DRETOP ZSH-250T Intelligent Biochemical Incubator

Overview

The DRETOP ZSH-250T Intelligent Biochemical Incubator is a precision-engineered, dual-mode (heating and refrigeration) environmental chamber designed for stable, long-term temperature-controlled cultivation and incubation of biological samples. It operates on the principle of air-jacketed thermal regulation combined with compressor-driven active cooling—enabling precise maintenance of setpoint temperatures across a broad operational range (0 °C to 70 °C), independent of ambient conditions. This architecture ensures consistent thermal performance year-round, making it suitable for BOD testing, microbial growth studies, cell culture pre-incubation, enzymatic assays, and stability testing in academic, clinical, and industrial life science laboratories. The unit complies with fundamental design expectations for GLP-compliant incubation environments, including traceable temperature control, data integrity safeguards, and structural conformity to ISO 13485-aligned manufacturing practices for laboratory equipment.

Key Features

• Microprocessor-based P.I.D. temperature controller with 0.1 °C resolution, real-time display of setpoint, actual temperature, and elapsed time; includes over-temperature alarm with audible/visual alert and automatic cut-off.
• Air-jacketed heating system coupled with a high-efficiency hermetic compressor delivers rapid thermal response and minimal energy consumption during extended operation.
• Forced convection via optimized internal ducting and a low-turbulence axial fan ensures uniform airflow distribution—validated at ±1 °C uniformity (empty chamber, 25 °C), critical for reproducible biological outcomes.
• Stainless steel interior chamber with removable, height-adjustable stainless steel shelves; seamless corners and smooth welds eliminate crevices for effective sterilization and residue-free cleaning.
• Dual-door observation window: inner tempered glass panel with magnetic door seal and outer insulated door—reducing heat loss and condensation while maintaining visual access without compromising thermal stability.
• Four-directional casters (two locking, two swivel) enable secure positioning and effortless relocation within shared lab spaces or cleanroom corridors.
• Modular refrigeration assembly with built-in compressor protection logic—including start-up delay, shutdown interval, and thermal overload monitoring—to extend service life and ensure reliability under continuous duty cycles.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The ZSH-250T accommodates standard microbiological vessels (Petri dishes, test tubes, flasks, multi-well plates), BOD bottles, and small-scale bioreactor modules. Its 250 L working volume supports up to three adjustable shelf levels, each rated for 15 kg static load. All wetted surfaces meet USP Class VI biocompatibility criteria for non-leaching contact with aqueous biological media. The incubator conforms to IEC 61010-1:2010 safety standards for laboratory electrical equipment and incorporates insulation materials compliant with RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU. Optional BOD sockets (IPX4-rated) provide isolated, moisture-resistant power delivery for in-chamber electrochemical sensors or dissolved oxygen probes—supporting ASTM D5210 and ISO 5815-1 compliant BOD₅ protocols.

Software & Data Management

While the base ZSH-250T model features standalone microcontroller operation, optional RS485 serial interface enables integration with centralized lab management systems (LIMS) or SCADA platforms for remote parameter monitoring and event logging. When configured with the T-series color touchscreen controller (ZSH-250T variant), users gain access to programmable ramp-soak profiles, audit-trail-enabled parameter change history, and password-protected user tiers—aligning with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for electronic records and signatures where applicable. All temperature logs are timestamped and exportable via USB port in CSV format for QA/QC review and regulatory submission.

Applications

• Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) determination per APHA Standard Methods 5210B and EPA Method 405.1.
• Microbial enumeration (e.g., total viable count, coliform detection) under ISO 4833-1 and ISO 6579-1.
• Enzyme activity assays requiring strict thermal consistency (e.g., amylase, protease kinetics).
• Pre-incubation of agar plates prior to streaking or colony isolation workflows.
• Environmental simulation for ecotoxicology studies (e.g., algal growth inhibition tests per OECD 201).
• Stability assessment of diagnostic reagents, vaccines, and pharmaceutical excipients per ICH Q1A(R2).

FAQ

What is the temperature recovery time after door opening?
Typically ≤12 minutes to return within ±0.5 °C of setpoint following a 30-second door opening at 37 °C (empty chamber), validated per DIN 12880 Annex C.
Is the unit suitable for CO₂-independent cell culture applications?
Yes—designed for ambient-air incubation only; not equipped with CO₂ or humidity control subsystems. Intended for non-CO₂-dependent organisms (e.g., bacteria, yeasts, fungi, insect cells).
Can the incubator be validated for IQ/OQ/PQ protocols?
Yes—the stable thermal profile, digital calibration interface, and optional data logging support third-party validation against ISO/IEC 17025-accredited procedures.
What safety certifications does the ZSH-250T hold?
CE-marked per Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU; EMC compliance per EN 61326-1:2013.
Are replacement shelves and gaskets available as spare parts?
Yes—stainless steel shelves (part no. ZSH-SH250-SS), door gaskets (ZSH-GSK250), and BOD socket assemblies (ZSH-BOD-SP) are stocked and ship globally within 5 business days.