CO2 Incubators With Integral Cooling and Extended Range

Extended temperature range CO2 incubators.
Image courtesy Esco

Numerous cell culture studies require temperatures that cannot be reliably maintained with heated-only incubators. Esco has a solution in their CelCulture® CO2 Incubators with an integrated cooling system that enables operation at temperatures as much as twelve degrees Celsius below the surrounding ambient.

A Peltier cooling system, such as that incorporated in the Esco CelCulture® CO2 Incubators, is an electronic system. It does not have a mechanical compressor, but utilizes a Peltier junction and heat exchanger to move heat from the interior of the chamber to the surrounding air. The method is also referred to as thermoelectric cooling and provides reliable operation with little to maintenance required.

In addition to the extended low range operating temperature, CelCulture® CO2 Incubators with an integrated coling system can maintain temperatures up to 60°C above ambient. Contamination control is provided by a 90°C validated moist heat decontamination cycle, ULPA filter, anti-microbial surface coating and a 0.2 micron in-line filter for the gas supply.

Learn more about CelCulture® CO2 Incubators and their suitability for many applications. Share your cell culture environmental requirements with laboratory equipment experts. Leverage your own knowledge and experience with their product application expertise to develop an effective solution.

Atlantic Technology Group at ISPE-CaSA 2018

Atlantic Technology Group exhibiting at ISPE CaSA 2018

Atlantic Technology Group attended, supported and exhibited at the 25th Annual ISPE-CaSA Life Sciences and Technology Conference at the Raleigh Convention Center on March 13, 2018. The conference provided everyone with great opportunities to network, socialize, learn, and discuss application and processing challenges with the life science industry. Many stopped by ATG's multi-space display to inquire about products and look for solutions. On display were products from several manufacturers represented by ATG in the mid-Atlantic area.

• Miele - Large Chamber and Undercounter Laboratory Glassware Washers, Parts Washers, Critical Laundry Washers and Dryers, Specialty Cleaning and Neutralization Agents
• BMT USA - Laboratory Sterilizers, Bulk Sterilizers, Custom Sterilizers, cGMP Terminal Sterilizers including Vacuum, Steam-Air Mixture, and Water Spray; Clean Steam Generators, Pure Steam Generators
• Elga - Type 1, Type 2, Type 3 Water Systems; RO, DI, EDI, UV, and Ultrafiltration technologies in compact lab systems to large high-flow whole building loop systems.
• Esco - Biological Safety Cabinets, Horizontal Laminar Flow Clean Benches, Vertical Laminar Flow Clean Benches, Animal Containment Work Stations, PCR Cabinets, Powder Weighing Balance Enclosures, Compounding Pharmacy Isolators, Ductless Fume Hoods, Ducted Fume Hoods, CO2 Incubators
• Percival Scientific - Plant Growth and Stability Chambers, Walk-in Controlled Environment Rooms

Thanks go out to all attendees and other participants for a successful conference from the solution providers at Atlantic Technology Group. We look forward to next year's conference and any opportunity to assist a customer in solving a problem, meeting a challenge.

Animal Cage Washer Installation Considerations

Laboratory animal cage washing equipment presents
a number of challenges for successful installation.
Image courtesy Girton Mfg.

Laboratory animal cage and rack washers are major equipment items in the facilities where they are installed. A successful installation that enables the washer to provide rated performance for a long service life requires consideration of a host of items.

Size and Weight - These machines are large, by any measure. They are very heavy and often require special equipment and trained riggers to get them into place. Moving the washer across existing floor surfaces, because of the weight of the machine, can cause damage if not done properly. It is also necessary to plan a route from the point of unloading to the point of installation. Clear access for machine sections and any required transporting gear is needed. It may be necessary, and is often possible, to have a machine fabricated in sections that make transport through the building easier.

Material - Washing machines are fabricated of stainless steel, making them potential destroyers of almost any finished surface in a building along the transport path. It may be prudent to install protective coverings over finished surfaces during transport of the equipment from unloading area to installation space.

Utility Requirements - Laboratory animal cage washers are intended to disinfect the wash load, with carefully designed processing protocols to assure consistent levels of quality. This requires the attainment of minimum wash and rinse temperatures, along with the normal operation of every component of the machine. There are pumps, motors, air driven components, valves and a whole range of other components. Utility requirements for steam, water, electricity, compressed air, drain and possibly other services must be carefully coordinated with services available in the facility. The recommended capacity and other characteristics for each service will be clearly stated on approval documents and should be adhered to, without compromise.

Service Access - Cage and rack washers are heavy duty equipment with many mechanical parts. Service and maintenance is required on a regular basis to keep the washer in good operating order. Make sure the installation space is not too tight. Allow access for a service technician to work safely and effectively. The manufacturer, as well as the facilities manager, can provide guidance on minimum service access clearances.

Structural Requirements - There are several installation schemes for cage and rack washers. One involves recessing the washer in the floor to provide a level loading and unloading path. A pass-thru washer will require a barrier wall to separate the load and unload areas. The weight of the machine must be accommodated by the building structure at the installation site. Dimensions for a recessed installation area, or pit, need to be coordinated closely between machine manufacturer and construction trades.

Much of what is outlined here is applicable to cabinet type and tunnel washers, too. Share your plans with a washing equipment specialist for assistance in attaining a successful outcome.