Jan 2012
T190 Iss.2
Page 10 of 38
3.3.
Storage.
If the incubator has been in a cold location for a period then it needs to acclimatise to room
temperature.
Move the incubator to its final location and wait for 4 hours before start up. This will allow any condensation
that may have formed to dry. It will also stop the incubator from overshooting temperature set point.
4. Installation.
4.1.
Location and ambient conditions
The incubator can be placed on a table or worktop. Please ensure that the site is sufficiently strong
enough to carry the weight of the incubator.
LEEC do not recommend placing the incubator directly on the floor as this increases the risk of
contamination.
Wheeled platform forms are available that lift the incubator off the floor. Alternatively two incubators can be
stacked using the stacking kit.
Section 10
Correct location of an incubator is very important. The incubator is designed to work in a typical laboratory
environment.
For good performance the ambient conditions should be at least 6°C below the working temperature.
E.g. for a set point of 37.0°C the ambient temperature must not exceed 31.0°C.
If the difference between the set point and ambient temperatures is less than 6.0°C then the set point can
be exceeded and temperature fluctuation will occur.
Our performance data was produced at the ideal ambient condition of 25.0°C. For best performance the
ambient temperature should not drastically exceed this figure.
Maximum ambient humidity is 70% rH, non-condensing. Condensation can occur within the chamber if this
figure is exceeded.
A poorly located incubator can experience temperature fluctuations, poor cell growth and contamination of
cell cultures. These guidelines will ensure best performance:
•
The incubator should be sited on a flat, even surface.
•
It should be in a well ventilated and dry area, but not sited directly in the path of ventilation
ducts.
•
It should be free from vibration.
•
It should be kept away from heat sources e.g. radiators, heating pipes, refrigeration plant.
•
It should not be in direct sunlight.
•
To avoid contamination it should not be placed directly on the floor.
•
Allow sufficient distances between adjacent equipment.
•
There should not be big swings in ambient temperature.
Leave a clearance of 50mm from each side and 100m from the rear.
Level the incubator by adjusting the two front feet. Place a small spirit level on the centre position of the
middle shelf as a guide.
When it is level, secure the feet by tightening the lock nuts with a 10mm spanner.