BS-2F Digital Orbital Shaking Incubator

Overview

The BS-2F Digital Orbital Shaking Incubator is an engineered platform for simultaneous temperature-controlled incubation and orbital agitation—designed to support aerobic microbial growth, suspension cell culture, enzyme kinetics, and biochemical reaction monitoring under reproducible environmental conditions. It operates on a robust thermal management principle: resistive heating elements coupled with PID-regulated feedback control ensure stable setpoint maintenance across the 5–50 °C operating range, while a brushless DC fan enforces uniform convective airflow throughout the chamber. The orbital shaking mechanism employs a balanced eccentric drive system delivering consistent 20 mm amplitude motion at variable speeds (40–260 rpm), minimizing shear-induced stress on sensitive biological samples compared to reciprocating or vortex agitation. Its non-humidified design complies with applications where condensation interference must be avoided—such as long-term shake-flask experiments, ELISA plate incubation, or media preparation requiring sterility integrity.

Key Features

• Microprocessor-based PID temperature controller with real-time digital display (LED) and adjustable ramp/soak profiles
• Orbital shaking platform with dual-tier stainless steel trays (470 mm × 370 mm per level), supporting up to 25 kg total load capacity
• High-efficiency polyurethane insulation (≥50 mm thick) ensuring low thermal leakage and energy conservation
• Double-layer tempered glass observation window with anti-fog coating for uninterrupted visual monitoring without door opening
• Forced-air convection via quiet, maintenance-free brushless DC fan—validated to achieve ≤±0.8 °C temperature uniformity at 37 °C
• Programmable timer (1–999 minutes) with auto-shutdown and audible alert; memory retention during brief power interruption
• 304 stainless-steel interior chamber resistant to corrosion from disinfectants, alcohols, and mild acids

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The BS-2F accommodates standard laboratory vessels including Erlenmeyer flasks (up to 2 L), test tubes, multi-well plates, and Petri dishes mounted on universal clamps or silicone matting. Its open-air chamber architecture avoids humidity accumulation—making it suitable for protocols requiring dry atmospheres (e.g., antibiotic susceptibility testing per CLSI M07-A10, yeast fermentation studies, or protein expression in LB medium). While not certified for ISO 13485 or FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance out-of-the-box, the device meets general electrical safety requirements per IEC 61010-1 and supports GLP-aligned documentation when paired with external data loggers. Optional accessories include CO₂-resistant gaskets and vibration-dampening feet for integration into shared lab spaces.

Software & Data Management

The BS-2F operates as a standalone instrument with no embedded connectivity; however, its analog voltage output (0–5 V) for temperature signal enables third-party integration with SCADA systems, LabVIEW, or custom Python-based logging platforms using USB-to-analog DAQ modules. Users may export time-stamped temperature and speed logs via optional RS-232 interface (add-on module). For audit-ready workflows, manual recording templates aligned with ISO/IEC 17025 Clause 7.7 are provided in the user manual—including calibration verification logs, preventive maintenance checklists, and deviation reporting forms.

Applications

• Aerobic bacterial culture (E. coli, Bacillus spp.) in liquid media under controlled aeration
• Suspension-adapted mammalian cell line expansion (e.g., CHO, HEK293) prior to bioreactor transfer
• Enzyme activity assays requiring precise thermal stabilization during kinetic measurement
• Antibiotic degradation kinetics and stability testing per ICH Q1A(R2)
• Soil microbiome enrichment and composting microcosm studies
• Standardization of growth curves for QC reference strains (ATCC®, DSMZ)

FAQ

Is the BS-2F compatible with CO₂-enriched environments?
No—this model lacks gas-tight sealing and CO₂ regulation hardware. For CO₂-dependent cultures (e.g., primary mammalian cells), a dedicated CO₂ incubator with shaking capability is recommended.
Can the oscillation mode be switched from orbital to reciprocating?
Yes—via optional mechanical conversion kit (Part No. BS-REC-KIT), which replaces the cam assembly and adjusts stroke geometry. Installation requires technician-level mechanical alignment.
What is the recalibration interval for temperature accuracy?
Per manufacturer guidelines, annual verification using NIST-traceable PT100 probe is advised. Internal sensor drift remains within ±0.5 °C tolerance for ≥18 months under normal use.
Does the unit include a printer or USB port for direct data export?
No—data export requires optional RS-232 module (sold separately) or external analog signal capture.
Is the stainless-steel interior electropolished?
No—it features mechanically polished 304 SS finish, sufficient for routine decontamination with 70% ethanol or 0.5% sodium hypochlorite. Electropolishing is available as a custom-order upgrade.