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Thermo Scientific Heracell 150i Tri-Gas CO₂ Incubator – Used and Refurbished
The Thermo Scientific Heracell 150i Tri-Gas CO₂ Incubator is a precision-controlled laboratory incubator designed for mammalian cell culture, stem cell research, biotechnology applications, and other procedures requiring stable temperature, carbon dioxide concentration, and elevated humidity. Featuring a 150-liter (5.3 cu. ft.) chamber, direct-heat air-jacketed temperature control, thermal conductivity CO₂ sensing, and Thermo Scientific's ContraCon 90°C moist-heat decontamination system, the Heracell 150i provides a sophisticated environment for sensitive biological cultures.
Offered used and refurbished by American Instrument Exchange, this Heracell 150i, catalog number 51026410, is listed as a tri-gas configuration, making it potentially suitable for applications requiring independent oxygen regulation in addition to conventional CO₂ control. Its integrated heated water reservoir, gentle fan-assisted circulation, and iCAN touchscreen controller provide the environmental stability and monitoring capabilities needed for demanding cell culture applications.
The Heracell 150i is an attractive alternative to purchasing a new CO₂ incubator, particularly for laboratories expanding cell culture capacity or replacing aging equipment while controlling capital expenditures.
Key Features
150-liter (5.3 cu. ft.) cell culture chamber
Listed by AIE as a tri-gas incubator; installed oxygen-control hardware to be verified
Temperature range from ambient +3°C to 55°C
Temperature stability of approximately ±0.1°C
Temperature uniformity of approximately ±0.5°C at 37°C
Thermal conductivity (TC) CO₂ sensor
CO₂ concentration range from 0% to 20%
Direct-heat air-jacketed temperature-control system
Integrated heated water reservoir for rapid humidity recovery
Relative humidity of approximately 93% at 37°C under specified conditions
Gentle fan-assisted chamber air circulation
ContraCon 90°C moist-heat decontamination cycle
iCAN touchscreen controller with operating trends and event logs
Dual temperature monitoring and overtemperature protection
Heated interior glass observation door
Audible and visual alarms
RS-232 communication interface
Refurbished and tested by American Instrument Exchange
90-day warranty included
Thermo Heracell 150i Overview
The Thermo Scientific Heracell 150i is part of the manufacturer's advanced CO₂ incubator family, developed to provide reliable environmental control for mammalian cell culture and other contamination-sensitive laboratory applications.
Its 150-liter chamber offers an effective balance between usable incubation capacity and laboratory footprint, making it suitable for academic research facilities, biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical laboratories, and clinical research environments.
The incubator uses direct-heat air-jacketed technology to maintain stable temperatures throughout the chamber. Unlike conventional water-jacketed incubators, the Heracell 150i does not require a surrounding water jacket, simplifying maintenance while providing precise temperature regulation.
A built-in circulation fan gently distributes conditioned air throughout the chamber, supporting uniform temperature, humidity, and gas concentrations.
The Heracell 150i incorporates a thermal conductivity CO₂ sensor that monitors chamber carbon dioxide levels and works with the microprocessor controller to maintain the selected setpoint.
The integrated heated water reservoir helps establish a humid environment while providing faster humidity recovery following door openings than conventional passive water pans.
For contamination management, the incubator incorporates Thermo Scientific's ContraCon moist-heat decontamination system, which uses a dedicated 90°C cycle to treat accessible chamber surfaces.
The iCAN touchscreen controller provides access to environmental setpoints, operating trends, alarms, and event information, allowing laboratory personnel to monitor incubator performance during routine operation.
This combination of temperature stability, atmospheric control, humidification, and decontamination makes the Heracell 150i a versatile incubator for demanding cell culture laboratories.
Common Applications
The Thermo Heracell 150i is designed for applications requiring controlled temperature, carbon dioxide concentration, and high relative humidity.
Typical applications include mammalian cell culture, biotechnology research, pharmaceutical development, tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, vaccine research, and cell-based assay development.
Academic laboratories can use the incubator to maintain established cell lines, expand primary cultures, and conduct experiments involving cellular metabolism, proliferation, and differentiation.
Biotechnology companies may use the Heracell 150i for process development, antibody research, recombinant protein studies, and other cell-based workflows.
Pharmaceutical laboratories can use it for drug discovery, toxicology research, and assays involving temperature- and CO₂-sensitive biological cultures.
When equipped with the appropriate optional oxygen-control system, the Heracell 150i can also support experiments requiring oxygen concentrations below or above normal atmospheric conditions.
These applications may include hypoxia research, tumor biology, stem cell differentiation, and investigations of cellular responses to oxygen availability.
The Heracell 150i accommodates a broad range of biological cultures requiring stable environmental conditions.
Typical applications include:
CHO and HEK293 cell cultures
Primary mammalian cell cultures
Embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells
Mesenchymal stem cell research
Hybridoma and antibody-producing cell lines
Fibroblast cultures
Epithelial and endothelial cell cultures
Cancer cell lines
Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine
Hypoxia-related research, when oxygen control is installed
The chamber accommodates standard cell culture flasks, dishes, multiwell plates, and other conventional culture vessels.
The high-humidity environment helps minimize evaporation from culture media, supporting more consistent nutrient concentrations and experimental conditions during extended incubation.
For sensitive cultures, the combination of precise temperature regulation, stable CO₂ control, and the integrated decontamination system provides an effective foundation for reproducible research.
Direct-Heat Temperature Control & Uniformity
The Thermo Heracell 150i uses a direct-heat air-jacketed system designed to maintain stable temperatures throughout the chamber.
The operating range extends from approximately 3°C above ambient to 55°C, accommodating conventional mammalian cell culture at 37°C and other temperature-dependent biological procedures.
Manufacturer specifications indicate temperature stability of approximately ±0.1°C and spatial temperature uniformity of approximately ±0.5°C at 37°C under defined operating conditions.
The incubator incorporates temperature sensors and independent thermal protection to help maintain safe operating conditions.
A built-in circulation fan distributes conditioned air throughout the chamber, reducing temperature differences between shelf positions and promoting consistent environmental conditions.
The direct-heat design eliminates the need to maintain a surrounding water jacket while allowing the incubator to recover from routine temperature disturbances.
For laboratories conducting extended cell culture experiments, stable temperature regulation helps reduce environmental variability that could affect cell growth, metabolism, and experimental reproducibility.
Thermal Conductivity CO₂ Control
The Heracell 150i offered under AIE product code 3180R INC incorporates a thermal conductivity CO₂ sensor.
The sensor measures changes in the thermal properties of the chamber atmosphere to determine carbon dioxide concentration.
The CO₂ control range extends from 0% to 20%, supporting conventional mammalian cell culture and other applications requiring controlled carbon dioxide levels.
Thermal conductivity sensing provides reliable CO₂ monitoring when chamber temperature and humidity are maintained under stable operating conditions.
Because thermal conductivity measurements can be influenced by changes in temperature and water vapor, proper calibration and environmental stabilization are important for accurate CO₂ regulation.
The iCAN controller allows users to monitor chamber CO₂ concentration, establish operating setpoints, and review relevant alarm and event information.
For conventional mammalian cell culture, the incubator can maintain the elevated CO₂ atmosphere required by many bicarbonate-buffered culture media.
Tri-Gas Configuration & Oxygen Regulation
American Instrument Exchange identifies this particular Heracell 150i as a tri-gas incubator.
Tri-gas incubators are designed to provide independent oxygen regulation in addition to temperature and CO₂ control, making them useful for experiments requiring hypoxic or hyperoxic conditions.
The Heracell 150i platform was available with optional oxygen-control systems offering manufacturer-specified ranges of 1–21% O₂ or 5–90% O₂, depending on the installed configuration.
When appropriately equipped, oxygen regulation can support research involving low-oxygen cell culture, stem cell biology, tumor microenvironments, cellular metabolism, and oxidative stress.
However, the availability of optional oxygen-control technology does not establish which system is installed on a particular refurbished incubator.
For AIE's Model 51026410, the presence of the oxygen sensor, installed gas-control hardware, applicable operating range, and required nitrogen or oxygen connections should be confirmed before the unit is represented as providing independent O₂ regulation.
This distinction is especially important for laboratories purchasing the incubator specifically for hypoxia or hyperoxia research.
Heated Humidity Reservoir & Rapid Recovery
The Thermo Heracell 150i incorporates an integrated heated water reservoir designed to maintain elevated humidity within the incubation chamber.
Manufacturer specifications indicate relative humidity of approximately 93% at 37°C under defined operating conditions.
The heated reservoir provides more rapid humidity recovery following door openings than conventional passive water-pan humidification systems.
Thermo Scientific describes recovery times of up to five times faster than traditional water pans under comparable conditions.
Maintaining elevated humidity is important for mammalian cell culture because it reduces evaporation from culture media during extended incubation.
Excessive evaporation can alter the concentrations of nutrients, salts, and other media components, potentially affecting cell growth and experimental results.
The heated reservoir includes water-level monitoring and alarms to alert operators when replenishment is necessary.
Although the incubator provides effective humidification, it should not be described as having an independently programmable relative-humidity setpoint unless the appropriate humidity-control hardware is installed.
ContraCon 90°C Moist-Heat Decontamination
One of the most valuable features of the Heracell 150i is its ContraCon moist-heat decontamination system.
ContraCon uses a dedicated 90°C moist-heat cycle designed to reduce microbial contamination within the chamber.
The process provides an integrated method of treating accessible chamber surfaces between culture campaigns or as part of a laboratory's established contamination-control procedures.
The system is designed to address a broad range of biological contaminants, including bacteria, molds, fungal spores, and mycoplasma.
This feature is particularly attractive for laboratories maintaining valuable or contamination-sensitive cell lines.
The ContraCon cycle reduces reliance on manual chemical treatment alone, although routine cleaning and proper aseptic technique remain essential.
Before initiating the cycle, operators should follow the manufacturer's instructions concerning removal of cultures, preparation of the chamber, and handling of components not intended for exposure to elevated temperatures.
The incubator's heated glass door and removable interior components also support routine cleaning and maintenance.
The Thermo Heracell 150i incorporates the manufacturer's iCAN touchscreen controller, which provides centralized access to incubation parameters and system information.
The controller allows operators to establish temperature and CO₂ setpoints, monitor current chamber conditions, and review operating status.
Environmental trend displays provide useful information about changes in chamber conditions over time.
Error and event logs help operators identify alarms, operating deviations, and other events that may affect incubation conditions.
The controller also supports audible and visual alarms for relevant operating conditions.
An RS-232 communication interface allows integration with compatible external data-collection or monitoring equipment.
These capabilities are useful for laboratories maintaining valuable cell cultures or conducting experiments where environmental consistency and documentation are important.
Thermo Heracell 150i Specifications
Specification
Details
Manufacturer
Thermo Scientific
Model
Heracell 150i
Catalog Number Listed by AIE
51026410
AIE Product Code
3180R INC
Equipment Type
Direct-Heat CO₂ Incubator
Configuration Listed by AIE
Tri-gas; oxygen hardware requires verification
Chamber Capacity
150 L (5.3 cu. ft.)
Temperature Range
Ambient +3°C to 55°C
Temperature Stability
Approximately ±0.1°C
Temperature Uniformity
Approximately ±0.5°C at 37°C
Heating System
Direct heat / air jacket
Air Circulation
Gentle fan-assisted circulation
CO₂ Range
0–20%
CO₂ Sensor
Thermal conductivity (TC)
Oxygen Regulation
Optional on Heracell 150i platform; verify installed configuration
Optional Oxygen Ranges
1–21% or 5–90%, depending on configuration
Humidification
Integrated heated water reservoir
Relative Humidity
Approximately 93% at 37°C
Decontamination
ContraCon moist-heat cycle
Decontamination Temperature
90°C
Controller
iCAN touchscreen
Inner Door
Heated glass
Standard Shelves
3
Maximum Shelves
10
Maximum Shelf Load
Approximately 22 lb. (10 kg)
Maximum Chamber Load
Approximately 66 lb. (30 kg)
Interior Dimensions (W × D × H)
Approximately 18.5" × 20.9" × 23.9"
Exterior Dimensions (W × D × H)
Approximately 25.1" × 30.8" × 34.1"
Electrical Requirements
Verify nameplate; 120V and 230V versions available
Communication Interface
RS-232
Published Platform Weight
Approximately 154 lb. (70 kg), without accessories
Refrigeration
No
Warranty
90 days through American Instrument Exchange
Specifications reflect Thermo Scientific Heracell 150i manufacturer documentation and AIE's listing for SKU 3180R INC. The installed chamber material, oxygen-control system, electrical configuration, shelving, and accessories should be confirmed for this particular incubator.
Thermo Heracell 150i Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Thermo Heracell 150i used for?
The Thermo Heracell 150i is a CO₂ incubator designed for mammalian cell culture, biotechnology research, pharmaceutical development, stem cell research, and other applications requiring stable temperature, controlled CO₂ concentration, and elevated humidity.
What is the capacity of the Heracell 150i?
The incubator provides 150 liters, or approximately 5.3 cu. ft., of chamber capacity. This accommodates conventional cell culture flasks, dishes, multiwell plates, and other laboratory vessels.
Is this Heracell 150i a tri-gas incubator?
AIE lists catalog number 51026410 as a tri-gas configuration. However, the installed oxygen sensor, gas-control hardware, and operating range should be verified before confirming independent oxygen regulation.
What oxygen-control ranges were available for the Heracell 150i?
Thermo Scientific offered optional oxygen-control systems with ranges of 1–21% or 5–90% O₂. The applicable range depends on the specific installed configuration.
What type of CO₂ sensor does this Heracell 150i use?
AIE identifies a thermal conductivity (TC) CO₂ sensor for this particular incubator. The sensor supports CO₂ regulation across a 0–20% concentration range.
Does the Heracell 150i have a decontamination cycle?
Yes. The Heracell 150i incorporates Thermo Scientific's ContraCon 90°C moist-heat decontamination cycle, designed to reduce microbial contamination within the chamber.
How does the Heracell 150i maintain humidity?
The incubator uses an integrated heated water reservoir to maintain elevated chamber humidity. The system also provides rapid humidity recovery following door openings.
Is the Heracell 150i water-jacketed?
No. The Heracell 150i uses direct-heat air-jacketed technology rather than a surrounding water jacket.
Does the Heracell 150i have a touchscreen controller?
Yes. The iCAN touchscreen controller provides access to temperature and CO₂ setpoints, operating trends, alarms, and event information.
Is this Thermo Heracell 150i refurbished?
The Thermo Heracell 150i offered by American Instrument Exchange is used and refurbished. AIE technicians inspect, clean, and test incubators using calibrated temperature-recording equipment to verify temperature accuracy and stability. CO₂ regulation, humidity-system operation, alarms, and other installed functions are evaluated as applicable. Components are repaired or replaced as necessary, and refurbished equipment includes a 90-day warranty.
Click here to see a video of this unit 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.
