co2 incubator calibration

Incubator is an insulated enclosure in which temperature, humidity can be regulated at levels optimal for bacterial growth.

Calibrating a CO₂ incubator is crucial to ensure it maintains accurate conditions for cell culture and other sensitive biological experiments.

Here’s a step-by-step guide for calibration:

You may need all these equipments before starting calibration.

  • External CO₂ analyzer (e.g., infrared or thermal conductivity type).
  • Hygrometer.
  • Thermometer
  • Calibration gases with known CO₂ concentrations (e.g., 0%, 5%, 10%).
  • Distilled water.
  • Stabilize the Incubator: Allow the incubator to stabilize for at least 24 hours at its operating conditions.

Temperature Calibration

  1. Place a calibrated thermometer/probe in the center of the incubator.
  2. Compare the incubator’s display temperature with the external thermometer reading.
  3. Adjust the incubator settings if there is a discrepancy, following the manual.
  4. Confirm stability over several hours.

CO₂ Calibration

  1. Turn Off CO₂ Supply: Disable the CO₂ supply to ensure no flow during the zero-point calibration.
  2. Perform Zero-Point Calibration:
    • Flush the incubator chamber with 0% CO₂ calibration gas.
    • Wait for the CO₂ reading to stabilize, then adjust the internal sensor to read 0%.
  3. Calibrate with Known CO₂ Gas:
    • Introduce a calibration gas with a known CO₂ concentration (e.g., 5% or 10%).
    • Allow the sensor to stabilize, then adjust the incubator reading to match the gas concentration.
  4. Verify: Repeat the measurement with another known concentration to confirm accuracy.

Humidity Calibration

  1. Use a hygrometer to measure the relative humidity inside the incubator.
  2. Compare it to the incubator’s humidity display.

Validation and Record-Keeping

  • Validate Over Time: After calibration, monitor the incubator for several hours to confirm stability.
  • Record Data: Document all calibration steps, tools used, and final settings for future reference.

Note:

  • Perform calibration regularly, typically every 6–12 months or as specified by the manufacturer.
  • Calibrate after any significant maintenance or if discrepancies in conditions are suspected.
  • Use high-quality calibration gases with precise CO₂ concentrations.

Proper calibration ensures the accuracy of the environmental conditions, safeguarding your experiments and results.

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