Incubator
Shakers
FAQs
The Crystal Industries CO2 Incubator Shaker (also known as a shaking incubator or orbital incubator shaker) is designed for precise control of CO2, temperature, humidity (RH), and orbital mixing. It is widely used in laboratory applications such as bacterial culture growth (e.g., E. coli), cell culture, yeast cultivation, and recombinant protein expression.
General Questions
An incubator shaker (also called a shaking incubator or orbital incubator shaker) is used for applications that require controlled temperature and agitation, such as cell culture, bacterial growth (e.g., E. coli culture, and protein expression, recombinant protein expression.
Typical applications include:
- Bacterial cultures (e.g., E. coli)
- Yeast cultures
- Mammalian cell cultures
- General laboratory mixing and sample preparation
Temperature Range (Cooling Performance) & Humidity Control (RH)
The temperature range depends on the model, but most laboratory incubator shakers operate from ambient -15°C up to 60°C, supporting both cooling and heating applications.
While the setpoint can be ambient -15°C, the lowest achievable temperature is approximately 4°C, depending on ambient conditions.
The active relative humidity (RH) control system heats water injected from the Water Carboy to approximately 130°C to generate steam, which is then injected into the chamber to increase humidity levels for sensitive applications.
No. The RH system is designed to add moisture only. To reduce humidity:
- Open the chamber door periodically
- Allow the system to naturally equilibrate
- Lower the RH setpoint
Water Requirements
Deionized (DI) water is recommended for optimal performance and to minimize mineral buildup.
Yes. Type I ultrapure water is suitable and provides even higher purity than DI water.
No. Do not add any chemicals or additives to the Water Carboy. The system generates ~130°C steam, which effectively sterilizes the water. Chemicals may:
- Leave residue
- Damage internal components
- Reduce system performance
Shaking Function (RPM, Orbit Diameter, and Mixing Performance)
Shaking diameter (orbit) refers to the circular motion of the platform, typically 25 mm or 50 mm, which determines the mixing pattern.
- Larger orbit diameter (ie. 50mm) = stronger mixing, better aeration, and higher shear force
- Smaller diameter (ie.25mm) = gentler mixing, suitable for delicate samples such mammalian cells
Different laboratory applications require different mixing intensities and oxygen transfer rates. Multiple orbit sizes provide flexibility for:
- Microbial growth
- Cell culture
- Protein expression
No. Shaking performance depends on both RPM and orbit diameter. The same RPM can produce very different results depending on orbit size.
Condensation, Troubleshooting & Maintenance
Condensation can occur due to:
- High humidity settings (RH > 80%)
- Moisture released from samples
- Temperature fluctuations caused by external airflow
- Lower RH setpoint
- Open the door periodically
- Avoid direct airflow onto the unit
- Run at elevated temperature (e.g., 60°C) to dry the chamber
Run the unit at 60°C overnight with relative humidity (RH) turned off. Opening the door beforehand can help release trapped moisture and speed up drying.
Materials & Durability
No. CO2 dissolved in water forms carbonic acid, which is a weak acid.
Yes. The chamber is made of high-grade stainless steel, which is resistant to mild acidic environments, including those created by CO2 and humidity.
Aluminum forms a natural oxide layer that protects against mild corrosion. Under normal conditions, it will not be damaged.
Installation & Clearance
Minimal space is required for heat dissipation; however, proper ventilation is needed. A clearance of approximately 10 inches on the right side is recommended to allow adequate airflow and ventilation.
Troubleshooting
Possible causes:
- Moisture on RH sensor
- Sensor malfunction
Solution:
- Dry the chamber
- Run at 60°C
- Replace the sensor if needed
Service & Support
No. We recommend contacting our service team for support.
Our engineering team will assist remotely and schedule on-site service if needed.
- Serial number
- PO number
- Photos of the issue
- Operational data (if available)
Safety
Yes. The unit includes an auto-stop safety feature that detects when the door or lid is opened and automatically stops operation. This helps protect users from hazards and prevents disruption to samples.

