Shanghai Youyi LRH-500AL Low-Temperature Incubator

Overview

The Shanghai Youyi LRH-500AL Low-Temperature Incubator is an engineered environmental control system designed for precise, stable, and reproducible temperature regulation across a broad operational range—from −20 °C to +65 °C. Unlike standard ambient or heated-only incubators, this unit integrates a high-efficiency compressor-based refrigeration system with intelligent microprocessor control to maintain tight thermal stability in both cryogenic and thermophilic regimes. Its architecture supports dual-use applications: long-term storage of biologics (e.g., sera, vaccines, and culture media) and active low-temperature biological processes such as psychrophilic microbial cultivation, cold-adapted enzyme assays, and controlled environmental stress testing. The chamber’s thermal performance is validated under ISO 17025-aligned test conditions—empty load, ambient 20 °C / 50% RH, no external vibration or magnetic interference—ensuring traceable compliance with laboratory-grade environmental chamber specifications.

Key Features

• Robust structural design: Cold-rolled steel outer casing with electrostatic powder coating; mirror-finish stainless-steel interior chamber with radius-corner geometry for seamless cleaning and contamination control.
• Optimized thermal management: Double-glazed inner door with high-performance insulating seal minimizes heat exchange during visual inspection—no internal temperature perturbation observed during routine observation.
• Intelligent PID temperature control: Self-diagnostic startup sequence, real-time deviation correction, over-temperature alarm with audible/visual alert, and automatic recovery after power interruption—including non-volatile parameter retention and resume-on-power restoration.
• Human-centered interface: 5.7-inch backlit LCD touchscreen with menu-driven navigation; simultaneous display of setpoint, actual chamber temperature, elapsed time, and remaining hold duration.
• Sustainable refrigeration: Uses environmentally compliant R134a and R406a refrigerants—low global warming potential (GWP), zero ozone depletion potential (ODP), and optimized energy conversion efficiency per IEC 60068-3-5.
• Uniform air distribution: High-reliability centrifugal circulation fan coupled with a baffle-guided airflow path ensures ≤±0.5 °C spatial uniformity throughout the full 500 L working volume (per ASTM E145–22 Annex A3 validation methodology).

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The LRH-500AL accommodates diverse sample formats including stacked Petri dishes, multi-well plates, serum vials (2–50 mL), cryovials, and sealed culture flasks. Adjustable stainless-steel shelving (standard configuration: 3 fixed + 25 optional positions) allows flexible vertical spacing without compromising airflow integrity. All materials in direct contact with the chamber environment meet USP Class VI biocompatibility requirements. The unit complies with electromagnetic compatibility standards EN 61326-1 and safety standard EN 61010-1. Optional accessories—including independent over-temperature cut-off controllers, calibrated PT100 probe ports (25 mm and 50 mm), and RS485/USB data logging interfaces—enable integration into GLP/GMP workflows requiring audit-ready temperature records per FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when paired with validated software.

Software & Data Management

While the base unit operates via embedded firmware, optional connectivity modules support external monitoring and regulatory documentation. The RS485/USB interface enables bidirectional communication with third-party LIMS or ELN platforms using Modbus RTU protocol. Time-stamped temperature logs (sample interval configurable from 10 s to 60 min) can be exported in CSV format. When equipped with the optional programmable controller (up to 30 segments, 999 cycles), users define ramp-hold-cool profiles for accelerated stability studies per ICH Q1A(R3). All logged data includes operator ID, event timestamps, and system status flags—supporting ALCOA+ principles (Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, Accurate, Complete, Consistent, Enduring, Available).

Applications

• Biobanking: Long-term storage of human serum, plasma, and monoclonal antibody formulations at −20 °C under monitored conditions.
• Vaccine logistics: Stability assessment of lyophilized or liquid vaccines across WHO-recommended cold chain thresholds (2–8 °C, −15 to −25 °C).
• Microbial physiology: Cultivation of cold-tolerant strains (e.g., Pseudomonas fluorescens, Yersinia enterocolitica) under controlled sub-zero growth conditions.
• Material science: Thermal aging tests of polymer-based medical devices per ISO 10993-12 protocols.
• Pharmaceutical QC: Storage and conditioning of reference standards and working solutions prior to HPLC or dissolution analysis.
• Environmental simulation: Replication of temperate winter conditions for ecotoxicology assays involving aquatic invertebrates or soil mesocosms.

FAQ

What is the minimum operating temperature of the LRH-500AL?

The unit achieves and maintains −20 °C continuously under standard ambient conditions (20 °C, 50% RH); it is not rated for −40 °C operation—models designated “CL” are required for that range.
Does the incubator support 21 CFR Part 11-compliant electronic records?

Yes—when configured with the optional USB/RS485 module and validated third-party software, full audit trails, user authentication, and electronic signatures are achievable.
Can the interior shelves be removed for cleaning or reconfiguration?

All stainless-steel shelves are fully removable and autoclavable; load-bearing rails remain fixed to preserve airflow calibration.
Is external calibration verification supported?

The unit features a dedicated 25 mm test port for insertion of NIST-traceable reference probes during IQ/OQ/PQ qualification.
What power supply configuration is required for continuous −20 °C operation?

A dedicated 220 V AC, 50 Hz circuit with ≥20 A breaker capacity is mandatory; voltage fluctuation must remain within ±10% to ensure compressor longevity and thermal stability.