DRETOP ZHS-300HC Temperature and Humidity Controlled Incubator

Overview

The DRETOP ZHS-300HC Temperature and Humidity Controlled Incubator is an engineered environmental simulation system designed for precise, long-term maintenance of stable thermal and hygroscopic conditions in life science laboratories and industrial R&D settings. It operates on a dual-control principle: air-jacketed heating ensures rapid, uniform thermal response across the chamber volume, while a compressor-based refrigeration system—paired with an external humidification reservoir—enables accurate, independent regulation of both temperature and relative humidity over wide operational ranges (0–65°C; 40–95% RH). Unlike basic incubators, the ZHS-300HC integrates microprocessor-driven P.I.D. control logic for both temperature and humidity loops, minimizing overshoot and drift during dynamic setpoint transitions. Its structural design emphasizes thermal integrity, airflow homogeneity, and contamination control—making it suitable for applications requiring ISO 14644-1 Class 7 cleanroom-compatible operation, USP stability testing environments, and GLP-compliant microbiological culture protocols.

Key Features

• Microprocessor-based P.I.D. dual-loop controller with 30-segment programmable scheduling—supports time-dependent ramp/soak profiles for accelerated stability studies or cyclic stress testing.
• Large backlit LCD interface with touch-sensitive keys; displays real-time temperature, humidity, elapsed time, and alarm status simultaneously.
• Air-jacketed heating system with nickel-chromium alloy heaters and intelligent power modulation—ensures minimal thermal gradient across the chamber and eliminates hot-spot formation.
• Compressor-cooled refrigeration module with start-delay protection and inter-cycle cooling interval management—extends service life and maintains consistent performance under continuous operation.
• External humidification reservoir with automatic water-level monitoring and low-water alarm—reduces internal condensation risk and simplifies routine maintenance.
• Stainless steel interior chamber (304 grade) with removable, height-adjustable shelves; rounded inner corners and seamless welds facilitate cleaning and autoclave-compatible disinfection.
• Dual-door observation window: outer magnetic door seal + inner tempered glass—provides superior thermal insulation and visual access without compromising chamber integrity.
• Integrated forced-air circulation via optimized axial-flow fan and laminar baffle ducting—achieves ±1°C temperature uniformity and rapid humidity equilibration (≤15 min to 90% RH from dry state).

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The ZHS-300HC accommodates standard microbiological vessels (Petri dishes, flasks, multi-well plates), pharmaceutical stability test packages (blister packs, vials, ampoules), textile specimens, and polymer aging samples. Its chamber geometry (580 × 500 × 950 mm internal) supports up to four adjustable stainless steel shelves with ≥50 mm vertical spacing—allowing flexible stacking while preserving airflow clearance. The unit complies with IEC 61000-6-3 (EMC emissions), IEC 61000-6-2 (immunity), and meets mechanical safety requirements per IEC 61010-1. For regulated environments, optional RS485 communication enables integration into LabVantage or Thermo Fisher SampleManager LIMS platforms, supporting audit trails and electronic record retention aligned with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when paired with validated software.

Software & Data Management

While the base configuration uses embedded firmware with local data logging (up to 30 days of 1-min interval records stored internally), optional connectivity modules enable remote monitoring and data export. The RS485 port supports Modbus RTU protocol for integration into SCADA systems or building management interfaces. An optional color touchscreen upgrade replaces the standard LCD and adds USB data export (CSV format), password-protected parameter locking, and configurable alarm escalation (visual, audible, relay output). All logged parameters—including temperature, humidity, alarm events, and door-open duration—are timestamped and retain integrity after power interruption due to non-volatile memory architecture.

Applications

• Pharmaceutical stability testing per ICH Q1A(R2) guidelines (long-term, accelerated, intermediate conditions)
• Microbial growth studies under controlled hygrometric stress (e.g., Aspergillus niger sporulation at 30°C/85% RH)
• Polymer degradation analysis per ASTM D3045 (heat aging) and ISO 4892-2 (humidity-accelerated weathering)
• Seed germination and plant tissue culture requiring diurnal humidity cycling
• Textile moisture regain evaluation per ASTM D7632
• Electronic component reliability screening under high-humidity bias conditions (e.g., 40°C/95% RH, 1000 h)

FAQ

What is the maximum allowable ambient operating temperature for the ZHS-300HC?

The unit is rated for installation in rooms maintained between 15–30°C ambient; operation above 30°C may impair refrigeration efficiency and extend humidity recovery time.
Can the ZHS-300HC be validated for GMP compliance?

Yes—when equipped with optional calibrated PT100 sensors (traceable to NIST standards), IQ/OQ documentation packages, and electronic log export capability, it supports qualification per Annex 15 and EU GMP Chapter 3.
Is the external humidification reservoir compatible with deionized water only?

Deionized or distilled water is strongly recommended to prevent mineral scale buildup in the evaporator and extend maintenance intervals; tap water use voids the humidification system warranty.
Does the incubator support external temperature/humidity probes for chamber mapping?

The RS485 interface allows connection of third-party calibrated probes via Modbus-compatible data loggers; DRETOP provides pinout specifications and protocol documentation upon request.
What safety protections are built into the refrigeration system?

Compressor protection includes phase-loss detection, high-pressure cut-off, low-refrigerant pressure lockout, and mandatory 3-minute restart delay after shutdown—fully compliant with EN 60335-2-89.