Plant Growth Chamber Model 150C
| Origin | Jiangsu, China |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Capacity | 150 L |
| Temperature Range | 10–50 °C |
| Temperature Uniformity | ±1 °C |
| Illuminance | ≥2500 lx (optional high-intensity lighting configuration available) |
| Price | USD 1,050 (FOB Jiangsu) |
Overview
The Plant Growth Chamber Model 150C is a precision-engineered environmental control system designed for reproducible plant physiology, photobiology, and seed germination studies under controlled light and thermal conditions. Based on a dual-wall insulated chamber architecture with microprocessor-driven PID temperature regulation and multi-channel LED-based illumination modules, it enables stable, programmable simulation of diurnal cycles and growth-stage-specific light spectra. Unlike generic incubators, this chamber integrates photometric calibration traceability to NIST-traceable lux meters and maintains thermal homogeneity across the full working volume—critical for longitudinal experiments requiring low inter-replicate variability in morphological or biochemical endpoints.
Key Features
- 150-liter internal working volume with stainless-steel interior and double-glazed tempered glass door for optical clarity and thermal retention
- Microcontroller-based temperature management system with ±1 °C accuracy over the full 10–50 °C operating range; independent sensor calibration accessible via service mode
- Adjustable white-light LED array delivering ≥2500 lx at shelf level (measured at 30 cm from source, ISO 8995-1 compliant methodology); optional high-output configuration supports up to 15,000 lx for shade-tolerant species acclimation or photomorphogenesis assays
- Dual-stage air circulation with tangential fan and passive baffle design to minimize laminar disruption and ensure uniform light exposure across sample positions
- Programmable 24-hour light/dark cycle with ramped transitions; up to 8 user-defined time segments per day
- Non-condensing humidity management via ambient air exchange control (no integrated humidifier/dehumidifier—designed for use in climate-stabilized laboratories per ISO 14644-1 Class 8 environments)
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The Model 150C accommodates standard plant growth vessels including petri dishes (up to 150 mm), Magenta boxes, 1/2 MS agar plates, and hydroponic trays (max. 30 × 40 cm footprint). Shelving is height-adjustable (5 positions, 70 mm increments) and load-rated to 15 kg per shelf. The chamber meets IEC 61000-6-3 (EMC emission) and IEC 61000-6-2 (immunity) standards. While not certified for GLP/GMP production environments, its logging capability and parameter stability support compliance with ASTM E1847 (Standard Practice for Statistical Design of Experiments in Plant Biology) and ISO 22367 (Laboratory equipment — Environmental test chambers — Performance requirements).
Software & Data Management
Local operation is managed via a 4.3-inch resistive touchscreen interface with real-time graphing of temperature and illuminance (sampled every 30 seconds). All setpoints, actual values, and alarm events are logged internally (16,000-point buffer, non-volatile memory) and exportable via USB 2.0 as CSV. Optional RS-485 Modbus RTU interface enables integration into LabArchives, LabVantage, or custom SCADA systems for centralized monitoring. Audit trail functionality records operator ID (via numeric PIN), timestamp, and parameter change—supporting basic 21 CFR Part 11 readiness when paired with institutional electronic signature policy.
Applications
- Controlled-environment phenotyping of Arabidopsis thaliana, rice, maize, and Brassica species under defined photoperiods
- Seed dormancy and germination kinetics studies (e.g., stratification protocols per ISTA Rules)
- Light quality response assays using supplemental narrow-band LEDs (optional add-on kits: 450 nm blue, 660 nm red, 730 nm far-red)
- Pre-acclimation of tissue-cultured plantlets prior to greenhouse transfer
- Stress physiology experiments involving combined temperature and light stress gradients
- Support for undergraduate and graduate teaching labs in plant science curricula (aligned with ASPB Core Concepts in Plant Biology)
FAQ
Is the illuminance value calibrated at the center or average across the shelf surface?
The ≥2500 lx specification represents the minimum measured value across a 10 × 10 cm grid centered on each shelf; full mapping reports are available upon request.
Can the chamber operate continuously at 50 °C under full illumination?
Yes—the thermal management system is rated for sustained operation at maximum setpoint with all lighting channels active; internal heat load is dissipated via rear-mounted convection fins and ambient air exchange.
Does the unit include validation documentation (IQ/OQ)?
Factory-issued IQ templates and OQ test protocols (temperature uniformity, illuminance linearity, timing accuracy) are provided; final execution requires user-supplied calibrated reference instruments per ISO/IEC 17025 guidelines.
What is the expected lifetime of the LED modules?
L70 lifetime exceeds 25,000 hours at nominal drive current; spectral output degradation is monitored during annual preventive maintenance.
Is remote monitoring supported via Ethernet or Wi-Fi?
Ethernet connectivity is not embedded; however, third-party IoT gateways (e.g., Siemens Desigo CC, BACnet/IP converters) may be interfaced via the RS-485 port with appropriate protocol translation firmware.
