ZiQi SPX-150 Biochemical Incubator

Overview

The ZiQi SPX-150 Biochemical Incubator is a precision-engineered, microprocessor-controlled environmental chamber designed for stable, long-term cultivation and storage of biological samples under tightly regulated thermal conditions. Operating on the principle of forced-air convection with compressor-based refrigeration (R134a), it maintains consistent temperature distribution across its 150 L working volume—critical for reproducible microbial growth, enzymatic assays, BOD testing, and plant tissue culture. Its temperature control architecture integrates dual-sensor feedback, real-time PID regulation, and automatic fan-speed modulation to minimize thermal gradients and prevent sample desiccation. The unit complies with fundamental operational requirements for GLP-compliant laboratories and meets baseline thermal stability criteria referenced in ISO 15190:2020 (Laboratory medicine — Requirements for safety) and ASTM E171–22 (Standard Specification for Standard Atmospheres for Conditioning and Testing).

Key Features

• Mirror-finish stainless steel interior with seamless, radius-rounded corners—resistant to corrosion and compatible with common laboratory disinfectants (e.g., 70% ethanol, 1% sodium hypochlorite); facilitates rapid cleaning and reduces biofilm retention.
• Microprocessor-based temperature controller with LED display showing setpoint, actual chamber temperature, elapsed time, and system status; includes programmable over-temperature cutoff (optional independent safety thermostat) and power-loss memory function.
• Intelligent fan speed regulation dynamically adjusts airflow velocity based on thermal load and setpoint deviation—reducing turbulence-induced evaporation from open Petri dishes or liquid cultures while preserving uniform heat transfer.
• Energy-efficient R134a refrigerant system using an internationally certified hermetic compressor; optimized for low acoustic emission (15,000 operating hours under nominal load).
• Modular shelving system with adjustable height spacing (standard configuration: 3 removable shelves); load capacity per shelf: ≤15 kg; maximum total payload: 45 kg.
• Optional RS485 serial interface (Modbus RTU protocol) enables integration into centralized lab monitoring systems; optional thermal printer support provides timestamped hardcopy logs compliant with internal audit requirements.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The SPX-150 accommodates standard microbiological vessels—including Petri dishes (90 mm and 150 mm), test tubes (13 × 100 mm, 16 × 150 mm), flasks (Erlenmeyer, 250–1000 mL), and multiwell plates (6–96-well)—without obstruction or airflow shadowing. Its validated temperature uniformity (±1.0 °C across all zones per IEC 61000-4-3 radiated immunity testing methodology) ensures compliance with USP (General Information on Stability Testing) for preliminary stability screening and CLSI M22-A3 (Methods for Dilution Antimicrobial Susceptibility Tests for Bacteria That Grow Aerobically) incubation protocols. While not certified to UL 61010-1 or EN 61010-1 out-of-the-box, the unit’s electrical design conforms to Class I protection principles and incorporates reinforced insulation, double-pole switching, and earth leakage detection circuitry.

Software & Data Management

The embedded controller supports local data logging (up to 30 days of 1-minute interval temperature records) with auto-cycling buffer overwrite. When equipped with the RS485 module, the incubator interfaces seamlessly with third-party SCADA platforms (e.g., LabVIEW, Ignition, or custom Python-based acquisition tools) via ASCII command sets. Logged parameters include chamber temperature, setpoint, alarm events (e.g., door-open duration >30 s, overtemp trigger), and compressor duty cycle. All timestamped records are exportable as CSV files; no proprietary software license is required. For regulated environments, optional firmware upgrade adds FDA 21 CFR Part 11-compliant electronic signature capability and full audit trail functionality—including user login history, parameter change logs, and event timestamps with millisecond resolution.

Applications

• Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD₅) analysis per APHA Standard Methods 5210B and ISO 5815-1:2019.
• Cultivation and maintenance of mesophilic bacteria (e.g., E. coli, S. aureus), yeasts (e.g., S. cerevisiae), and filamentous fungi (e.g., A. niger) at defined physiological temperatures (20–37 °C).
• Seed germination studies and early-stage plant tissue culture under controlled photoperiod-independent thermal regimes.
• Storage of reference standards, calibration strains, and quality control materials requiring stable sub-ambient or ambient-equivalent conditions (e.g., 4 °C, 25 °C, 30 °C).
• Environmental simulation for aquatic toxicology testing where temperature consistency directly influences metabolic rate and endpoint interpretation (OECD 201, 210).

FAQ

What is the recommended calibration frequency for the SPX-150?
Annual calibration using NIST-traceable thermistors or PT100 probes is advised for GLP/GMP applications; internal sensor verification can be performed quarterly using a calibrated handheld thermometer placed at geometric center and three corner locations.
Can the SPX-150 operate continuously at 4 °C?
Yes—the compressor system is rated for continuous operation across the full 0–60 °C range, including sustained sub-ambient conditions, provided ambient room temperature remains between +5 °C and +30 °C and relative humidity does not exceed 80% RH.
Is the interior lighting UV-capable?
No—standard units do not include UV-emitting lamps; however, optional LED white-light illumination modules (3000 K CCT, CRI >80) can be factory-installed for visual inspection without thermal interference.
Does the unit meet CE marking requirements?
The SPX-150 complies with EMC Directive 2014/30/EU and Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU when supplied with CE-declared power supply and safety documentation; final CE conformity assessment remains the responsibility of the EU-based importer or authorized representative.
What maintenance intervals are specified for the compressor and fan assembly?
Compressor oil and refrigerant integrity require verification every 24 months; fan motor bearings are sealed-for-life but should be inspected annually for dust accumulation and rotational smoothness.