Memmert IF30plus 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 controllable air turbine ensures more uniform 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 working temperature range only begins at a minimum of 10 °C above room temperature, rather than at 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 interior sterilisation

The IF30plus is controlled via the ControlCOCKPIT TwinDISPLAY, an adaptive, multifunctional digital PID microprocessor controller with two high-resolution TFT colour graphic displays. The following can be set: temperature in Celsius or Fahrenheit, the speed of the recirculation fan, the position of the exhaust air flap, programme duration, as well as the 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 set 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 samples themselves.

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 those of the IN30 natural convection model. The scope of delivery includes one electropolished stainless steel grid shelf, and the cabinet can accommodate up to three shelves in total. The maximum load capacity 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 a 230 V (approx. 1,600 W) or 115 V (approx. 800 W) supply, in each case at 50/60 Hz.

Selection guide: natural convection or forced air circulation with TwinDISPLAY

We offer 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, on the other hand, require a larger capacity with natural convection will find this in the Memmert IN55 incubator with a capacity of 53 litres. The full range can be found at Climate chambers & incubators.

Distinction: 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 a more even temperature distribution for culture vessels of varying sizes or those densely packed, but only starts operating from 10 °C above room temperature, rather than 5 °C. The models also differ in terms of their displays: 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 of the IN models. The UN30 heating and drying oven, with natural convection and a temperature range up to 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 according to DIN 12880, which switches off the heating when the temperature rises to approximately 20 °C above the maximum cabinet temperature. Additionally, an adjustable temperature monitor of protection class 3.1 or an adjustable temperature limiter of protection class 2 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 falls below or exceeds the setpoint; if the temperature is exceeded, the heating is also switched off. A self-diagnostic system assists with fault-finding, and 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 minimum distance of 20 cm from the ceiling must be maintained; a minimum of 5 cm is sufficient on either side in relation to the wall or an adjacent unit. The unit may be installed 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 %, 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 applications

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 testing involving frequent switching between different sample types
• Food analysis with requirements for documented cleaning of interior surfaces
• Pharmaceutical applications with heightened requirements for process safety and alarm systems
• Research requiring redundant temperature monitoring using two Pt100 sensors

Investment rationale: Targeted expansion of safety and process equipment

The scope of delivery for the IF30plus includes one electropolished stainless steel grid shelf and the inner glass door; the cabinet is designed to accommodate up to three shelves. Those wishing to secure access can configure a lockable door with a security lock; for additional redundancy in temperature monitoring, a further Pt100 sensor with overtemperature protection is available. If required, the unit can also be monitored via SMS alerts. For pharmaceutical or standards-governed applications, we arrange calibration, IQ/OQ/PQ and maintenance services, including DAkkS calibration on request, which are particularly relevant for environments requiring validation, given the additional safety features of the IF30plus.

Frequently asked questions before making a purchase

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

Why does the working 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 interval and, in the event of a deviation, triggers an alarm or switches off the heating.

How does the IF30plus differ from the IN30?
Both have an internal capacity 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 fit inside at the same time?
One grid shelf 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 (calibrated at 37 °C)
• Fully insulated stainless steel door with a 2-point locking system (compression door lock)
• Inner glass door
• 1x stainless steel grid shelf, electropolished

Regulatory information

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

Individual requirements and procurement service

The IF30plus is available with, amongst other features, interior lighting and a power socket, a lockable door with a security lock, an additional Pt100 sensor with over-temperature protection, and SMS alerts. We also arrange calibration, IQ/OQ/PQ and maintenance services, including DAkkS calibration on request. Do you require any of these accessories or assistance in selecting the right incubator for your application? Through our procurement service, we’d be happy to assist you with procurement and configuration.