Zhongwei ZWY-C211C Horizontal Orbital Programmable Incubator Shaker with Temperature and Humidity Control

Overview

The Zhongwei ZWY-C211C is a horizontally configured orbital incubator shaker engineered for precision-controlled, long-duration biological culture under dynamically regulated temperature and relative humidity. It employs a PID-driven microprocessor control system with environmental scanning capability to maintain stable thermal and hygroscopic conditions across the entire 256 L working chamber—critical for sensitive applications such as microbial fermentation, mammalian cell expansion, enzyme kinetics, and hybridization assays where evaporation-induced concentration drift or condensation-induced contamination must be rigorously avoided. Unlike vertical shakers, its horizontal orientation minimizes shear stress on suspension cultures while maximizing surface-area-to-volume ratio for uniform heat/mass transfer. The unit integrates air-cooled refrigeration (R134a) and a patented built-in humidifier, enabling simultaneous active cooling, heating, and moisture delivery without frost accumulation or water pooling—ensuring reproducible environmental setpoints from 4 °C to 60 °C and 45–90 %RH.

Key Features

• Orbital motion with Φ26 mm amplitude and speed range of 30–300 rpm (±1 rpm accuracy), driven by brushless AC induction motor for maintenance-free, constant-torque operation across full speed spectrum
• 6-segment × 12-step programmable curve control supporting ramp-and-soak profiles—including temperature/humidity stepping, cyclic oscillation, and multi-stage incubation protocols
• Backlit LCD interface displaying real-time values for temperature, humidity, speed, elapsed time, and alarm status; supports calibration offset adjustment for both thermal and hygrometric sensors
• Comprehensive safety architecture: dual redundant overtemperature cutoffs (fixed and user-adjustable), independent over-speed and low-water-level detection, leakage current interruption, compressor overload protection, and sensor failure diagnostics
• Frost-free refrigeration system with intelligent power modulation ensures stable sub-ambient operation without manual defrost cycles or condensate management
• Electro-polished stainless steel interior, tempered glass observation window, and powder-coated steel enclosure provide corrosion resistance and structural integrity for GLP-compliant lab environments
• Auto-recovery function restores pre-interruption operating parameters following power loss—essential for unattended overnight or multi-day experiments

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The ZWY-C211C accommodates standard laboratory vessels—including Erlenmeyer flasks (up to 5 L), culture bottles, multi-well plates, and roller bottles—on its 920 × 500 mm electro-polished stainless steel platform. Its uniform airflow design (forced convection) and calibrated humidity distribution ensure consistent microenvironmental conditions across all sample positions, meeting requirements for ISO 13485-aligned bioprocess development and USP recommendations for container closure integrity testing under controlled humidity. While not certified to IEC 61010-1 or FDA 21 CFR Part 11 out-of-the-box, the RS-232 interface enables integration with validated LIMS or ELN systems supporting audit-trail generation, electronic signatures, and data integrity controls required under GxP frameworks. All safety circuits comply with GB 4793.1–2019 (equivalent to IEC 61010-1:2010).

Software & Data Management

Data logging and protocol execution are managed via embedded firmware—not external PC software—ensuring deterministic timing and immunity to host-system interruptions. The integrated thermal printer provides hard-copy output of setpoints, real-time readings, alarms, and timestamped event logs—supporting ALCOA+ principles (Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, Accurate) for regulatory documentation. RS-232 connectivity permits bidirectional communication with laboratory information systems for automated data ingestion, remote parameter configuration, and centralized alarm monitoring. Parameter encryption and password-protected access prevent unauthorized modification of critical settings, aligning with Annex 11 and EU GMP Chapter 4 expectations for instrument security.

Applications

This incubator shaker serves core workflows in academic research, pharmaceutical process development, and clinical diagnostics laboratories. Typical use cases include aerobic bacterial culture (e.g., E. coli, Bacillus spp.) under defined humidity to prevent media desiccation; yeast and filamentous fungal fermentation requiring precise oxygen transfer and moisture retention; suspension-based monoclonal antibody production in CHO cells; DNA hybridization and probe binding assays sensitive to ambient RH fluctuations; and stability studies of biologics under ICH Q1A(Q5) accelerated conditions. Its wide temperature-humidity-speed envelope also supports ASTM D5517-19 (microbial growth on materials) and ISO 8513-2016 (humidity-controlled incubation for corrosion testing) methodologies.

FAQ

Does the ZWY-C211C support CO₂ control?
No—this model (ZWY-C211C) is specifically configured for temperature and humidity regulation only. CO₂ functionality is available in the ZWY-D series variants.
Is the humidification system self-contained and maintenance-free?
Yes—the integrated micro-humidifier uses a sealed reservoir with automatic refill and low-water detection; no external water supply or periodic wick replacement is required.
Can the unit operate continuously at 4 °C with 90 %RH?
Yes—its air-cooled refrigeration and adaptive humidification enable simultaneous low-temperature, high-humidity operation without condensation buildup inside the chamber.
What is the maximum flask size supported on the single-tier platform?
Standard mounting accommodates up to five 2 L Erlenmeyer flasks or two 5 L flasks using optional spring-loaded clamps; custom tray configurations are available upon request.
Is validation documentation (IQ/OQ/PQ) provided with the instrument?
Factory-generated test reports (including temperature/humidity uniformity mapping and speed verification) are included; full GxP-compliant qualification packages can be commissioned separately through authorized service partners.