ELECTROTEK AW 500SG Anaerobic Workstation
| Origin | UK |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Origin Category | Imported |
| Model | AW 500SG |
| Price Range | USD 13,500–67,500 (est.) |
| Temperature Control Range | Ambient +4°C to 42°C |
| Temperature Uniformity & Stability | ±0.5°C at 37°C |
| Humidity Range | 30–100% RH |
| Chamber Capacity | 500 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) | 1473 × 700 × 667 mm |
| Power Supply | 220 V, 50 Hz, 500 W |
Overview
The ELECTROTEK AW 500SG Anaerobic Workstation is a purpose-engineered, high-integrity environment control system designed for the cultivation, isolation, and handling of obligate anaerobic microorganisms under strictly oxygen-free conditions. Operating on a positive-pressure nitrogen-based gas management architecture—rather than vacuum-purge cycles—the AW 500SG maintains a stable, continuous anaerobic atmosphere (O₂ < 5 ppm) without requiring repeated evacuation or reflushing during routine access. Its core design principle centers on operational continuity: minimal atmospheric disturbance during sample transfer, operator interaction, and long-term incubation. The workstation integrates forced-air convection heating, active humidity regulation via refrigerated condensation, and passive oxygen monitoring using a chemically sensitive liquid indicator system—eliminating reliance on costly, drift-prone electrochemical O₂ sensors. Built to meet the functional and safety expectations of clinical microbiology labs, academic research facilities, and pharmaceutical QC environments, the AW 500SG complies with essential aspects of ISO 13485-aligned laboratory equipment validation practices and supports GLP-compliant documentation workflows.
Key Features
- Positive-pressure chamber architecture: Internal and door-seal overpressure prevents ambient air ingress during glove entry or door operation—ensuring uninterrupted anaerobiosis.
- Bare-hand operation interface: Ergonomic wrist-seal gaskets allow rapid hand insertion (<3 seconds) without gloves; maximizes dexterity while minimizing gas consumption.
- Dual-stage transfer system: Independent airlock accommodates up to 60 Petri dishes per cycle; auxiliary single-plate rapid-access port enables sterile, low-disturbance sample exchange.
- Gas-efficient atmosphere generation: Compatible with economical single-cylinder premixed gas (10% H₂ / 10% CO₂ / 80% N₂) or dual-gas configuration (premix + pure N₂) for flexible process optimization.
- Integrated environmental control: Digital PID temperature controller with internal forced-air circulation ensures ±0.5°C stability at setpoint (e.g., 37°C); refrigerated cold plate + adjustable humidifier delivers 30–100% RH without desiccants or alkali-based drying agents.
- Passive O₂ verification: Self-contained indicator pump and oxygen-sensitive liquid reagent provide visual, zero-calibration confirmation of anaerobic status—reducing maintenance overhead and consumable cost.
- Safety-certified infrastructure: Residual-current device (RCD), grounded chassis, audible/visual alarms for low pressure, door-open events, power failure, and gas supply interruption.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The AW 500SG accommodates standard microbiological formats including 90 mm and 100 mm Petri dishes (up to 500 units in main chamber), culture tubes, anaerobic jars, and small benchtop instruments via its built-in 230 V AC power outlets. Its stainless-steel interior, seamless welds, and non-porous acrylic viewing panels support effective decontamination using sporicidal agents (e.g., hydrogen peroxide vapor or chlorine dioxide). The system aligns with foundational requirements of CLSI M11-A9 (Methods for Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing of Anaerobic Bacteria), EU GMP Annex 1 (for aseptic processing risk mitigation), and ISO 14644-1 Class 5 cleanroom-equivalent particulate control when operated with HEPA-filtered internal airflow (optional upgrade). While not intrinsically 21 CFR Part 11 compliant, its analog controls and manual logbook-ready outputs facilitate integration into validated electronic lab notebook (ELN) or LIMS environments where audit trails are externally managed.
Software & Data Management
The AW 500SG operates via an embedded digital controller with LED display—no proprietary software stack or PC dependency. All critical parameters (set temperature, actual chamber temperature, humidity setpoint, alarm status) are continuously visible and manually logged. For laboratories requiring electronic record retention, optional analog voltage outputs (0–10 V) for temperature and humidity signals can be interfaced with third-party data acquisition systems (e.g., LabVIEW, DeltaV, or custom SCADA). The absence of firmware-updatable logic or network connectivity eliminates cybersecurity concerns while ensuring long-term operational consistency—a key consideration in regulated diagnostic and reference lab settings where change control documentation must remain minimal and traceable.
Applications
- Clinical microbiology: Routine culture and identification of Clostridioides difficile, Bacteroides spp., Fusobacterium, and other fastidious anaerobes from stool, wound, and blood specimens.
- Antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST): Preparation and incubation of anaerobic agar dilution or Etest plates per CLSI guidelines.
- Gut microbiome research: Isolation and subculture of strict anaerobes from fecal samples under reproducible redox conditions.
- Vaccine and probiotic development: Anaerobic fermentation monitoring, strain preservation, and viability assessment of live biotherapeutic products (LBPs).
- Environmental microbiology: Enumeration and enrichment of sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) and methanogens from sediment or bioreactor samples.
FAQ
What gas mixture is required for optimal operation?
The AW 500SG is configured for use with either a single cylinder of premixed gas (10% H₂ + 10% CO₂ + 80% N₂) or a dual-gas setup (premixed + pure N₂). Hydrogen enables catalytic O₂ scavenging via palladium-coated catalyst; CO₂ supports pH buffering in common anaerobic media.
Does the system require vacuum cycling during sample transfer?
No. The AW 500SG uses a positive-pressure airlock design—samples enter via pressure-balanced transfer without vacuum or purge steps, preserving chamber integrity and reducing gas usage.
How is humidity controlled without desiccants or alkali?
A thermoelectric cold plate condenses excess moisture; condensed water collects in a removable reservoir. Humidity is adjusted via variable-speed fan and heater modulation—eliminating consumable drying agents and associated contamination risks.
Can the workstation be validated for GxP environments?
Yes. Its stable thermal/hygrometric performance, alarm logging capability, and mechanical simplicity support IQ/OQ protocols. Full PQ requires integration with external data loggers and procedural SOPs for traceability.
Is the AW 500SG compatible with hydrogen-peroxide decontamination cycles?
The chamber’s stainless-steel construction and sealed acrylic viewport are compatible with validated H₂O₂ vapor decon processes (≤ 1000 ppm, 40–60°C), provided gasket materials are inspected per ELECTROTEK’s maintenance schedule.
