Chu Ding Technology LHS-250SC Temperature and Humidity Controlled Incubator (LCD Display, Eco-Friendly HFC Refrigerant)

Overview

The Chu Ding Technology LHS-250SC is a precision-engineered temperature and humidity controlled incubator designed for reproducible environmental simulation in life science laboratories, pharmaceutical quality control, and materials stability testing. Operating on the principle of active dual-control thermodynamics—where independent refrigeration (via R134a/R406a vapor-compression cycle) and resistive steam humidification are coordinated through a high-stability PID algorithm—the system maintains tightly regulated thermal and hygrometric conditions across its 250 L working chamber. Its operational envelope spans ambient +10°C to 85°C for dry applications, and 15–45°C with concurrent humidity control from 40% to 85% RH—making it suitable for ICH-aligned long-term stability studies (e.g., 25°C/60% RH, 30°C/65% RH), accelerated aging protocols, and biocompatibility preconditioning per ISO 10993-12. The unit complies with fundamental safety and performance expectations outlined in EN 61000-6-3 (EMC) and IEC 61010-1 (safety of laboratory equipment), and its architecture supports audit-ready documentation when integrated with optional data logging interfaces.

Key Features

• Large backlit LCD display showing real-time temperature, humidity, setpoints, and program status—all visible in a single view with intuitive menu navigation.
• Eco-conscious refrigeration using zero-ozone-depletion-potential (ODP) hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants R134a and R406a, delivering energy-efficient cooling with reduced global warming potential (GWP) relative to legacy R22 systems.
• Corrosion-resistant mirror-finish 304 stainless steel interior with seamless quarter-radius corners, facilitating ISO-compliant cleaning and minimizing microbial harborage points.
• Dual-pane tempered glass door with high-efficiency insulation, enabling visual monitoring without measurable thermal perturbation to chamber conditions.
• Optimized air distribution via JAKEL-brand centrifugal circulation fan and engineered airflow ducting—ensuring ≤±1.0°C temperature uniformity (measured per ASTM E145 Annex A4 at nine-point grid in empty chamber).
• Precision humidity control achieved through a sealed internal water reservoir and PTFE-coated immersion heater, paired with a calibrated capacitive humidity sensor (Vaisala HUMICAP®-compatible architecture).
• Advanced programmable logic supporting up to 99 multi-step cycles, each containing 30 segments with individual time (up to 99 h 59 min), temperature, and humidity targets—enabling full compliance with ICH Q1E stepwise stress testing.
• Robust mechanical design including an internationally sourced hermetic compressor, reinforced structural frame, and vibration-damped mounting to ensure longevity under continuous operation.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The LHS-250SC accommodates standard laboratory vessels—including Petri dishes, multiwell plates, glass vials, polymer packaging samples, and sterile bioreactor bags—within its adjustable shelf configuration (2 standard shelves, load capacity ≤15 kg per shelf). Its chamber geometry and airflow profile have been validated for uniform exposure of vertically stacked samples per USP environmental qualification guidance. While not certified as a Class II biosafety cabinet, the unit is routinely deployed in non-sterile stability chambers compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 211 (cGMP) Annex 11 data integrity expectations when equipped with RS485/USB logging and time-stamped audit trails. It satisfies baseline environmental conditioning requirements referenced in ISO 14644-1 (cleanroom classification support), ASTM D4332 (conditioning of plastics), and GB/T 2423.3–2016 (Chinese national standard for damp heat testing).

Software & Data Management

As a standalone instrument, the LHS-250SC features embedded firmware with non-volatile memory for program retention during power loss. Optional connectivity modules enable integration into centralized lab infrastructure: the RS485 port supports Modbus RTU protocol for SCADA or LIMS integration, while the USB interface permits direct export of timestamped CSV logs (temperature/humidity vs. time) to external storage or PC-based analysis tools. When used with the optional dedicated software suite, users can configure alarm thresholds, generate calibration verification reports, and maintain electronic records meeting ALCOA+ principles (Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, Accurate, Complete, Consistent, Enduring, Available). All data exports include operator ID, instrument serial number, and environmental metadata required for GLP audits.

Applications

• Pharmaceutical stability testing per ICH Q1A(R3), Q1B, and Q5C guidelines—including real-time, accelerated, and intermediate condition studies.
• Biological sample preconditioning for cell culture media validation, enzyme activity assays, and immunogenicity testing.
• Textile and polymer aging per ISO 2231 and ASTM D7566, assessing colorfastness, tensile strength degradation, and dimensional stability under cyclic humidity exposure.
• Food packaging permeability evaluation (e.g., moisture vapor transmission rate—MVTR) under controlled climatic profiles.
• Electronics component reliability screening (e.g., IPC-J-STD-006, JEDEC JESD22-A110) for moisture sensitivity level (MSL) classification.
• Seed germination and plant tissue culture under defined thermo-hygrometric regimes per OECD TG 208.

FAQ

What refrigerant does the LHS-250SC use, and why is it environmentally compliant?

The unit employs R134a and R406a—both chlorine-free HFC blends with zero ozone depletion potential (ODP = 0) and significantly lower ODP than legacy CFC/HCFC systems. Though GWP remains a consideration, these refrigerants meet current regulatory baselines for laboratory equipment in the EU (F-Gas Regulation No. 517/2014) and China (GB/T 7778-2017).
Can this incubator be validated for GxP environments?

Yes—when configured with optional RS485/USB data logging, independent over-temperature alarm, and user-accessible calibration menus, the LHS-250SC supports IQ/OQ protocols. Full PQ requires site-specific mapping per ISO 14644-3 and documented sensor traceability to NIST-traceable standards.
Is humidity control available across the full temperature range?

No. Humidity regulation is limited to 15–45°C. Below 15°C, condensation risk and sensor accuracy degrade; above 45°C, saturated vapor pressure exceeds the system’s humidification capacity. Dry operation (RT+10°C to 85°C) remains fully functional.
How is temperature uniformity verified in this model?

Uniformity is characterized per ASTM E145 Section 7.3.2 using nine calibrated PT100 probes placed on a 3×3 grid at mid-height. Typical results show ≤±1.0°C deviation under steady-state conditions (25°C/60% RH, no load, 20°C ambient).
Does the unit support remote monitoring or network integration?

Not natively—but the RS485 interface enables third-party integration with building management systems (BMS), LabVantage, or custom Python/Node-RED scripts using open Modbus register maps provided in the technical manual.