Eppendorf R Series 48R CO2 Incubator - Manual (Page 11)

11
New Brunswick Scientific User’s Guide
1 1 I I
N N T T R R O O D D U U C C T T I I O O N N
The Galaxy 48 R CO
2
incubator is microprocessor controlled and designed to ensure accurate
and reliable operation. The incubator incorporates a large, back-lit LCD display, touch-
sensitive keypad and sophisticated control system that allows for easy programming, control
and monitoring of the chamber conditions. The display also provides for graphical viewing of
system data, on-screen messaging and help files to simplify operation and maintenance.
A direct heating system, utilizing a thermal heating element, completely surrounds the
incubator, providing an even temperature within the seamless chamber. The independently and
directly heated outer door is designed to ensure an even distribution of heat, thereby
eliminating condensation on the inner door. This system ensures a rapid, controlled return to
optimum chamber conditions after a door opening while also preventing any overshoot. The
incubator’s direct heat system provides for optimal use of laboratory space by allowing the
most efficient internal volume for the footprint of the instrument. A viewing window within
the door allows for sample viewing without disturbing chamber conditions.
A solid-state infrared sensor is used to control the level of CO
2
, providing excellent reliability
and remaining unaffected by humidity. The CO
2
system has a programmable automatic zero
system (AutoZero) to re-reference the sensor baseline to atmospheric CO
2
levels at regular
intervals. A small pump supplies HEPA-filtered atmospheric gas to the sensor. The chamber
atmosphere within the sensor is completely displaced, allowing the control system to
automatically reference the sensor, after which the pump is switched off, allowing the chamber
atmosphere to homogenize back into the sensor. This provides for accurate CO
2
control
without disturbing the chamber environment.
An independently controlled water tray at the bottom of the incubator allows a high, uniform
relative humidity while preventing condensation in other parts of the chamber. Perforated
shelves are provided as standard to facilitate a much faster recovery of RH conditions in the
chamber than with unperforated shelves.
The seamless 48-liter chamber and all internal components are manufactured from polished
stainless steel. The shelves (which are non-tip), shelf racks and humidity tray are easily
removed without tools for thorough cleaning and are capable of being sterilized. Air
circulation is achieved without the use of a fan, eliminating ductwork (a potential source of
contamination), simplifying cleaning, eliminating vibration, and reducing small sample
evaporation within the chamber. The outer shell of the incubator is manufactured from zinc-
plated stove enamelled steel to give a durable corrosion-resistant finish.