture ensures consistent heat distribution across the entire 160 L working volume, making it suitable for long-term microbial culture, cell line maintenance, enzyme activity assays, seed germination studies, and stability testing under controlled thermal conditions. The unit complies with fundamental design expectations outlined in ISO 13485–aligned manufacturing practices and supports GLP-compliant workflows through traceable temperature control and stable setpoint retention.

Key Features

• Microprocessor-based digital PID temperature controller with LED display, enabling precise setpoint adjustment (0.1°C resolution) and real-time monitoring of internal chamber temperature.
• Dual-layer tempered glass observation door with high-efficiency thermal sealing—provides unobstructed visual access without compromising thermal integrity or requiring door opening during routine inspection.
• Externally mounted heating system eliminates direct contact between heating elements and the incubation chamber, preventing thermal overruns and ensuring sample safety during ramp-up and steady-state operation.
• Robust steel construction with powder-coated exterior and stainless-steel interior chamber—resistant to corrosion, easy to decontaminate, and compatible with common laboratory disinfectants including 70% ethanol and diluted sodium hypochlorite solutions.
• Over-temperature protection circuit with independent mechanical safety thermostat—automatically cuts power if internal temperature exceeds user-defined limits by >3°C, meeting IEC 61010-1 requirements for laboratory equipment safety.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The DHP-160 accommodates standard microbiological and cell culture vessels—including Petri dishes, multi-well plates, culture flasks (T25 to T225), and test tubes—within its uniformly heated workspace. Its temperature performance (±0.3°C stability and ±0.5°C uniformity at 37°C) meets typical requirements for bacterial growth (e.g., E. coli, S. aureus), fungal propagation, and short-term mammalian cell passaging per CLSI M22-A3 and ISO 21527-1 guidelines. While not certified for regulated GMP manufacturing environments, the incubator supports quality-controlled research applications aligned with ISO/IEC 17025 documentation standards when paired with external temperature mapping validation (e.g., using calibrated thermocouple loggers per ASTM E2874). It is not intended for CO₂-dependent cultures or humidity-controlled applications.

Software & Data Management

The DHP-160 operates as a standalone analog-digital hybrid instrument without integrated data logging or network connectivity. All operational parameters—including setpoint, real-time temperature, and elapsed time—are displayed locally via the front-panel LED interface. For audit-trail compliance in regulated settings, users may integrate third-party validation tools: calibrated Class A platinum resistance thermometers (PRTs) can be inserted through dedicated access ports to record temperature profiles over time, supporting 21 CFR Part 11–compatible electronic records when used with validated external acquisition software. Firmware updates are not supported; calibration verification is recommended annually using NIST-traceable references.

Applications

• Maintenance of stock cultures (bacteria, yeasts, molds) at defined temperatures for preservation and subculturing.
• Incubation of agar plates and liquid broth media for colony isolation, enumeration (e.g., pour plate, spread plate), and antimicrobial susceptibility testing.
• Controlled-temperature enzymatic reactions and protein denaturation studies requiring thermal consistency over extended durations.
• Agricultural research involving seed stratification, pollen germination, and plant tissue explant culture under non-humidified conditions.
• Stability assessment of diagnostic reagents, vaccines, and biologics during accelerated shelf-life studies per ICH Q1A(R2) guidance (when operated within specified temperature tolerances).

FAQ

What is the maximum operating temperature of the DHP-160?

The unit is rated for continuous operation up to 65°C, with optimal long-term stability achieved between 25°C and 45°C.
Does this incubator support humidity control?

No—this is a dry-air, temperature-only incubator. Humidity regulation requires a separate humidified incubator model.
Is the chamber interior removable for cleaning?

The stainless-steel chamber is fixed but fully accessible; all surfaces are smooth, non-porous, and compatible with standard lab-grade sanitizers.
Can the DHP-160 be validated for ISO 13485 quality systems?

Yes—while the device itself carries no formal certification, its thermal performance and safety features allow integration into ISO 13485-aligned QMS when accompanied by documented IQ/OQ/PQ protocols and third-party calibration reports.
What is the warranty coverage and service support structure?

MKN provides a 12-month limited warranty covering material and workmanship defects under normal laboratory use; field service is coordinated through authorized regional distributors, with technical documentation available in English upon request.