ELECTROTEK AW 400SG Anaerobic Workstation
| Origin | UK |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Origin Category | Imported |
| Model | AW 400SG |
| Price Range | USD 13,500–67,500 (est.) |
| Temperature Range | Ambient + 4°C to 42°C |
| Temperature Uniformity & Stability | ±0.5°C at 37°C |
| Humidity Range | 30–100% RH |
| Chamber Capacity | 400 Petri Dishes |
| Transfer Lock Capacity | 60 Petri Dishes |
| Gas Supply Options | Single-gas (10% H₂ + 10% CO₂ + 80% N₂) or Dual-gas (premixed + pure N₂) |
| External Dimensions (W×D×H) | 1283 × 700 × 667 mm |
| Power Supply | 220 V, 50 Hz, 500 W |
Overview
The ELECTROTEK AW 400SG Anaerobic Workstation is a fully integrated, self-contained environment control system engineered for the reliable cultivation and manipulation of obligate and facultative anaerobic microorganisms under strictly defined atmospheric conditions. Designed and manufactured in the United Kingdom, the AW 400SG employs a positive-pressure, catalyst-assisted gas management architecture to maintain oxygen concentrations below 1 ppm—without requiring vacuum-purge cycles during sample transfer or operator access. Its operation is based on continuous gas recirculation through a palladium-based catalyst that chemically removes residual O₂ from the internal atmosphere, enabling stable, long-term anaerobiosis without reliance on high-cost electrochemical oxygen sensors. The workstation complies with ISO 11133:2014 (microbiological culture media preparation), CLSI M47-A (anaerobic susceptibility testing), and supports GLP-compliant workflows where environmental traceability and process consistency are essential.
Key Features
- Positive-pressure chamber design: Internal and door-seal regions maintained at slight overpressure relative to ambient, preventing ingress of atmospheric oxygen during glove entry or door opening.
- Efficient gas economy: Supports single-cylinder operation using pre-mixed 10% H₂ / 10% CO₂ / 80% N₂, or dual-gas mode (premix + pure N₂) for flexible gas optimization and extended cylinder life.
- Passive oxygen monitoring: Integrated liquid-phase oxygen indicator system (with low-volume pump and reversible redox dye) provides real-time visual confirmation of anaerobic status—eliminating calibration drift and sensor replacement costs associated with electrochemical probes.
- Ergonomic bare-hand operation: Patented wrist-seal gasket allows rapid hand insertion (<3 seconds) with minimal gas loss; no footswitches, timers, or manual purge sequences required.
- Automated humidity control: Refrigerated condensate plate combined with adjustable humidifier ensures precise RH regulation (30–100%) without desiccants, alkali traps, or frequent maintenance interventions.
- Dual-access transfer system: Independent lock chamber accommodates up to 60 standard Petri dishes; dedicated single-plate rapid access port enables sterile, low-disturbance sample exchange.
- Forced-air temperature uniformity: Microprocessor-controlled heating with digital PID feedback and internal circulation fan delivers ±0.5°C stability at setpoint (e.g., 37°C), validated per ASTM E2234-02 (performance testing of incubators).
- Integrated safety systems: Leakage detection, low-gas-pressure alarm, door-open flash warning, power-failure audible alert, and earth-leakage circuit breaker (ELCB) conform to IEC 61010-1 safety standards.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The AW 400SG accommodates standard 90 mm and 100 mm Petri dishes (up to 400 units), as well as slant tubes, stab cultures, and small-volume bioreactors. Its interior chamber and transfer lock surfaces are constructed from electropolished stainless steel (AISI 316L) and chemical-resistant acrylic, ensuring compatibility with ethanol, hydrogen peroxide vapor (HPV), and sporicidal disinfectants used in ISO 14644 cleanroom-grade microbiology labs. All electrical components meet CE marking requirements under the Low Voltage Directive (2014/35/EU) and EMC Directive (2014/30/EU). The system supports audit-ready documentation for FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance when paired with validated third-party data logging software (e.g., LabArchives or DeltaTrak Validator Suite).
Software & Data Management
While the AW 400SG operates via embedded hardware controls (no onboard OS or touchscreen), it features analog and digital signal outputs (0–10 V / 4–20 mA) for integration into centralized laboratory monitoring systems (e.g., Siemens Desigo, Honeywell Experion PKS). Optional RS-485 Modbus RTU interface enables remote parameter readout—including chamber temperature, humidity setpoint, and O₂ indicator status—for inclusion in LIMS or ELN platforms. All critical alarms generate timestamped event logs stored in non-volatile memory (retention ≥12 months), supporting retrospective review during regulatory inspections under ISO/IEC 17025 or CLIA requirements.
Applications
- Clinical microbiology: Isolation and identification of Clostridioides difficile, Bacteroides spp., Fusobacterium, and other fastidious anaerobes from stool, wound, and blood cultures.
- Pharmaceutical QC: Anaerobic stability testing of probiotic formulations, live biotherapeutic products (LBPs), and fermentation-derived APIs.
- Food & beverage safety: Enumeration of spoilage anaerobes (e.g., Clostridium botulinum) and shelf-life modeling under controlled low-O₂ conditions.
- Environmental microbiology: Cultivation of sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) and methanogens from sediment, wastewater, and biogas digesters.
- Research applications: Host–microbe interaction studies requiring strict O₂ exclusion during co-culture, organoid maintenance, or gut-on-a-chip experiments.
FAQ
What gas mixtures are compatible with the AW 400SG?
The system is validated for use with 10% H₂ + 10% CO₂ + 80% N₂ premix or dual-gas configuration (premix + pure N₂). Hydrogen concentration may be adjusted within 5–10% range depending on catalyst loading and chamber volume.
Does the workstation require consumable oxygen sensors?
No. It uses a reusable, non-electronic liquid-phase oxygen indicator with indefinite service life and no calibration requirement.
Can the AW 400SG be validated for GMP environments?
Yes—its mechanical design, material certifications, alarm logging, and analog/digital I/O support IQ/OQ/PQ protocols per ASTM E2500 and EU Annex 15 guidelines.
Is external ventilation or exhaust ducting required?
No. The closed-loop recirculation system eliminates need for vent hoods or external scrubbers; only standard lab-grade compressed air supply is needed for optional pneumatic door assist.
What is the recommended maintenance schedule?
Catalyst cartridge replacement every 12–18 months (based on usage frequency); condensate bottle emptying daily; gasket inspection quarterly; full performance verification annually per ISO 13408-1.
