Memmert HPP260eco Constant-Temperature Chamber, 256 litres, Peltier technology without a compressor

As soon as a single stability study develops into an ongoing test programme involving several formulations, a small chamber is often no longer sufficient. With an internal volume of 256 litres and up to 9 shelves, the Memmert HPP260eco constant-climate chamber offers significantly more capacity than the smallest model in the range, without compromising on temperature and humidity control: 0 to 70 °C without humidity, 5 to 70 °C with active humidity control between 10 and 90 % rh, regulated via a Peltier heating and cooling system without a compressor and without conventional refrigerant.

Peltier cooling for parallel test runs

Like all four sizes in the HPPeco range, the HPP260eco heats and cools via a Peltier element integrated into the rear wall, operating on the heat pump principle. There is no need for a separate refrigeration circuit with conventional refrigerant, which reduces maintenance requirements compared with compressor-cooled climate chambers. Two DIN Class A Pt100 sensors in a 4-wire configuration monitor each other and automatically take over the function of the other sensor in the event of a fault – a crucial safety feature for a chamber that typically runs continuously for several weeks at a time. The temperature setting accuracy is 0.1 °C; when exposed to light, the operating range is restricted to 15 to 40 °C.

Humidity control and ControlCOCKPIT TwinDISPLAY

Relative humidity can be set between 10 and 90 % rh with an accuracy of 0.5 % rh; a hot steam generator humidifies the chamber, whilst a Peltier-based cold trap dehumidifies it. The water supply is provided by an external canister with a connecting hose and a self-priming pump; a fixed water connection is not required. The HPP260eco is controlled via the ControlCOCKPIT TwinDISPLAY with two TFT colour graphic displays; test runs are managed and documented via the Ethernet interface and the AtmoCONTROL software. The SetpointWait function only starts the test time once both the temperature and humidity have reached the setpoint, which helps ensure the comparability of results when multiple formulations are running in parallel.

Selection guide: Choosing the right model size in the HPPeco range

With a capacity of 256 litres, the HPP260eco sits between the compact entry-level model and the two larger chambers in the series:

If 9 shelves are consistently insufficient for the planned test programmes, it is worth considering the Memmert HPP410eco constant-climate chamber with a capacity of 384 litres and 14 shelves. On the other hand, if you only test individual batches occasionally, the more compact Memmert HPP110eco Constant Climate Chamber is often the more cost-effective solution; technically, the only differences between all four models are in volume, dimensions, weight and power consumption. You can find an overview of the entire Memmert range of climate chambers and incubators at LT Laborhandel in the Climate Chambers & Incubators category.

Choosing between the HPP110eco and the ICH110?

For test programmes that also require temperatures below 0 °C or compressor-based cooling with automatic defrosting, the Memmert ICH110 climate chamber is the suitable alternative, although, at 108 litres, it falls into a smaller volume class than the HPP260eco. The ICH110 covers a range from –10 to +60 °C and uses the CFC-free R290 refrigerant; however, its connected load of around 1,350 W is significantly higher than the HPP260eco’s approximately 420 W. As long as the test range is between 0 and 70 °C, the Peltier technology of the HPP260eco remains the more energy-efficient and low-maintenance choice.

Installation, water connection and drainage

A minimum distance of 15 cm from the wall, a maximum distance of 20 cm from the ceiling and a minimum distance of 5 cm from the side must be maintained; the unit may be installed at altitudes of up to 2,000 m above sea level at ambient temperatures of 16 to 40 °C and a maximum relative humidity of 70 per cent, non-condensing. The supplied water canister with connecting hose supplies the humidity control system; a fixed water connection in the installation room is not required. For disposal as waste electrical and electronic equipment, Memmert is registered with the Stiftung Elektro-Altgeräte Register (Stiftung EAR) under WEEE registration number DE 66812464.

Investment rationale: Which equipment for which test purpose

For validated, documented test runs, a USB-to-Ethernet adapter is ideal in combination with AtmoCONTROL or myChamber software licences; an FDA-compliant version for 21 CFR Part 11 environments is available on request. Where several test series are running in parallel with different user groups, a lockable door and a USB user ID stick can be added to the TwinDISPLAY. For unattended runs, a potential-free contact for connection to a central control system and a MobileALERT SMS alert system are available as options. For installation, a castor frame with a supply air filter, levelling feet and a levelling or mobile base frame are also available, along with accessories for the water supply.

Typical areas of application

With an internal volume of 256 litres and up to 9 shelves, the Memmert HPP260eco constant-climate chamber is suitable for laboratories that test multiple formulations or batches in parallel under controlled ICH conditions.

• Parallel stability studies of several active ingredient batches in accordance with ICH Q1A
• Stability testing for cosmetic and food formulations during ongoing development
• Material testing in industrial quality assurance involving a large volume of samples
• Environmental testing from freezing point upwards in research and development

Frequently asked questions about the Memmert HPP260eco constant-climate chamber

What temperature and humidity range does the HPP260eco cover?
Depending on the operating mode, 0 to 70 °C without humidity or 5 to 70 °C with active humidity control between 10 and 90 % rh; when light exposure is applied, the operating range is restricted to 15 to 40 °C.

Does the chamber require a fixed water connection?
No. Humidity is supplied via the water canister supplied with the unit, which includes a connection hose and a self-priming pump.

How many samples can fit into the HPP260eco?
Two trays are included as standard; a total of up to nine trays, each with a maximum load of 20 kg, can be used, provided the total load does not exceed 200 kg.

When does it make sense to switch to the HPP410eco?
If you regularly require more than 9 trays at the same time or a total load exceeding 200 kg, the HPP410eco, with a capacity of 384 litres and up to 14 trays, offers greater capacity whilst retaining the same control technology.

What distinguishes the HPP260eco from the Memmert ICH110 climate chamber?
The HPP260eco cools between 0 and 70 °C using a Peltier element without a compressor or refrigerant, whilst the ICH110 operates with a compressor-based refrigeration cycle (R290) and also covers a range down to -10 °C, albeit with an internal volume of only 108 litres.

What software is available for documentation and validation?
The HPP260eco can be managed and read via Ethernet using the AtmoCONTROL software; for environments subject to 21 CFR Part 11, Memmert also offers an FDA-compliant licence option.

How is calibration carried out?
A calibration certificate is supplied as standard (reference values: 25 °C at 60 % rh and 40 °C at 75 % rh); in addition, three freely selectable values each for temperature and humidity can be calibrated by the user. LT Laborhandel also arranges DAkkS-accredited calibration and IQ/OQ/PQ services.

Technical details

Contents of delivery

• 1x Memmert HPP260eco constant-climate chamber
• Standard factory calibration certificate (25 °C / 60 % rh, 40 °C / 75 % rh)
• Fully insulated stainless steel door with 2-point locking (compression door seal)
• Inner glass door
• Moisture-tight silicone feed-through (internal diameter 18 mm) with silicone plug
• 2x stainless steel grating, electropolished
• Water canister including connection hose

Regulatory information

The Memmert HPP260eco constant-climate chamber is registered with the Stiftung Elektro-Altgeräte Register (Stiftung EAR) under WEEE registration number DE 66812464.

Customised requirements & procurement service

For the HPP260eco, the following are available, amongst other things: a castor frame with supply air filter, levelling feet, a levelling or mobile base frame, and additional accessories relating to the water supply. For data acquisition, a USB-Ethernet adapter and AtmoCONTROL and myChamber software licences are available; FDA-compliant licences are also available. In addition, we arrange calibration, IQ/OQ/PQ and maintenance services, some of which are DAkkS-accredited. Do you require any of these accessories, a special configuration or assistance in selecting the appropriate size for your application? Through our procurement service, LT Laborhandel will be happy to assist you with procurement and configuration.