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.