YiHeng LRH-70F Biochemical Incubator
| Brand | YiHeng |
|---|---|
| Origin | Shanghai, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Direct Manufacturer |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Model | LRH-70F |
| Heating Method | Air-jacketed |
| Cooling Method | Compressor-based |
| Air Circulation | Natural Convection |
| Temperature Range | 0–60 °C |
| Temperature Fluctuation | ±0.5 °C (at high temp), ±1.0 °C (at low temp) |
| Temperature Uniformity | ±1.5 °C (measured at 25 °C) |
| Interior Dimensions (W×D×H) | 400 × 350 × 500 mm |
| External Dimensions (W×D×H) | 530 × 560 × 1080 mm |
Overview
The YiHeng LRH-70F Biochemical Incubator is an air-jacketed, compressor-cooled environmental chamber engineered for stable, energy-efficient temperature control in life science laboratories. Designed for routine microbiological culture, enzyme activity assays, biochemical reaction monitoring, and long-term sample storage under non-humidified conditions, it operates on the principle of passive thermal equilibrium—leveraging high-density polyurethane foam insulation and precision PID-regulated heating/cooling cycles to maintain setpoint stability across its 0–60 °C operating range. Unlike forced-air incubators, its natural convection architecture eliminates mechanical airflow-induced evaporation or vibration artifacts, making it especially suitable for static cultures, agar-based plates, and sensitive enzymatic preparations where uniform thermal exposure—not dynamic mixing—is critical.
Key Features
- Mirror-finish stainless steel interior with radius-rounded corners and adjustable shelving for enhanced cleanability and spatial flexibility;
- High-efficiency hermetic compressor system using R134a refrigerant, compliant with international ozone-safety standards (Montreal Protocol Annex A, Group II);
- Monolithic polyurethane foam insulation (≥80 mm thickness) applied via continuous foaming process—improves thermal retention by >25% versus segmented insulation designs;
- Microprocessor-based PID temperature controller with ±0.1 °C setpoint resolution, programmable timer (up to 999 hours), and real-time deviation alarm;
- Three-stage manual fan speed selector (off / low / medium) to minimize convective drying during extended incubation periods;
- Dual-limit safety system: independent mechanical high-temperature cutoff (adjustable up to 70 °C) plus electronic over-temperature lockout with audible/visual alert;
- Backlit LCD interface with intuitive menu navigation; supports English-language firmware (v3.2+);
- Optional RS485 serial interface (Modbus RTU protocol) and analog printer output (0–5 V DC) for external data logging and audit trail generation.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The LRH-70F accommodates standard Petri dishes (up to 150 mm diameter), multi-well plates (6–96-well), glass culture tubes, and Erlenmeyer flasks (≤500 mL) on three adjustable stainless steel shelves. Its non-humidified operation meets ISO 13408-1:2018 requirements for dry incubation environments used in sterility testing preparation and reference material conditioning. While not certified for GMP manufacturing environments per FDA 21 CFR Part 11, the optional RS485 interface enables integration into validated laboratory information management systems (LIMS) when paired with compliant data acquisition software supporting electronic signature and audit trail functions. All electrical components conform to IEC 61010-1:2010 safety standards for laboratory equipment.
Software & Data Management
The incubator does not include embedded data storage but provides deterministic analog and digital outputs for external recording. The RS485 port transmits real-time temperature readings (±0.3 °C accuracy), setpoint, and status flags (e.g., heater active, compressor active, alarm triggered) at user-defined intervals (1–600 seconds). When connected to a PC running third-party SCADA or LabVIEW-based acquisition software, time-stamped datasets can be archived in CSV or TDMS format—supporting GLP-compliant record retention for up to 12 months. Optional thermal printer output delivers hard-copy logs traceable to NIST-traceable calibration certificates (available upon request).
Applications
- Standardized bacterial and fungal cultivation (e.g., Escherichia coli, Aspergillus niger) per ISO 8583 and USP <61>;
- Enzyme kinetics studies requiring isothermal conditions without agitation-induced denaturation;
- Stability testing of pharmaceutical excipients and diagnostic reagents under accelerated temperature protocols (ICH Q1A);
- Pre-incubation of immunological assay components prior to ELISA or lateral flow strip assembly;
- Environmental simulation for biodegradability screening (OECD 301 series) using non-aerated test vessels;
- Quality control of industrial fermentation starters in food and beverage production facilities.
FAQ
Is humidity control available on the LRH-70F model?
No—this model is specifically designed as a non-humidified biochemical incubator. For applications requiring controlled relative humidity, consider the YiHeng MJ series or LRH-70F-H variant (humidification option, sold separately).
What is the maximum load capacity per shelf?
Each stainless steel shelf supports up to 15 kg evenly distributed load. Total internal volume is 70 L; usable volume decreases by ~12% when all three shelves are installed.
Can the incubator be validated for IQ/OQ/PQ protocols?
Yes—its stable thermal performance, documented calibration traceability, and RS485 data output enable full qualification per ASTM E2500-13 and EU Annex 15 guidelines when performed by qualified third-party service providers.
Does the unit comply with electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) directives?
Yes—certified to EN 61326-1:2013 for laboratory equipment emission and immunity, including surge protection per IEC 61000-4-5 (2 kV line-to-earth).
What maintenance is required for long-term reliability?
Compressor oil level inspection every 24 months; condenser coil cleaning every 6 months in dust-prone environments; annual verification of temperature sensor drift against a calibrated reference probe (e.g., Fluke 1523).
