DRETOP ZSH2-150P Dual-Chamber Biochemical Incubator

Overview

The DRETOP ZSH2-150P Dual-Chamber Biochemical Incubator is an engineered environmental control system designed for precise, stable, and independent temperature regulation across two physically isolated incubation compartments. It operates on a dual-mode thermal management principle—combining air-jacketed heating with compressor-driven refrigeration—to maintain setpoint accuracy across the full operational range of 0–70 °C. Unlike single-chamber units, the ZSH2-150P enables concurrent experiments under differing thermal conditions (e.g., 4 °C for cold-adapted microbial assays and 37 °C for mammalian cell culture), eliminating cross-contamination risk and reducing lab space dependency. Its forced convection architecture—driven by optimized axial airflow channels and a high-efficiency贯流 (cross-flow) fan—ensures rapid thermal equilibration and minimizes vertical/horizontal gradients. The system complies with foundational design principles outlined in ISO 15195:2013 (laboratory incubators) and supports GLP-aligned workflows through deterministic thermal performance, traceable calibration readiness, and non-volatile parameter retention.

Key Features

• Dual independent chambers (150 L each), sealed and thermally isolated, permitting simultaneous operation at distinct setpoints without interference.
• Air-jacketed heating system delivers uniform thermal distribution while minimizing internal condensation and surface temperature overshoot.
• High-reliability hermetic compressor with built-in start-delay and cycle-interval protection extends service life and ensures stable low-temperature operation down to 0 °C.
• Environmentally compliant R134a or R600a refrigerant (F-series variant), meeting EU F-Gas Regulation (EU) No 517/2014 and China’s HCFC Phase-out Management Plan.
• Microprocessor-based P.I.D. temperature controller with 0.1 °C resolution, real-time deviation monitoring, and programmable over-temperature cut-off (adjustable alarm threshold).
• Stainless steel interior (SUS304), removable adjustable shelves (3 per chamber), radius-cornered construction for CIP-compatible cleaning and sterilization validation.
• Double-glazed observation window with tempered inner glass and magnetic door gasket—achieving thermal resistance >0.8 m²·K/W and minimizing radiant heat loss.
• Four-point leveling feet with locking casters (2 swivel + 2 fixed) enable secure positioning on uneven laboratory floors and controlled mobility during facility reconfiguration.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The ZSH2-150P accommodates standard microbiological and biochemical sample formats including Petri dishes (up to 150 mm), multi-well plates (6–96-well), Erlenmeyer flasks (50–1000 mL), and BOD bottles (300 mL). Its temperature uniformity (±1 °C at 25 °C, empty) satisfies ASTM D5237–22 requirements for biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) incubation and aligns with USP environmental condition specifications for stability-indicating studies. Optional BOD-rated power sockets (IPX4-rated, 24 V isolation) support in-chamber electrochemical sensor deployment without compromising chamber integrity. All electrical components meet IEC 61010-1:2010 safety standards for laboratory equipment; CE marking is applicable per Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and EMC Directive 2014/30/EU.

Software & Data Management

The ZSH2-150P P-series model integrates a programmable LCD controller supporting up to 99 programmable segments (time/temperature ramps and holds), with non-volatile memory retaining settings through power interruption. Optional RS485 interface enables Modbus RTU communication for integration into centralized lab infrastructure (e.g., LabVantage, Thermo Fisher SampleManager). Audit trail functionality—including timestamped parameter changes, alarm logs, and door-open events—is available via optional data logger module compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements (electronic signatures, user access tiers, and immutable record storage). Calibration certificates (traceable to NIM or CNAS-accredited labs) are provided upon request.

Applications

• Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD₅) testing per APHA Standard Methods 5210B and ISO 5815-1:2019.
• Microbial growth studies (E. coli, S. aureus, P. aeruginosa) under controlled aerobic conditions per CLSI M07-A11.
• Enzyme activity assays requiring strict thermal constancy (e.g., amylase, protease kinetics at 30–60 °C).
• Seed germination and plant tissue culture under regulated photoperiod-independent thermal regimes.
• Long-term stability testing of pharmaceutical intermediates and diagnostic reagents per ICH Q1A(R2).
• Environmental simulation for ecotoxicology endpoints (e.g., Daphnia magna acute toxicity, OECD 202).

FAQ

What is the maximum allowable ambient temperature for continuous operation?
The unit is rated for ambient temperatures between 10–30 °C; operation above 30 °C may reduce cooling capacity and extend stabilization time.
Can both chambers be operated at sub-ambient temperatures simultaneously?
Yes—each chamber has independent refrigeration and heating circuits, enabling concurrent operation at 4 °C and 25 °C, for example.
Is the incubator suitable for CO₂-sensitive applications?
No—this is a temperature-only incubator; it does not regulate CO₂, humidity, or O₂ concentration. For such requirements, refer to DRETOP’s CO₂ incubator series (e.g., ZQX-160C).
How is temperature uniformity validated?
Uniformity is verified using a 9-point thermocouple mapping protocol (per ISO 15195 Annex B) at 25 °C and 37 °C, with data recorded over 3 hours after thermal stabilization.
Are calibration services available post-installation?
Yes—DRETOP-certified field engineers provide on-site IQ/OQ documentation and annual recalibration aligned with ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standards.