Prima IN150/IN250 Low-Temperature Biochemical Incubator

Overview

The Prima IN150 and IN250 Low-Temperature Biochemical Incubators are engineered for precision temperature control in life science laboratories requiring stable, uniform thermal environments across a broad operational range of 4 °C to 60 °C. Designed with dual-mode air-jacketed heating and refrigeration systems, these incubators deliver rapid thermal response and high reproducibility—critical for applications such as microbial culture maintenance, enzyme activity assays, cell line preservation, and long-term stability testing under sub-ambient conditions. Unlike water-jacketed units, the air-jacket architecture minimizes condensation risk, eliminates fluid maintenance, and enhances energy efficiency while maintaining ISO 14644-compliant cleanroom-compatible construction. The stainless-steel chamber (AISI 304), featuring fully rounded internal corners and seamless welds, ensures compliance with GLP and GMP hygiene requirements and facilitates validated cleaning protocols.

Key Features

• Air-jacketed dual-mode thermal system enabling simultaneous heating and active refrigeration for precise sub-ambient operation down to 4 °C
• PID microprocessor controller with integrated 0–100 h timer and up to 99-step programmable temperature profiles (6-step standard)
• Backlit LED display with 0.1 °C resolution and real-time digital temperature calibration capability
• Triple-stage over-temperature protection (electronic, mechanical, and independent safety thermostat) plus door-open alarm
• Optimized forced-air circulation with tangential fan and baffle-guided airflow for <±0.8 °C uniformity at 20 °C (per ASTM E145-22 Class II specifications)
• High-integrity magnetic door seal with reinforced silicone gasket to minimize thermal leakage and support continuous observation via double-glazed viewing window
• Auto-defrost function with adaptive cycle scheduling to prevent ice accumulation during extended low-temperature operation
• Power-failure memory retention: automatically resumes pre-interruption setpoints and timing upon restoration
• Modular accessory support including RS232/RS485 communication ports (with optional FDA 21 CFR Part 11-compliant data logging software), internal 230 V AC sockets, and adjustable LED interior lighting

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The IN-series incubators accommodate standard microbiological vessels—including Petri dishes, multi-well plates, flasks, and serum bottles—across configurable stainless-steel shelving (up to 7 shelves in IN250; load capacity: 18 kg/shelf). All materials meet EU RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU and are compatible with common laboratory disinfectants (e.g., 70% ethanol, 0.5% sodium hypochlorite). The unit conforms to IEC 61010-1:2010 for electrical safety and incorporates leakage current protection (<0.75 mA) per EN 61000-6-3:2011 EMC standards. Temperature performance validation is supported by traceable NIST-calibrated probe inputs and optional IQ/OQ documentation packages aligned with ISO/IEC 17025-accredited verification practices.

Software & Data Management

Optional PrimaTemp Control Suite enables remote monitoring, real-time graphing, and audit-trail generation for temperature history (timestamped, user-ID logged). When configured with RS232/RS485 interfaces, the system supports integration into LIMS environments and automated reporting workflows compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 (electronic signatures, event logs, and data integrity safeguards). Raw data export is available in CSV and XML formats; firmware updates are delivered via secure USB or network-based OTA protocols. All software modules undergo annual cybersecurity vulnerability scanning per NIST SP 800-53 Rev. 5 controls.

Applications

• Microbial growth studies (E. coli, yeast, fungi) under controlled low-temperature stress conditions
• Long-term stability testing of biologics, vaccines, and diagnostic reagents per ICH Q5C guidelines
• Biochemical assay development requiring precise thermal ramping (e.g., kinetic ELISA, PCR master mix optimization)
• Environmental simulation for aquatic toxicology and wastewater microbiology research
• Pharmaceutical QC labs performing USP / microbial limits testing at regulated incubation temperatures
• Academic and industrial cell culture facilities maintaining cryopreserved primary cells prior to thawing

FAQ

What is the minimum operating temperature, and how is sub-ambient stability maintained?
Minimum setpoint is 4 °C. Stability is achieved via independent compressor-based refrigeration combined with PID-controlled resistive heating—enabling dynamic compensation against ambient fluctuations without thermal overshoot.

Is the incubator suitable for use in ISO Class 5 cleanrooms?
Yes—the sealed stainless-steel chamber, zero-outgassing gaskets, and absence of internal lubricants or volatile organics meet ISO 14644-1 particulate and chemical compatibility criteria.

Can temperature data be exported for regulatory submissions?
Yes. With optional software and communication interface, time-stamped, tamper-evident CSV/Excel reports with full audit trails are generated in accordance with ALCOA+ principles.

Are calibration certificates provided with the unit?
Factory calibration is performed using NIST-traceable reference probes. UKAS-accredited calibration certificates are available as an add-on service upon request.

Does the unit support external humidity control?
No—this model is a dry-air incubator. Humidity-controlled variants (IN-H series) are available separately with integrated ultrasonic humidification and dew-point sensing.