Tri-Gas CO2 Incubator 80L 160L
80L tri-gas CO2 incubator with infrared CO2 sensing, PT100 temperature control, and 90°C moist heat sterilization for precise cell culture environmental control.
Louise Corscadden, PhD
Director of Science · ConductScience
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Key Specifications
Full details →- Model fit
- Configured during quote
- SKU family
- BIO-0183
- Sizing
- 50.5 x 41.0 x 38.7 cm
- Ordering
- Online checkout and quote request available
- Category
- Laboratory Incubators
- Build notes
- Confirm accessories, station layout, and support needs before purchase
The Tri-Gas CO2 Incubator 80L provides precise environmental control for cell culture applications requiring regulated temperature, CO2 concentration, and humidity. This air-jacket design incubator features infrared CO2 sensing with calibration certificate, PT100 temperature sensing, and 90°C moist heat sterilization capability. The 7-inch touch screen interface enables intuitive parameter control and monitoring for extended culture periods up to 999 hours or continuous operation.
Temperature uniformity of ±0.5°C at 37°C and CO2 uniformity of 0.2vol% support consistent culture conditions across the 80L chamber volume. The tri-gas configuration accommodates applications requiring precise atmospheric control beyond standard CO2/air mixtures, making this incubator suitable for specialized cell culture protocols and research applications requiring controlled gas environments.
How It Works
The incubator maintains environmental control through three primary systems: temperature regulation via air-jacket heating with PT100 sensor feedback, CO2 concentration control using infrared absorption spectroscopy, and tri-gas mixing capability for specialized atmospheric compositions. The air-jacket design provides uniform heat distribution around the chamber walls, minimizing temperature gradients that could affect culture growth.
CO2 sensing operates on the principle of infrared absorption at 4.26 μm wavelength, where CO2 molecules exhibit characteristic absorption. The infrared sensor continuously monitors gas concentration and adjusts CO2 injection to maintain setpoint levels with 0.1vol% resolution. The tri-gas system allows introduction of nitrogen or other gases to create controlled atmospheric conditions beyond standard air/CO2 mixtures.
Sterilization utilizes moist heat at 90°C, which denatures proteins and destroys vegetative microorganisms while maintaining chamber integrity. This temperature-based sterilization eliminates the need for chemical agents that might leave residues affecting sensitive cell cultures.
Features & Benefits
Automation Level
- semi-automated
Type
- Tri-gas series, air jacket
Sterilization Type
- 90℃ moist heat sterilization
Temp. Sensor
- PT100
Temp. Range
- RT+5~60℃
Temp. Fluctuation
- ±0.3℃(@37℃)
Temp. Uniformity
- ±0.5℃(@37℃)
Temp. Precision
- 0.1℃
Timing Range
- 0~999h or continuous
CO2 Control
- IR infrared sensor with calibration certificate
CO2 Range
- 0~20vol%
CO2 Uniformity
- 0.2vol%
CO2 Control Resolution
- 0.1vol%
Brand
- ConductScience
Research Domain
- Cancer Research
- Cell Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Pharmaceutical QC
Capacity
- 80L
Display Type
- 7-inch touch screen
Weight
- 65.0 kg
Dimensions
- L: 50.5 mm
- W: 41.0 mm
- H: 38.7 mm
| Feature | This Product | Typical Alternative | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| CO2 Sensing Method | Infrared sensor with calibration certificate | Entry-level models often use thermal conductivity sensors without calibration documentation | Infrared sensing provides higher accuracy and stability for critical culture applications requiring documented performance. |
| Temperature Control System | Air-jacket design with PT100 sensor | Basic models may use direct heating elements with standard thermistors | Air-jacket heating delivers superior temperature uniformity essential for consistent culture growth across the chamber. |
| Atmospheric Control Range | Tri-gas capability with 0-20vol% CO2 range | Standard incubators typically limited to CO2/air mixtures | Tri-gas flexibility accommodates specialized research requiring controlled oxygen levels or anaerobic conditions. |
| User Interface | 7-inch touch screen display | Basic models often feature simple LED displays with button controls | Touch screen interface simplifies parameter adjustment and provides clear real-time monitoring of culture conditions. |
| Sterilization Method | 90°C moist heat sterilization | Some models rely on UV sterilization or chemical methods | Thermal sterilization provides thorough decontamination without chemical residues that might affect sensitive cell cultures. |
| CO2 Control Resolution | 0.1vol% resolution with 0.2vol% uniformity | Basic units may offer 0.5vol% or 1.0vol% control increments | Fine resolution enables precise atmospheric tuning for cell lines requiring specific CO2 concentrations. |
This tri-gas incubator offers infrared CO2 sensing with calibration certification, air-jacket temperature control, and expanded atmospheric capabilities. The combination of precise environmental control and specialized gas mixing makes it suitable for research applications requiring conditions beyond standard CO2/air atmospheres.
Practical Tips
Perform CO2 sensor calibration verification monthly using certified gas standards and document results for regulatory compliance.
Why: Regular verification ensures measurement accuracy and maintains traceability to national standards.
Replace humidity water pan contents weekly with sterile distilled water to prevent mineral buildup and contamination.
Why: Fresh water maintains proper humidity levels and reduces risk of introducing contaminants to culture environment.
Allow 2-hour equilibration time after parameter changes before introducing cultures to ensure stable conditions.
Why: Thermal and atmospheric equilibration prevents culture shock from environmental fluctuations during setup.
If CO2 levels drift, check gas supply pressure and connections before assuming sensor malfunction.
Why: Supply line issues are more common than sensor failure and can be quickly resolved without service calls.
Record ambient laboratory temperature and humidity when documenting incubator performance for complete environmental context.
Why: Ambient conditions affect incubator performance and provide valuable troubleshooting information if issues arise.
Install CO2 monitors in laboratory areas when using high-concentration CO2 applications to detect potential leaks.
Why: CO2 accumulation in enclosed spaces presents asphyxiation risks requiring environmental monitoring for personnel safety.
Arrange culture vessels to allow air circulation around containers and avoid blocking temperature sensors.
Why: Proper air circulation maintains temperature uniformity and prevents localized heating that could affect culture growth.
Schedule monthly sterilization cycles during low-usage periods to maintain chamber cleanliness without disrupting ongoing experiments.
Why: Regular sterilization prevents contamination buildup while timing minimizes impact on research schedules.
Setup Guide
What’s in the Box
- Tri-Gas CO2 Incubator main unit (typical)
- Power cord (typical)
- Water pan for humidity control (typical)
- CO2 sensor calibration certificate
- User manual and documentation (typical)
- Shelf supports and culture shelves (typical)
Warranty
ConductScience provides a standard one-year manufacturer warranty covering parts and labor, with technical support available for setup, calibration, and troubleshooting assistance.
Compliance
What is the CO2 recovery time after door opening?
Consult product datasheet for specific recovery time specifications. Air-jacket design and infrared sensing provide rapid response, but exact recovery time depends on door opening duration and ambient conditions.
Can this incubator accommodate tri-gas mixtures with nitrogen or oxygen?
Yes, the tri-gas design supports specialized atmospheric compositions beyond standard CO2/air mixtures. Consult technical documentation for specific gas compatibility and mixing ratios.
How often should CO2 sensor calibration be performed?
Calibration frequency depends on usage intensity and regulatory requirements. The included calibration certificate provides baseline reference values. Many laboratories perform quarterly calibration verification.
What shelf configurations are available for the 80L chamber?
Consult product datasheet for specific shelf dimensions and maximum loading capacity. Standard configurations typically accommodate multiple shelf levels for culture vessels.
Does the incubator provide data logging capabilities?
The 7-inch touch screen provides parameter display and control. Consult technical specifications for data recording and export capabilities.
What maintenance procedures are required for optimal performance?
Regular maintenance includes water pan cleaning, CO2 sensor calibration verification, and periodic sterilization cycles. Specific maintenance intervals are detailed in the user manual.
Can the incubator operate continuously without timing limits?
Yes, the timing range includes continuous operation mode in addition to programmable periods up to 999 hours for extended culture applications.
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