IKA INC 125 FCS digital (SP20), cooling and shaking incubator, 125 L, 0020135425

The IKA INC 125 FCS digital (SP20) is a cooling and shaking incubator with a chamber volume of 125 litres for the cultivation of heat-labile cells and microbiological samples. The unit utilises compressor cooling with the refrigerant R290 (propane) and, in combination with the heating function, covers an operating temperature range of 5 °C to 80 °C with the shaker function active, and up to 100 °C in static mode without shaking. A PID control system and reversibly controllable air circulation from 40 to 100 per cent ensure temperature uniformity of ± 0.3 K throughout the chamber.

SP20 shaking platform: 20 millimetres of stroke

Oxygen supply is often the limiting factor in aerobic cultures. The designation SP20 refers to the oscillation amplitude (stroke) of the integrated, orbital-action shaking platform, which is 20 millimetres. Driven by a direct drive operating at 10 to 300 revolutions per minute, this stroke generates mixing that improves oxygen transfer in the liquid phase. The shaking platform can be removed without tools: without the platform, the unit functions as a static cooling incubator with an extended temperature range up to 100 °C, making the same incubator suitable for both shaking and pure cold storage applications.

SP20 compared to the SP25 model

The INC 125 FCS digital is also available with the SP25 shaking platform, which has a larger stroke of 25 millimetres and is designed for large-volume Erlenmeyer flasks. The SP20 version described here, with a 20-millimetre stroke, is, by contrast, suitable for small and medium-sized vessels where a slightly more compact range of motion is sufficient. The chamber, refrigeration technology and temperature control are identical in both versions; the difference lies solely in the shaker platform.

Stainless steel chamber and thermal decontamination

The welded inner chamber is made of corrosion-resistant AISI 304 stainless steel with generous edge radii, which make it difficult for biofilms to form. To facilitate switching between critical batches, the incubator features an automated decontamination mode which heats the chamber to 100 °C in a controlled manner. A defrost function with continuous drainage prevents ice formation inside the chamber during low-temperature incubations. The drainage system features a hose connection with an internal diameter of 10 mm.

Capacity and configuration

The chamber accommodates up to 6 wire shelves, each designed for a maximum load of 20 kg. On the shaking platform itself, a working area of 340 x 480 mm is available for a permissible shaking weight of 7.5 kg. A viewing window in the door allows the samples to be monitored without having to open the chamber and thereby disrupt the temperature control. With system dimensions of 700 x 1000 x 635 mm and a weight of 95 kg, sufficient floor space must be allowed for when installing the unit.

Operation, Display and Safety

An LCD display with a timer function for up to 100 days shows the relevant process data. Temperature control is provided by a PT-100 sensor with a four-wire connection; the setting and display resolution is 0.1 K. A Class 1 safety device in accordance with DIN 12880 is fitted as a thermal safety measure, supplemented by an integrated setpoint limiter which protects the chamber in the event of an unexpected overtemperature. Permissible ambient temperatures range from 15 to 32 °C at a maximum relative humidity of 70 per cent.

Connection, power consumption and noise emissions

The incubator features a USB-C data interface and is designed for a maximum power consumption of 1,000 W at 220 to 240 V, 50/60 Hz; other voltage options, such as 100 to 120 V, are available. The isothermal energy consumption at 37 °C is 79 Wh/h. With a noise emission of 55 dB(A), the INC 125 FCS can be operated digitally even in laboratory environments where several units are running simultaneously.

Typical applications

The INC 125 FCS digital (SP20) is suitable for the cultivation of microbiological and cell biology samples where temperature control and agitation must be precisely regulated:

• Cultivation of bacterial and yeast cultures in shaking flasks or on microtitre plates
• Cell culture applications at a defined temperature between 5 °C and 80 °C
• Switching between shaking incubation and static cold storage at temperatures up to 100 °C via a tool-free removable platform
• Quality assurance and routine cultivation with high sample throughput thanks to the decontamination mode

Thanks to the combination of compressor cooling and a heating function, a single unit thus covers both cold storage and shaking incubation tasks that would otherwise require two separate units.

Technical details

Contents

• 1 x IKA INC 125 FCS digital (SP20) cooling and shaking incubator
• 1 x IKA IO SP 20 shaking platform (removable)
• 2 x IKA IO T 1.00 wire mesh trays (stainless steel)
• 1 x USB cable (C-A) and power lead

Clamps for Erlenmeyer flasks and STICKMAX adhesive mats for securing the vessels are not included and are required additionally for shaking operation.

Customised requirements & procurement service

For shaking operation, we recommend suitable fixings for your vessels: STICKMAX adhesive mats for asymmetrical containers or stainless steel retaining clips for Erlenmeyer flasks. Through our procurement service, we can assist you in putting together and scaling your setup.