LabCompanion LRH-50CL Low-Temperature Incubator Chamber
| Brand | LabCompanion |
|---|---|
| Origin | Guangdong, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Direct Manufacturer |
| Model | LRH-50CL |
| Temperature Range | −40 °C to +65 °C |
| Refrigeration Method | Compressor-based Cooling |
| Explosion-Proof | Standard (Non-Explosion-Proof) |
| Temperature Fluctuation | ±0.5 °C (High Temp), ±1.0 °C (Low Temp) |
| Temperature Uniformity | ±0.1 °C |
| Temperature Deviation | ±2.0 °C |
| Internal Chamber Dimensions (W×D×H) | 400 mm × 300 mm × 420 mm |
| Refrigerant | R134a |
| Test Port | Ø25 mm (Left Side Wall) |
| Standard Controller | Digital Microprocessor-Based Temperature Controller |
| Optional Features | RS485 Interface, Thermal Printer Support, Multi-Stage Programmable Logic Control (7 Programs × 9 Steps Each, 1–9999 min/step) |
Overview
The LabCompanion LRH-50CL Low-Temperature Incubator Chamber is a precision-engineered environmental test chamber designed for controlled-temperature storage and biological incubation under sub-ambient conditions. Utilizing a high-efficiency hermetic compressor and R134a refrigerant, the system achieves rapid cooling—up to 40% faster than conventional low-temperature incubators—while maintaining stable thermal performance across its full operating range of −40 °C to +65 °C. Its core architecture follows the principles of forced-air convection with optimized airflow distribution, ensuring minimal thermal stratification and high spatial uniformity (±0.1 °C). The chamber is not rated for hazardous environments; it complies with general-purpose laboratory safety standards and is intended for use in GLP-compliant research labs, pharmaceutical QC facilities, and biotechnology development settings where reproducible low-temperature conditioning of media, sera, reagents, or microbial cultures is required.
Key Features
- Electropolished mirror-finish stainless steel interior with radius-rounded corners and removable adjustable shelving—designed for ease of cleaning, corrosion resistance, and compliance with ISO 14644-1 Class 8 cleanroom-compatible handling practices.
- Microprocessor-based digital temperature controller with PID algorithm, offering fast setpoint attainment, reduced overshoot, and long-term stability—calibrated traceable to NIST-traceable reference standards.
- Dual-stage safety architecture: independent mechanical over-temperature cutoff circuit plus software-enforced upper limit protection, automatically halting operation if preset thresholds are exceeded.
- Integrated Ø25 mm access port on the left side wall—sealed with silicone gasket and threaded cap—enabling real-time thermocouple insertion, sensor calibration verification, or external probe monitoring without compromising chamber integrity.
- Energy-optimized design featuring low-noise centrifugal circulation fan and high-efficiency condenser coil—meets IEC 60068-3-5 thermal testing environmental class requirements for laboratory equipment.
- Optional RS485 serial interface (Modbus RTU protocol) supports integration into centralized lab monitoring systems, enabling remote parameter readout, alarm logging, and audit-ready data export.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The LRH-50CL accommodates standard microbiological culture vessels (e.g., Petri dishes, flasks, cryovials), serum bottles, buffered saline solutions, and lyophilized reagent kits. Its interior volume (50.4 L net) supports stacked configurations while preserving laminar airflow paths. The unit conforms to key international regulatory expectations for non-clinical laboratory equipment: it operates within the ambient temperature range specified by ISO 17025 Clause 5.3.2 for environmental control, meets electrical safety requirements per IEC 61010-1, and supports data integrity workflows compatible with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when paired with validated third-party data acquisition software. While not certified for ATEX or IECEx Zone classification, its non-sparking internal components and absence of ignition sources render it suitable for general-purpose storage of non-volatile biological materials.
Software & Data Management
The standard controller provides real-time display of chamber temperature, setpoint, and operational status. Optional multi-stage programmable logic control enables up to seven distinct temperature profiles—each comprising nine sequential steps—with user-defined ramp rates, dwell durations (1–9999 minutes), and target temperatures. All program parameters—including start time, hold duration, and transition slope—are stored in non-volatile memory. When equipped with the RS485 interface, the system exports timestamped temperature logs at configurable intervals (1–60 s), supporting CSV export for post-processing in Excel or statistical analysis platforms. Audit trail functionality—including operator ID, parameter change history, and event timestamps—is available through compliant third-party SCADA or LIMS integrations.
Applications
- Long-term storage of heat-labile biological reagents including fetal bovine serum (FBS), restriction enzymes, and monoclonal antibodies at −20 °C or −40 °C.
- Controlled-temperature incubation of psychrophilic microorganisms and cold-adapted cell lines per ASTM D6603 guidelines.
- Accelerated stability testing of pharmaceutical intermediates under ICH Q1A(R2) low-temperature stress conditions.
- Pre-conditioning of polymer-based medical device packaging prior to peel strength evaluation (ASTM F88).
- Environmental simulation for electronics component qualification per MIL-STD-810G Method 502.6 (low-temperature storage).
- Calibration verification of portable temperature sensors using the chamber as a stable, uniform reference source.
FAQ
What is the minimum achievable temperature, and how long does it take to reach −40 °C from ambient?
The LRH-50CL achieves −40 °C within approximately 65–75 minutes under no-load conditions, depending on ambient room temperature (23 °C ±2 °C) and relative humidity (<60% RH).
Is the temperature controller compliant with GLP documentation requirements?
The base controller supports manual logging; full GLP compliance—including electronic signatures, change control, and audit trails—requires integration with validated external software via RS485.
Can the chamber be used for freeze-thaw cycling experiments?
Yes—when configured with optional multi-stage programming, users can define precise heating/cooling ramps and dwell periods to simulate defined freeze-thaw protocols per USP .
Does the unit include validation documentation (IQ/OQ)?
Factory-installed calibration certificates are provided. Site-specific IQ/OQ protocols must be executed by the end user or qualified third-party service provider in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025.
What maintenance is recommended for sustained performance?
Biannual inspection of condenser coil cleanliness, annual verification of temperature uniformity per ISO 17025 Annex C.3.2, and periodic recalibration of the internal Pt100 sensor against a NIST-traceable reference thermometer.
