Possible Causes of Temperature Problems in Laboratory Incubators

If you need a incubator lab equipment, you'll undoubtedly be frustrated if it doesn't work. If your device doesn't heat up or cool down at all, or doesn't reach its set temperature, a number of factors could be at play.

In this article, we'll help you troubleshoot by looking at some of the possible causes of temperature problems in your lab incubator, including those that provide refrigeration.

1. There is a mechanical failure

If your device doesn't heat up or cool down at all, this can be a serious problem. You may have a damaged component or controller, both of which will require repair and you may need to purchase replacement parts. You might even want to consider buying a new machine.

If your lab incubator is cooling, but not cooling at all, one of the most likely causes is a malfunctioning compressor. In this case, you need to repair or even replace the machine.

2. The temperature protection setting is too low or too high

Over-Temperature Protection (OTP) is a handy feature found in many laboratory incubators. It acts as a backup by turning off the heat (and sometimes activating a visual or audible alarm) in case the temperature spikes for some reason. This helps ensure that sample integrity and stability are not compromised by excessive temperature.

Most temperature control devices with this feature use over and under temperature alarms. Predictably, under-temperature protection (UTP) is the exact opposite of OTP. You set a minimum temperature to avoid exposing your samples to excessive cold. If this setting is higher than the set value, your device will not cool to the desired temperature.

3. The temperature needs to be stable

In some cases, your machine may appear to be heating up or cooling down, but the temperature on the reference thermometer does not match the primary temperature control reading.

One of the most likely reasons is that the temperature has not stabilized. If the door has recently been opened, the appliance has been turned off, or the temperature has been reset, there may not have been enough time for the internal temperature to stabilize.

4. Not properly calibrated

In the above case, if the temperature has had enough time to stabilize, the problem may be with the calibration. If one of the thermometers is not properly calibrated, their readings will simply not match.

It is recommended that the device be calibrated at a temperature similar to your process temperature and every time you change to a new temperature.

5. The door is sealed

For incubators and refrigerators, door seals can be an issue if the unit is not reaching temperature. If the seal does not work properly, air exchange will occur between the equipment and the environment, allowing hot air to escape (in the hatching unit) or enter (in the refrigeration unit).

6. Not enough free airflow

For these units to work, you really need to make sure there is enough free airflow around the machine. While you don't need a lot of space, it's not a good idea to push the unit against a wall or other equipment. A few inches of "breathing room" on the sides and rear of the unit will help ensure enough free airflow for it to function properly.

For the cooling incubator, if ice forms on the evaporator, the device may not cool sufficiently. This causes insulation and makes it harder for the compressor to do its job. You can remove ice and try to limit door openings to keep moisture from entering the unit.

7. Need more power

The power supply is unlikely to be an issue with the machine in an existing setup, but could be an issue in a new installation. If this is the first time you are using the unit or you have moved it to a new location, you should check that the amperage and voltage of the power supply meets the requirements of the unit. You should be able to see these numbers on the machine's nameplate.

Lab Incubator Manufacturer XCH Biomedical have BOD incubator, widely used for research and production departments such as environmental protection, sanitation and epidemic prevention, agriculture, livestock and aquatic products, drug testing, cell culture, etc. ; 

The mold incubator is a special constant temperature equipment for water body analysis BOD detection, mold and other microorganism cultivation, widely used for research institutes of health and epidemic prevention, agriculture, livestock and aquatic products; 

Heated incubators are used in medical and health, pharmaceutical industry, biochemistry and agricultural science and other scientific research and industrial production departments for bacterial cultivation, fermentation and constant temperature testing.

Cooling incubator provides precise temperature control for reliable results in pharmaceutical, industrial testing, food, cosmetics, and microbiological research.