Memmert ICO240 CO₂ incubator – Precision and reliability for cell and tissue cultures
The Memmert ICO240 CO₂ incubator is a piece of laboratory equipment designed to meet the most stringent requirements for cell, bacterial or tissue culture. It combines high control accuracy with exemplary reliability, providing a stable and constant environment that is essential for research work and medical applications. With an internal volume of 241 litres and a corrosion-resistant stainless steel design, it is perfectly suited to the needs of modern laboratories looking for a durable and high-performance solution.
Precise temperature control is one of the ICO240's major advantages. Its operating range extends from +18°C to +50°C, with a display accuracy of 0.1°C. Two Pt100 probes, mounted in a 4-wire configuration, provide continuous monitoring and take over from each other in the event of failure, thus ensuring stable experimental conditions. The incubator maintains remarkable thermal homogeneity, with spatial variation limited to ±0.3 K and temporal fluctuation of ±0.1 K at 37°C. In addition, an integrated sterilisation programme allows a cycle at 180°C for 60 minutes without dismantling the sensors.
Humidity is controlled by a Peltier element that limits the relative value to 93% ± 2.5% when the water tray is inserted. As an option, an active control system allows precise adjustment between 40% and 97% relative humidity, offering flexibility to suit the specific requirements of each protocol. CO₂ control is provided by a dual-beam NDIR system with barometric compensation and self-diagnostic function. The adjustment range is from 0% to 20%, with an accuracy of 0.1% and a time variation of less than ±0.2%. Optional O₂ control is available from 1% to 20%, with the same accuracy of 0.1%.
Control is via the ControlCOCKPIT TwinDISPLAY panel, consisting of two high-definition TFT colour screens. The interface is available in several languages and allows you to set the temperature, CO₂, programme time and manage the summer/winter time change. The SetpointWAIT function ensures that the timing of a protocol only starts once the target temperature has been reached. Connection to the network is facilitated by Ethernet and USB interfaces, and the AtmoCONTROL software allows remote programming and monitoring of conditions.
For safety, the ICO240 incorporates the AutoSAFETY system, a protection device against overheating and temperature drops, set to automatically follow the target value with a defined tolerance. In the event of a fault, a visual and audible signal alerts the user, and the heating or cooling is automatically adjusted. The integrated self-diagnostic system continuously monitors temperature and CO₂ to prevent any drift.
The incubator is designed to maintain a homogeneous, condensation-free environment thanks to a six-sided heating system that includes the door and rear. Its energy efficiency and control accuracy make it ideal for demanding environments where stable experimental conditions are essential for successful biological cultures. Its robustness, combined with an intuitive interface and extensive control features, makes it an ideal choice for laboratories seeking to combine performance, reliability and control of experimental parameters.