Memmert IF30plus incubator, incubator with forced air circulation and TwinDISPLAY, 32 litres, up to 80 °C

The Memmert IF30plus incubator is the forced-air version of the compact 32-litre model and thus differs significantly from the natural convection models IN30 and IN55: an electronically controlled fan ensures a more even temperature distribution inside the chamber; a TwinDISPLAY with two screens enhances operation with additional safety and display functions; and a permanently installed sterilisation programme thermally cleans the interior between different sample runs. As with the IN models, the temperature range extends from 20 to 80 °C; however, due to the active air circulation, the operating temperature range only begins at a minimum of 10 °C above room temperature rather than 5 °C.

Forced air circulation for uniform incubation and faster sample changes

The air turbine in the Memmert IF30plus incubator actively distributes heat throughout the interior, rather than simply allowing it to rise naturally, as is the case with the IN models. This is an advantage for applications where culture vessels of different sizes need to be maintained at a similar temperature simultaneously, as well as when switching frequently between different sample types. Two DIN Class A Pt100 sensors in a 4-wire configuration monitor each other in the IF30plus, providing an additional level of safety compared with the single sensor in the IN models. The setting accuracy is 0.1 °C across the entire operating range, from at least 10 °C above room temperature up to 80 °C.

ControlCOCKPIT TwinDISPLAY and integrated chamber sterilisation

The IF30plus is controlled via the ControlCOCKPIT TwinDISPLAY, an adaptive, multifunctional digital PID microprocessor controller with two high-resolution TFT colour graphic displays. Settings include temperature in Celsius or Fahrenheit, the speed of the recirculation fan, the position of the exhaust air flap, programme duration, as well as time zone and summer/winter time. A digital countdown timer with target time can be set from 1 minute to 99 days; the SetpointWait function only starts the incubation time once the setpoint temperature has been reached. In the event of a power cut, the unit saves the programme progress to date. Particularly useful for routine microbiological work: a permanently set sterilisation programme running for 4 hours at 160 °C thermally sterilises the interior, though not the sample load itself.

Capacity and dimensions of the Memmert IF30plus incubator

The interior measures 400 x 320 x 250 mm, although the depth is reduced by 39 mm due to the fan; the external dimensions are 585 x 704 x 434 mm, identical to the natural convection model IN30. An electropolished stainless steel wire shelf is included as standard; the cabinet can accommodate up to three shelves in total. The maximum load is 60 kg for the entire unit and 20 kg per shelf. The interior consists of easy-to-clean stainless steel, reinforced by deep-drawn ribbing, with protected, integrated 4-sided all-round heating; the housing is made of textured stainless steel with a fully galvanised sheet steel rear panel. The IF30plus is connected to 230 V (approx. 1,600 W) or 115 V (approx. 800 W), in both cases at 50/60 Hz.

Selection guide: natural convection or forced air circulation with TwinDISPLAY

LT Laborhandel offers a choice of two sizes with natural convection for incubation, as well as the IF30plus with forced air circulation and TwinDISPLAY.

With the same internal volume as the Memmert IN30 incubator, the IF30plus offers more active air circulation, the TwinDISPLAY and the integrated sterilisation programme. Those who require a larger volume with natural convection will find this in the Memmert IN55 incubator, which has a capacity of 53 litres. The full range can be found under Climate Chambers & Incubators.

Differences: IF versus IN, TwinDISPLAY versus SingleDISPLAY

The key difference between the IF30plus and the IN models lies in the ventilation principle: The IN series operates using natural convection and is particularly suitable for vibration-free, quiet incubation without air movement, whilst the IF30plus, with its air turbine, offers more uniform temperature distribution for culture vessels of varying sizes or those densely packed; however, it only starts operating from 10 °C above room temperature rather than 5 °C. The models also differ in terms of their display: the IF30plus’s TwinDISPLAY, featuring two screens, as well as the integrated ASF over- and under-temperature monitoring and the selectable protection classes TWW or TWB, go beyond the SingleDISPLAY found on the IN models. The UN30 heating and drying cabinet, with natural convection and a temperature range of 300 °C, is, by contrast, designed for drying tasks rather than incubation, and is not suitable for culture work in the range up to 80 °C.

Safety: mechanical limiter, ASF and alarm

The IF30plus is fitted with a mechanical temperature limiter of protection class 1 in accordance with DIN 12880, which switches off the heating when the temperature reaches approximately 20 °C above the maximum cabinet temperature. Additionally, a Class 3.1 temperature selector monitor or a Class 2 temperature selector limiter can be selected via the display. The integrated ASF over- and under-temperature monitoring system automatically tracks the setpoint at a freely selectable interval and triggers a visual and audible alarm if the temperature exceeds or falls below the setpoint; if the temperature is exceeded, it also switches off the heating. A self-diagnostic system assists with fault-finding; three freely selectable temperature values can be calibrated. The unit bears CE and EAC markings as well as a UL test mark.

Installation, operation and disposal

For operation, a minimum distance of 15 cm from the wall and a maximum distance of 20 cm from the ceiling must be maintained; a minimum of 5 cm is sufficient on either side in relation to a wall or neighbouring unit. Installation is permitted at altitudes of up to 2,000 m above sea level at an ambient temperature of 5 °C to 40 °C and a relative humidity of no more than 80 per cent, non-condensing. Electrically, the IF30plus is designed for overvoltage category II and pollution degree 2; it must only be transported in an upright position. The integrated sterilisation programme allows for regular thermal cleaning of the interior between different sample runs, but does not replace regular maintenance. As an electrical appliance, the IF30plus is subject to the Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act at the end of its service life and must not be disposed of with household waste.

Typical areas of application

With active air circulation, TwinDISPLAY and an integrated sterilisation programme, the Memmert IF30plus incubator is suitable for more demanding incubation tasks involving frequently changing sample types.

• Incubation of culture vessels of varying sizes with uniform temperature distribution
• Routine microbiological work involving frequent changes between different sample types
• Food analysis with requirements for documented internal cleaning
• Pharmaceutical applications with heightened requirements for process reliability and alarm systems
• Research requiring redundant temperature monitoring via two Pt100 sensors

Investment rationale: Targeted enhancement of safety and process equipment

The IF30plus is supplied as standard with one electropolished stainless steel grating and an internal glass door; the cabinet is designed to accommodate up to three shelves. Those wishing to secure access can opt for a lockable door with a security lock; for additional redundancy in temperature monitoring, a further Pt100 sensor with over-temperature protection is available. If required, the unit can also be monitored via SMS alerts. For pharmaceutical or standard-compliant applications, we provide calibration, IQ/OQ/PQ and maintenance services – including those accredited by DAkkS – which are particularly relevant for environments requiring validation, given the IF30plus’s additional safety features.

Frequently asked questions before purchase

What is the integrated sterilisation programme designed for?
It thermally sterilises the interior of the IF30plus for 4 hours at 160 °C, not the samples themselves. This is useful for decontaminating the cabinet between different sample runs.

Why does the operating temperature range only start at 10 °C above room temperature?
The active air circulation provided by the air turbine requires a slightly greater difference from room temperature than the IN models with natural convection, which operate from as low as 5 °C above room temperature.

What does ASF mean in the IF30plus?
ASF stands for the integrated over- and under-temperature monitoring system, which automatically tracks the setpoint at a freely selectable margin and triggers an alarm or switches off the heating in the event of a deviation.

How does the IF30plus differ from the IN30?
Both have an internal volume of 32 litres and identical external dimensions; the IF30plus also features an air turbine, TwinDISPLAY, two Pt100 sensors and an integrated sterilisation programme.

Is the IF30plus a medical device?
No, according to Memmert’s own MDR classification table, the IF30plus is not a medical device; this applies only to the separate m and mplus variants.

How many samples can it hold at once?
One wire rack is included as standard; up to three shelves, each with a maximum load of 20 kg, are possible, giving a total load capacity of up to 60 kg.

Can the programme continue in the event of a power cut?
The appliance saves the programme progress to date in the event of a power cut, so that ongoing processes remain traceable.

Technical details

Scope of delivery

• 1x Memmert IF30plus incubator
• Factory calibration certificate (calibration at 37 °C)
• Fully insulated stainless steel door with 2-point locking (compression door seal)
• Inner glass door
• 1x stainless steel wire mesh shelf, electropolished

Regulatory information

The Memmert IF30plus incubator is registered with the Stiftung Elektro-Altgeräte Register (Stiftung EAR) under WEEE registration number DE 66812464.

Customised requirements & procurement service

Options available for the IF30plus include interior lighting and a power socket, a lockable door with a security lock, an additional Pt100 sensor with overtemperature protection, and SMS alerts. We also arrange calibration, IQ/OQ/PQ and maintenance services, including those accredited by DAkkS. Do you require any of these accessories or assistance in selecting the right incubator for your application? Through our procurement service, LT Laborhandel will be happy to assist you with procurement and configuration.