WTW TS 608/2-i Electric Constant Temperature Incubator

Overview

The WTW TS 608/2-i is a precision-engineered electric constant temperature incubator designed for reliable, stable thermal environments in microbiological, biochemical, and environmental testing laboratories. Built to German engineering standards and manufactured in Germany, this forced-convection incubator employs digital PID control architecture to maintain consistent chamber conditions across its full 10 °C to 40 °C operating range — ideal for BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand) analysis, microbial growth studies, enzyme activity assays, and standard incubation protocols per ISO 5815-1, ASTM D5210, and EN 1899-1. Its robust stainless-steel interior, double-glazed tempered glass door, and energy-efficient R-600a refrigeration system ensure long-term operational stability, low thermal inertia, and minimal condensation—critical for extended unattended runs and GLP-compliant workflows.

Key Features

• Forced-air convection system with rear-mounted fan and optimized airflow ducting ensures uniform temperature distribution (±0.5 °C) throughout the 180 L chamber.
• Digital PID controller with intuitive front-panel interface provides real-time temperature display, programmable setpoint adjustment (1 °C increments), and automatic deviation compensation.
• Double-layer insulated chamber with high-density polyurethane foam (≥50 mm thickness) and low-emissivity inner walls minimizes thermal loss and enhances energy efficiency (rated at 200 W max power draw).
• Tempered glass observation door enables non-intrusive sample monitoring without compromising thermal integrity or introducing ambient air fluctuations.
• R-600a refrigerant system delivers rapid cooling response and stable sub-ambient capability down to 10 °C — compatible with BOD incubation requirements under ISO 5815-1 and USP <643>.
• Stainless-steel interior (AISI 304) with rounded corners and seamless welds facilitates cleaning, prevents microbial harborage, and resists corrosion from humid or saline test environments.
• Integrated safety features include overtemperature cut-off, door-open alarm, and audible/visual fault indicators compliant with IEC 61010-1 safety standards.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The TS 608/2-i accommodates standard BOD bottles (6–12 per rack), Petri dishes, culture flasks, and multi-well plates. Its internal configuration supports up to two independent BOD measurement systems simultaneously, making it suitable for parallel wastewater oxygen demand testing per EPA Method 405.1 and ISO 5815-2. The unit meets CE marking requirements and conforms to key international standards including ISO/IEC 17025 for laboratory equipment validation, EN 61000-6-3 (EMC emission compliance), and RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU. Optional IQ/OQ documentation packages are available to support GxP validation in regulated pharmaceutical and environmental testing labs.

Software & Data Management

While the TS 608/2-i operates as a standalone instrument with local PID control, it includes analog output (0–10 V) and digital RS-485 interface (Modbus RTU protocol) for integration into centralized lab monitoring systems (e.g., LabVantage, Siemens Desigo, or custom SCADA platforms). Logged temperature data can be exported via external dataloggers compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when paired with audit-trail-enabled software. WTW’s optional TSC-Connect module enables remote parameter adjustment, real-time trend visualization, and alarm notification via Ethernet — supporting continuous monitoring in ISO 17025-accredited facilities.

Applications

• Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) determination in municipal and industrial wastewater samples.
• Microbial enumeration (e.g., coliforms, heterotrophic plate count) per APHA Standard Methods 9215 and ISO 4833-1.
• Enzyme kinetics and stability studies requiring tightly controlled thermal environments.
• Seed germination and plant tissue culture pre-incubation under standardized conditions (ISTA guidelines).
• Quality control incubation for pharmaceutical raw materials and excipients (USP <1151>).
• Environmental simulation for ecotoxicology testing (OECD 209, ISO 11348).

FAQ

Does the TS 608/2-i support GLP-compliant data recording?
Yes — when interfaced with validated third-party data acquisition systems featuring electronic signatures, audit trails, and secure user access controls, the unit satisfies core GLP data integrity requirements.
What is the recommended calibration interval for this incubator?
WTW recommends annual calibration using NIST-traceable reference probes; verification checks should be performed before each critical BOD test series per ISO/IEC 17025 Clause 6.4.
Can the unit operate continuously at 10 °C in a 30 °C ambient lab?
Yes — the R-600a refrigeration system and thermal insulation design allow stable operation within specified ambient limits (10–32 °C), provided adequate ventilation clearance (≥10 cm on all sides) is maintained.
Is the interior volume fully usable for stacking standard 125-mL BOD bottles?
Yes — the 702 × 513 × 441 mm internal dimensions accommodate four standard racks (each holding six 125-mL BOD bottles), totaling 24 bottles per run with full airflow clearance.
Does WTW provide factory-issued IQ/OQ protocols for this model?
Yes — validated installation and operational qualification templates are available upon request and may be customized to site-specific SOPs and regulatory expectations (e.g., EU Annex 15, FDA Guidance for Industry).