Jihepu SPX-250-III Biochemical Incubator

Overview

The Jihepu SPX-250-III Biochemical Incubator is a precision-engineered, forced-air, refrigerated incubation system designed for stable, uniform temperature control across life science and environmental testing applications. It operates on a dual-mode thermoregulation principle—combining Peltier-assisted or compressor-based cooling with resistive heating—to maintain setpoint accuracy within ±0.5 °C under standard ambient conditions (20 °C, 50% RH). Unlike static incubators, the SPX-250-III integrates an internal axial fan to generate controlled laminar airflow, minimizing thermal stratification and ensuring ±1 °C spatial uniformity throughout its 250 L working chamber. This architecture supports critical workflows including BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand) analysis per ASTM D5210 and ISO 5815, microbial culture maintenance (bacteria, fungi, yeasts), seed germination studies, and short-term physiological assays where reproducible thermal environments are essential. The unit is not rated for long-term cryogenic storage or sub-ambient operation below 0 °C.

Key Features

• Forced-air convection system with adjustable-speed internal fan for enhanced temperature homogeneity and rapid recovery after door opening.
• Double-door design: outer magnetic-seal door with observation window and inner tempered glass door for non-intrusive visual monitoring without compromising thermal integrity.
• Polished stainless-steel interior chamber (304 grade) with smooth, crevice-free arc-welded corners—resistant to corrosion and compatible with common laboratory disinfectants (e.g., 70% ethanol, 1% sodium hypochlorite).
• Multi-segment programmable temperature controller with large-backlit LCD interface; supports up to 8-step ramp/soak profiles for time-dependent incubation protocols.
• Energy-efficient hermetic compressor using R134a refrigerant—compliant with Montreal Protocol requirements and EU F-Gas Regulation (EU No. 517/2014).
• Dedicated interior power outlet (220 V, 3A) and LED illumination for real-time sample observation and integration of external sensors or small peripherals.
• Height-adjustable, perforated stainless-steel shelving (3 shelves included); shelf positions can be reconfigured without tools to accommodate varied vessel heights (e.g., Petri dishes, Erlenmeyer flasks, multiwell plates).

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The SPX-250-III accommodates standard microbiological and botanical sample formats—including agar plates, slant tubes, liquid cultures in flasks or bioreactors (up to 2 L), and potted plant specimens—within its 48 × 49 × 107 cm workspace. Its operating range (0–50 °C) aligns with common regulatory test methods: USP / for microbial enumeration, CLSI M22-A3 for fungal growth assessment, and EPA Method 5210B for BOD₅ determination. While not certified to IEC 61010-1 or ISO 13485 out-of-the-box, the unit’s construction and safety interlocks (door-open alarm, overtemperature cut-off, compressor thermal protection) support integration into GLP-compliant laboratories when paired with documented validation protocols (IQ/OQ/PQ). It does not meet FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for electronic records unless operated with validated third-party data acquisition software.

Software & Data Management

Data logging is supported via two hardware interfaces: a built-in thermal printer (optional) for real-time timestamped temperature traces, and an RS485 port (with included USB-to-RS485 converter) for connection to Windows-based PCs. Jihepu-provided PC software enables continuous monitoring, configurable alarm thresholds, CSV export, and graphical trend visualization. All logged data include UTC timestamps, sensor ID, and operator-defined batch identifiers—facilitating audit-ready documentation for internal quality reviews. Raw serial output adheres to Modbus RTU protocol, allowing integration with LabVIEW, MATLAB, or enterprise LIMS platforms via custom scripting. No cloud connectivity or remote firmware updates are implemented.

Applications

• Environmental monitoring: BOD₅ incubation per Standard Methods 5210B and ISO 5815-1.
• Pharmaceutical QC: stability testing of excipients and non-sterile dosage forms at intermediate conditions (e.g., 30 °C/65% RH simulated via external humidifier).
• Academic research: bacterial growth kinetics (E. coli, Bacillus spp.), yeast fermentation profiling, and filamentous fungal cultivation (Aspergillus, Penicillium).
• Agricultural science: seed germination assays under controlled photoperiod-independent thermal regimes.
• Public health labs: pathogen enrichment (e.g., Salmonella pre-enrichment per ISO 6579-1) and antimicrobial susceptibility testing incubation steps.

FAQ

Can the SPX-250-III be used for CO₂-controlled cell culture?

No. This model lacks CO₂ regulation, humidity control, and HEPA filtration—essential for mammalian cell incubation. It is strictly a temperature-stabilized biochemical incubator.
Is calibration certificate included with shipment?

A factory calibration report (traceable to national standards) is provided; however, user-performed periodic verification using NIST-traceable thermistors or PT100 probes is required per ISO/IEC 17025 guidelines.
What is the minimum ambient temperature for reliable operation?

The unit is rated for ambient environments between 10–30 °C. Operation above 30 °C may reduce cooling capacity and extend temperature stabilization time.
Does it support password-protected parameter locking?

Yes—the LCD controller allows administrator-level password setup to prevent unauthorized modification of setpoints and program sequences.
Are spare parts such as fan motors or door gaskets available internationally?

Jihepu supplies OEM replacement components (P/Ns listed in the service manual) through authorized regional distributors; lead time averages 4–6 weeks ex-warehouse Shandong.