IKA INC 125 FS digital (SP20), incubation shaker, forced-air circulation, 125 L, 0020117221

Thermodynamic Cybernetics and Forced Convection

The reproducible cultivation of aerobic, thermolabile microorganisms requires cybernetically precise control of isochoric heat transfer. The IKA INC 125 FS digital operates as a thermodynamic incubation shaker based on the physical principle of forced convection (active air circulation). An electronically controlled axial fan generates substantial, continuous air circulation within the 125-litre chamber, with the impeller speed adjustable from 0 to 100 per cent. These dynamic fluid dynamic vectors completely eliminate gravitational temperature stratification (gradients). In conjunction with the PID control algorithm and the integrated PT-100 sensor, the system modulates the surface heating elements in real time, which physically prevents thermodynamic overshoot and guarantees outstanding metrological temperature homogeneity of ± 0.3 K across all geometric incubation planes.

Kinematics of orbital mass transfer (SP20)

The physical introduction of oxygen into the liquid phase severely limits the metabolic growth of aerobic high-density cultures. The suffix “SP20” defines the process architecture of the integrated kinetics: the shaking platform performs a precise orbital rotation with an amplitude (stroke) of 20 mm. Driven by the brushless direct drive (10 to 300 rpm), this kinematics induces defined hydrodynamic shear forces in the medium. The resulting vortex generation maximises the gas–liquid interface and thus the volumetric oxygen transfer coefficient ($k_L a$), without mechanically lysing the cell membranes. Process flexibility is ensured by the platform’s reversibility: the shaking mechanism can be removed without tools, thereby deactivating the kinematics and allowing the system to be used as a static incubator at temperatures of up to 100 °C.

System hermeticity and irreversible thermal decontamination

The absolute prevention of biological cross-contamination (carry-over of foreign DNA, mycoplasma or spores) is essential in high-throughput microbiological analysis. The welded inner chamber of the INC 125 FS is monolithically constructed from corrosion-resistant stainless steel (AISI 304), with generous edge radii that physically prevent the formation of microbial biofilms. To guarantee complete sterility of the system between critical batch changes, the system is equipped with an automated, hardware-based decontamination mode. This cybernetic process heats the entire chamber geometry in a controlled manner to 120 °C, thereby thermodynamically and irreversibly denaturing the protein structure of any pathogenic contaminants. An integrated overflow with a drain hose safely collects leaked fluids from broken glass flasks.

Technical details

Thermodynamics & Heating Technology

• Operating temperature range (shaking mode): room temperature + 8 °C to 80 °C
• Operating temperature range (static operation): room temperature + 8 °C to 100 °C
• Heating power / heat transfer: 500 W (surface heating elements)
• Thermal decontamination: Integrated automatic mode at 120 °C
• Heating time (to 37 °C @ 22 °C ambient): 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 @ 22 °C ambient): ± 0.1 K
• Temperature homogeneity (at 37 °C @ 22 °C ambient): ± 0.3 K
• Cybernetic interface: LCD display
• Timer: Digital, max. 100 days

Kinematics & Mechanics

• Shaking stroke (amplitude): 20 mm (SP20 specification)
• Speed range: 10 – 300 rpm (speed deviation: ± 5 rpm)
• Maximum shaking load (including attachment): 7.5 kg
• Dimensions of the shaker base: 340 x 480 mm
• Airflow principle: Forced convection (active air circulation, fan adjustable from 0 – 100 %)

Chamber infrastructure & dimensions

• Total volume of the inner chamber: 125 litres
• Interior material: Corrosion-resistant stainless steel (AISI 304)
• System dimensions (W x H x D): 700 x 825 x 635 mm / Weight: 65 kg
• Wire shelves: Up to 6 can be fitted / Load per tray: max. 20 kg
• Internal glass door: Yes (for metrological visual inspection without thermodynamic interference)
• Drain hose: Integrated, 10 mm internal diameter

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 %
• Noise emission: 55 dB(A)
• Protection rating (in accordance with DIN EN 60529): IP 20

Electrical & Connectivity

• Voltage / Frequency: 220 – 240 V / 50/60 Hz
• Power consumption: max. 500 W (fuse: 2x T6.3A 250V)
• Data interfaces: USB and RS 232 (for GLP/GMP logging via labworldsoft ®)

Contents of delivery

• 1 x IKA INC 125 FS digital (SP20) incubation shaker
• 1 x IKA IO SP 20 shaking platform (20 mm stroke, removable)
• 2 x IKA IO T 1.00 wire mesh trays (stainless steel, incl. guide rails)
• 1 x USB cable (A-B)
• 1 x power cable for laboratory equipment

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

Individual requirements & accessories

The INC 125 FS digital (SP20) converts kinetic energy into fluid mechanical energy; however, it requires the reaction vessels to be securely fixed in place to prevent the glass flasks from breaking due to torsional stress at 300 rpm. You must obtain the precisely fitting stainless-steel retaining clamps for specific Erlenmeyer flask volumes, or use the high-adhesion STICKMAX adhesive mat for asymmetrical vessel geometries. If cultures are to be incubated without kinetic monitoring, the platform can be removed and the incubator fitted with additional wire racks (IO T 1.00). Please contact our specialist procurement service at any time for the thermodynamically and logistically correct system configuration.