CZGY MHP-160FE Mold Incubator

Overview

The CZGY MHP-160FE Mold Incubator is a purpose-engineered environmental chamber designed for controlled fungal culture, mycological isolation, and long-term stability testing of spore-forming microorganisms under precisely regulated thermal conditions. Unlike general-purpose biochemical incubators, the MHP series incorporates structural and functional adaptations specific to mold cultivation—including enhanced condensation management, extended low-temperature capability (down to 0 °C), and integrated 254 nm ultraviolet germicidal irradiation to mitigate cross-contamination between experimental cycles. Its forced-air convection system ensures uniform thermal distribution across the full 150 L working volume (450 × 450 × 750 mm internal dimensions), minimizing vertical and horizontal gradients that could otherwise compromise colony morphology consistency or sporulation kinetics. The unit operates exclusively in dry incubation mode—no built-in humidification system—making it suitable for standard ISO 11133, ASTM D3273, and USP fungal enumeration protocols where ambient humidity control is externally managed or intentionally excluded.

Key Features

• Microprocessor-based PID temperature controller with 0.1 °C resolution and ±0.5 °C fluctuation tolerance—validated per IEC 61000-4-3 for electromagnetic compatibility in shared lab environments
• Triple-layer thermal architecture: cold-rolled steel outer shell, 50 mm mineral wool insulation, and seamless 304 stainless steel inner chamber resistant to ethanol, hydrogen peroxide vapor, and routine disinfectants
• Dual-mode thermoregulation system combining Peltier-assisted cooling (183 W compressorless refrigeration) and precision resistive heating (300 W) for stable operation across 0–60 °C without mechanical relay cycling
• UV-C sterilization module (254 nm, 15 W lamp) with safety interlock—automatically deactivates upon door opening and features programmable exposure duration (1–120 min)
• Three-tier adjustable stainless steel shelving system supporting up to 15 kg total load per shelf; all trays include raised edges to contain spillage during handling
• Large-area double-glazed observation window with anti-fog coating and integrated LED illumination (8 W, 6000 K CCT) enabling non-invasive monitoring without thermal perturbation

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The MHP-160FE accommodates standard microbiological formats including Petri dishes (up to 150 mm diameter), slant tubes, agar plates in stackable carriers, and multi-well assay trays. Its dry incubation design aligns with CLSI M22-A3 and EUCAST E.Def 7.2 requirements for filamentous fungus susceptibility testing, where uncontrolled moisture accumulation may distort hyphal growth patterns or promote bacterial overgrowth. The unit meets CE marking requirements under Directive 2014/30/EU (EMC) and 2014/35/EU (LVD), and its temperature performance has been verified against ISO 15265:2022 Annex B for laboratory incubators. While not intrinsically compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11, audit-ready data logging (via optional RS-485 interface) supports GLP/GMP-aligned validation workflows when paired with third-party compliant software.

Software & Data Management

The MHP-160FE includes a local LCD interface with real-time parameter display, setpoint adjustment, timer configuration, and alarm status feedback (over-temperature, door ajar, UV fault). For traceable operation, an optional RS-485 serial port enables connection to external SCADA systems or PC-based acquisition tools (e.g., LabVIEW, MATLAB Serial Interface Toolbox). When integrated with CZGY’s optional DataBridge™ Logger (sold separately), users gain CSV-exportable time-series records of chamber temperature, cycle duration, UV activation logs, and error timestamps—each tagged with operator ID and instrument serial number to satisfy ALCOA+ data integrity principles. No cloud connectivity or proprietary firmware updates are implemented; all calibration and diagnostic functions remain accessible via physical keypad navigation.

Applications

• Fungal identification and strain preservation per ISO 21527-1:2020 (microbiological examination of food and animal feeding stuffs)
• Mold resistance testing of building materials (ASTM D3273, JIS Z 2801)
• Environmental monitoring of HVAC systems and cleanroom surfaces (ISO 14644-1 Class 5–8 support)
• Pharmaceutical stability studies for lyophilized biologics susceptible to hyphal contamination
• Academic research on Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Cladosporium growth kinetics under defined thermal stress profiles
• Quality control of probiotic formulations containing spore-forming Bacillus strains

FAQ

Does the MHP-160FE support humidity control?
No. This model is configured for dry incubation only. Humidity regulation requires retrofitting with a separate vapor generator system—not offered as a factory option.
Can the UV lamp be operated while the chamber is at elevated temperature?
Yes. The UV-C module functions independently of thermal setpoint and remains active during both ambient and 60 °C cycles, provided the door remains closed and interlock is engaged.
What validation documentation is supplied with the unit?
Each shipment includes a Factory Calibration Certificate (traceable to NIM, China), Electrical Safety Test Report (IEC 61010-1), and a Performance Verification Sheet documenting temperature uniformity mapping at three load conditions (empty, half-loaded, fully loaded).
Is the stainless steel interior electropolished?
No. The 304 SS chamber features a #4 brushed finish—sufficient for routine cleaning and compatible with sporicidal agents such as peracetic acid and chlorine dioxide solutions.
Can the incubator be installed in a fume hood or ventilated cabinet?
Not recommended. The rear heat dissipation grille requires ≥150 mm clearance on all sides; installation inside confined enclosures will impair thermal regulation and void warranty coverage.