IKA INC 125 F digital incubator, forced convection, 125 L, 0020117172

Thermodynamic Cybernetics and Forced Convection

The reproducible cultivation of biological matrices or the performance of temperature-critical assays requires cybernetically precise control of heat transfer. The IKA INC 125 F digital is designed as a thermodynamic incubator that operates according to the physical principle of forced convection (circulating air mode). In contrast to static systems, an electronically controlled axial fan generates substantial, continuous air circulation within the 125-litre interior. The speed of this impeller can be cybernetically modulated from 0 to 100 per cent. These dynamic fluid dynamic vectors completely eliminate the formation of gravitational temperature stratification (gradients). The forced air movement guarantees a maximum convective heat transfer coefficient into the sample vessels, resulting in outstanding metrological temperature homogeneity of ± 0.3 K across all geometric planes of the incubator.

PID metrology and isochoric temperature stability

Thermal energy is transferred via surface-integrated heating elements that generate an operating temperature of up to 100 °C. This energy input is controlled by a complex PID control algorithm directly coupled with high-precision PT-100 sensors. The system measures the isochoric heat flux in real time and proactively modulates the electrical heating power. This control loop physically eliminates thermodynamic overshoot (temperature overshoot) during the approach to the target temperature. The thermolabile contents, such as enzymatic reactions or microbial cultures, are thus absolutely protected against irreversible denaturation, whilst temperature stability during continuous operation is maintained with an accuracy of ± 0.1 K.

System hermeticity and irreversible thermal decontamination

The absolute prevention of biological cross-contamination (carry-over of free-floating spores, mycoplasma or foreign DNA) is absolutely essential in microbiological diagnostics. The welded inner chamber of the INC 125 F is monolithically constructed from corrosion-resistant stainless steel (AISI 304). The deliberate avoidance of sharp chamber edges through generous radii prevents the accumulation of microbial biofilms. To guarantee complete sterility of the system between critical batch changes, the system features an automated, hardware-based decontamination mode. This cybernetic process heats the entire chamber geometry in a controlled manner to 120 °C, thereby irreversibly denaturing (sterilising) the protein structure of potential pathogenic or interfering contaminants.

Technical details

Thermodynamics & Heating Technology

• Operating temperature range: room temperature + 8 °C to 100 °C
• Thermal decontamination: Integrated mode at 120 °C
• Heating capacity / heat transfer: Surface heating elements
• Heating time (to 37 °C @ 22 °C ambient): max. 15 min
• Recovery time after door opening (to 37 °C @ 22 °C ambient): < 5 min

Metrology & Control Engineering

• Temperature sensor: PT 100 for precise cybernetic PID control
• Setting and display resolution: 0.1 K
• Temperature stability (at 37 °C): ± 0.1 K
• Temperature homogeneity (at 37 °C across the entire volume): ± 0.3 K
• Cybernetic interface: High-contrast LCD display
• Timer: Digital, max. 100 days

Kinematics & fluid mechanics

• Flow principle: Forced convection (active air circulation)
• Fan speed: Electronically modulated (0–100 per cent)
• Ventilation: Electronically controlled exhaust air flap

Chamber infrastructure & dimensions

• Total volume of the inner chamber: 125 litres
• Inner chamber material: Corrosion-resistant stainless steel (AISI 304 / 1.4301)
• System dimensions (W x H x D): 700 x 825 x 635 mm
• Weight: approx. 65 kg
• Wire shelves: Up to 6 can be fitted
• Load capacity per shelf: max. 30 kg (total load max. 90 kg)
• Internal glass door: Yes (for observation without thermodynamic interference)

Safety & environmental conditions

• Thermal safety device: Adjustable safety temperature limiter (TB Class 1 in accordance with DIN 12880)
• Permissible ambient temperature range: 15 – 32 °C
• Permissible relative humidity: max. 80 %
• Protection class (in accordance with DIN EN 60529): IP 20

Electrical & Connectivity

• Voltage / Frequency: 220 – 240 V / 50/60 Hz
• Power consumption: max. 1000 W
• Data interfaces: USB and RS 232 (for seamless GLP/GMP logging via labworldsoft ®)

Contents of delivery

• 1 x IKA INC 125 F digital incubator
• 2 x IKA IO T 1.00 wire shelves (stainless steel, incl. guide rails)
• 1 x USB cable (A-B)
• 1 x power cable for the incubator

(Important note: Calibration certificates or additional wire shelves for optimising volume utilisation are not included in the scope of delivery!)

Individual requirements & accessories

The INC 125 F digital is a cybernetic chamber. For laboratories with high sample throughput, making full logistical use of the 125-litre interior is essential. Purchase additional grating trays (IO T 1.00) to maximise the capacity of the 6 insertion levels in accordance with process requirements. If you are incubating microbiological cultures under extremely sensitive environmental conditions, where the airflow pressure of the recirculated air could lead to cross-contamination (turbulence of spores) or the dehydration of agar plates, please consider modifying your workflow with the IKA INC 125 V (natural convection without a fan). Please contact our procurement service at any time for advice on selecting the correct system from a fluid dynamics perspective.