Thermo Scientific Heratherm IMH400-S / IMH750-S Large-Capacity High-Safety Biochemical Incubator
| Brand | Thermo Fisher Scientific |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA |
| Manufacturer | Thermo Fisher Scientific |
| Product Category | Imported Instrument |
| Model | Heratherm IMH400-S / IMH750-S |
| Convection Type | Forced-air (mechanical) |
| Temperature Range | RT + 5°C to 105°C |
| Temperature Uniformity | ±0.2°C (IMH400-S) / ±0.3°C (IMH750-S) at 37°C |
| Temperature Stability | ±0.2°C at 37°C |
| Chamber Volume | 381 L (IMH400-S) / 702 L (IMH750-S) |
| Internal Dimensions (W×H×D) | 544×1335×524 mm / 1004×1335×524 mm |
| External Dimensions (W×H×D) | 778×1545×770 mm / 1261×1545×770 mm |
| Shelving | 2 standard / up to 39 stainless-steel shelves |
| Max Shelf Load | 30 kg per shelf |
| Power Supply | 230 V, 50 Hz |
| Power Consumption (at 37°C) | 87 W / 149 W |
| Weight | 144 kg / 205 kg |
| Sterilization Mode | 140°C dry-heat cycle (6 h, validated for microbial reduction) |
| Safety Features | Dual-stage temperature alarm (high/low), door-open audible alert, independent overtemperature cut-off |
Overview
The Thermo Scientific Heratherm IMH400-S and IMH750-S are large-capacity, high-safety biochemical incubators engineered for demanding life science laboratories requiring precise, reproducible, and contamination-controlled environmental conditions. These units operate on forced-air (mechanical convection) architecture, delivering exceptional thermal uniformity and stability across their expansive chambers—critical for long-term microbial cultivation, enzyme assays, cell line maintenance, and stability testing under ISO 13485 or GLP-compliant workflows. With a temperature range spanning from ambient +5°C to 105°C, the incubators support not only standard microbiological growth but also low-moisture applications such as desiccation studies or pre-drying protocols. The dual-speed fan system allows users to select between low-speed operation—minimizing evaporative loss during sensitive culture periods—and high-speed mode—ensuring rapid equilibration and superior spatial homogeneity (±0.2°C at 37°C in the IMH400-S; ±0.3°C in the IMH750-S). All models feature a rear-mounted test port (standard), enabling seamless integration with external sensors, data loggers, or gas monitoring systems without compromising chamber integrity.
Key Features
- Robust mechanical convection system optimized for uniform heat distribution across large-volume chambers (381 L and 702 L)
- Dual-speed fan control: programmable low-speed mode reduces sample desiccation; high-speed mode enhances thermal response and stability
- Comprehensive safety architecture including independent overtemperature cut-off, low-temperature deviation alarm, and audible door-open alert
- Validated 140°C dry-heat sterilization cycle (6-hour duration), certified by third-party microbiological testing institutions for ≥6-log reduction of common biocontaminants (e.g., Bacillus stearothermophilus spores)
- Electropolished stainless-steel interior chamber resistant to corrosion, chemical exposure, and microbial adhesion—facilitating compliance with cleaning validation requirements
- Lockable casters with load-rated design (144–205 kg) enable secure repositioning and stable placement on laboratory flooring
- Precision digital timer with programmable start/stop functions supports unattended overnight or multi-day incubation protocols
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The Heratherm IMH series accommodates diverse sample formats—including stacked Petri dishes, multi-well plates, flasks, roller bottles, and custom bioreactor vessels—thanks to its vertical height (1335 mm) and configurable shelving (up to 39 stainless-steel shelves, each rated for 30 kg). The chamber’s smooth-welded corners and seamless interior surfaces meet stringent hygiene standards for pharmaceutical QC labs operating under FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and EU Annex 11 guidelines. Optional humidity control modules (sold separately) can be integrated for applications requiring defined RH profiles. All units comply with IEC 61010-1 (safety of laboratory equipment) and carry CE marking for use in EEA-regulated environments. Documentation packages include Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) reports, IQ/OQ templates, and calibration certificates traceable to NIST standards.
Software & Data Management
While the Heratherm IMH series operates via an intuitive front-panel interface with real-time display of setpoint, actual temperature, elapsed time, and alarm status, it is fully compatible with Thermo Fisher’s optional Thermo Fisher Connect™ platform. This cloud-enabled ecosystem enables remote monitoring, event-based notifications (SMS/email), and secure audit-trail generation—including user login history, parameter changes, and alarm acknowledgments—supporting 21 CFR Part 11 electronic record requirements. Data export is supported via USB flash drive (CSV format) or Ethernet connection to local LIMS or ELN systems. Optional RS-485 or Modbus TCP interfaces allow integration into centralized building management systems (BMS) for facility-wide environmental monitoring.
Applications
- Microbial growth kinetics and strain preservation (e.g., E. coli, S. aureus, fungal isolates)
- Environmental stress testing of biologics and excipients per ICH Q1A(R2)
- Stability-indicating assays for raw materials and finished pharmaceutical products
- Enzyme activity profiling under controlled thermal conditions
- Cell culture pre-incubation and hybridoma expansion prior to bioreactor transfer
- Validation of sterilization processes and depyrogenation cycles
- Academic research in synthetic biology, fermentation optimization, and antimicrobial resistance screening
FAQ
What is the difference between the IMH400-S and IMH750-S models?
The primary distinction lies in chamber volume (381 L vs. 702 L), external footprint, and corresponding thermal performance specifications—particularly temperature uniformity (±0.2°C vs. ±0.3°C at 37°C) and power consumption (87 W vs. 149 W at steady-state 37°C). Both share identical control logic, safety architecture, and sterilization capability.
Can the incubator be used for CO₂-sensitive applications?
No—these are non-CO₂ models. For CO₂-dependent cultures (e.g., mammalian cells), Thermo Scientific offers dedicated CO₂ incubator lines (e.g., Forma™ series) with integrated gas regulation and humidity control.
Is the 140°C sterilization cycle validated per ISO 14644 or ISO 11138?
The 140°C dry-heat cycle is validated per ISO 11138-3 for biological indicators using Geobacillus stearothermophilus, with full validation documentation available upon request. It is not designed for cleanroom classification (ISO 14644) but rather for decontamination of internal chamber surfaces.
Are calibration services included with purchase?
Factory calibration is performed prior to shipment. On-site IQ/OQ qualification and annual recalibration services are available through Thermo Fisher Certified Service Engineers, with certificates traceable to national metrology institutes.
Does the unit support password-protected parameter locking?
Yes—the control interface supports multi-level user access (Operator, Supervisor, Administrator) with configurable password protection for critical parameters including temperature setpoint, sterilization activation, and alarm thresholds.
