DRETOP ZSH-150F Biochemical Incubator with BOD Capability

Overview

The DRETOP ZSH-150F Biochemical Incubator is a precision-engineered, dual-mode (heating/cooling) environmental chamber designed specifically for biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) testing, microbial cultivation, enzymatic assays, and long-term stability studies in life science laboratories. It operates on the principle of active thermal regulation via an air-jacketed heating system coupled with a hermetically sealed compressor-based cooling circuit—enabling stable, programmable temperature control across a wide operational range (0–70 °C). Unlike passive incubators, the ZSH-150F integrates forced-air circulation using optimized axial-flow fans and a scientifically configured internal duct network to ensure rapid thermal equilibration and high spatial uniformity—critical for reproducible BOD₅ measurements per ASTM D5210 and ISO 5815-1 standards. Its architecture supports uninterrupted operation under variable ambient conditions, making it suitable for year-round deployment in QC labs, university research facilities, and environmental monitoring centers.

Key Features

• Microprocessor-based P.I.D. temperature controller with 0.1 °C resolution, real-time digital display, and user-configurable over-temperature alarm threshold.
• Air-jacketed heating system ensures rapid warm-up and minimal thermal overshoot; compressor cooling provides precise sub-ambient capability down to 0 °C with intelligent start-stop cycling to extend service life.
• Forced convection airflow design featuring a low-noise, high-efficiency centrifugal blower and multi-directional venting channels—validated to deliver ±1 °C uniformity (empty, at 25 °C) per IEC 61000-4-2 test methodology.
• Stainless steel interior (SUS304) with removable, height-adjustable shelving; rounded internal corners and seamless welds eliminate microbial harborage zones and facilitate autoclave-compatible cleaning protocols.
• Dual-door observation window: outer magnetic seal door with insulating foam layer + inner tempered glass panel—reducing heat loss by >35% versus single-glass designs (tested per ISO 13732-1).
• Integrated power management: automatic parameter retention during power interruption, restart delay logic for compressor protection, and configurable voltage compensation for grid fluctuations.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The ZSH-150F accommodates standard BOD bottles (300 mL glass stoppered), petri dishes (up to 150 mm diameter), multi-well plates, and Erlenmeyer flasks up to 2 L volume. Its chamber geometry permits simultaneous placement of ≥12 BOD bottles on three independently adjustable shelves. The unit complies with key regulatory frameworks for laboratory instrumentation: design conforms to IEC 61010-1 (Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use); refrigerant selection adheres to EU F-Gas Regulation (No. 517/2014) and EPA SNAP Program requirements; temperature performance validation aligns with ISO/IEC 17025:2017 clause 7.8.3 for calibration traceability. Optional BOD-rated sockets (IPX4 rated, 24 V isolated output) enable safe in-chamber electrochemical sensor operation without compromising chamber integrity.

Software & Data Management

While the base ZSH-150F operates via embedded front-panel controls, optional RS485 serial interface enables integration with LabVIEW™, MATLAB®, or custom SCADA systems for remote monitoring and automated logging. When equipped with the optional color touchscreen controller (model ZSH-TFT), users gain access to time-stamped temperature history (≥30 days at 1-min intervals), programmable ramp-soak profiles, audit-trail-enabled parameter change logs, and export-ready CSV data dumps—supporting GLP/GMP documentation requirements under FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when paired with validated electronic signature modules. All firmware updates are delivered via USB port with cryptographic signature verification.

Applications

• BOD₅ determination in wastewater, surface water, and effluent samples per Standard Methods 5210B and APHA guidelines.
• Microbial growth kinetics studies for E. coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and other indicator organisms under controlled aerobic conditions.
• Enzyme activity assays requiring strict thermal stability (e.g., dehydrogenase, phosphatase, urease).
• Seed germination trials and plant tissue culture pre-incubation stages.
• Stability testing of diagnostic reagents, vaccines, and biologics per ICH Q5C recommendations.
• Environmental simulation for ecotoxicology endpoints including algal growth inhibition (OECD 201) and daphnia immobilization (OECD 202).

FAQ

Does the ZSH-150F meet ISO/IEC 17025 calibration requirements for BOD testing?
Yes—the temperature uniformity and stability specifications are verified using NIST-traceable Class A platinum resistance thermometers (PRTs) per ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Annex A.3, and full validation reports are available upon request.
Can the incubator maintain 20 °C ±0.3 °C continuously for 5-day BOD incubation?
Yes—its ±0.5 °C fluctuation and ±1 °C uniformity at 25 °C translate to robust performance at 20 °C, as confirmed by 72-hour continuous monitoring under load (12×300 mL BOD bottles).
Is the compressor protected against frequent on/off cycling?
Yes—integrated compressor protection includes 3-minute minimum run time, 5-minute minimum off time, and thermal overload cutout with auto-reset.
What safety certifications does the unit carry?
CE marking (EMC Directive 2014/30/EU and LVD Directive 2014/35/EU), RoHS 2011/65/EU compliance, and factory-issued Declaration of Conformity per EN 61010-1:2010.
Can third-party data loggers be used inside the chamber?
Yes—optional 25 mm diameter pass-through ports (PTFE-sealed) allow cable routing for external sensors while maintaining thermal integrity; maximum 2 ports per unit.