Shellab BACTRONEZ - Manual (Page 56)

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USER MAINTENANCE (CONTINUED)
C ONDENSATION AND THE D EW P OINT
Relative humidity inside the BACTRONEZ should never exceed 80% at 25°C. Exceeding this
threshold will likely result in condensation on incubator and workspace surfaces.
Condensation will appear wherever the humidity level in the chamber reaches the dew point. The
dew point is the level of humidity at which the air cannot hold more water vapor. The warmer the
air, the more water vapor it can hold.
As the level of humidity rises in the chamber, condensation will first appear on surfaces that are
cooler than the air temperature. Near the dew point, condensation will form on any item or exposed
surface that is even slightly cooler than the air. When the dew point is reached, condensation forms
on nearly all exposed surfaces.
Mild condensation can be present in BACTRONEZ units fully loaded or loaded to near capacity with
open media plates, depending on ambient temperature and humidity. Cold air blowing on the
exterior of the BACTRONEZ may help to cause condensation in the chamber by chilling the acrylic
glass panels or metal bulkheads.
Managing excessive condensation primarily depends on either lowering the humidity level in the
chamber or increasing the air temperature.
Note: Note: Rising or falling air pressure from weather will adjust the dew point up and down in
small increments. If the relative humidity in the BACTRONEZ is already near the dew point,
barometric fluctuations may push it across the dew point threshold.
If excessive condensation is forming in the BACTRONEZ chamber, check the following:
 Is the BACTRONEZ exposed to an external flow of cold air such as, an air-conditioning
vent or a door to a cooler hallway or adjacent room? Block or divert the air, or move the
incubator.
 Does the ambient humidity in the room exceed the BACTRON’s stated operating range of
80% relative humidity? If so, lower the room’s humidity.
 Does the number of media containers in the BACTRONEZ exceed its rating? The
BACTRONEZ can hold 300 plates.
 Remove or cap open containers of water or media. Drain the condensate controller catch
vessel. Do not drain the manometer.