BINDER BD 56 Standard Incubator, natural convection, 57 L, 9010-0323

Thermodynamic APT.line™ architecture and natural convection

The reproducible cultivation of sensitive microbiological matrices (such as fungi and bacterial colonies on agar plates) strictly precludes the use of forced air flows (fans). The BINDER BD 56 operates according to the fluid dynamics principle of natural convection. The thermal energy is not supplied directly to the 57-litre interior, but via the patented APT.line™ (Advanced Preheating Chamber Technology). The electric heating elements are encapsulated in a thermodynamic air jacket outside the actual chamber. The thermal energy is transferred into the chamber over a large area and homogeneously, exclusively via conduction (heat transfer) through the stainless-steel walls. This physical gradient generates an extremely gentle, purely thermally driven laminar upward flow. This fanless flow mechanism completely eliminates aerodynamic stress on the samples, prevents significant evaporation of cell culture media (dehydration of agar plates) and physically prevents microbial cross-contamination caused by stirred-up spores.

Metrological cybernetics and isochoric temperature stability

Precise control of microbiological metabolic kinetics requires seamless temperature homogeneity. The BD 56 operates using a cybernetic PID control algorithm that is directly coupled to a high-resolution Pt100 temperature sensor. The system covers a thermodynamic operating range from 5 °C above room temperature up to 100 °C. The anticipatory modulation of the electrical heating power compensates for the physical latency of the air jacket and eliminates thermal overshoot (temperature overshoot) with absolute reliability upon reaching the target temperature. Via an electromechanically controlled exhaust air damper, the user can modulate the air exchange rate coefficient within the system to remove excess metabolic gases from the cultures in a controlled manner, without compromising the isochoric temperature stability of ± 0.1 K.

System hermeticity and thermal decontamination kinetics

The complete prevention of cellular carry-over effects requires uncompromising material architectures. The deep-drawn inner chamber of the BD 56 is monolithically manufactured from highly corrosion-resistant stainless steel (grade 1.4301), with no corners or weld seams, which geometrically prevents the accumulation of microbial biofilms. To sterilise the unit between critical batch changes, the system utilises a defined thermodynamic decontamination mode at 100 °C. Over a defined period, this process leads to the irreversible denaturation of the protein structures of contaminating foreign nucleic acids or mycoplasma. An integrated, full-surface inner door made of real glass enables metrological and visual inspection of microbial growth without breaching the thermal boundary layer of the main door and triggering a massive drop in temperature (disturbance pulse) within the system.

Technical details

Thermodynamics & Heating Technology

• Operating temperature range: room temperature + 5 °C to 100 °C
• Heat transfer technology: APT.line™ preheating chamber technology
• Thermal decontamination: Integrated routine at 100 °C
• Heating time (to 37 °C @ 22 °C ambient): approx. 45 min (due to gentle air-jacket heating)
• Recovery time after door opening (to 37 °C @ 22 °C ambient): approx. 15 min

Metrology & Control Technology

• Temperature sensor: Pt100 in 4-wire configuration for precise PID control
• Controller architecture: BINDER controller with LCD display
• Setting and display resolution: 0.1 K
• Temperature stability (at 37 °C): ± 0.1 K
• Temperature uniformity (at 37 °C across the entire volume): ± 0.4 K
• Timer: Integrated electromechanical/digital
• Ventilation: Adjustable exhaust air flap

Fluid dynamics & kinematics

• Flow principle: Natural convection (fanless)
• Evaporation protection: Maximum prevention of dehydration of cell culture media
• Cross-contamination prevention: No forced spore turbulence

Chamber infrastructure & dimensions

• Total internal chamber volume: 57 litres
• Interior material: Corrosion-resistant stainless steel (1.4301 / ASTM 304), deep-drawn
• External system dimensions (W x H x D): 560 x 625 x 565 mm (excluding door handle and exhaust vent)
• Internal system dimensions (W x H x D): 400 x 400 x 340 mm
• Empty weight: approx. 39 kg
• Wire shelves (included / maximum): 2 / 4
• Load capacity per shelf: 15 kg (maximum total load 40 kg)
• Inner glass door: Full-surface safety glass

Safety & environmental conditions

• Thermal safety device: Integrated Class 3.1 temperature selector switch (DIN 12880) with visual alarm
• Permissible ambient temperature range: 18 – 32 °C
• Permissible relative humidity: max. 70% (non-condensing)
• Protection class (according to DIN EN 60529): IP 20

Electrical & Connectivity

• Voltage / Frequency: 230 V / 50/60 Hz
• Power consumption: 300 W (rated power)
• Data interfaces: USB for data logging

Contents of delivery

• 1 x BINDER BD 56 standard incubator (230 V)
• 2 x chrome-plated shelf grids
• 1 x power cable for IT equipment

(Important note: Calibration certificates, stacking kits for tower configuration or the BINDER APT-COM™ communication software are not included in the scope of delivery!)

Individual requirements & accessories

The BINDER BD 56 is designed to ensure absolutely stable airflow in routine microbiological work. The 57-litre capacity accommodates a defined number of Petri dishes at full load. To halve the space required in the laboratory, the BD 56 is designed to be stackable. It is essential that you purchase the original BINDER stacking adapter to ensure a completely vibration- and tilt-proof tower configuration of two units. To make full logistical use of the maximum of four levels, we recommend purchasing additional chrome-plated wire racks or perforated shelves (for improved stability of asymmetrical vessels). Please contact our procurement service for the configuration of GLP-compliant data loggers and qualification dossiers (IQ/OQ).