INFORS Multitron Standard Orbital Shaking Incubator

Overview

The INFORS Multitron Standard Orbital Shaking Incubator is an engineered platform for high-fidelity microbial, cell culture, and fermentation studies under precisely controlled temperature and agitation conditions. Designed around a brushless DC magnetic drive system, it eliminates mechanical transmission components—reducing wear, eliminating belt slippage, and ensuring near-silent operation (<50 dB(A)) critical for shared laboratory environments. Its orbital shaking motion (20–400 rpm, resolution 0.1 rpm) generates consistent, laminar fluid dynamics ideal for aerobic growth of bacteria, yeast, and suspension-adapted mammalian cells. The chamber employs a dual-fan forced-air circulation system with strategically positioned ducts and baffles to eliminate thermal stratification; empirical validation confirms ±0.2 °C spatial uniformity across the full 240 L volume at setpoints between +5 °C and 60 °C. Temperature regulation utilizes PID-controlled Peltier-assisted heating and refrigeration, achieving ±0.1 °C stability over time—meeting requirements for ISO 17025-compliant calibration workflows and long-term stability studies.

Key Features

• Magnetic drive architecture ensures maintenance-free operation, zero vibration transfer to adjacent instrumentation, and high torque delivery even at low speeds (20 rpm).
• One-piece composite polymer housing provides superior thermal insulation, eliminates static charge accumulation, and resists chemical exposure common in biosafety workflows.
• Full-chamber washability: All moisture- and condensation-sensitive electronics—including motor drivers, sensors, and power supplies—are externally mounted; interior surfaces are smooth, non-porous, and rated for routine aqueous cleaning.
• Patented adhesive platform: A reusable, silicone-based textured surface secures Erlenmeyer flasks, test tube racks, and microtiter plates without clamps or fasteners—reducing setup time and preventing sample displacement during acceleration phases.
• Intelligent power recovery: Upon grid interruption, the unit retains all user-defined parameters (temperature, speed, duration, ramp profiles); automatic restart occurs at pre-failure settings when power resumes.
• Ergonomic access: Downward-swinging door with reinforced hinge mechanism supports >35 kg load—functioning as a stable staging surface for pipetting, sampling, or temporary reagent placement.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Multitron Standard accommodates standard labware including 250 mL to 5000 mL glass or PETG flasks, stacked microplate carriers, and custom bioreactor sleeves. Its open-shelf design permits unrestricted airflow around vessels, supporting O₂ transfer rates required for high-density cultures (e.g., E. coli OD₆₀₀ > 10). The system complies with IEC 61010-1:2010 for electrical safety and meets EN 61326-1:2013 for electromagnetic compatibility. While not certified as a medical device, its temperature traceability, parameter logging, and audit-ready event history support GLP and GMP-aligned documentation per FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when integrated with validated LIMS or ELN platforms.

Software & Data Management

Control is managed via a 7-inch capacitive touchscreen running INFORS’ proprietary firmware (v4.2+), supporting both local operation and Ethernet-connected remote monitoring. All operational parameters—including real-time temperature, speed, elapsed time, and door-open events—are logged at 1-second intervals to internal flash memory (≥1 year retention). Data export is available via USB-C in CSV format, compatible with MATLAB, Python pandas, and commercial statistical packages. Optional integration with LabArchives or Benchling enables direct metadata tagging (e.g., strain ID, passage number, medium composition) alongside time-series sensor data.

Applications

• High-yield recombinant protein expression in E. coli and P. pastoris using optimized temperature-shift and induction protocols.
• Scale-down modeling of industrial bioreactors for process characterization and DoE-based optimization.
• Long-term stability testing of therapeutic cell lines under variable oxygenation and shear stress conditions.
• Environmental microbiology assays requiring precise incubation of soil/water samples across temperature gradients (e.g., ASTM D5524-19).
• Antibiotic susceptibility testing where agitation rate directly influences drug–microbe interaction kinetics.

FAQ

Can the Multitron Standard operate continuously for 30 days or longer?
Yes—designed for unattended 24/7 operation with thermal overload protection, redundant fan monitoring, and self-diagnostic firmware that logs subsystem health metrics.
Is third-party calibration supported?
Yes—NIST-traceable PT100 sensors are accessible via service port; INFORS provides calibration certificates compliant with ISO/IEC 17025 upon request.
What is the maximum flask fill volume supported at 300 rpm?
For optimal oxygen transfer and minimal splashing, we recommend ≤70% working volume (e.g., 175 mL in 250 mL flasks); validated performance data is available in Application Note AN-MT-023.
Does stacking three units affect thermal or mechanical performance?
No—each unit maintains independent thermal control and drive isolation; stack configuration includes dedicated ventilation channels between layers to prevent heat accumulation.
Can the adhesive platform be replaced or sterilized?
The platform is autoclavable (121 °C, 20 min, 15 psi) and field-replaceable; INFORS supplies OEM replacement kits with batch-certified adhesion force verification reports.