I.Introduction
Most laboratory ovens and incubators are used for forced-air thermal convection applications.Generally, lab ovens provide uniform temperatures throughout the chamber, while incubators provide a temperature-controlled environment to support the growth of microbiological cultures.Esco Isotherm® lab ovens can reach 300°C, while incubators can reach 80°C (natural convection) and 100°C (forced convection).Both ovens and incubators are available in various sizes ranging from 32 liters to 240 liters.Another type of incubator called refrigerated, or low-temperature incubator maintains a temperature below ambient to as low as 10°C essential for Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) testing.
II.Guide to Models
A.Laboratory Oven
Model |
220-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz |
OFA-32-8 |
OFA-54-8 |
OFA-110-8 |
OFA-170-8 |
OFA-240-8 |
|
OFA-32-8-SS* |
OFA-54-8-SS* |
OFA-110-8-SS* |
OFA-170-8-SS* |
OFA-240-8-SS* |
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110-120 VAC, 50/60 Hz |
OFA-32-9 |
OFA-54-9 |
OFA-110-9 |
- |
- |
||
OFA-32-9-SS* |
OFA-54-9-SS* |
OFA-110-9-SS* |
- |
- |
|||
Volume |
32 L |
54 L |
110 L |
170 L |
240 L |
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Temperature Range |
Ambient +7.5°C to 300°C |
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Oven Construction |
Main Body |
Standard Models |
Electrogalvanized steel with white oven-baked epoxy-polyester Isocide™ antimicrobial powder-coated finish |
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SS |
*Stainless steel, grade 304 |
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Chamber |
Stainless steel, grade 304 |
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Number of Shelves |
Standard |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
Maximum |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
9 |
||
Maximum Load per Shelf |
15 kg (33 lbs) |
30 kg (66 lbs) |
|||||
Wall Bracket (optional accessory) |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
No |
No |
||
Accessories |
Support stand Additional shelves RS-485 communication port Sample monitoring software Reversed swing door (factory installed) |
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B.Laboratory Incubators
Isotherm® Lab Incubators |
 |
 |
 |
|
Type |
||||
Model |
IFA |
INA |
IFC |
|
Application |
|
|
|
|
Available Sizes |
32L, 54L, 110L, 170L, 240L |
32L, 54L, 110L, 170L, 240L |
110L, 170L, 240L |
|
Temperature Range |
Ambient +7.5°C to 100°C |
Ambient +7.5°C to 80°C |
0°C to 100°C |
|
Convection System |
Forced Convection |
Natural Convection |
Forced Convection |
|
Incubator Construction |
Main Body (Standard models) |
Electrogalvanized steel with white oven-baked epoxy-polyester Isocide™ antimicrobial powder-coated finish |
||
Chamber |
Stainless steel, grade 304 |
|||
Number of Shelves |
Standard |
2 |
2 |
2 |
Maximum (240L) |
9 |
9 |
8 |
|
Maximum Load per Shelf |
32L, 54L |
15 kg (33 lbs) |
15 kg (33 lbs) |
- |
110L, 170L, 240L |
30 kg (66 lbs) |
30 kg (66 lbs) |
30 kg (66 lbs) |
|
Stainless Steel Exterior Option |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
|
Available in 110-120 VAC, 50/60 Hz (-9) |
Yes |
No |
No |
|
Accessories |
|
|
|
|
III.Must-have Features of Laboratory Oven and Incubators
Esco Isotherm® Laboratory Oven and Incubators offer reliable performance for universal applications.A lab oven provides uniform temperature throughout the chamber for applications like drying, material testing, curing, and heated storage.On the other hand, incubators provide a temperature-controlled environment to support the growth of microbiological cultures.Laboratory incubators may vary in size, convection type, and temperature.Esco has forced and natural convection incubators and refrigerated incubators to suit various application needs.
Unlike other laboratory ovens and incubators, Esco Isotherm® thermostatic products provide added user and sample protection with its Isocide™ antimicrobial coating that eliminates 99.9% of surface bacteria within 24 hours of exposure.All models were tested, validated, and have passed the calibration conducted by Biomedis.It also complies with international standards and safety regulations such as DIN 12880 Class 3.1, CAN/CSA-22.2, No.61010-1!EN 61010-1, IEC 61010-1, and CE.
Advantages of Esco Isotherm® Laboratory Oven and Incubators
Superior insulation for reduced load output and advanced chamber stability that lowers operating costs.
Outstanding microprocessor PID control technology guarantees fast ramp time.
Comprehensive diagnostic LEDs.
Rigid glass door for observing samples inside the chamber during operation.1
Excellent pre-heat chamber technology that guarantees the maximum thermal performance.
High-quality 2-point door seal and eccentric hinge guarantees maximum gasket compression for stable chamber temperature.
Forced convection design produces faster temperature response rates, improves uniformity, and reduces fluctuation.
Permanently lubricated and maintenance-free fan for uniform air circulation.
Easy-to-clean chamber and external surface.
Dedicated UV disinfection feature that can be manually or automatically operated.2
Auto-defrosting feature during operation and activates regularly.2
Side access port for temperature validation and mapping.2
Water reservoir for water collection during defrosting.2
Note:1Available to laboratory incubators only
2Available to refrigerated incubators only
IV.Factors to Consider When Buying Laboratory Oven and Incubators
Most ovens and incubators are designed with a forced-convection ventilation system to provide uniform temperature throughout the chamber essential for thermal convection applications and provide a controlled environment to support the growth of microbiological cultures.
FACTORS YOU SHOULD CONSIDER WHEN PURCHASING A LAB CENTRIFUGE
- Performance
- Convection design
- Temperature range
- Protection system
- Accessory inclusions
- Ergonomics
- User-friendly control system
- Energy-efficiency
- Ergonomic design
- Durability
- Warranty period
- After-sales service
TYPICAL QUESTIONS YOU SHOULD ASK
How much capacity do you need?Do you have enough space in the lab?
What is the temperature range and desired set point?
What is the operational ambient requirement?
What is your application?
What convection system do you need for your application?
What is the degree of temperature uniformity needed?
How long is the warranty period?
Is the equipment energy-efficient that can help lower operational costs?
How much is the installation cost?
Will the unit fit in the hallways, doors, elevators before installation?
WHY YOU NEED A NEW ONE
Setting up a new laboratory facility.
Replacing an old and less efficient unit that has high operating costs.
Defective lab oven due to electronics or mechanical malfunctions.
The equipment failed the certification and not safe to use anymore.
Additional unit due to an increase in laboratory workload.
V.Safety Tips When Using Lab Oven and Incubators
When using lab ovens and incubators, precautions must be taken to secure that overheating of material, generation of airborne contaminants, fire and/or explosion do not occur.
Follow these precautions when operating thermostatic equipment in the lab:
Proper Equipment Location
Ensure the equipment is away from flammable materials and has adequate air ventilation.
To ensure good ventilation within the equipment, the total load volume should not exceed half of the chamber volume.
Do not lift using the door or door handle during installation.
Correct Power Source
Know the equipment's power requirement.
If the electrical supply is not within the given parameter, a suitable power transformer must be used.
Have unobstructed access to the power source.
Regular Maintenance
Schedule unit calibration/validation regularly to check any abnormalities or malfunction including the accuracy of the temperature read-out.
Proper Cleaning
Cut off power supply before cleaning.
Avoid using chlorine-based detergents/disinfectants.
Do not pour water directly into the chamber.
The equipment should remain clean and free of chemical spills and residues.
To Do's Before Operation
For lab oven, preheat the chamber prior to use.
Know the equipment's temperature range.
Determine the right temperature and length of time for a certain application.
Hazard Assessment and PPE
All lab personnel who operate thermostatic equipment must be familiar with the operation.It includes training proper equipment set-up, limitations, and precautions for preventing fires, over-pressurization, and hazardous fumes.
Prepare a pair of hot gloves near the oven for protection from hot surfaces.
Always wear a clean lab coat.