Memmert ICH110 climate chamber, 108 litres, humidity control 10 to 80 per cent relative humidity

Anyone who needs to carry out stability tests not only at moderate temperatures but also at temperatures around and below freezing will rarely find a way round using a compressor-based climate chamber. With an internal volume of 108 litres, the Memmert ICH110 climatic chamber covers a temperature range from –10 to +60 °C and is specifically designed for stability testing in accordance with ICH, WHO, EMA and ASEAN guidelines, as well as for GMP, GLP and GCCP-compliant test environments; it is controlled via a CFC-free cooling/heating system using the refrigerant R290.

Circulating air with an air-jacket temperature control system instead of Peltier

Unlike the Peltier-cooled HPPeco chambers, the ICH110 operates with an air turbine that can be electronically controlled in 10 per cent increments and an air-jacket temperature control system that gently distributes heat around the interior without the test material being directly affected by an evaporator. Cooling is provided by an energy-saving, CFC-free cooling/heating system using the refrigerant R290, whilst a highly efficient automatic defrost system prevents icing during continuous operation. Without humidity, the operating range extends from -10 to +60 °C; however, Memmert expressly points out that the cabinet is not intended for long-term storage at sub-zero temperatures and that the glass door may ice up during continuous operation in the sub-zero range. With humidity and/or light, the operating range is restricted to +10 to +60 °C.

Humidity control and ControlCOCKPIT TwinDISPLAY

Relative humidity can be actively controlled between 10 and 80 % rh, with a display resolution of 0.1 % and a setting accuracy of 0.5 %. Humidification is provided by a hot steam generator, supplied via an external water canister with a connecting hose and a self-priming pump; a fixed water connection is not required. 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. The ICH110 is operated via the ControlCOCKPIT TwinDISPLAY with two TFT colour graphic displays, and data is recorded via Ethernet or USB using the AtmoCONTROL software. Selectable temperature-humidity combinations are based on the operating range diagram in the data sheet; continuous, condensation-free operation is guaranteed only within these combinations. You can find an overview of the entire Memmert range of climate chambers and incubators at LT Laborhandel in the Climate Chambers & Incubators category.

Decision: ICH110 or HPP110eco constant-climate chamber?

In the same 108-litre volume class, Memmert offers the Memmert HPP110eco constant-climate chamber as a Peltier-cooled alternative without a compressor or conventional refrigerant. The HPP110eco covers a temperature range of 0 to 70 °C, requires a power input of around 420 W and does not need an automatic defrost function; however, its temperature range does not extend into sub-zero temperatures. Those running test programmes at temperatures below 0 °C, or who prefer compressor-based cooling with defined defrost cycles, are better served by the ICH110 with its higher power consumption of around 1,350 W.

Installation, water connection and drainage

A minimum clearance of 15 cm from the wall, a maximum clearance of 20 cm from the ceiling and a minimum clearance of 5 cm at the sides must be maintained. Unlike the HPPeco range, the permissible ambient temperature for the ICH110 is 15 to 28 °C, with a restricted temperature range up to 34 °C, at a maximum relative humidity of 70 per cent (non-condensing), and a permissible installation altitude of up to 2,000 m above sea level. The supplied water canister with connecting hose provides the water supply for humidity control; 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 documented, validatable test runs, a USB-to-Ethernet adapter is recommended, together with AtmoCONTROL or myChamber software licences, which can be FDA-compliant for 21 CFR Part 11 environments if required. If the cabinet is operated unattended, a dry contact for the building management system, a MobileALERT SMS alert system and an additional Pt100 sensor with its own over-temperature protection can be fitted. Where several user groups work on the unit, a lockable door and a USB user ID stick for the TwinDISPLAY are available as options; for monitoring the air turbine, fan speed monitoring is also available.

Typical applications

With an operating range of –10 to +60 °C and active humidity control between 10 and 80 % rh, the Memmert ICH110 climatic chamber is designed for test programmes with explicit reference to standards.

• Stability testing of pharmaceutical products in accordance with ICH, WHO, EMA and ASEAN guidelines
• GMP- and GLP-compliant test environments in quality control
• GCCP-compliant test procedures in clinical research
• Stability testing of cosmetic products with temperature requirements below 0 °C

Frequently asked questions about the Memmert ICH110 climate chamber

Which testing standards is the ICH110 designed to meet?
According to the manufacturer, the ICH110 is designed for stability testing in accordance with ICH, WHO, EMA and ASEAN standards, as well as for GMP-, GLP- and GCCP-compliant test environments; however, the data sheet does not specify individual standard numbers.

How does the ICH110 differ from the HPP110eco constant-climate chamber?
The ICH110 uses compressor-based cooling with the refrigerant R290 and covers a temperature range of –10 to +60 °C, whilst the HPP110eco operates using a Peltier element without a compressor or refrigerant, covering a range of 0 to 70 °C.

Can the ICH110 be operated continuously at sub-zero temperatures?
No, according to the manufacturer’s specifications, the cabinet is not intended for long-term storage at sub-zero temperatures; during continuous operation below freezing point, the glass door may become iced up.

What humidity range can the ICH110 control?
Actively between 10 and 80% RH, with a setting accuracy of 0.5% and a display resolution of 0.1%.

How many samples will fit in the ICH110?
Two shelves are included as standard; a total of up to five shelves, each with a maximum load of 20 kg, can be fitted, with the total load not exceeding 150 kg.

How is calibration carried out?
A calibration certificate is supplied as standard (reference values: 10 °C and 37 °C, 60 % RH at 30 °C); in addition, you can calibrate three freely selectable values for temperature and humidity yourself. LT Laborhandel also arranges DAkkS-accredited calibration and IQ/OQ/PQ services.

What is included in the scope of delivery?
Factory calibration certificate, fully insulated stainless steel door with 2-point locking, inner glass door, humidity-tight silicone grommet, 2 electro-polished stainless steel grates, and a water canister with connecting hose.

Technical details

Contents of delivery

• 1x Memmert ICH110 climate chamber
• Factory calibration certificate (10 °C and 37 °C, 60 % rh at 30 °C)
• Fully insulated stainless steel door with 2-point locking mechanism (compression door seal)
• Inner glass door
• Moisture-tight silicone feed-through (internal diameter 40 mm) with silicone plug
• 2x stainless steel wire shelves, electropolished
• Water canister including connection hose

Regulatory information

The Memmert ICH110 climate cabinet is registered with the Stiftung Elektro-Altgeräte Register (Stiftung EAR) under WEEE registration number DE 66812464.

Customised requirements & procurement service

Options available for the ICH110 include fan speed monitoring, an additional Pt100 sensor with its own overtemperature protection, and a lockable door. For data acquisition, a USB-to-Ethernet adapter as well as AtmoCONTROL and myChamber software licences are available; FDA-compliant licences are also available. In addition, we arrange calibration, IQ/OQ/PQ and maintenance services, including those accredited by DAkkS. Do you require any of these accessories, a special configuration or assistance in selecting the right size for your application? Through our procurement service, LT Laborhandel will be happy to assist you with procurement and configuration.