Forma Series II 3110 Water-Jacketed co2 Incubators User Manual

Distillation systems, as well as some types of reverse osmosis water purity
systems, can produce water in the quality range specified. Tap water is not
recommended as it may contain chlorine, which can deteriorate the
stainless steel. Tap water may also have a high mineral content, which
would produce a build-up of scale in the pan. High purity or ultra pure
water is not recommended as it is an extremely aggressive solvent and will
deteriorate the stainless steel. High purity water has a resistance of above
1M to 18M Ohm. Even high purity water can contain bacteria and
organic contaminants. Water should always be sterilized or treated with a
decontaminant, safe for use with stainless steel as well as safe for the
product, prior to being introduced into the humidity pan. 
Caution Use of chlorinated water, or decontamination products containing
chlorine, will deteriorate the stainless steel and cause rust, voiding the
warranty. 
▲
Fill the humidity pan to within 1/2 inch of the top with sterile, distilled
water. Place the pan directly on the incubator floor to ensure optimum
humidity and temperature response. 
For applications requiring higher humidity conditions, the pan should be
placed against the left side wall of the incubator. The ductwork has been
modified for this purpose. Also, on CO
2
control models, the CO
2
sample
port may be capped to assist in achieving greater RH. In some ambients,
this may cause condensation to form in the chamber. 
On CO
2
and O
2
control models, the gas sample port must be capped for
proper O
2
control. It is recommended that the humidity pan be placed
against the left side wall of the chamber to aid humidity recovery after
door openings.
Check the level and change the water frequently to avoid contamination.
Do not allow the water level to fluctuate significantly. “Dry-outs” will have
an adverse effect on the humidity level as well as CO
2
calibration.
Water Jacketed CO2 Incubator        1-11
Thermo Scientific
Section 1
Installation and Start-Up

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Warning High concentrations of CO
2
gas can cause asphyxiation! OSHA
Standards specify that employee exposure to carbon dioxide in any eight-
hour shift of a 40-hour work week shall not exceed the eight-hour time
weighted average of 5000 PPM (0.5% CO
2
). The short term exposure
limit for 15 minutes or less is 30,000 PPM (3% CO
2
). Carbon dioxide
monitors are recommended for confined areas where concentrations of
carbon dioxide gas can accumulate. 
▲
Warning High concentrations of N
2
gas can cause aphyxiation! N
2
and
CO
2
can displace oxygen levels in a confined atmosphere. The first signs of
hypoxia occur when oxygen levels fall below 17%. They include decreased
night vision, increased breathing volume and accelerated heartbeat. Oxygen
levels below 6% cause death. Oxygen monitors are recommended for
confined areas where concentrations of N
2
or CO
2
may displace oxygen. 
▲
The CO
2
gas supply being connected should be industrial grade 99.5%
pure and should not contain siphon tubes. The N
2
gas supply being
connected should be 99.99% pure. Do not use liquid nitrogen. 
Install a two-stage pressure regulator at the cylinder outlet. The high
pressure gauge at the tank should have 0-2000 psig range and the low
pressure gauge, at the incubator inlet, should have a 0-30 psig range. Input
pressure to incubator must be maintained at 15 psig (103.4 kPa), ±5 psig.
The incubator has serrated fittings on the back of the cabinet to connect
the gas supply. Refer to Figure 1-13. The fitting is labeled CO2 Inlet #1
Tank. The N2 Inlet is also labeled. Make sure that the connections are
secured with clamps. Check all fittings for leaks.
For units having the CO
2
or N
2
Gas Guard option, see Section 6. 
1-12
Water Jacketed CO2 Incubator
Thermo Scientific
Section 1
Installation and Start-Up
Figure 1-13. Back Panel and All Connections
Connecting CO
2
or N2 (O
2
System) Gas Supply

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Warning This incubator is designed to be operated with CO
2
gas, or N
2
in
those units with an O
2
control system. Connecting a flammable or toxic
gas can result in a hazardous condition.
Gases other than CO
2
or N
2
should not be connected to this equipment.
CO
2
gas cylinders have UN1013 labeled on the cylinder and are equipped
with a CGA 320 outlet valve. N2 compressed gas cylinders have UN1066
labeled on the cylinder and are equipped with a CGA 580 outlet valve.
Check the gas cylinder for the proper identification labels. 
The CO
2
gas supply being connected to the incubator should be industrial
grade, 99.5% pure. Do not use CO
2
gas cylinders equipped with siphon
tubes. A siphon tube is used to extract liquid CO
2
from the cylinder,
which can damage the pressure regulator. Consult with your gas supplier to
ensure that the CO
2
cylinder does not contain a  siphon tube. The N
2
gas
supply being connected to the incubator should be 99.99% pure. Do not
use liquid nitrogen. Gas cylinders should be secured to a wall or other
stationary object to prevent tipping.                      
A two-stage pressure regulator is required to be installed on the outlet valve
of the gas cylinder. Input pressure to the incubator must be maintained at
15 psig (103.4kPa) for proper  performance of the CO
2
or O
2
control
system. (A single stage pressure regulator will not maintain 15 psig
(103.4kPa.)                                                                            
If higher purity CO
2
is desires inside the incubator (greater than 99.5%
pure), the pressure regulator should be constructed with a stainless steel
diaphragm along with specifying the purity of the CO
2
from the gas
supplier. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure proper and safe
installation of the pressure regulator on the gas cylinder. Consult your
facility safety officer to ensure that the equipment is installed in accordance
with the codes and regulations  that are applicable in your area. 
▲
Now that the incubator has been properly installed, connected to power,
filled with water, humidity pan filled, and connected to gas supplies,
system setpoints can be entered.  The following setpoints can be entered in
set mode: temperature, over temperature, CO
2
, and O
2
.  To enter Set
Mode, press the Mode key until the Set indicator lights.  Press the right
and/or left arrow keys until the proper parameter appears in the message
center.  See Chart 1-1 for more detail.
Water Jacketed CO2 Incubator        1-13
Thermo Scientific
Section 1
Installation and Start-Up
Incubator Start-Up

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