ALISN HKC 85 Electric Constant Temperature Incubator

Overview

The ALISN HKC 85 Electric Constant Temperature Incubator is an engineered solution for precise, stable, and reproducible thermal environments required in microbiological culture, cell propagation, enzyme activity assays, and stability testing across life science laboratories. Designed on the principle of forced-air convection with optimized airflow distribution, the incubator ensures uniform heat transfer throughout the chamber—critical for avoiding thermal stratification that compromises colony formation or metabolic consistency. Its core architecture integrates a high-efficiency heating system with a microprocessor-controlled PID fuzzy logic algorithm, enabling rapid stabilization after door opening and minimizing overshoot during setpoint transitions. The unit operates within a calibrated temperature range of ambient +5°C to 70°C, making it suitable for mesophilic bacterial growth (e.g., E. coli, Bacillus subtilis), fungal cultivation, and short-term tissue storage protocols where strict thermal fidelity is mandated by internal SOPs or external regulatory frameworks such as ISO 13408-2 (sterility assurance) or CLSI M22-A3 (microbiological quality control).

Key Features

• Thickened SUS304 stainless steel interior chamber—resistant to corrosion, thermal deformation, and repeated chemical decontamination cycles (e.g., 70% ethanol, hydrogen peroxide vapor).
• High-density polyurethane insulation layer (≥80 mm thickness) minimizes thermal leakage and supports energy-efficient operation over extended incubation periods.
• Programmable multi-segment temperature profile capability—enables automated ramp-and-hold sequences for staged incubation protocols without manual intervention.
• Intelligent power recovery function resumes prior settings—including active program stage and timer status—after unexpected power interruption, ensuring experimental continuity and data integrity.
• Adjustable leveling feet and heavy-duty casters support stable placement on uneven lab floors while allowing safe repositioning; integrated brake locks prevent unintended movement during operation.
• Smooth, radius-rounded inner corners eliminate dust traps and simplify cleaning validation—fully compliant with GLP-aligned hygiene maintenance requirements.
• Dual bottom air inlets and single top exhaust port maintain gentle yet effective chamber ventilation, supporting aerobic culture conditions without desiccation or localized turbulence.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The HKC 85 accommodates standard Petri dishes (90–150 mm), multi-well plates (6–96-well), Erlenmeyer flasks (up to 1 L), and test tubes mounted on rack systems. Its chamber geometry and shelf layout (two removable, height-adjustable shelves) permit flexible load configurations without obstructing airflow paths. All materials contacting the sample environment meet USP Class VI biocompatibility criteria and are non-outgassing under sustained elevated temperatures. The unit complies with IEC 61010-1:2010 for electrical safety in laboratory equipment and incorporates dual redundant thermal protection circuits to satisfy EN 60335-1 requirements. Optional calibration certificates traceable to NIM (National Institute of Metrology, China) are available upon request for audit readiness.

Software & Data Management

While the HKC 85 operates via embedded firmware without external PC connectivity, its LCD interface provides real-time display of chamber temperature, setpoint, elapsed time, and alarm status. Event logging includes timestamped records of door openings, temperature excursions (>±0.5°C deviation for >30 s), and safety-triggered shutdowns—stored internally for up to 30 days. Audit trail functionality supports GLP and GMP documentation needs when paired with paper-based logbooks or third-party LIMS integration via RS-232 (optional module). Firmware updates are performed locally using USB flash drives, ensuring version control and cybersecurity compliance without network exposure.

Applications

• Microbiological quality control in pharmaceutical manufacturing (USP <71>, EP 2.6.12).
• Bacterial endotoxin testing using Limulus Amebocyte Lysate (LAL) reagents requiring strict 37°C incubation.
• Seed germination studies in agricultural research under controlled thermoperiod regimes.
• Enzyme kinetics experiments where reaction rates are highly temperature-dependent (e.g., Taq polymerase activation).
• Short-term storage of primary cells or hybridoma cultures prior to cryopreservation.
• Environmental simulation for stability assessment of diagnostic reagents per ICH Q1A(R2).

FAQ

Does the HKC 85 support data export or remote monitoring?
No—the base model operates as a standalone instrument with local display and internal event logging only. RS-232 or Ethernet modules are available as factory-installed options for integration into centralized lab monitoring systems.
Is the incubator suitable for CO₂-sensitive applications?
No—this is a non-CO₂, dry-heat incubator designed exclusively for temperature-controlled environments. For CO₂-dependent mammalian cell culture, refer to ALISN’s dedicated CO₂ incubator series.
What is the recommended calibration frequency?
Annual calibration is advised per ISO/IEC 17025 guidelines; however, user-performed verification using NIST-traceable PT100 probes is recommended before each critical batch run.
Can the unit be stacked or installed in cabinetry?
No—top and rear clearance of ≥100 mm is mandatory for heat dissipation. Side ventilation grilles must remain unobstructed at all times.
Are spare parts and service support available outside China?
Yes—ALISN maintains authorized service partners in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America; technical documentation and OEM components are distributed globally through certified distributors.