DRETOP ZHS-500SC Temperature and Humidity Controlled Incubator

Overview

The DRETOP ZHS-500SC Temperature and Humidity Controlled Incubator is engineered for precision environmental simulation in life science laboratories, pharmaceutical stability testing, and industrial material evaluation. It operates on a dual-control principle—combining P.I.D-regulated resistive heating with compressor-driven active cooling and ultrasonic-free evaporative humidification—to maintain stable, programmable thermal and hygrometric conditions across extended durations. Unlike ambient-only incubators, the ZHS-500SC supports ICH Q1A(R3)-aligned stability studies (e.g., 25 °C/60 %RH, 30 °C/65 %RH, 40 °C/75 %RH), as well as accelerated aging protocols per ASTM D4332 and ISO 188. Its 500 L internal volume accommodates multi-tiered sample racks, stacked Petri dishes, or sealed stability chambers, making it suitable for long-term microbiological culture, seed germination trials, polymer degradation analysis, and packaging integrity validation under controlled moisture stress.

Key Features

• Microprocessor-based P.I.D temperature and humidity control system with real-time digital display and intuitive touch-key interface;
• 30-segment programmable controller enabling time- and condition-triggered sequences (e.g., ramp-hold cycles, diurnal profiles);
• Stainless steel interior chamber (304 grade) with removable, height-adjustable shelves and seamless corner welds for autoclave-compatible cleaning and ISO 14644-compliant decontamination;
• Dual-door observation window: inner tempered glass + outer magnetic door seal, minimizing thermal leakage and condensation buildup;
• Optimized air circulation via tangential (cross-flow) centrifugal fan and rear-mounted ducting, achieving ≤±0.1 °C spatial uniformity per ASTM E2234;
• Modular refrigeration unit with compressor start-delay logic, cycle-interval protection, and R134a/R600a eco-friendly refrigerant compliance;
• External water reservoir design facilitating continuous operation without internal tank refilling or evaporation-induced RH drift;
• Power failure recovery function retaining setpoints, program status, and elapsed runtime; configurable high/low temperature and humidity alarm thresholds with audible/visual alerts;
• Structural frame of cold-rolled steel with reinforced corners and dual mobility system: swivel casters + adjustable leveling feet for vibration-dampened placement on lab benches or ISO-classified floors.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The ZHS-500SC supports diverse sample formats including but not limited to: agar plates, serum bottles, vials, blister packs, desiccator trays, and custom-fit stability chambers. Its chamber geometry allows unrestricted airflow around stacked configurations, ensuring consistent exposure per USP and ICH Q5C guidelines. The incubator meets essential safety and performance benchmarks: CE marking per EN 61000-6-3 (EMC) and EN 61000-6-2 (immunity); conforms to GB/T 2423.3-2016 (IEC 60068-2-78) for damp heat testing; and supports audit-ready documentation when integrated with optional RS485 Modbus RTU communication for GLP/GMP environments requiring 21 CFR Part 11–compliant data logging.

Software & Data Management

While the ZHS-500SC operates autonomously via its embedded controller, optional RS485 interface enables integration with third-party SCADA platforms (e.g., LabVIEW, Ignition, or custom Python-based monitoring suites) for remote parameter adjustment, real-time trend visualization, and CSV export of timestamped temperature/humidity logs. When paired with an external data logger (e.g., DeltaTrak FlashLink or Testo Saveris), full traceability—including calibration history, alarm events, and power interruption timestamps—is maintained for regulatory submissions. Firmware updates are delivered via USB port, preserving configuration integrity during version upgrades.

Applications

• Pharmaceutical stability testing (ICH Q1A–Q1E), including long-term, intermediate, and accelerated storage condition assessment;
• Microbial growth kinetics and antibiotic susceptibility profiling under defined hygrothermal stress;
• Seed viability and germination rate analysis per ISTA standards;
• Polymer and composite material aging studies (e.g., hydrolytic degradation of PLGA scaffolds);
• Food packaging permeability evaluation under variable RH loads (ASTM F1249, ISO 15106);
• Textile dye fastness and fiber swelling behavior under controlled humidity;
• Cell culture pre-conditioning prior to cryopreservation or bioreactor inoculation.

FAQ

What is the maximum allowable ambient temperature for reliable operation?
The unit is rated for installation in rooms maintained at ≤30 °C and ≤70 %RH non-condensing ambient conditions to ensure compressor efficiency and humidity control fidelity.
Can the incubator operate continuously at 45 °C and 95 %RH?
Yes—its dual-stage heating/cooling architecture and external humidification system enable sustained operation across the full specified range, verified per 72-hour stability test protocols.
Is stainless steel interior standard or optional?
The 304 stainless steel chamber and shelving are factory-standard; no upgrade path is required for corrosion resistance or cleanroom compatibility.
Does the ZHS-500SC support validation documentation (IQ/OQ/PQ)?
Yes—DRETOP provides OEM validation templates, sensor calibration certificates (NIST-traceable PT100 and capacitive RH sensors), and commissioning checklists upon request.
How is humidity calibrated and verified?
The integrated capacitive humidity sensor is field-calibratable using saturated salt solutions (e.g., LiCl, MgCl₂, NaCl) per ISO 4677, with verification achievable via external handheld hygrometer cross-check.