DRETOP ZGP-9080 Water-Jacketed Constant Temperature Incubator
| Brand | DRETOP |
|---|---|
| Origin | Shanghai, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Direct Manufacturer |
| Model | ZGP-9080 |
| Convection Mode | Natural Convection |
| Temperature Control Range | RT + 2°C to 65°C |
| Temperature Control Accuracy | ±0.3°C |
| Temperature Uniformity | ±0.5°C (empty chamber at 37°C) |
| Temperature Fluctuation | ±0.2°C |
| Chamber Capacity | 80 L |
| External Dimensions (W×D×H) | 572 × 570 × 800 mm |
| Power Input | 650 W |
| Temperature Resolution | 0.1°C |
| Timer Range | 1–9999 min |
Overview
The DRETOP ZGP-9080 Water-Jacketed Constant Temperature Incubator is a precision-engineered laboratory incubation system designed for stable, long-duration thermal environments required in microbiological culture, cell propagation, enzymatic assays, and fermentation studies. Unlike forced-air incubators, the ZGP-9080 employs a water-jacketed heating architecture—where a sealed outer chamber filled with deionized water surrounds the inner stainless-steel working chamber. Heat is transferred via conduction through the water layer, resulting in inherently low thermal inertia, minimal temperature overshoot, and exceptional stability during power interruptions. This design is particularly suited for applications demanding high reproducibility across extended incubation cycles (e.g., 24–168 h), including BSL-1/BSL-2 compliant microbial growth, mycological cultivation, and quality control testing in pharmaceutical and food safety laboratories.
Key Features
- Water-jacketed thermal insulation: Provides superior temperature retention; maintains chamber setpoint for >60 minutes after power loss due to water’s high specific heat capacity (4.18 J/g·°C) and low thermal conductivity.
- Natural convection airflow: Eliminates fan-induced vibration and desiccation—critical for unstirred liquid cultures, agar-based plates, and sensitive primary cell monolayers.
- Stainless-steel interior (304 grade): Fully welded, corner-radius construction with removable, adjustable shelves; compatible with ethanol, hydrogen peroxide vapor (HPV), and autoclave sterilization protocols.
- Dual-door observation window: Outer magnetic door seal + inner tempered glass panel minimizes radiant heat loss while enabling real-time monitoring without chamber disturbance.
- Microprocessor-based PID controller: 0.1°C resolution display with auto-tuning algorithm; supports parameter memory and power-fail recovery to restore pre-interruption settings.
- Integrated safety systems: Independent over-temperature cut-off (mechanical backup), audible/visual alarm for deviation >±1.0°C from setpoint, and overflow-safe water-fill port with level sensor interface.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The ZGP-9080 accommodates standard Petri dishes (90–150 mm), multi-well plates (6–96-well), Erlenmeyer flasks (up to 1 L), and test tubes in upright or angled configurations. Its natural convection environment avoids shear stress on non-adherent cells and preserves humidity gradients essential for fungal sporulation and biofilm formation. The unit complies with IEC 61010-1:2010 (Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use) and meets structural requirements referenced in ISO 13408-1 (Aseptic Processing of Health Care Products). While not certified for GLP/GMP environments out-of-the-box, its data logging capability (via optional RS485 interface) supports 21 CFR Part 11–compliant audit trails when integrated with validated third-party software.
Software & Data Management
The base configuration includes an embedded LCD interface with real-time display of setpoint, actual temperature, elapsed time, and status indicators. Optional upgrades include an RS485 serial port (Modbus RTU protocol) for integration into centralized lab management systems (e.g., LabVantage, STARLIMS), a programmable timer (1–9999 min), and a dedicated temperature recorder module supporting CSV export. When equipped with the optional color touchscreen controller, users gain access to multi-segment ramp-soak profiles, event-triggered data capture, and password-protected parameter locking—enabling alignment with internal SOPs for QC release testing.
Applications
- Bacterial culture maintenance (E. coli, S. aureus, P. aeruginosa) per CLSI M07-A10 guidelines.
- Mycological incubation for Aspergillus spp. and Candida albicans identification using CHROMagar™ media.
- Enzyme activity assays requiring precise thermal stabilization (e.g., alkaline phosphatase kinetics at 37°C).
- Seed germination studies under controlled hygrothermal conditions (when used with humidity-saturated trays).
- Stability testing of diagnostic reagents per ICH Q1A(R2) accelerated conditions (40°C/75% RH simulated via auxiliary humidification).
- Training and teaching labs where operational simplicity, mechanical robustness, and low maintenance are prioritized over advanced automation.
FAQ
What is the recommended water type for the jacket?
Deionized or distilled water is required to prevent mineral scale buildup and corrosion of the stainless-steel jacket cavity.
Can the incubator be operated without water in the jacket?
No—operation without water will damage the heating elements and void the warranty; the unit includes a dry-run protection interlock.
Is external humidity control possible?
The ZGP-9080 does not include active humidification; however, relative humidity can be elevated passively using open water pans or saturated salt solutions placed inside the chamber.
How often should the water jacket be refilled or replaced?
Under normal operation, top-up every 4–6 weeks; full replacement and cleaning recommended every 6 months or if discoloration or particulate suspension is observed.
Does the unit support validation documentation (IQ/OQ/PQ)?
Factory-supplied calibration certificates (NIST-traceable thermistor probe) are available; full qualification packages require user-defined protocols aligned with ISO/IEC 17025 or ASTM E2873 standards.
