Thermo Scientific Heratherm IMP180/IMP400 Biochemical Incubator

Overview

The Thermo Scientific Heratherm IMP180 and IMP400 biochemical incubators are precision-engineered Peltier-based temperature-controlled environments designed for low-temperature applications requiring high stability, uniformity, and operational reliability. Unlike conventional compressor-driven systems, the Heratherm IMP series employs solid-state thermoelectric (Peltier) technology to deliver bidirectional temperature control — cooling and heating — without refrigerants, mechanical compressors, or associated vibration or noise. This architecture eliminates frost accumulation and defrost cycles, ensuring uninterrupted thermal continuity critical for sensitive biological samples. Engineered for laboratory-grade reproducibility, the incubators maintain setpoint accuracy within ±0.3 °C across the full operating range (+5 °C to +70 °C), with internal forced-air convection enabling ≤±0.5 °C temperature uniformity (measured at 37 °C per ISO 1539:2021). The IMP180 is a compact benchtop unit optimized for space-constrained environments, while the IMP400 offers expanded chamber volume and integrated castor wheels with locking brakes for flexible placement in shared or regulated lab spaces.

Key Features

• Peltier thermoelectric temperature control: Enables precise, vibration-free, low-noise operation with no refrigerant use or maintenance-intensive components
• Forced-air convection system: Ensures rapid temperature equilibration and spatial uniformity across the entire chamber volume
• Intuitive touchscreen interface: Supports programmable weekly/daily/time-of-day scheduling, real-time monitoring, and user-defined alarm thresholds
• Dual-glass observation door: Minimizes condensation via external heated door frame; interior tempered glass enables non-intrusive sample monitoring
• Configurable safety protocols: Adjustable over-temperature alarm with audible/visual alerts and optional relay output for external shutdown integration
• Modular connectivity: Standard RS232 serial port for external data logging (software not included); dedicated 6-mm chamber access port for third-party probe integration
• Regulatory-ready design: Compliant with IEC 61010-1 (safety) and IEC 61326-1 (EMC); supports IQ/OQ documentation packages for GLP, GMP, and ISO 17025 environments

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Heratherm IMP series accommodates standard microbiological and cell culture formats including Petri dishes, multi-well plates (6–96-well), flasks (T25–T225), and test tubes. Chamber interiors feature corrosion-resistant stainless steel construction and rounded corners to support routine cleaning and disinfection with ethanol, hydrogen peroxide vapor (HPV), or quaternary ammonium compounds. Units meet EN 61000-6-3 (emission) and EN 61000-6-2 (immunity) requirements, and are certified to UL/CSA 61010-1 for electrical safety. Optional factory-installed validation kits include calibrated NIST-traceable temperature sensors and pre-written IQ/OQ protocols aligned with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 data integrity expectations for audit trails and electronic signatures.

Software & Data Management

While the incubator operates autonomously via its embedded controller, the RS232 interface permits direct connection to a host PC for passive temperature data capture using third-party terminal emulators or custom LabVIEW/Python scripts. Data export is ASCII-formatted and timestamped at user-selectable intervals (1 s to 60 min). For regulated environments, Thermo Fisher provides validated IQ/OQ documentation packages that include installation checklists, operational test procedures, calibration records, and traceability matrices. All firmware versions are version-controlled and documented per ISO 13485 design history file (DHF) standards.

Applications

• Microbiological quality control in food, beverage, and personal care product manufacturing (per ISO 4833-1, AOAC 977.27, and USP <61>)
• Environmental water testing for coliforms and heterotrophic plate counts (HPC) per EPA Method 1603 and ISO 9308-1
• Cell line maintenance and low-temperature adaptation studies in academic and biopharmaceutical research
• Enzyme activity assays and protein stability profiling under controlled thermal conditions
• Stability testing of diagnostic reagents and reference standards in accordance with ICH Q5C guidelines

FAQ

Does the IMP series require external ventilation or exhaust ducting?

No — Peltier-based operation generates minimal heat load and requires only standard ambient airflow around the rear and side panels.
Can the incubator be validated for GxP compliance?

Yes — IQ/OQ documentation packages are available upon request and include traceable calibration certificates, test protocols, and evidence of compliance with 21 CFR Part 11 Annex 11 requirements.
Is remote monitoring supported via Ethernet or Wi-Fi?

Not natively — only RS232 is provided as standard; Ethernet or wireless capability requires third-party gateway integration.
What is the maximum permissible ambient temperature for continuous operation?

32 °C ambient, with relative humidity ≤70% non-condensing, per IEC 60068-2-1/2 environmental classification.
Are chamber shelves adjustable or removable?

Yes — all stainless-steel shelves are height-adjustable and fully removable for cleaning or custom fixture installation.