TATUNG THI-250 Temperature and Humidity Controlled Incubator

Overview

The TATUNG THI-250 Temperature and Humidity Controlled Incubator is a precision-engineered environmental chamber designed for stable, long-term cultivation and testing of biological samples under tightly regulated thermal and hygric conditions. Operating on the principle of air-jacketed temperature control combined with compressor-based active cooling and external-reservoir humidification, this incubator maintains consistent chamber environments across a broad operational envelope — from ambient to elevated temperatures (0–60 °C), with humidity modulation between 55–90 %RH. Its architecture supports applications requiring compliance with GLP, ISO 17025, and USP <1151> environmental conditioning protocols, particularly where reproducibility in cell culture, microbial growth, stability testing (ICH Q1A–Q5C), and accelerated aging studies is critical.

Key Features

• Stainless steel interior chamber with seamless, radius-corner construction — optimized for cleanability, corrosion resistance, and compatibility with routine decontamination agents (e.g., 70 % ethanol, hydrogen peroxide vapor).
• Microprocessor-based PID temperature controller with dual digital display (setpoint & actual), auto-tuning capability, and real-time deviation monitoring — ensuring thermal stability within ±1 °C fluctuation and ±2.0 °C uniformity across the full 250 L working volume.
• Dedicated high-capacity external humidification reservoir coupled with a calibrated steam generator — enabling rapid humidity recovery (<15 min from 55 %RH to 90 %RH at 37 °C) and sustained accuracy of ±5 %RH under dynamic load conditions.
• Hermetically sealed, low-noise refrigeration system featuring overpressure/underpressure protection, compressor delay start logic (≥3 min), and thermal overload safeguards — engineered for continuous 24/7 operation in laboratory environments.
• Modular accessory support including optional LP-series multi-segment programmable controller (for time-temperature-humidity profiles), SC independent safety thermostat (cut-off at 65 °C), and RC RS-485 communication interface (requires LP option) for integration into centralized lab management systems compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 audit trail requirements.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The THI-250 accommodates standard microbiological and cell culture formats — including stacked Petri dishes, flasks (T25–T225), roller bottles, and multi-well plates — without airflow obstruction. Adjustable stainless steel shelving (standard load capacity: 15 kg/shelf; optional HC shelves: 50 kg/shelf) allows flexible configuration for heterogeneous sample loads. The unit meets IEC 61010-1 safety standards for laboratory equipment and conforms to ISO 14644-1 Class 8 (ISO 8) cleanroom-compatible design principles. Humidity and temperature validation protocols align with ASTM E2875–22 (Standard Guide for Validation of Environmental Chambers) and support IQ/OQ/PQ documentation frameworks required by pharmaceutical QC labs and academic core facilities.

Software & Data Management

When equipped with the LP controller and RC communication module, the THI-250 enables bidirectional data exchange via Modbus RTU over RS-485. Logged parameters — including chamber temperature, relative humidity, compressor status, heater duty cycle, and alarm history — are timestamped and exportable in CSV format. The system supports electronic signature-enabled user access levels (administrator/operator), configurable alarm thresholds with relay outputs, and automatic generation of PDF reports compliant with ALCOA+ data integrity principles. Optional PR (paperless recorder) and TP (thermal panel printer) modules provide local hard-copy traceability for GLP audits.

Applications

• Cell culture maintenance (mammalian, insect, stem cells) under physiological (37 °C / 5 % CO₂-compatible configurations available separately) or stress-conditioned environments.
• Microbial growth kinetics and antimicrobial susceptibility testing (ASTM E2149, CLSI M07-A11).
• Stability studies per ICH guidelines — including long-term (25 °C / 60 %RH), intermediate (30 °C / 65 %RH), and accelerated (40 °C / 75 %RH) storage condition simulation.
• Seed germination, plant tissue culture, and entomological rearing where diurnal temperature/humidity cycling is required (via LP-programmable mode).
• Material testing in food science (e.g., shelf-life modeling), textile moisture regain analysis (ISO 139), and polymer hydration behavior assessment.

FAQ

What is the minimum operating temperature with humidity enabled?
The unit achieves stable humidified operation down to 4 °C. Below this point, condensation risk limits RH control; however, dry-mode operation remains functional from 0 °C.
Is the external humidifier reservoir serviceable without opening the chamber?
Yes — the reservoir is front-accessible via a dedicated drawer mechanism, enabling refilling and cleaning without interrupting ongoing experiments or compromising chamber sterility.
Can the THI-250 be validated for GMP-compliant use?
Fully — with optional LP + RC + PR configurations, it supports 21 CFR Part 11-compliant electronic records, automated calibration verification logs, and full audit trail functionality required for regulated biopharma environments.
What power supply and ambient conditions are required for optimal performance?
Rated for 220–240 V AC, 50/60 Hz, 16 A. Ambient room temperature must remain between 15–30 °C; relative humidity should not exceed 80 %RH non-condensing to ensure refrigeration efficiency and sensor longevity.
Are custom chamber modifications available?
Yes — TATUNG offers TH-ported variants (25 mm and 50 mm diameter test ports) for integration with external gas manifolds, CO₂ controllers, or sensor feedthroughs; contact authorized technical sales for engineering review and qualification support.