Chuanna Instrument PRX-80B Small-Volume Artificial Climate Incubator for Rodent Housing

Overview

The Chuanna Instrument PRX-80B is a compact, semi-automatic artificial climate incubator engineered specifically for controlled housing of laboratory rodents—primarily mice—in preclinical research settings. It integrates precise thermoregulation, dynamic humidity control, and programmable photoperiod illumination within a sealed, vibration-dampened chamber. Unlike standard CO₂ or thermal-only incubators, the PRX-80B operates on a dual-loop environmental control architecture: a hermetically sealed refrigeration circuit (using imported compressors) maintains temperature stability, while an ultrasonic humidification system—fed exclusively with distilled or purified water—generates fine mist for uniform RH distribution. Airflow is managed via a rear-mounted axial fan and optimized ducted wind path, ensuring laminar circulation without turbulence-induced thermal stratification. This design complies with core requirements for rodent housing under AAALAC International guidelines and supports GLP-compliant study execution where environmental reproducibility is critical.

Key Features

• Imported high-efficiency refrigeration compressor for stable low-temperature operation down to 0 °C, with minimal thermal drift over extended cycles.
• Microprocessor-based control panel with capacitive touch interface; supports multi-stage programming for independent day/night setpoints across temperature, humidity, and light intensity (five-level adjustable illumination).
• Power-loss recovery function retains all parameter configurations and resumes operation from the exact point of interruption—essential for longitudinal behavioral or circadian studies.
• Ultrasonic humidification system delivers consistent moisture dispersion; avoids condensation pooling and ensures ±2 %RH uniformity throughout the 80 L chamber volume.
• Dual safety architecture: primary overtemperature cutoff via PT100 sensor + independent duct-overheat protection relay—meeting IEC 61000-6-2 EMC immunity standards.
• Corrosion-resistant aluminum alloy frame with non-porous interior surfaces; facilitates rapid decontamination using ethanol or approved veterinary disinfectants (excluding halogenated solvents).
• Front-access double-layer tempered glass door with magnetic seal minimizes thermal leakage and enables visual monitoring without compromising chamber integrity.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The PRX-80B accommodates standard mouse caging systems—including individually ventilated cages (IVCs) up to 3–4 units depending on configuration—and supports bedding materials compliant with NIH Guide for Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. Chamber dimensions (interior: 482×482×355 mm) permit unobstructed airflow above cage stacks, preventing localized CO₂ accumulation. The unit meets ISO 14644-1 Class 8 cleanroom air change recommendations when operated in filtered ambient environments. While not certified for GMP manufacturing, its logging-capable controller supports 21 CFR Part 11–compliant audit trails when paired with validated external data acquisition software. All electrical components conform to GB 4793.1–2019 (equivalent to IEC 61010-1), and grounding provisions satisfy EN 61326-1 for electromagnetic compatibility in shared lab infrastructure.

Software & Data Management

The embedded controller records timestamped temperature, humidity, and illumination values at user-defined intervals (1–60 min). Data export is supported via USB flash drive in CSV format, enabling direct import into statistical platforms (e.g., GraphPad Prism, R). Optional RS-485 Modbus RTU output allows integration into centralized building management systems (BMS) for facility-wide environmental monitoring. Firmware updates are performed offline via secure firmware signing; no cloud connectivity is implemented—ensuring data sovereignty and alignment with institutional IT security policies. Calibration certificates traceable to NIM (National Institute of Metrology, China) are available upon request for metrological validation.

Applications

• Circadian rhythm studies requiring strict photoperiod control (e.g., 12-h light/12-h dark cycles at 12,000 lx peak irradiance).
• Thermoneutrality experiments investigating metabolic phenotypes at defined ambient temperatures (e.g., 30 °C ±0.5 °C).
• Humidity-dependent immunological assays where mucosal barrier integrity must be preserved (e.g., influenza challenge models at 60–70 %RH).
• Pre-acclimatization protocols prior to surgical or imaging procedures, minimizing stress-induced cortisol spikes.
• Small-scale breeding colony maintenance where space constraints preclude full-size climate rooms.

FAQ

What is the recommended maintenance schedule for the ultrasonic humidifier?
Clean the water tank and transducer plate weekly with 70 % ethanol; replace distilled water before each use. Inspect mist dispersion nozzles monthly for mineral deposits.
Can the PRX-80B operate continuously at 0 °C with high humidity?
Yes, but sustained operation below 5 °C requires periodic defrost cycling; avoid setting RH >70 % below 10 °C to prevent internal condensation.
Is the lighting spectrum tunable?
No—the 12,000 lx output uses fixed-color-temperature white LEDs (5000 K CCT); spectral customization requires external lamp modules.
Does the unit support remote monitoring via Ethernet or Wi-Fi?
No native network interface is provided; remote access requires third-party IoT gateways with Modbus-to-MQTT bridging.
What validation documentation is supplied with shipment?
Factory calibration report (temperature/humidity at three points), electrical safety test certificate, and CE-marking declaration per 2014/30/EU EMC Directive.