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

What is an incubator shaker used for?

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.

What types of samples can be used?

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)

What is the temperature range?

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.

What is the lowest achievable temperature?

While the setpoint can be ambient -15°C, the lowest achievable temperature is approximately 4°C, depending on ambient conditions.

How does the RH (humidity) system work?

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.

Can the RH system remove humidity?

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

What type of water should be used?

Deionized (DI) water is recommended for optimal performance and to minimize mineral buildup.

Can Type I (ultrapure) water be used?

Yes. Type I ultrapure water is suitable and provides even higher purity than DI water.

Can additives or treatment chemicals be used?

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)

What is shaking diameter (orbit)?

Shaking diameter (orbit) refers to the circular motion of the platform, typically 25 mm or 50 mm, which determines the mixing pattern.

How does shaking diameter affect performance?

  • 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

Why offer different orbit sizes?

Different laboratory applications require different mixing intensities and oxygen transfer rates. Multiple orbit sizes provide flexibility for:

  • Microbial growth
  • Cell culture
  • Protein expression

Should RPM be considered alone?

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

Why does condensation occur?

Condensation can occur due to:

  • High humidity settings (RH > 80%)
  • Moisture released from samples
  • Temperature fluctuations caused by external airflow
 

How to reduce condensation?

  • 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

How 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

Will CO2 and water cause corrosion?

No. CO2 dissolved in water forms carbonic acid, which is a weak acid.

Is the stainless steel chamber resistant?

Yes. The chamber is made of high-grade stainless steel, which is resistant to mild acidic environments, including those created by CO2 and humidity.

What about the aluminum platform?

Aluminum forms a natural oxide layer that protects against mild corrosion. Under normal conditions, it will not be damaged.

Installation & Clearance

How much space is needed around the unit?

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

What if RH readings are inaccurate?

Possible causes:

  • Moisture on RH sensor
  • Sensor malfunction

Solution:

  • Dry the chamber
  • Run at 60°C
  • Replace the sensor if needed

Service & Support

Can users service the unit themselves?

No. We recommend contacting our service team for support.

How is service handled?

Our engineering team will assist remotely and schedule on-site service if needed.

What should be provided for support?

  • Serial number
  • PO number
  • Photos of the issue
  • Operational data (if available)

Safety

Does the unit have an automatic safety shut-off feature?

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.

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