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

Thermodynamic Cybernetics and Compressor Cooling

The cultivation of thermolabile cells or microbiological matrices requires highly precise, cybernetically controlled temperature regulation. The IKA INC 125 FCS digital operates using high-performance compressor cooling technology that utilises the thermodynamically highly efficient, bio-based refrigerant R290 (propane). The PID control system modulates the heating and cooling units in real time to maintain the 125-litre chamber volume at an absolutely isothermal temperature within a working range of 5 °C to 80 °C (when the shaking function is active). The integrated air circulation system (reversibly controllable from 40 to 100 per cent) generates a constant convective flow. This prevents the formation of thermal stratification (gradients) inside the chamber and guarantees metrological temperature homogeneity of ± 0.3 K across all potential cultivation levels.

Kinetics of orbital mass transfer (SP20)

The physical limitation on oxygen supply is the primary process-related bottleneck in aerobic high-density cultures. The suffix ‘SP20’ defines the mechanical architecture of this model: the integrated shaking platform performs a precise orbital rotation with an amplitude (stroke) of 20 mm. Driven by a direct drive (10 to 300 rpm), this kinematics induces defined hydrodynamic shear forces in the liquid phase. The resulting fluid-mechanical interfacial enlargement (vortex) drastically maximises the volumetric oxygen transfer coefficient (kLa value) without compromising the structural integrity of the cell walls (cell lysis). A fundamental innovation is the process reversibility: the shaking platform can be removed without tools, thereby deactivating the kinematics and extending the operating range to function as a static cooling incubator up to 100 °C.

System hermeticity and thermal decontamination

The absolute prevention of biological cross-contamination (such as stray spores or foreign DNA) is essential in high-throughput analysis. The welded inner chamber of the INC 125 FCS is made from solid, corrosion-resistant stainless steel (AISI 304). The generous radii of the chamber edges physically prevent the accumulation of microbial biofilms. To guarantee complete sterility of the system between critical batch changes, the system features an automated decontamination mode. This process heats the entire chamber geometry in a controlled manner to 100 °C, thereby irreversibly denaturing the protein structure of potential biological contaminants. An integrated defrost function via a continuous drain protects the matrix from thermodynamically insulating ice formation during low-temperature incubations.

Technical details

Thermodynamics & Refrigeration Technology

• Operating temperature range: 5 – 80 °C (extended to 100 °C in static operation)
• Refrigerant: R290 (propane) / Charge: 55 g / Max. system pressure: 21 bar
• Heating power: 750 W
• Automatic defrost: Yes, integrated
• Thermal decontamination: Yes, at 100 °C

Metrology & Control Engineering

• Temperature sensor: PT 100 (4-wire) for precise cybernetic control
• Setting and display resolution: 0.1 K
• Temperature stability (at 37 °C @ 22 °C ambient): ± 0.3 K
• Temperature homogeneity (at 37 °C with an ambient temperature of 22 °C): ± 0.3 K
• Heating time (to 37 °C at 22 °C ambient): 8 min
• Recovery time (to 37 °C at 22 °C ambient): 4 min
• Display and timer: LCD, maximum time setting 100 days

Kinematics & Mechanics

• Shaking stroke (amplitude): 20 mm
• Speed range: 10 – 300 rpm (speed deviation: ± 5 rpm)
• Maximum shaker load (including attachment): 7.5 kg
• Dimensions of the shaker base: 340 x 480 mm

Chamber infrastructure & dimensions

• Total volume of the inner chamber: 125 litres
• System dimensions (W x H x D): 700 x 1000 x 635 mm / Weight: 95 kg
• Wire shelves: Up to 6 can be fitted / Load per tray: max. 20 kg
• Viewing window: Yes, integrated into the door
• Drain hose: 10 mm internal diameter

Safety & environmental conditions

• Thermal safety device: TB Class 1 (in accordance with DIN 12880)
• Safety shut-off: Integrated setpoint limiter
• Permissible ambient temperature range: 15 – 32 °C
• Permissible relative humidity: max. 70 %
• Noise emission: 55 dB(A)

Electrics & connectivity

• Energy consumption (isothermal at 37 °C): 79 Wh/h
• Voltage / Frequency: 220 – 240 V / 50/60 Hz (other variants such as 100 – 120 V available)
• Maximum power consumption: 1000 W
• Electrical fuse: 2x T6.3A 250V
• Protection class (according to DIN EN 60529): IP 20
• Data interface: USB-C

Contents of delivery

• 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

(Important note: Specific clamps for Erlenmeyer flasks or STICKMAX adhesive mats are essential for mechanically securing the samples and are not included in the scope of delivery!)

Individual requirements & accessories

The INC 125 FCS digital (SP20) is the basic cybernetic module. To effectively transfer kinetic energy to your sample matrices, the shaking platform must be fitted with the corresponding fixing modules. For microbiological cultures in asymmetrical vessels, we recommend the universal STICKMAX adhesive mat, whilst for specific Erlenmeyer flasks, precisely fitting stainless steel retaining clamps are essential to prevent torsional breakage of the glassware at high rotational speeds. Please contact our specialist procurement service at any time for fluid-dynamically optimised scaling and the configuration of metrological stacking kits (stacking systems).