DRETOP ZGC-400T Plant Growth Chamber

Overview

The DRETOP ZGC-400T Plant Growth Chamber is a precision-engineered environmental control system designed for reproducible, long-term plant physiology studies, photobiological assays, and microbial culture under controlled light–temperature–time regimes. Based on the principle of active thermal regulation combined with calibrated visible-spectrum irradiance delivery, the chamber enables simulation of diurnal cycles, photoperiodic treatments, and spectral-specific growth conditions. Its triple-side fluorescent illumination architecture ensures uniform photon flux distribution across the 400 L working volume—critical for avoiding edge-effect bias in quantitative botanical experiments. The unit complies with fundamental design requirements outlined in ISO 17025 for laboratory environmental chambers and supports GLP-aligned experimental traceability when integrated with optional RS485 data logging.

Key Features

• Triple-side fluorescent lighting system delivering up to 25,000 lx at specimen level, with six discrete intensity levels for graded photometric control;
• Microprocessor-based 30-segment programmable controller supporting simultaneous scheduling of temperature setpoints and illumination states—enabling precise day/night transition profiles;
• Stainless steel interior chamber with removable, height-adjustable stainless steel shelves; optimized internal airflow via axial贯流 fan and baffle-guided laminar circulation ensures ±1.5°C spatial uniformity;
• Color touchscreen interface with real-time trend visualization (past 60 minutes) for both temperature and illuminance; built-in lamp life monitoring and low-light duration alarm;
• Dual-stage thermal protection: primary PID-controlled heating/cooling and independent mechanical over-temperature cut-off; compressor cycling management extends service life and improves energy efficiency;
• Eco-conscious refrigeration using R134a (CFC-free) refrigerant; intelligent load-matching cooling output reduces standby power consumption without compromising stability.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The ZGC-400T accommodates standard plant growth vessels—including Petri dishes, Magenta boxes, multi-well plates, hydroponic trays, and potted seedlings—within its 580 × 550 × 1050 mm (W×D×H) stainless steel chamber. Its visible-spectrum illumination (400–700 nm) aligns with PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation) measurement conventions and supports ASTM E2912-13 guidelines for photosynthetic irradiance calibration. While humidity control is not integrated into this base model (users requiring RH regulation should specify the ZGC-400TH variant), the chamber’s sealed construction and magnetic door gasket maintain ambient moisture retention during short-duration assays. All electrical components meet IEC 61000-4 electromagnetic compatibility standards; CE marking applies to the EU-market configuration.

Software & Data Management

The embedded color touchscreen provides native bilingual (English/Chinese) operation with tiered access control: three configurable user privilege levels enforced via time-limited password authentication. Logged parameters—including timestamped temperature, illuminance, and operational status—are stored internally for ≥30 days. Optional RS485 serial interface enables integration with LabVIEW, MATLAB, or custom SCADA platforms for automated data acquisition and remote supervision. When paired with the optional micro-printer module, hard-copy records comply with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for audit-ready documentation in regulated botanical research environments.

Applications

• Controlled-environment phenotyping of crop genotypes under defined photoperiods and thermal regimes;
• Standardized BOD₅ incubation per APHA Standard Methods 5210B, where consistent 20°C dark incubation is required;
• Cultivation of phototrophic microorganisms (e.g., Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, cyanobacteria) and light-dependent fungal strains;
• Pre-germination stress testing (e.g., thermoinhibition, photodormancy release) in seed biology;
• Validation of spectral-response curves for horticultural LED systems using fluorescent reference baselines;
• Teaching laboratories conducting undergraduate plant physiology labs compliant with ABET curriculum benchmarks.

FAQ

Does the ZGC-400T support humidity control?
No—the base ZGC-400T model does not include active humidification or dehumidification. For applications requiring RH regulation (e.g., tissue culture, fungal sporulation), specify the ZGC-400TH variant at time of order.
Can the fluorescent lamps be replaced with full-spectrum LEDs?
Yes—DRETOP offers an optional full-spectrum LED upgrade kit (sold separately) with adjustable red/blue ratio (660 nm / 450 nm peaks), enabling spectral tuning for specific photomorphogenic responses.
Is the temperature calibration traceable to NIST standards?
Factory calibration is performed using NIST-traceable reference probes; users may perform field verification using external Class A PT100 sensors connected via the optional test port.
What safety certifications does the unit carry?
The ZGC-400T conforms to GB 4793.1-2007 (China’s equivalent to IEC 61010-1) for electrical safety in laboratory equipment. CE marking is provided for export configurations meeting EN 61000-6-2/6-3 immunity/emission requirements.
How is data integrity maintained during power interruption?
The controller retains all programmed schedules and real-time logs in non-volatile memory; upon power restoration, the system resumes operation from the last valid state without manual reinitialization.