Jihepu LHS-250CL Temperature and Humidity Controlled Incubator

Overview

The Jihepu LHS-250CL Temperature and Humidity Controlled Incubator is an engineered environmental simulation system designed for precise, long-term maintenance of temperature and relative humidity conditions in life science, pharmaceutical, and materials testing laboratories. It operates on a dual-control principle: refrigeration-based cooling combined with resistive heating for temperature regulation, and ultrasonic or steam-based humidification paired with internal dehumidification (via cold surface condensation) for RH control. The chamber maintains stable setpoints across its full operational range (−10°C to 85°C and 45–95% RH), making it suitable for stability studies per ICH Q1 guidelines, accelerated aging tests per ASTM D4332 and ISO 2233, and controlled environment incubation of cell cultures, microbial strains, and hygroscopic samples where thermal and moisture stress must be quantitatively defined.

Key Features

• Stainless steel interior chamber (304 grade) with seamless, quarter-radius corners for ease of cleaning and compliance with ISO 14644-1 Class 7 cleanroom-compatible maintenance protocols.
• Microprocessor-based LCD controller with real-time digital display of both temperature and humidity; supports programmable ramp-and-soak profiles when equipped with the optional Y-series controller (LHS-250CLY variant).
• High-efficiency, low-GWP refrigeration system using R134a or R600a refrigerant — fully compliant with EU F-Gas Regulation (EU) No 517/2014 and free of ozone-depleting CFCs/HCFCs.
• Imported high-humidity-rated centrifugal blower and capacitive RH sensor ensure consistent air circulation and measurement integrity under saturated conditions (≥90% RH).
• Dedicated 25 mm diameter access port on left side wall, fitted with silicone gasket and plug — enables integration with external monitoring probes, gas supply lines, or data loggers without compromising chamber integrity.
• Triple-layer insulated double-pane door with anti-fog heating film and magnetic seal minimizes thermal bridging and prevents condensation during low-temperature operation.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The LHS-250CL accommodates standard laboratory vessels including Petri dishes, multi-well plates, Erlenmeyer flasks (up to 2 L), and sealed sample jars. Its 250 L working volume and three adjustable stainless steel shelves support flexible load configurations while maintaining airflow uniformity. The unit meets essential safety and performance benchmarks: IEC 61010-1 (Electrical Safety for Laboratory Equipment), GB/T 2423.3-2016 (Environmental Testing – Damp Heat, Steady State), and YY/T 0664-2008 (Medical Electrical Equipment – Environmental Requirements). For regulated environments, audit-ready operation is supported through optional time-stamped event logging and password-protected parameter locking — aligning with GLP documentation requirements and facilitating FDA 21 CFR Part 11 readiness when integrated with validated third-party data acquisition software.

Software & Data Management

While the base LHS-250CL features standalone microcontroller operation, the Y-series configuration (LHS-250CLY) includes RS-485 Modbus RTU interface for bidirectional communication with PC-based supervision systems. Compatible with Jihepu’s proprietary LabControl Suite (Windows OS), it enables remote setpoint adjustment, real-time graphing of chamber dynamics, automated report generation (PDF/CSV), and alarm history export. All logged data include timestamps, operator ID fields, and change-tracking metadata — supporting traceability for ISO/IEC 17025 accredited testing labs. Optional USB data logger modules provide offline recording at user-defined intervals (1 min to 24 h), with encryption and checksum verification for data integrity.

Applications

• Pharmaceutical stability testing per ICH Q1A(R3), including long-term (25°C/60% RH), intermediate (30°C/65% RH), and accelerated (40°C/75% RH) conditions.
• Biological incubation of fungi, yeasts, and mesophilic bacteria under controlled hygrometric stress.
• Textile and polymer conditioning per ASTM D1776 and ISO 139 for tensile strength and dimensional stability assessment.
• Food packaging permeability and shelf-life modeling under variable RH exposure.
• Electronics component reliability screening (e.g., solder paste aging, conformal coating adhesion under thermal-hygric cycling).

FAQ

What is the minimum operating temperature with active humidification enabled?
The LHS-250CL maintains humidity control down to −10°C; however, RH generation is physically limited below 0°C due to frost formation on the humidifier element. For sub-zero RH operation, external vapor delivery systems are recommended.
Can this incubator be validated for GMP use?
Yes — the unit supports IQ/OQ protocols via documented sensor calibration certificates (NIST-traceable PT100 and capacitive RH sensors), mechanical verification templates, and alarm response logs. Full PQ requires site-specific mapping per ISO 14644-3.
Is the 25 mm port pre-wired for sensor integration?
No — the port is mechanically sealed and intended for user-installed probes or tubing. Electrical feedthroughs require optional gland kits to maintain IP20 rating.
How often does the humidity sensor require recalibration?
Annual recalibration is recommended under routine use; Jihepu provides certified two-point (33% and 75% RH) calibration services with certificate of conformance.
Does the controller support profile programming for cyclic testing?
Only the Y-series variant (LHS-250CLY) supports multi-step temperature/humidity ramps and holds. The standard CL model offers fixed-setpoint operation only.