Eppendorf S Series 48S CO2 Incubator - Manual (Page 9)

9
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 S CO
2
incubator is microprocessor controlled and designed to ensure accurate
and reliable operation. The incubator incorporates a simple, door-mounted touch-sensitive
keypad with two individual three-digit LED displays that allow for easy programming and
monitoring of the chamber conditions.
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. 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 recovery of RH conditions in the chamber.
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
powder-painted steel for a durable finish.