What is an incubator ?

Incubator is derived from the Latin word incubare which means to nurture. An incubator is a chamber with controlled temperature, air pressure and humidity, which is designed to maintain and grow living microorganisms in a suitable environment. One of its most important uses is the incubation of bacterial and viral cultures, the identification and killing of
cells by determining and providing the amount of biochemical oxygen demand and biological reserve. Incubators vary in complexity and design. Some of them only control the temperature while others also control the air composition.
Some have the ability to create temperature conditions lower than room temperature by using a cooling system.

Principles of performance

The incubator uses different methods of heat transfer and environmental control to achieve the necessary conditions for the special methods of the laboratory.
Usually, incubators have a system made up of electric resistors that are controlled by a thermostat or microprocessor and use conduction or natural convection or forced heat for heat transfer systems.

Incubator controls

1. The main switch to turn the device on and off. Some manufacturers also include a protection key 1. The switch has two positions: On, there is electricity in the incubator. OFF There is no electricity in the incubator.
2. Screen for selecting parameters. For example: selected temperature, minimum and maximum warning temperature.
3. Two control buttons that usually specify the main page, selection and settings. These buttons also set the schedule and alarm threshold.
4. Two selection buttons for temperature settings. These buttons are used together with control buttons.
5. Display page indicators that display user status.
If the heating system is working, the display will show “Heat”. If the incubator is being programmed,
the display will show “Program”.
6. The selection and control buttons are located on the control panel.

Installation requirements

The requirements for the installation and operation of incubators require the following conditions:
1. An electrical connection according to the standards used in the country.
The electrical outlet should not be more than 1.5 meters away from the incubator. This connection should provide voltage of 120V, frequency 60Hz or 220-240V, frequency 50-60Hz and have a ground wire.
2. Free space around and behind the device that allows the passage of cables and ventilation required for the normal operation of the incubator
. This space is estimated between 5-10 cm.
3. A space in the laboratory where the amount of temperature change is minimal.
4. A solid table that can support the weight of the incubator.
The weight of the incubator with three shelves is between 60 and 80 kg.
5. Pressure regulators, hoses and connections for incubators that use carbon dioxide gas (CO2). These devices also use an inhibitor to ensure the safety of the high-pressure CO2 gas tank.

Necessary recommendations for cleaning the device

Clean cell or bacterial culture incubators regularly, at least every 14 days, and after spilling any infectious material, using appropriate disinfectants.
1. Unplug the incubator before cleaning.
2. Use cleaning materials that do not cause scratches:
Dip a piece of cloth in a mild cleaning solution and use it to clean the interior and exterior surfaces.
3. Avoid contact between cleaning materials and electrical agents.
4. Wait for the incubator to dry before plugging it back in.

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