CO2 Incubator Shaker

What is the CO2 Incubator Shaker?

A CO2 incubator shaker adds carbon dioxide and humidity control to an agitated chamber for cell culture in suspension. It is chosen when mammalian or insect cells need both 5 percent CO2 and gentle shaking.

Overview

This incubator shaker combines an orbital platform with CO2 and humidity control, so suspension cell cultures receive both a bicarbonate-buffered atmosphere and continuous gentle agitation. An infrared CO2 sensor holds 0 to 20 percent, humidity runs near 90 to 95 percent from a water pan or active humidifier, and temperature is held at 37 C with uniformity of plus or minus 0.5 to 1 C. Speeds are lower than for bacterial work, typically 20 to 150 rpm with a 25 mm orbit, to avoid shear damage. Load ratings run 5 to 20 kg, and platforms accept spinner flasks, shake flasks and tube racks. HEPA filtration is common, and high-temperature decontamination cycles are offered. Cleaning and humidity management need attention.

How does it work?

An incubator shaker places an orbital drive inside an insulated, temperature-controlled chamber. The motor turns an eccentric bearing that moves the platform in a circle, with orbit diameters of 19 to 50 mm and speeds of 20 to 400 rpm, set and held by closed-loop control. The chamber is heated by elements and, in refrigerated models, cooled by a compressor, both managed by a PID controller, while air circulation keeps temperature uniform around the vessels. Platforms accept flask clamps, tube racks or trays, and the load must be balanced so the drive does not vibrate. Door interlocks stop the platform when opened, and timers or programmed profiles run the cycle. Some models add CO2 control, humidity or HEPA filtration for cell work.

What are the key features?

• Infrared CO2 control from 0 to 20 percent
• Humidity near 90 to 95 percent
• Gentle speed of 20 to 150 rpm at 25 mm orbit
• Temperature held at 37 C with tight uniformity
• Platform for spinner flasks and shake flasks
• Optional HEPA filtration and high-temperature decontamination

What are the technical specifications?

A typical co2 incubator shaker configuration offers chamber volume of 50–200 L, temperature range of RT+5 to 50 C, set at 37 C, temperature uniformity of ±0.5–1 C, CO2 range of 0–20%, CO2 sensor of Infrared (IR) and humidity of 90–95% RH. Values are indicative of the product class; the exact figures for each configuration are confirmed on the quotation and the calibration documents supplied with the instrument.

Which applications is it used for?

The CO2 Incubator Shaker is used in mammalian suspension cell culture, insect cell expression, spinner and shake flask culture and antibody and protein production from cells. Across the wider Incubator Shakers class, laboratories also deploy it for bacterial and yeast liquid culture, protein and plasmid expression and fermentation and bioprocess development.

Which standards and certifications apply?

Relevant standards and methods include IEC 61010-1, IEC 61010-2-051, IEC 61010-2-010, DIN 12880 and ISO 9001. Certification candidates for this model are CE, ISO 9001 manufacturing and RoHS; each is to be confirmed for the specific configuration before shipment, and certificates are supplied only where they have been issued.

Balance the platform by loading flasks symmetrically, since an unbalanced load causes vibration, noise and bearing wear. Do not exceed the load rating at the chosen speed, and keep clamps tight. Place the unit on a level, stable surface with clearance for ventilation and door swing, away from heat sources, and confirm the room can handle the heat rejected by a refrigerated model. Clean spills promptly, because medium corrodes the chamber and clamps. Check belts, bearings and clamps on schedule, and verify temperature with a reference probe, pausing shaking for the check. Log rpm and temperature for regulated culture work.

How do I select the right CO2 Incubator Shaker?

Select the CO2 incubator shaker when cells need a bicarbonate-buffered, humid atmosphere plus gentle agitation, as in suspension culture and shake-flask expression. A standard incubator shaker suffices when CO2 control is unnecessary. In the RFQ, specify CO2 range and sensor, humidity, speed, orbit, HEPA option and cleaning cycles.

How does it compare with other Incubator Shakers variants?

Choose an incubator shaker when a culture needs both temperature control and agitation, since a static incubator plus a separate shaker cannot match the uniformity or convenience. Set the temperature range first and choose a refrigerated model if the setpoint is at or below ambient. Match orbit and speed to the organism, often 200 to 300 rpm with a 25 mm orbit for bacteria, and lower speeds for mammalian suspension cells. Size the chamber and platform for vessel count and the largest flask, and check the load rating at the working speed. Decide between benchtop, floor-standing or stackable for capacity, and confirm clamps, door interlock, alarms and data logging.