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Heraeus HERAcell 150 CO₂ Incubator
The Heraeus HERAcell 150 CO₂ Incubator is a 151-liter cell culture incubator designed to reproduce the controlled physiological conditions required for cell and tissue culture. With precise temperature and CO₂ regulation, elevated humidity, O₂ control capability, rapid environmental recovery, and the ContraCon 90°C decontamination cycle, the HERAcell 150 provides a versatile environment for routine and advanced cell culture applications.
Available used and refurbished from American Instrument Exchange, this Heraeus HERAcell 150 offers a proven incubation platform for biotechnology, pharmaceutical, clinical, and academic research laboratories. Its 5.3 cu. ft. chamber provides substantial culture capacity without requiring the footprint of a larger 200- to 250-liter incubator, while integrated humidification and rapid recovery help protect cultures from environmental fluctuations during routine laboratory use.
Key Features
151 L (5.3 cu. ft.) cell culture chamber
Temperature range from ambient +3°C to 55°C
0–20% CO₂ control range
O₂ control for specialized culture environments
Less than 10-minute temperature recovery at 37°C following specified door opening
Approximately 95% relative humidity in high-humidity operation
Integrated humidity reservoir
Rapid humidity recovery following door openings
ContraCon 90°C moist-heat decontamination cycle
Three standard adjustable shelves
Designed for cell and tissue culture applications
Professionally inspected and tested by American Instrument Exchange
90-day warranty included
Heraeus HERAcell 150 CO₂ Incubator Overview
The Heraeus HERAcell 150 was designed to maintain the carefully controlled environment required for cell and tissue culture while addressing two persistent challenges in CO₂ incubation: rapid environmental recovery and contamination management.
With approximately 151 liters of usable chamber capacity, the HERAcell 150 occupies a useful middle ground between compact CO₂ incubators and larger 200- to 250-liter systems. The chamber provides ample room for flasks, dishes, multiwell plates, bottles, and other common culture vessels while remaining practical for laboratories where floor and bench space are limited.
Temperature can be controlled from approximately 3°C above ambient to 55°C. Under specified conditions, chamber temperature can recover to approximately 98% of its original 37°C condition in less than 10 minutes following a 30-second door opening. Rapid recovery helps minimize the environmental disruption experienced by cultures in busy laboratories where the incubator is accessed repeatedly throughout the day.
The HERAcell 150 also provides controlled CO₂ and O₂ conditions, allowing laboratories to simulate a wider range of physiological environments than a conventional temperature-only incubator. The exact O₂ operating range should be confirmed for the individual unit, as HERAcell 150 incubators were produced in different oxygen-control configurations.
Common Applications
The Heraeus HERAcell 150 is well suited for mammalian cell culture, cancer research, immunology, biotechnology, pharmaceutical development, tissue culture, primary cell research, hybridoma production, vaccine development, regenerative medicine, and other life science applications requiring stable temperature, CO₂, humidity, and controlled atmospheric conditions.
Its O₂-control capability can also make the HERAcell 150 useful for specialized culture applications involving reduced- or elevated-oxygen environments, depending on the configuration of the individual incubator. This may be valuable for researchers studying cellular responses to oxygen concentration or attempting to more closely reproduce particular physiological conditions in vitro.
The HERAcell 150 provides the environmental control required for a broad range of conventional and specialized cell culture protocols. Its combination of controlled temperature, CO₂, elevated humidity, and O₂ capability makes it particularly versatile for laboratories whose culture requirements extend beyond standard atmospheric conditions.
Common Cell Types
Mammalian cell lines
Primary cells
Fibroblasts
Epithelial cells
Immune cells
Hybridoma cultures
Cancer cell lines
Cell lines used in pharmaceutical and biotechnology research
Typical Culture Vessels
T-flasks
Multiwell plates
Cell culture dishes
Petri dishes
Suspension culture flasks
Media bottles
Other standard cell culture vessels
Three shelves are standard for the HERAcell 150 platform, with capacity for up to ten shelves when appropriate. This allows laboratories to configure the chamber for relatively large vessels or increase usable surface area for plates, dishes, and smaller culture flasks.
For oxygen-sensitive applications, laboratories should confirm the installed O₂-control range of the individual incubator before purchase. HERAcell 150 systems were available with different O₂ configurations, and the exact range should not be assumed from the model number alone.
Environmental Control & Contamination Protection
Environmental recovery is particularly important in cell culture because every door opening disrupts temperature, humidity, and gas concentrations around the cultures. The HERAcell 150 was engineered to restore these conditions quickly following routine chamber access.
At a typical 5% CO₂ setpoint, the system can recover to approximately 98% of its original CO₂ concentration in less than eight minutes following a 30-second door opening. Temperature recovery to approximately 98% of an initial 37°C condition occurs in less than 10 minutes under specified test conditions. Faster recovery reduces the amount of time cultures spend outside their intended environment.
The incubator's integrated humidity reservoir is another important feature. Rather than relying on a conventional removable water pan, the HERAcell design incorporates a larger evaporation surface into the chamber. High-humidity operation provides approximately 95% RH at 37°C, helping minimize evaporation from culture media during extended incubation. A lower-humidity mode of approximately 90% RH is also supported by the platform.
Contamination management is supported by the ContraCon 90°C moist-heat decontamination cycle. The automated cycle decontaminates the chamber interior and installed components, providing a more comprehensive approach than routine surface cleaning alone. ContraCon can be particularly useful between research projects, following suspected contamination, or as part of an established preventative decontamination schedule.
Together, the HERAcell 150's rapid environmental recovery, integrated high-humidity system, controlled CO₂ and O₂ atmosphere, and ContraCon decontamination cycle make it a particularly capable incubator for laboratories maintaining valuable or environmentally sensitive cultures.
Heraeus HERAcell 150 CO₂ Incubator Specifications
Specification
Details
Manufacturer
Heraeus
Model
HERAcell 150
Equipment Type
Controlled-Atmosphere CO₂ Incubator
Chamber Capacity
Approximately 151 L (5.3 cu. ft.)
Temperature Range
Ambient +3°C to 55°C
Temperature Control Deviation
±0.1°C
Temperature Uniformity
±0.5°C at 37°C
Temperature Recovery
Less than 10 minutes under specified conditions
CO₂ Range
0–20%
CO₂ Control Deviation
±0.1%
CO₂ Measurement Accuracy
±0.3% CO₂
CO₂ Recovery
Less than 8 minutes under specified conditions
O₂ Control
Equipped; exact range configuration dependent
Relative Humidity
Approximately 95% RH high mode / 90% RH low mode
Humidification
Integrated water reservoir
Decontamination
ContraCon 90°C moist-heat cycle
Standard Shelves
3
Maximum Shelves
10
Shelf Dimensions
Approximately 16.7"W × 17.9"D
Maximum Load Per Shelf
22 lb. (10 kg)
Interior Dimensions (W × H × D)
Approximately 18.5" × 23.9" × 20.9"
Exterior Dimensions (W × H × D)
Approximately 25.1" × 34.3" × 30.2"
Approximate Weight
132 lb. (60 kg), excluding accessories
CO₂ Supply Pressure
0.8–1.0 bar
Electrical
Available in multiple voltage configurations; confirm individual unit
Specifications can vary according to production date, electrical configuration, O₂-control configuration, and installed options. Confirm the exact specifications and included accessories of the individual incubator before purchase.
What is the advantage of the HERAcell 150 integrated humidity system?
The integrated water reservoir provides a large evaporation surface for maintaining elevated chamber humidity and allows humidity to recover after routine door openings. High humidity helps reduce evaporation from culture media and associated changes in media concentration during extended cell culture.
Does this HERAcell 150 provide oxygen control?
Yes. The American Instrument Exchange unit is identified as providing O₂ control in addition to temperature and CO₂ regulation. HERAcell 150 incubators were produced with different O₂ operating ranges, so the exact installed range should be confirmed for this individual unit before purchase.
What is the ContraCon decontamination cycle?
ContraCon is an automated 90°C moist-heat decontamination cycle designed to decontaminate the incubator chamber and installed components. It provides laboratories with an additional contamination-management tool beyond routine manual cleaning.
How quickly does the HERAcell 150 recover after the door is opened?
Under specified test conditions, temperature recovery at 37°C occurs in less than 10 minutes following a 30-second door opening. At a 5% CO₂ setpoint, CO₂ recovery to approximately 98% of the original concentration occurs in less than eight minutes.
How much culture capacity does the Heraeus HERAcell 150 provide?
The HERAcell 150 provides approximately 151 liters, or 5.3 cu. ft., of chamber capacity. Three shelves are standard, and the chamber can accommodate up to ten shelves when additional culture surface area is required.
Is this Heraeus HERAcell 150 refurbished?
Yes. Used Heraeus HERAcell 150 incubators offered by American Instrument Exchange are inspected, cleaned, and tested prior to shipment. Incubators are tested using calibrated temperature-monitoring equipment to verify temperature control and readout accuracy, with other functions evaluated as applicable. Refurbished equipment includes a 90-day warranty.
Click here to see a video of this incubator on our YouTube channel.
Testing Procedures for Used and Refurbished Laboratory Incubators Ensure Quality and Stability Before Use
Used and refurbished laboratory incubators from American Instrument Exchange are thoroughly tested to ensure optimal performance and temperature stability with laboratory safety standards. Each unit undergoes a detailed inspection and functionality assessment to meet the needs of research, clinical, and industrial labs.
Why Testing Used Laboratory Incubators Is Essential
Before a laboratory incubator is reintroduced into any work environment, it must be tested for:
• Temperature uniformity and accuracy
• Airflow and humidity control (if applicable)
• Door seal integrity and insulation effectiveness
• Electrical and safety system compliance
Comprehensive testing reduces the risk of culture loss, contamination, and equipment failure—especially critical in applications involving cell culture, microbiology, pharmaceutical research, and diagnostics.
Our multi-point testing protocol for used and refurbished incubators ensures reliability, safety, and performance across all models and brands.
Key Testing Procedures for Refurbished and Used Laboratory Incubators
1. Initial Visual Inspection
• Check for cosmetic damage, corrosion, and wear to exterior surfaces, door hinges, and gasket seals
• Inspect power cord, wiring, and display panel for any defects or signs of tampering
• Confirm that shelves, chamber components, and internal fixtures are present and undamaged
2. Functional Testing
• Power on the incubator and verify all display indicators and alarms function correctly
• Test door latch and seal mechanisms for proper closure and insulation
• Run basic temperature cycles to ensure the unit maintains stability over time
3. Temperature Accuracy and Uniformity Tests
• Test internal sensors and controllers using temperature probes
• Measure temperature consistency at multiple chamber locations over several hours
• Confirm that programmable temperature settings respond accurately
4. Airflow and Humidity Control (if applicable)
• Test internal fan operation and airflow distribution
• For humidified incubators, inspect and test humidity reservoirs, sensors, and control systems
• Check for condensation buildup and confirm environmental stability
5. Electrical Safety and Compliance Checks
• Ensure all electrical components are properly grounded
• Perform insulation resistance and leakage current tests
• Verify compliance with current electrical safety standards for laboratory equipment
6. Final Quality Assurance Checklist
• Perform full cycle testing at various temperature setpoints
• Document performance benchmarks and results
All refurbished incubators from American Instrument Exchange are backed by our commitment to quality and precision. With our strict testing procedures, you can rely on your incubator to deliver dependable results from day one.
Repair and Refurbishment Protocol for Used Laboratory Incubators Performance and Quality from American Instrument Exchange
At American Instrument Exchange, every used laboratory incubator we sell goes through a repair and refurbishment protocol. Whether it’s a standard, CO₂, or refrigerated incubator, our goal is to restore each unit to laboratory-level performance—ensuring temperature accuracy, environmental stability, and long-term reliability in your lab.
Why Choose a Refurbished Laboratory Incubator from American Instrument Exchange?
• Fully tested for performance and safety
• Backed by a warranty
• Cost-effective alternative to new equipment
• Environmentally sustainable through reuse and restoration
• Refurbished by expert technicians with decades of lab equipment experience
Step-by-Step Refurbishment Protocol
Every incubator at American Instrument Exchange follows this comprehensive, multi-stage process:
1. Initial Intake & Inspection
• Visual inspection for cosmetic wear, corrosion, dents, or broken components
• Mechanical assessment of door hinges, gaskets, seals, and chamber components
• Document any missing parts or issues requiring repair or replacement
2. Cleaning and Decontamination
• Thorough internal and external cleaning using non-abrasive solutions
• Decontamination/cleaning of surfaces to remove biological, chemical, or particulate residue
• Cleaning of removable parts (e.g., shelves, trays, etc.)
3. Mechanical and Electrical Repair
• Repair or replacement of worn mechanical components such as door latches, fans, hinges, and seals
• Evaluation and repair of control panels, switches, thermostats, and displays
• Inspection and testing of wiring, fuses, relays, and power supplies
4. Environmental Control System Assessment
• For CO₂ incubators: CO₂ sensors, regulators, and gas delivery systems are tested
• For refrigerated incubators: compressors, condensers, and cooling systems are evaluated for performance and leaks
• Fan motors and airflow systems are tested to ensure uniform environmental conditions
5. Temperature and Sensor Testing
• All temperature sensors and controllers are tested using thermometers/probes
• Uniformity and accuracy tested at multiple chamber locations
• For humidified or CO₂ incubators, humidity and CO₂ stability are verified
6. Safety System Testing
• Test of over-temperature protection systems and alarms
• Evaluation of door sensors, safety interlocks, and power failure recovery
7. Final Quality Control and Documentation
• Full performance test run over 24 hours
• Validation of setpoints for temperature, CO₂ (if applicable), and humidity (if applicable)
• Final inspection and cleaning before packaging
• Complete service report
Trust the Experts at American Instrument Exchange
With over 50 years in the lab equipment industry, American Instrument Exchange is a trusted source for high-quality refurbished laboratory incubators. Our proven refurbishment protocol ensures every unit is reliable, accurate, and ready to meet the demands of your lab from day one.
Warranty Information
All used equipment sold by American Instrument Exchange is refurbished/reconditioned, tested to meet specifications, cleaned, and comes with a 90-day warranty from the date of shipment unless otherwise specified. New products include a warranty from the manufacturer. Your warranty is only valid if you have paid your invoice. If your invoice is over 30 days old, warranty work will not be performed until your invoice is paid in full. American Instrument Exchange is not liable for any special or consequential damages that result from the use of, or the inability to use, the materials on this site or the performance of the products,
Exceptions include international sales and items that are agreed to be sold with a lesser warranty or items that are agreed to be sold “as is.”
Should there be visible shipping damage to packaging or concealed shipping damage to item(s) supplied, buyer must communicate such damage to the delivering entity or carrier upon receipt first and to American Instrument the same day item is accepted / signed for. Failure to do so voids warranty. Customer decision to involve / procure third party or OEM service other than American Instrument or AIE assigned vendors to resolve in-warranty instrument failure or defect without first placing a service call to American Instrument voids warranty.
Return & Cancellation Policy
American Instrument Exchange will authorize the return of and issue a full refund for any equipment that is not working as represented and could not be replaced or repaired to the customer’s satisfaction by AIE or a representative of AIE during the warranty period. Returns without prior authorization and an RMA number will not be accepted.
Customers are responsible for proper packaging of the equipment and all included accessories. American Instrument will pay for insurance and shipping costs. Non-inventory items bought specifically to fill customer orders may possibly be returned, but on a case by case basis.
Customers who cancel orders after refurbishing has begun or after delivery where there are no equipment performance issues may be subject to a Restocking/Cancellation Fee of 20% or more and responsible for shipping costs for both the delivery and return.
Ongoing and Extended Support Options
American Instrument Exchange is able to provide additional repair and support services outside the warranty terms for most products that sell.
For biosafety cabinets, clean benches, chemical fume hoods, and other clean air products our team at AIE Laboratory Services can provide certifications, repairs, decontaminations, and other services for customers throughout New England, and guidance and limited technical assistance for any customers in the US and Canada for new or refurbished biosafety cabinets purchased from American Instrument Exchange.
For all other products, the repair service team at American Instrument Exchange can provide both field and depot repair evaluations. We can easily schedule and coordinate the pick-up and transportation of your malfunctioning equipment. By offering hourly rates lower than most OEM service providers and eliminating travel time for technicians, we help reduce repair costs. Furthermore, our lab depot repair service minimizes or eliminates scheduling delays. Our experienced service technicians are qualified to restore your equipment to factory specifications.
Yes, all equipment from American Instrument Exchange comes with a warranty. Used/reconditioned/refurbished equipment is tested to make sure it operates to the manufacturer's specifications and comes with a 90-day warranty (unless otherwise noted). New equipment comes with a warranty from the manufacturer.
How do you test and recondition the equipment?
Testing requirements vary across all the equipment categories we sell. Temperature controlled units are tested with NIST traceable probes and data loggers. Gaskets, external housing, glass, handles, controls and control screens are all thoroughly inspected for integrity and functionality. We test all equipment using the manufacturer's parameters and specifications to confirm that the unit operates properly.
How do products ship from American Instrument Exchange?
We can ship products both nationally and internationally using a well-established network of transporters. Smaller items will ship via UPS. Larger equipment will be palletized and shipped either LTL or air-ride, depending on the specific equipment and/or delivery requirements.
Return and order cancellation policy
American Instrument Exchange will accept the return of any product that is not working as represented and could not be replaced or repaired to the customer's satisfaction during the warranty period. Customers who cancel orders after refurbishing has begun will be subject to a cancellation and restocking fee of between 20% and 40%.
Are discounts available for educational or non-profit institutions, or for bulk purchases?
Yes – call or email us today with a list of equipment you're looking for and we can potentially put together a quote that includes a discount.
How does your price matching policy work?
We strive to keep our pricing competitive and reasonable. If you find comparable items for sale at a lower price from other vendors please send us a link and or quote for the item and we'll do our best to match or beat the price.
Can I see the equipment in person before committing to a purchase?
Customers are welcome to make an appointment to view equipment in our warehouse. Given our workload we may not be able to test or clean the equipment prior to your arrival if you have not committed to an order.
1023 Western Avenue is a working warehouse, not a showroom, and customers should dress appropriately and wear closed toe shoes.
Can I ship products that I purchased elsewhere to American Instrument for repair?
Yes – please see our repair services page for more information.
