Binder BD 400 Standard Incubator with natural convection, 400 l, 9010-0073

Where several sets of samples need to be incubated simultaneously over extended periods, the Binder BD 400 Standard Incubator, with a 400-litre usable volume, offers sufficient space for the parallel preparation of numerous samples. The temperature range, from +5 °C above room temperature up to 100 °C, and the operating principle of natural convection remain unchanged compared with the smaller BD models; only the interior is significantly more spacious.

Designed for long-term, stable continuous operation

Binder explicitly positions the BD series with natural convection as specialists for long-term, stable continuous use. With the BD 400, this is particularly beneficial when samples need to be incubated for days or weeks under constant temperature conditions, for example in long-term studies or recurring series of tests, where fluctuations in the temperature profile would distort the results.

Adjustable exhaust air flap for customisable air exchange rate

Unlike the larger BD models with an electromechanically controlled damper, the BD 400 features a manually adjustable exhaust air damper. This allows for simple, direct adjustment of the air exchange rate to suit the specific application, for example to specifically remove metabolic gases from the cultures without the need for control electronics. Combined with free convection, this ensures that airflow within the chamber remains consistently low at all times.

Operation via a controller with timer functions

Temperature control is carried out via a controller with timer functions and a programme memory; the unit can also be programmed for recurring incubation cycles. An integrated Class 3.1 temperature selector monitor in accordance with DIN 12880, featuring a visual temperature alarm, monitors the setpoint temperature independently of the control system; this is particularly important for a unit of this size and during unattended overnight runs. The full-surface inner door made of safety glass (ESG) allows visual inspection of the samples without having to open the main door.

Dimensions and weight for installation planning

With external dimensions of 1,235 x 765 x 1,025 mm (W x D x H) and a weight of 135 kg, the BD 400 is a freestanding unit which requires sufficient space and a load-bearing, level floor for installation. The scope of delivery includes two chrome-plated insert racks for sample storage.

Connection without the need for special electrical installation

With a connected load of 0.85 kW and connection via a Euro plug (Type C) at a rated voltage of 230 V, the BD 400 can be operated without a three-phase connection despite its size. This simplifies commissioning compared to units that require a separate electrical installation for their power rating.

400 litres: when smaller BD models are no longer sufficient

For laboratories that regularly incubate more sample material than can fit into a BD 260 (253 litres), but do not yet require the capacity of the BD 720, the BD 400 fills the gap within the BD series. The choice between model sizes should be based on the actual volume of samples – which may also vary seasonally – rather than on a blanket rule that ‘bigger is better’, as a larger internal chamber may take longer to reach the set temperature when only partially loaded.

Natural versus forced convection: BD 400 or BF 400

With the BF 400, Binder offers a forced-air version with an identical internal volume of 400 litres. The difference lies solely in the convection principle: the BF series actively circulates the air via a fan, ensuring faster heating of the entire interior, whilst the BD 400, with its natural convection, provides a quiet, draught-free interior. For open-incubated culture dishes or samples that are sensitive to air movement, the BD 400 is the more suitable choice; conversely, the BF 400 may offer an advantage when it comes to heating large batches particularly quickly.

As the BD 400 does not require a fan motor, it eliminates a component that requires regular maintenance in forced-air units. For laboratories with long periods of continuous operation, this can further enhance operational reliability over the course of the unit’s service life.

Typical applications

The BD 400 is suitable for incubation tasks involving high sample volumes and long periods of continuous operation:

• Parallel incubation of large sample series in routine microbiological testing
• Long-term studies with constant temperature conditions over several days or weeks
• Quality assurance in industry and food testing with high throughput
• Training and research laboratories with several test series running simultaneously
• A supplementary unit for organisations that already use smaller BD models and require additional capacity

For example, in an industrial laboratory, a complete weekly series of stability samples can be accommodated simultaneously in the BD 400, rather than processing several batches one after the other in a smaller unit and thereby having to accept waiting times in sample processing.

Technical details

Contents

• 1x Binder BD 400 Standard Incubator, 230 V (9010-0073)
• 2x chrome-plated shelf grids
• User manual

Customised requirements & procurement service

Further accessories are available for the BD 400, such as additional chrome-plated shelves or calibration certificates. Do you require any of these items, advice on the appropriate model size, or assistance with procurement? LT Laborhandel will be happy to assist you via our procurement service.