Binder KBF PRO 260 Constant Climate Chamber, −20 °C to +100 °C, 10 % to 98 % rh, 262 l, 9020-0440

A Binder constant climate chamber or cooling incubator can be converted into a plant growth cabinet using the 8012-2439 LED plant light module, without the need to purchase a separate unit. The module produces lighting conditions that closely resemble natural sunlight and fits into cabinets from the KB, KB PRO, KBF and KBF PRO series with development stage E7. Installation is carried out on site by the customer or a service partner. Design and lighting control The Binder LED plant lighting module consists of 16 LED light strips, which can be positioned individually within the cabinet, and a lighting control box with its own programme controller. Each light strip has three separately controllable colour channels: sunlight-like cool white (SunLike, 6,500 K), sunlight-like warm white (SunLike, 2,700 K) and dark red phytochrome-controlled light (730 nm), which specifically activates the plant’s phytochrome system. All three channels can be dimmed independently of one another from 0 % to 100 %. Real-time programming is available for daily routines, either as a cyclical daily programme or individually for each day of the week, supplemented by a twilight function that gently fades the light on and off over a one-hour ramp rather than switching it on or off abruptly. An integrated ventilation function feeds 0 to 500 litres of ambient air per hour into the chamber, thereby maintaining the CO₂ level close to the ambient value required by plants for photosynthesis. The light module is powered by 120 V to 240 V at 50 or 60 Hz, regardless of the mains voltage of the climate chamber itself. Light output by cabinet size The light intensity depends on the cabinet size and the distance from the light source. With 100 % white light and all 16 light strips evenly distributed on a single plane, size 260 achieves a photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) of 1,660 µmol/m²/s at a distance of 25 cm. Size 470 achieves 1,540 µmol/m²/s at a distance of 25 cm, 990 µmol/m²/s at 50 cm and 730 µmol/m²/s at 75 cm. For the 720 size, the figures are 1,080, 740 and 560 µmol/m²/s at the three distances; for the 1060 size, they are 880, 610 and 480 µmol/m²/s respectively. In the largest available size, 1600, which is only available for the KB PRO and KBF PRO models, the values are 640, 470 and 380 µmol/m²/s. Distributing the 16 light strips across several levels reduces the light output accordingly: to around 50 % of the initial value with two levels, and to around 25 % with four levels. The maximum temperature during lighting operation is 60 °C for all sizes. Order grid shelves separately The LED plant light module does not include any grid shelves for mounting the light strips. However, we offer grid shelf sets with telescopic rails (size 260/470: 8012-2384, size 720: 8012-2385, size 1060: 8012-2386, size 1600: 8012-2387) as well as grid shelf sets with U-rails, which Binder expressly recommends for mounting the light strips (size 260/470: 8012-2390, size 720: 8012-2391, size 1060: 8012-2392, size 1600: 8012-2393). The number of additional grid shelves required depends on the desired lighting configuration. For the basic configuration without an additional level, the two standard grid shelves supplied with the cabinet are sufficient; for one or two light levels, at least one additional set is recommended; for full distribution across several levels, up to six sets are required. An additional grid shelf between the light strips and the sample material also creates a gap of around 10 cm, thereby reducing thermal effects on the samples. Typical applications Plant growth experiments with day-night simulation via real-time programming Germination and seedling experiments with reduced light intensity on a single light strip level Photoperiodism and phytochrome studies via the separately dimmable dark red channel Retrofitting existing Binder E7-generation climate chambers and cooling incubators to create plant growth chambers, without the need for additional equipment If a higher CO₂ concentration is also required, for example to accelerate plant growth, the LED plant light module can be combined with a CO₂ gassing module. According to the operating instructions, both accessories can operate simultaneously within the same cabinet, unlike the ICH light module, which occupies the CO₂ connection. Technical details Configuration16 LED light strips, individually positionable Colour channels per light stripCool white 6,500 K, warm white 2,700 K, dark red 730 nm Dimming range per channel0 % to 100 % Ventilation function0 to 500 litres of ambient air per hour PFR PAR, size 260 (25 cm)1,660 µmol/m²/s PFR PAR, size 470 (25/50/75 cm)1,540 / 990 / 730 µmol/m²/s PFR PAR, size 720 (25/50/75 cm)1,080 / 740 / 560 µmol/m²/s PFR PAR, size 1060 (25/50/75 cm)880 / 610 / 480 µmol/m²/s PFR PAR, size 1600 (25/50/75 cm)640 / 470 / 380 µmol/m²/s Maximum temperature in light operation60 °C Compatible series (development stage E7)KB, KB PRO, KBF, KBF PRO Power supply for light module120 V to 240 V, 50/60 Hz Scope of delivery 16 LED light strips with retaining clips for clipping into standard grid shelves Lighting control box with programme controller Mains cable Power distribution cable for the LED light strips PU tubing for the air supply Operating instructions Grid shelves for mounting the light strips are not included. These must be ordered as separate accessories; see the section above. Individual requirements & procurement service We can assist in putting together the right combination of climate chamber, lighting module and grid shelves, for example if the existing size or series is unclear or if multiple lighting levels are planned. The procurement service is also available for other Binder accessories such as CO₂ gassing modules, water supply systems or sample temperature control sensors. Details can be found on our Services page.

Photostability tests according to ICH Q1B require defined light doses of visible light and UVA radiation, which in practice are spread over several test days. The Binder ICH light module 8012-2441 retrofits climate chambers of sizes 260 or 470 from the KB PRO, KBF and KBF PRO series (development stage E7) to meet the requirements of this guideline as a photostability test chamber, without the need for a separate test unit. Design and operation Each ICH light module consists of a power supply unit, which is mounted on the prepared side panel of the unit, and two light cassettes, one for the visible light (VIS) range and one for the UVA range. The VIS cassette utilises LED technology with spectral characteristics similar to sunlight (SunLike Cool White, 6,500 K), whilst the UVA range employs a special fluorescent tube (Narva PUVA), as, according to the manufacturer, this wavelength range cannot yet be covered in an ICH-compliant manner using current LED technology. Together, the two cassettes reproduce the CIE D65 spectrum required by the ICH guideline, which corresponds to daylight grey under overcast skies. This version, which does not feature light dose control, is connected to the climate chamber via a data cable; the irradiation duration of the two light cassettes can be controlled individually via a time-interval programme on the climate chamber’s control unit. Power is supplied via 120 V to 240 V at 50 or 60 Hz. Light output and test duration In sizes 260 and 470, the module achieves a VIS illuminance of 38 klx and a UVA irradiance of 37 W/m² at full light output, measured using spherical evaluation at a distance of 12 cm from the light source. A complete ICH-Q1B test with the required light doses of 1.2 Mlx·h of visible light and 200 Wh/m² of UVA can thus be carried out in 32 hours for the VIS component and 6 hours for the UVA component, totalling around 38 hours or approximately two test days. For flat samples, such as printed materials, the manufacturer states that the required test duration is increased by a factor of 1.5, as the spherical evaluation was originally designed for three-dimensional test specimens. Without light dose control: time control via the controller Unlike the LQC variant, this version does not contain any light sensors for automatic dose control. The irradiation duration is set via a time programme on the climatic chamber, based on the known illuminance and irradiance levels. For those who wish to enter the light dose directly on the controller and have the cassettes switch off automatically once the dose has been reached, the ICH-LQC light module with item numbers 8012-2443 (260/470) and 8012-2444 (720) provides the appropriate equipment. For an initial ICH-Q1B test run, the timer function is generally sufficient; for recurring test series requiring documentation, the LQC variant with continuous dose measurement is recommended. The ICH light module is installed on-site by the customer or a service partner; it is not necessary to return the climate chamber to the factory for this. This allows an existing Binder climate chamber of size 260 or 470 to be retrofitted for photostability testing without having to make additional space for another unit. Typical applications Photostability testing of active pharmaceutical ingredients and finished medicinal products according to ICH Q1B Stability testing as part of the regulatory approval process for new active pharmaceutical ingredients Light stress tests on packaging and primary packaging materials Combined climate and light testing in the same cabinet without a separate test unit According to the operating instructions, the CO₂ gassing module cannot be operated simultaneously with the ICH light module, as both accessories occupy the same interface on the climatic chamber. Users requiring both applications should either plan for two chambers or switch between the modules depending on the test series. Technical details Compatible sizes260, 470 Compatible series (development stage E7)KB PRO, KBF, KBF PRO Temperature range for KB PRO 260/470 with light5 °C to 60 °C, unregulated humidity Temperature range for KBF 260/470 with light20 °C to 50 °C, 20 % to 50 % rh Temperature range KBF PRO 260/470 with light10 °C to 50 °C, 10 % to 80 % rh VIS illuminance38 klx UVA irradiance37 W/m² ICH Q1B test duration32 + 6 = 38 hours Light spectrum VIS cassetteLED SunLike Cool White, 6,500 K Light spectrum, UVA cassetteNarva PUVA fluorescent tube Power supply for light module120 V to 240 V, 50/60 Hz Scope of delivery VIS light cassette with connection cable UVA light cassette with connection cable U-rails for mounting the light cassettes in the climate chamber Power supply box with ballasts/power supplies Profile rails and bolts for securing the power supply box to the climate chamber Data cable Mains cable Operating instructions The light sensors for light dose control are not included; this feature is reserved for the ICH-LQC light module. Individual requirements & procurement service We can assist you in choosing between the ICH light module and the ICH-LQC light module, as well as with other accessories for constant climate chambers, such as water supply systems or sample temperature control sensors. See our services page for details.

The basic version of the ICH light module controls the irradiation duration via a fixed time programme on the climate chamber. The Binder ICH-LQC light module 8012-2443, on the other hand, continuously measures the light dose via two sensors and automatically switches off the light cassettes once the target dose has been reached. It features this light dose control (LQC, Light Quantity Control) for climate chambers of sizes 260 and 470 from the KB PRO, KBF and KBF PRO series with development stage E7. Configuration with two additional light sensors Like the basic version, the ICH-LQC light module consists of a power supply unit for the side wall of the unit, as well as a VIS and a UVA light cassette, which together reproduce the CIE D65 spectrum according to ICH Q1B. In addition, the LQC version contains two spherical light sensors, one for the VIS range and one for the UVA range. Both sensors measure illuminance or irradiance with spherical characteristics, as is appropriate for three-dimensional test specimens. The target light dose for both types of light is stored in the climate chamber’s programme controller, typically 1.2 Mlx·h of visible light and 200 Wh/m² of UVA, and the two light cassettes switch off automatically as soon as the respective dose is reached. According to the manufacturer, for flat samples such as printed materials, the light dose should be increased by a factor of 1.5, as the spherical sensor evaluation was originally designed for three-dimensional test specimens. Light values for the 260 and 470 models In both sizes, the module achieves a VIS illuminance of 38 klx and a UVA irradiance of 37 W/m² at full light output, measured using spherical evaluation at a distance of 12 cm from the light source. This means that a complete ICH-Q1B test can be completed, in theory, in around 38 hours, with the LQC sensor system continuously measuring the actual dose rather than relying on a pre-calculated duration. This reduces the risk of under- or over-irradiation, for example if the light output of the cassettes changes slightly over the course of operation. Control via the unit controller The ICH-LQC light module is also connected to the climate chamber via a data cable and is controlled entirely via its programme controller; no additional external control unit is required. Installation is carried out on-site by the customer or a service partner. For those who do not require automatic dose control and can manage with a fixed time programme, the ICH light module 8012-2441 offers the technically simpler and more cost-effective option for the same size. For testing laboratories that regularly document their test series and need to verify the actual light dose achieved in the event of an audit request, the LQC sensor system is the more practical option, as the dose is measured directly rather than merely being derived from a duration of time. Typical applications ICH Q1B photostability tests with a documented, measured light dose rather than time-based control alone Regulatory stability tests where the actual light dose achieved must be verifiable Photostability tests on flat samples such as blister packs or folding cartons with a tailored dose specification Recurring test series where a consistent light dose is more important than a fixed test duration According to the operating instructions, a CO₂ gassing module cannot be operated simultaneously with the ICH-LQC light module, as both occupy the same interface on the climate chamber. Technical details Compatible sizes260, 470 Compatible series (development stage E7)KB PRO, KBF, KBF PRO Temperature range for KB PRO 260/470 with light5 °C to 60 °C, unregulated humidity Temperature range for KBF 260/470 with light20 °C to 50 °C, 20 % to 50 % relative humidity Temperature range KBF PRO 260/470 with light10 °C to 50 °C, 10 % to 80 % relative humidity VIS illuminance38 klx UVA irradiance37 W/m² ICH Q1B test duration (calculated)32 + 6 = 38 hours Light sensorsSpherical VIS sensor, spherical UVA sensor Dose factor for flat specimens1.5 times the light dose Light spectrum of VIS cassetteSunLike cool white LED, 6,500 K Light spectrum of the UVA cassetteNarva PUVA fluorescent tube Power supply for light module120 V to 240 V, 50/60 Hz Scope of delivery VIS light cassette with connection cable UVA light cassette with connection cable U-rails for mounting the light cassettes in the climate chamber Power supply box with ballasts/power supplies Profile rails and bolts for securing the power supply box to the climate chamber Data cable Mains cable Operating instructions Spherical VIS light sensor for light dose control Spherical UVA light sensor for light dose control Individual requirements & procurement service Our procurement service can advise you on choosing between the ICH light module and the ICH-LQC light module, as well as on other accessories for constant climate chambers. See our services page for details.

In a closed climate chamber, plants consume CO₂ during photosynthesis, which can cause the concentration to fall below the natural ambient level of around 0.04 vol.%. The Binder CO₂ gassing module 8012-2140, on the other hand, maintains the concentration precisely between 0 and 1 vol.% and is therefore designed for plant growth applications where precise, low CO₂ control is required. It is an accessory for Binder KB PRO series cooling incubators and KBF and KBF PRO series constant climate chambers, all of which are at development stage E7. Measurement and control CO₂ measurement is carried out by an infrared measuring cell with an NDIR sensor (non-dispersive infrared sensor) and continuous control to a reference value. According to the manufacturer, this measurement method offers fast response times and high selectivity for CO₂; interference and ageing effects in the measurement system are largely ruled out, meaning that the system remains virtually drift-free between calibrations. The control process itself is managed entirely via the MB2 controller of the climate chamber; the gassing module cannot be operated without being connected to the climate chamber. To ensure the CO₂ concentration is displayed correctly in vol.%, the altitude of the installation site must also be entered into the controller. As this control range uses a separate CO₂ sensor to that of the 0–20 vol.% variant, the controller function ‘CO₂ measurement range 0…1 vol.%’ must also be activated to ensure the measured value is converted correctly. Connections and interfaces The CO₂ gassing box has a 4 to 20 mA analogue output for the CO₂ concentration, via which the measured value can be transmitted to external data acquisition systems or recording devices. The gas connection is made via a quick-release coupling on the gas cylinder, whilst the data connection to the climate chamber is via a patch cable. A CO₂ gas cylinder is not included in the scope of delivery and must be procured separately. Combination with other accessory modules According to the operating instructions, the CO₂ gassing module can be operated simultaneously with the LED plant light module; both accessories complement each other for comprehensive plant growth applications with controlled lighting and CO₂ concentration within the same cabinet. However, simultaneous operation with the ICH light module or the ICH-LQC light module is not possible, as both accessories occupy the same interface on the climate chamber. Anyone requiring both configurations, for example CO₂ gassing and the ICH photostability test, should plan for two separate climate chambers. For pure plant growth experiments with LED lighting and CO₂ enrichment, however, a single, suitably equipped climate chamber is sufficient. Operation and maintenance A fine gas filter in the gassing box can be replaced as required to ensure that measurement accuracy is maintained throughout the operational life of the unit. Two CO₂ warning stickers are included in the scope of delivery and must be affixed to a clearly visible position on the climate chamber, as special safety instructions must be observed when handling CO₂ in enclosed spaces. Before initial commissioning, the correct CO₂ outlet pressure of the gas supply and the tightness of the connections must be checked. A connection panel on the rear of the cooling incubator or climate chamber houses the data connection to the gassing box, ensuring that the cabling remains neatly organised. Typical applications CO₂ enrichment for accelerated plant growth in combination with the LED plant light module Photosynthesis and growth studies with a defined, low CO₂ concentration Offsetting CO₂ consumption in densely planted, enclosed climate chambers Botanical and agricultural research series with reproducible climatic conditions The CO₂ gassing box is installed on the prepared side panel of the climate chamber and connected to the main unit via a data cable, gas hose and sensor cable. Technical details CO₂ control range0 vol.% to 1 vol.% Minimum concentrationAmbient value (approx. 0.04 vol.%) Measuring principleNDIR sensor (non-dispersive infrared sensor) Analogue output4 to 20 mA DC Compatible series (development stage E7)KB PRO, KBF, KBF PRO Compatible sizes260, 470, 720, 1060, 1600 Controlvia MB2 unit controller; operation not possible without a climate chamber Power supply for gassing box24 V, via the supplied mains adaptor Scope of delivery CO₂ gassing box CO₂ sensor with cable 2 CO₂ warning stickers 24 V mains adaptor with adaptors Operating instructions 2 mounting rails with screws (4 x M8, 2 x M5) 2 silicone foam plugs for the slotted-hole access port Patch cable for the data connection between the gassing box and the unit Hose set for the gas connection The CO₂ gas cylinder and pressure regulator are not included; these must be purchased separately. Individual requirements & procurement service We provide procurement support when choosing between the CO₂ control ranges of 0 to 1 vol.% and 0 to 20 vol.%, as well as when combining the system with an LED plant lighting module or water supply systems. Details can be found on our services page.

Some applications require significantly higher CO₂ concentrations than those found in natural plant growth, such as cell culture work, which traditionally requires a CO₂ incubator. With its control range of 0 to 20 vol.%, the Binder CO₂ gassing module 8012-2138 covers precisely this broader spectrum and additionally equips a Binder KB PRO series cooling incubator or a KBF and KBF PRO series constant climate chamber (development stage E7) with CO₂ control. Measuring principle and operation Like the version with the narrower control range, this module also measures the CO₂ concentration using an infrared measuring cell with an NDIR sensor and provides continuous control to a reference value. The method has fast response times and, according to the manufacturer, remains virtually drift-free between calibrations, as interference and ageing effects in the measuring system are largely ruled out. The CO₂ control is managed entirely via the MB2 controller of the climate chamber; standalone operation without a connected climate chamber is not intended. To ensure the concentration is displayed correctly in vol.%, the sea-level altitude of the installation site must be entered into the controller so that differences in air pressure do not distort the measurement. Connections and gas supply The CO₂ gassing box has an analogue output of 4 to 20 mA for the CO₂ concentration, via which the measured value can be transmitted to an external data acquisition system or a recording device. The gas connection is made via a quick-release coupling, connected to a CO₂ gas cylinder, which is not included in the scope of delivery and must be procured separately. The data connection between the gassing box and the climate chamber is established via a patch cable supplied with the unit. Limited combination with the light modules According to the operating instructions, the CO₂ gassing module, with a control range of 0 to 20 vol.%, cannot be operated simultaneously with the ICH light module or the ICH-LQC light module, as both occupy the same interface on the climate chamber. Simultaneous operation with the LED plant light module, however, is possible, even though the wide control range up to 20 vol.% is rarely utilised in practice for pure plant growth applications and is intended more for other gassing tasks. Those who require only low, plant-specific concentrations of up to 1 vol.% are generally better served by the more precise control range of the 8012-2140 variant. Operation and maintenance The fine gas filter in the gassing box can be replaced as required to ensure that measurement accuracy is maintained throughout the operational life of the unit. Two CO₂ warning stickers are included in the scope of delivery and should be affixed to a clearly visible position on the climate chamber, as special safety precautions must be observed when handling CO₂ in enclosed spaces. Before initial commissioning, the correct CO₂ outlet pressure of the gas supply and the tightness of all connections must be checked, particularly given the significantly wider control range of up to 20 vol.% in this case. A connection panel on the rear of the incubator or climate chamber houses the data connection to the gassing box, so that the cabling remains neatly organised. Typical applications Upgrading a climate chamber to function as a CO₂ incubator, for example for cell culture work Gassing experiments with higher CO₂ concentrations beyond purely botanical applications Processes that require a documented, constant CO₂ atmosphere to be recorded via an analogue output Research applications with varying CO₂ setpoints across the entire control range Installation takes place on the prepared side panel of the climate chamber, connected via a data cable, gas hose and sensor lead. Technical details CO₂ control range0 vol.% to 20 vol.% (factory setting) Minimum concentrationAmbient value (approx. 0.04 vol.%) Measurement principleNDIR sensor (non-dispersive infrared sensor) Analogue output4 to 20 mA DC Compatible series (development stage E7)KB PRO, KBF, KBF PRO Compatible sizes260, 470, 720, 1060, 1600 Controlvia MB2 unit controller; operation not possible without a climate chamber Power supply for gassing box24 V, via the supplied power supply unit Scope of delivery CO₂ gassing box CO₂ sensor with cable 2 CO₂ warning stickers 24 V power supply unit with adapters Operating instructions 2 mounting rails with screws (4 × M8, 2 × M5) 2 silicone foam plugs for the slotted hole feed-through Patch cable for the data connection between the gassing box and the device Hose set for the gas connection The CO₂ gas cylinder and pressure regulator are not included; these must be purchased separately. Individual requirements & procurement service Our procurement service can assist you in choosing between the CO₂ control ranges of 0 to 20 vol.% and 0 to 1 vol.%, as well as with other accessories for constant climate chambers and cooling incubators. Details can be found on our services page.