DRETOP ZHL-RH18 High-Temperature & High-Humidity Incubator Shaker

Overview

The DRETOP ZHL-RH18 is a dual-platform, air-jacketed incubator shaker engineered for demanding life science applications requiring simultaneous precise temperature control, high-humidity regulation, and stable orbital agitation. Unlike standard shakers or standalone incubators, the ZHL-RH18 integrates humidity management (20–95% RH) with programmable thermal control (RT+5°C to 80°C) and uniform 26 mm orbit oscillation—enabling reproducible cultivation of moisture-sensitive cultures, filamentous fungi, aerobic bacteria under humidified conditions, and long-term enzymatic assays where evaporation must be minimized. Its design adheres to core principles of convective heat transfer and controlled vapor saturation within a sealed chamber, ensuring spatial homogeneity of both temperature and relative humidity across dual stainless-steel platforms. The unit operates on a robust PID feedback architecture for thermal stability (±0.1°C) and rotational speed accuracy (±1 rpm), making it suitable for GLP-compliant workflows in academic research labs, bioprocess development, and QC environments supporting ISO 17025-accredited testing.

Key Features

• Dual independent stainless-steel shaking platforms (400 × 370 mm each), optimized for load balancing and mechanical stability at high rpm
• Microprocessor-based PID controller with backlit LCD interface; real-time display of setpoint/actual temperature, humidity, speed, and elapsed time
• Humidity generation via integrated water reservoir and precision-controlled evaporative system; non-condensing operation validated up to 95% RH at 40°C
• Brushless DC motor drive—maintenance-free, low-noise, torque-stable across full speed range (0–300 rpm), with soft-start circuitry to prevent sample splashing
• Three-dimensional eccentric drive mechanism with progressive acceleration profile, minimizing mechanical shock during startup and shutdown
• Electrostatically coated steel exterior and electropolished 304 stainless-steel interior chamber; seamless welds and rounded corners for ISO 5 cleanroom-compatible cleaning
• Integrated safety suite: over-temperature cutoff, over-speed lockout, timer auto-shutdown, power-fail recovery, and parameter password protection

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The ZHL-RH18 accommodates standard microbiological and biochemical vessels—including Erlenmeyer flasks (50–2000 mL), test tubes, deep-well plates, and custom bioreactor sleeves—via interchangeable clamping systems (fixed bottle clamps, universal spring clips, and adjustable tube racks). Its dual-platform configuration supports parallel experiments under identical environmental conditions or differential setpoints when used with external environmental monitoring loggers. The unit complies with IEC 61010-1 for laboratory equipment safety and meets electromagnetic compatibility requirements per EN 61326-1. While not certified for medical device manufacturing, its temperature/humidity traceability, audit-ready parameter logging (via optional USB module), and configurable alarm thresholds align with foundational expectations of FDA 21 CFR Part 11 Annex 11 data integrity guidelines for non-GMP research use.

Software & Data Management

The onboard controller stores up to 10 user-defined protocols with multi-segment ramp/soak profiles for temperature, humidity, and agitation. Optional USB data export enables CSV-formatted time-series capture of all operational parameters (temperature, RH, rpm, timer status) at user-selectable intervals (1–600 sec). Exported datasets are compatible with common analytical tools (Excel, MATLAB, Python pandas) for post-run statistical analysis, trend visualization, and deviation reporting. No proprietary software installation is required—raw files open natively in spreadsheet applications. For networked lab environments, third-party integration via RS-485 Modbus RTU (optional add-on) allows centralized monitoring through LIMS or building management systems.

Applications

• Cultivation of hyphal fungi (e.g., Aspergillus, Trichoderma) requiring sustained high humidity to prevent aerial mycelium desiccation
• High-yield bacterial expression studies (e.g., E. coli BL21(DE3)) where medium evaporation compromises OD₆₀₀ linearity and plasmid stability
• Enzyme kinetics assays involving hydrolytic enzymes (cellulases, amylases) sensitive to ambient drying effects
• Seed germination and plant tissue culture under controlled thermo-hygrometric stress regimes
• Accelerated stability testing of biologics formulations in buffered aqueous suspensions
• Environmental microbiology simulations—e.g., wastewater biofilm reactor inoculation under tropical climate mimicry (35°C / 85% RH)

FAQ

What is the maximum recommended fill volume for flasks on the ZHL-RH18 to ensure optimal oxygen transfer and avoid spillage?
For 250 mL flasks, do not exceed 50 mL working volume (20% fill ratio); for 1000 mL flasks, limit to 200 mL. Higher fill volumes require reduced agitation speeds (<150 rpm) and may necessitate supplemental aeration via optional O₂ inlet ports.
Does the ZHL-RH18 support CO₂-enriched atmospheres?
No—this model lacks gas-tight sealing, CO₂ sensors, or inlet/outlet manifolds. For CO₂-controlled shaking, consider the DRETOP ZYL.CP series incubator shakers.
Can humidity be maintained at 80°C?
No—maximum operational humidity is 95% RH only within the 20–40°C range. At 80°C, the chamber operates in dry-heat mode (RH <10%) due to thermodynamic saturation limits.
Is UV sterilization included as standard equipment?
UV germicidal irradiation is an optional accessory (254 nm, 15 W lamp), not factory-installed. When configured, it operates independently of shaking and temperature cycles, with interlocked door safety cutoff.
What calibration documentation is provided?
Each unit ships with a factory-verified calibration certificate covering temperature (NIST-traceable PT100 sensor) and speed (laser tachometer verification), valid for 12 months under normal use conditions.