BINDER CB 60 - Manual (Page 105)

CB (E6) 09/2013 Page 105/144
Condensation prevention
• Condensation in the inner chamber represents a particular risk of contamination. The Permadry™
system developed by BINDER is an effective and easy way to ensure high humidity (≥95 % r.h.) inside
the incubator without any condensation forming on the inner surfaces.
Hot air sterilization at 180 °C / 356 °F
• The heating system of the CO
2
incubator permits hot-air auto-sterilization at a setpoint of 187.5 °C /
369.5 °F. Thus, a temperature of 180 °C / 356 °F is maintained for at least 30 minutes on all internal
surfaces, resulting in sterilization of the entire inner chamber. Therefore, this procedure meets all
international guidelines regarding hot air sterilization, e.g. AAMI ST63, DIN 58947, European
Pharmacopoeia.
17.5 Handling the CO
2
incubator
Any manipulation of the CO
2
incubator involves some contamination risks, from installation to opening the
doors and regular cleaning.
Installation away from sources of contamination
• Do not place the CO
2
incubator on the floor or close to windows and doors. Use the optional stand, if
appropriate.
Reduce the periods in which the door is open
• Do not open the door too frequently.
• Placing items in order inside the incubator results in shorter door opening times.
Permadry™ water pan
• Fill the outer pan with distilled, sterilized water (chap. 4.2). Never use ion exchange water; ion
exchangers are propagation sites for bacteria.
• Clean and refill the pans 2 to 3 times a week. For evacuation, remove the Permadry™ water pan. It is
autoclavable.
• If desired, you can add microbiologically inhibiting substances as copper chips, copper sulfate or
ethylene diamine tetra-vinegar acid (EDTA) in a concentration of 1 to 5 mmol/l.
Avoiding condensation caused by ambient conditions
Ambient room conditions have an effect on condensation inside the incubator, which can be caused by
insufficient wall clearances, preventing even dissipation of heat, air movement or direct sunlight. If the
temperature distribution inside the chamber becomes uneven, condensation may form on the cooler
surfaces.
• Maintain distances from the wall: rear 100 mm / 3.94 in, sides 50 mm / 1.97 in
• Do not place the unit in front of a window. No direct sunlight. No air movement.
• Permissible ambient temperature range for operation: +18 °C / 64.4°F to +30 °C / 86°F.
Ideal ambient temperature: by at least 7 °C / 12.6 °F below the intended working temperature. E.g.,
working temperature 37 °C / 98.6 °F = ambient temperature 30 °C / 86 °F and less.
• The incubator should be precisely calibrated / adjusted.
• Let BINDER Service adjust the setting of the door heating in reaction to critical ambient conditions.
Regular cleaning, decontamination and sterilization
• Clean the shelves, glass door, gaskets, and inner chamber weekly (for cleaning see chap. 18.1, for
decontamination see chap. 18.2. You can clean the shelves in a laboratory dishwasher and, if needed,
individually autoclave them.