Labnet 211DS Digital Orbital Shaking Incubator
| Brand | Labnet |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA |
| Model | 211DS |
| Temperature Range | 30–95°C (0.1°C resolution) |
| Temperature Uniformity | ±0.1°C |
| Orbital Shaking Speed | 20–400 rpm |
| Orbit Diameter | 19 mm |
| Chamber Dimensions | 34.3 × 37.5 × 38.1 cm (W×D×H) |
| External Dimensions | 42.5 × 55 × 58 cm (W×D×H) |
| Capacity | 4 × 1 L flasks |
| Net Weight | 37.7 kg |
| Air Circulation | Forced-air mechanical convection |
| Door Opening Angle | ~180° |
| Safety Features | Independent overtemperature cut-off thermostat, SmartChek™ precision temperature control system |
| Stackable Design | Yes (with optional I-5211-SA stacking kit) |
Overview
The Labnet 211DS Digital Orbital Shaking Incubator is an engineered solution for laboratories requiring simultaneous precise temperature control and reproducible orbital agitation in a compact footprint. Designed around the principles of forced-air convection and closed-loop thermal regulation, the 211DS maintains stable, uniform chamber conditions across its full operational range of 30–95°C—making it suitable for applications ranging from bacterial and yeast culture expansion to enzyme kinetics studies and protein expression protocols. Its 19 mm orbital motion ensures gentle yet effective suspension of liquid cultures without shear-induced cell damage, while the SmartChek™ temperature management system employs dual-sensor feedback and PID algorithm tuning to achieve ±0.1°C stability and rapid recovery (<3 min) following door opening. The unit’s structural design prioritizes laboratory space efficiency: stackable architecture allows vertical configuration with compatible units, and its shallow depth (55 cm) enables placement under standard fume hoods or within tight benchtop arrangements.
Key Features
- Forced-air mechanical convection system for uniform temperature distribution and rapid thermal equilibration
- SmartChek™ digital temperature control with dual-sensor redundancy and real-time deviation compensation
- Orbital shaking platform with continuously adjustable speed (20–400 rpm) and fixed 19 mm orbit diameter
- 180° wide-opening door with large tempered glass viewing panel for unobstructed monitoring and easy flask access
- Independent safety thermostat mounted at rear chamber wall, providing fail-safe overtemperature protection
- Modular shelving system: includes two large and one small adjustable shelves; compatible with optional accessories including flask-specific platforms (I-5230), non-slip rubberized trays (I-5231), double-tier racks (I-5231-D), and graduated flask clamps (S2040 series)
- Stackable chassis design supported by optional I-5211-SA interlocking hardware for multi-unit configurations
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The 211DS accommodates standard microbiological and biochemical vessel formats—including Erlenmeyer flasks (125 mL to 1 L), culture tubes, and multi-well plates—without requiring adapter kits. Its chamber geometry supports high-density loading while preserving airflow integrity: maximum capacity is verified per ASTM E1509-22 guidelines for incubator performance validation. All electronic controls comply with IEC 61010-1:2012 safety standards for laboratory equipment. Temperature calibration traceability follows NIST-traceable procedures, and the SmartChek™ system supports audit-ready logging when integrated with external data acquisition systems. While not inherently 21 CFR Part 11 compliant as a standalone device, the 211DS is routinely deployed in GLP- and GMP-aligned environments where users implement procedural controls for data integrity and instrument qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ).
Software & Data Management
The 211DS operates via an embedded microprocessor interface with intuitive push-button navigation and LED display. It records no internal data logs but provides analog output (0–5 V DC) for external temperature monitoring and integrates seamlessly with lab-wide SCADA or LIMS platforms via optional RS-232/RS-485 modules (sold separately). Time-stamped setpoint changes and alarm events can be captured through third-party controllers supporting Modbus RTU protocol. For routine validation, Labnet supplies a Certificate of Conformance with each unit, including factory calibration data and verification against ISO/IEC 17025-accredited reference standards.
Applications
- Bacterial and fungal cultivation under controlled aeration and thermal conditions
- Recombinant protein expression in E. coli and S. cerevisiae using inducible promoters
- Enzyme activity assays requiring constant mixing and narrow thermal tolerance
- Cell line passaging and suspension culture maintenance for bioprocess development
- Media preparation and sterility testing workflows in QC laboratories
- Environmental microbiology studies involving temperature-gradient incubation trials
FAQ
What is the maximum flask size supported without adapters?
The chamber accommodates up to four 1 L Erlenmeyer flasks simultaneously on the standard shelf configuration.
Does the 211DS support programmable ramp-hold temperature profiles?
No—the 211DS is designed for single-setpoint operation with high-stability thermal maintenance; it does not include multi-step programming capability.
Can the orbital platform be removed for static incubation use?
No—the shaking mechanism is integral to the chamber base and cannot be disengaged or detached; the unit is purpose-built for orbital agitation applications.
Is the SmartChek™ system field-calibratable by the user?
Yes—users may perform offset calibration using a NIST-traceable reference thermometer via the service menu, following instructions in the operator manual (PN: 211DS-OM-EN Rev. C).
What electrical requirements does the 211DS have?
It operates on 100–120 V AC, 50/60 Hz, 15 A dedicated circuit; no grounding adapter is required—standard three-prong hospital-grade outlet compatibility is maintained.
