DRETOP ZMJ-150-II Mold Incubator

Overview

The DRETOP ZMJ-150-II Mold Incubator is a purpose-engineered environmental chamber designed to support the controlled cultivation of filamentous fungi, yeasts, and other moisture-sensitive eukaryotic microorganisms under reproducible temperature and relative humidity conditions. Unlike standard bacterial incubators, mold incubation requires sustained ambient humidity to prevent desiccation of hyphal structures and ensure consistent sporulation kinetics. This unit implements a dual-regulation architecture—separately actuated PID-controlled heating and intelligent ultrasonic humidification—to maintain stable setpoints across its operational envelope. Its forced-convection airflow system, driven by a low-noise axial fan with optimized internal ducting, ensures uniform thermal and hygric distribution throughout the stainless-steel chamber, meeting fundamental requirements for ISO/IEC 17025-compliant microbiological testing environments.

Key Features

• Intuitive 5.7-inch TFT touchscreen interface with real-time multi-parameter display (temperature, humidity, elapsed time, alarm status)
• Microprocessor-based P.I.D. temperature controller with adjustable hysteresis, over-temperature cut-off protection, and power-failure memory retention
• Stainless-steel interior (304 grade) with removable, height-adjustable shelves and radius-cornered construction for complete cleanability and autoclave-compatible disinfection
• Dual-door observation window: outer magnetic seal door with thermal insulation layer + inner tempered glass panel for minimized heat loss and condensation resistance
• Environmentally compliant refrigeration circuit utilizing R134a or R600a (model-dependent), integrated with compressor soft-start logic and duty-cycle limiting to extend service life
• Integrated UV-C germicidal lamp (254 nm) with timer-based activation cycle for routine decontamination of internal air and surfaces between runs
• Modular humidification system featuring high-reliability capacitive RH sensor and precision ultrasonic mist generator with auto-refill detection and dry-run protection

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The ZMJ-150-II accommodates standard Petri dishes (up to 150 mm), slant tubes, multi-well plates, and custom bioreactor vessels within its 150 L working volume. Its temperature and humidity stability profiles comply with ASTM D3273 (Standard Test Method for Resistance to Growth of Mold on the Surface of Interior Coatings in an Environmental Chamber) and support protocol execution per USP Microbiological Examination of Nonsterile Products and ISO 11133:2014 (Microbiology of food and animal feeding stuffs — Guidelines for performance testing of culture media). The unit’s data logging capability (via optional RS485 interface) supports audit-ready traceability in GLP and GMP-regulated laboratories, including electronic signature readiness per FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when paired with validated third-party software.

Software & Data Management

While the base configuration operates via embedded firmware, the ZMJ-150-II supports optional digital integration through industrial-grade RS485 Modbus RTU communication. This enables remote monitoring, parameter adjustment, and event-triggered data export to LIMS or SCADA platforms. Optional accessories include programmable controllers for multi-step humidity/temperature ramps (e.g., simulating diurnal cycles in mycotoxin production studies), thermal printers for hard-copy log generation, and calibrated external probe ports for independent validation of chamber conditions during IQ/OQ/PQ qualification.

Applications

• BOD incubation and wastewater microbial activity assessment per APHA Standard Methods
• Mycological strain preservation and subculturing under defined hygrothermal stress
• Accelerated mold growth testing of building materials, textiles, and packaging substrates
• Evaluation of antifungal agent efficacy under standardized ISO 846 conditions
• Environmental simulation for aerospace component fungal resistance certification (MIL-STD-810H, Method 508.6)
• Pharmaceutical excipient stability screening under ICH Q1B photostability and Q5C cell line storage protocols

FAQ

Does the ZMJ-150-II meet international calibration traceability requirements?
Yes—the unit is supplied with factory calibration certificates traceable to NIM (National Institute of Metrology, China) standards; optional UKAS-accredited field calibration services are available.
Can the incubator operate continuously for extended periods (e.g., >30 days)?
Yes—its compressor protection logic, thermal overload safeguards, and sealed bearing fan design enable uninterrupted operation under nominal load conditions.
Is the UV sterilization function compatible with common lab plastics?
UV-C exposure is limited to interior chamber surfaces during scheduled cycles; prolonged direct irradiation may degrade polycarbonate or PET components—use only UV-stable consumables inside the chamber.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for optimal RH accuracy?
Capacitive humidity sensors require annual verification against NIST-traceable hygrometers; ultrasonic transducers should be descaled quarterly using 5% citric acid solution.
Can the incubator be validated per GxP requirements?
Yes—DRETOP provides IQ/OQ documentation templates, sensor mapping protocols, and installation support for user-led PQ execution in regulated environments.