Binder BD 720 Standard Incubator with natural convection, 737 l, 9010-0331

The Binder BD 720 Standard Incubator is the largest model in the BD series featuring natural convection: 737 litres of usable volume, a temperature range from +5 °C above room temperature up to 100 °C, and a freestanding cabinet design for laboratories requiring large-scale incubation capacity without having to switch to forced air circulation.

Natural convection in the series’ largest interior

Even within its 737-litre interior, the BD 720 operates entirely without a fan. APT.line technology distributes heat evenly across the chamber walls, ensuring that a calm, low-draught microclimate is maintained despite the large volume. This is particularly relevant for large batches of open-incubated culture dishes, where a forced-air unit would expose significantly more samples to evaporation at the same time due to the active air movement.

Operation and data logging via LCD controller

The setpoint temperature is adjusted via a controller with an LCD display, whilst a USB port records the process data for later analysis. The BD 720 can be integrated into a laboratory network via the Ethernet interface, and a programme memory stores incubation programmes once they have been defined. The unit can also be programmed for recurring batch analyses.

Safety according to DIN 12880 and practical design features

An integrated Class 3.1 adjustable temperature monitor according to DIN 12880, featuring a visual alarm, monitors the setpoint temperature independently of the control system, an important safety feature for unattended incubation runs in a unit of this size. The electromechanically controlled exhaust air flap regulates air exchange, whilst the full-surface inner door made of safety glass allows visual inspection without opening the main door. The ergonomic handle design facilitates the operation of the large outer door in everyday use.

Connected load and installation

With external dimensions of 1,165 x 870 x 1,590 mm (W x D x H) and a weight of 169 kg, the BD 720 is designed as a free-standing unit, which requires a load-bearing, level installation site with sufficient headroom. The connected load is 1.65 kW, significantly higher than that of the smaller BD models; connection is still via a Euro plug (Type C) at a nominal voltage of 230 V. Before installation, the existing electrical installation should be checked to ensure it is adequately fused for this power rating.

Two chrome-plated grid shelves for sample storage

The scope of delivery includes two chrome-plated grid shelves, which can be adjusted in height to accommodate different container sizes. With an interior of this size, this allows even a large number of sample containers to be arranged in an organised and clearly laid-out manner.

When the BD 720 is the right choice

If even the capacity of the BD 400 (400 litres) is no longer sufficient, for example in centrally organised laboratories that consolidate the incubation requirements of several departments into a single unit, the BD 720 is the logical choice within the BD series. As the interior is correspondingly large, the actual utilisation should be planned realistically; a large unit that is significantly underloaded offers no advantage over a suitably sized BD 400.

Natural versus forced convection: BD 720 or BF 720

With the BF 720, Binder offers a forced-air variant with a comparable usable volume of 734 litres, slightly less than the BD 720’s 737 litres. The BF 720 actively circulates the air via a fan, thereby achieving faster, more uniform heating of the large interior, whilst the BD 720 relies on free convection to create a calm, low-draught microclimate. For large batches of open-incubated culture dishes that are sensitive to air movement, the natural convection of the BD 720 is advantageous; conversely, for particularly rapid heating of tightly packed batches, the forced air circulation version may be the more suitable choice.

Another practical aspect of a unit of this size is that, as the BD 720 has no fan motor, it does away with a component that would otherwise require regular maintenance during continuous operation. For large, centrally used units that run in multi-shift operation for years, this reduces maintenance requirements over their service life.

Typical applications

The BD 720 is suitable for incubation tasks involving very high sample volumes:

• Centralised incubation capacity for several workgroups or departments
• Large-scale microbiological quality control in the food and drink industry
• Long-term studies and stability tests involving high sample volumes
• Research institutions with a consistently high, predictable demand for incubation
• Replacement of several smaller incubators with a single large central unit

For example, in a central quality assurance laboratory, the entire daily sample volume from several production lines can be incubated in a single BD 720, rather than having to operate several smaller units in parallel and monitor them separately.

Technical details

Scope of delivery

• 1x Binder BD 720 Standard Incubator, 230 V (9010-0331)
• 2x chrome-plated grid shelves
• Operating instructions

Individual requirements & procurement service

Further accessories are available for the BD 720, such as additional chrome-plated grid shelves or calibration certificates. Do you require any of these items, advice on installation planning or assistance with procurement? We will be happy to assist you via our procurement service.