Thermo Scientific Heracell 150i Copper Tri-Gas CO₂ Incubator

Product Code : SKU 3180RR INC

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Thermo Scientific Heracell 150i Copper Tri-Gas CO₂ Incubator – Refurbished

The Thermo Scientific Heracell 150i Copper Tri-Gas CO₂ Incubator is a premium laboratory cell culture incubator designed to provide precise temperature control, a stable CO₂ atmosphere, elevated humidity, and enhanced protection against microbial contamination. Featuring a 150 L (5.3 cu. ft.) copper-lined chamber, direct-heat air-jacket technology, integrated humidification, and Thermo Scientific's ContraCon moist-heat decontamination system, the Heracell 150i is particularly well suited for biotechnology, pharmaceutical research, stem cell culture, tissue engineering, and other demanding biological applications.

Available used and refurbished from American Instrument Exchange, this Thermo Heracell 150i Copper offers laboratories a cost-effective alternative to purchasing a new high-performance cell culture incubator. Its antimicrobial copper surfaces, sophisticated environmental monitoring, and contamination-control features make it an excellent choice for laboratories seeking dependable incubation conditions while protecting valuable cell cultures.

Key Features

150 L (5.3 cu. ft.) incubation chamber
Copper-lined interior with naturally antimicrobial surfaces
Tri-gas configuration as identified by American Instrument Exchange
Direct-heat, air-jacketed temperature control
Temperature range from ambient +3°C to 55°C
CO₂ control range from 0% to 20%
Thermal conductivity (TC) CO₂ sensor
Integrated heated water reservoir for humidification
High-humidity environment approaching 95% RH under specified conditions
Gentle fan-assisted air circulation
ContraCon 90°C moist-heat decontamination cycle
iCAN touchscreen controller with performance trend monitoring
Dual temperature probes and overtemperature protection
Heated inner glass observation door
RS-232 communications interface
Adjustable shelving for flexible sample organization
Refurbished and tested by American Instrument Exchange
90-day warranty included

Thermo Scientific Heracell 150i Copper Overview

The Thermo Heracell 150i Copper was developed for laboratories that require reliable cell culture conditions while minimizing the risks associated with microbial contamination.

Its 150 L chamber provides sufficient capacity for routine mammalian cell culture, stem cell research, and biotechnology applications without occupying the substantial floor space required by larger reach-in incubators.

The copper-lined chamber is one of the incubator's most important distinguishing characteristics. Copper possesses naturally antimicrobial properties that can reduce the survival of many microorganisms on exposed surfaces. This provides an additional contamination-control measure during routine laboratory operation.

The Heracell 150i also incorporates a direct-heat air-jacketed temperature-control system. Heating elements maintain the surrounding air jacket at the appropriate temperature, while gentle internal air circulation helps distribute conditioned air throughout the chamber.

An integrated heated water reservoir provides elevated humidity, helping prevent excessive evaporation from culture media during extended incubation procedures.

The incubator's iCAN touchscreen controller provides access to temperature and CO₂ settings, performance monitoring, alarm information, and operating logs.

Together, these features make the Heracell 150i Copper an attractive option for laboratories maintaining sensitive or valuable biological cultures.

Common Applications

The Thermo Heracell 150i Copper is suitable for a wide range of mammalian cell culture and biotechnology applications, including stem cell research, primary cell culture, pharmaceutical development, tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, antibody production, and vaccine research.

In academic and biotechnology laboratories, the incubator provides a controlled environment for routine cell line maintenance and experimental culture procedures.

Pharmaceutical laboratories may use the Heracell 150i for drug discovery, cell-based assays, toxicology studies, and biological research requiring consistent incubation conditions.

The copper chamber and ContraCon decontamination system are particularly attractive for laboratories working with sensitive cell lines or expensive cultures where contamination can result in substantial losses.

For laboratories performing aseptic cell culture, biosafety cabinets provide appropriate workspaces for handling cells and culture media. Laboratory centrifuges support cell harvesting and sample preparation, while laboratory refrigerators and ultra-low temperature freezers provide complementary storage for reagents and biological materials.

Cell Types & Culture Applications

The Heracell 150i Copper is designed for CO₂-dependent cell culture procedures requiring stable temperature, atmospheric conditions, and elevated humidity.

Typical applications include:

CHO and HEK293 cell cultures
Stem cells and progenitor cells
Primary mammalian cell cultures
Fibroblast cultures
Epithelial and endothelial cells
Hybridoma cultures
Cell-based pharmaceutical assays
Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine
Vaccine and antibody research
Long-term cell culture experiments

The chamber accommodates standard cell culture flasks, dishes, multiwell plates, bottles, and other vessels used in mammalian cell culture.

The incubator's high-humidity environment helps reduce evaporation from culture media, supporting consistent concentrations of dissolved nutrients and other media components during extended incubation.

Because this unit is identified as a tri-gas configuration, it may also be suitable for applications requiring oxygen regulation, provided the installed oxygen-control hardware and operating range are verified.

Temperature, CO₂ & Environmental Stability

The Thermo Heracell 150i Copper combines direct-heat temperature control, thermal conductivity CO₂ sensing, gentle chamber circulation, and integrated humidification to maintain stable culture conditions.

Its operating temperature range extends from approximately 3°C above ambient to 55°C, accommodating conventional mammalian cell culture at 37°C and other temperature-controlled biological procedures.

The direct-heat air-jacket system distributes heat around the chamber, while a low-velocity internal fan promotes consistent temperature and atmospheric conditions throughout the interior.

The CO₂ concentration is adjustable from 0% to 20%. This particular Heracell 150i uses a thermal conductivity sensor rather than the infrared sensor available in certain other configurations.

Thermal conductivity sensing measures changes in the thermal properties of the chamber atmosphere to determine CO₂ concentration. Because temperature and humidity can influence these measurements, maintaining stable environmental conditions and proper sensor calibration is important.

Dual temperature probes provide additional monitoring and support overtemperature protection.

The iCAN controller displays chamber conditions and allows operators to review performance trends and alarm information, helping identify deviations during extended incubation procedures.

Integrated Humidification & Rapid Recovery

Maintaining elevated humidity is essential for many mammalian cell culture applications because evaporation can alter media composition and affect cell growth.

The Heracell 150i incorporates a heated water reservoir designed to maintain a high-humidity chamber environment.

Unlike conventional incubators that rely on passive evaporation from a removable water pan, the integrated heated reservoir supports rapid humidity recovery following routine door openings.

Thermo's design is intended to restore humidity substantially faster than traditional passive humidification methods under comparable operating conditions.

This can be particularly beneficial in busy cell culture laboratories where multiple researchers access the incubator throughout the day.

The heated inner glass door also helps minimize condensation while allowing researchers to inspect cultures without fully opening the chamber.

The reservoir should be maintained with water meeting the manufacturer's requirements, and routine cleaning remains important for minimizing contamination.

Copper Chamber & ContraCon Decontamination

The copper-lined chamber is a defining feature of this Heracell 150i configuration.

Copper possesses natural antimicrobial properties that can inhibit the survival of many bacteria and other microorganisms on exposed surfaces.

For laboratories working with valuable or contamination-sensitive cultures, these surfaces provide an additional protective measure alongside routine cleaning and aseptic technique.

The Heracell 150i also incorporates Thermo Scientific's ContraCon moist-heat decontamination system.

ContraCon uses a controlled 90°C moist-heat cycle designed to reduce microbial contamination throughout the chamber. The process provides an automated alternative to relying exclusively on manual chemical disinfection.

The combination of copper surfaces and ContraCon decontamination is particularly valuable for laboratories performing repeated culture experiments, maintaining sensitive cell lines, or operating multiple incubators with different biological materials.

Copper surfaces do not eliminate the need for cleaning, and the ContraCon cycle should be performed according to the manufacturer's instructions.

iCAN Controller & Monitoring

The Heracell 150i features Thermo Scientific's iCAN touchscreen controller, providing centralized access to operating settings and environmental monitoring information.

The controller displays temperature and CO₂ conditions and incorporates performance trend graphing, error logs, and usage information.

These features allow laboratory personnel to review incubation performance and identify changes that could affect culture conditions.

The incubator also incorporates alarms and protective controls to alert users to certain operating deviations.

An RS-232 communications interface allows connection to compatible external monitoring systems, providing additional flexibility for laboratories requiring independent data collection.

Thermo Scientific Heracell 150i Copper Specifications

Specification	Details
Manufacturer	Thermo Scientific
Model	Heracell 150i Copper
AIE Product Code	3180RR INC
Equipment Type	Copper-Lined Tri-Gas CO₂ Incubator
Chamber Capacity	150 L (5.3 cu. ft.)
Chamber Material	Copper-lined interior
Heating System	Direct heat / air jacket
Temperature Range	Ambient +3°C to 55°C
Temperature Stability	Approximately ±0.1°C under specified conditions
Temperature Uniformity	Approximately ±0.3°C at 37°C, configuration-dependent
CO₂ Range	0–20%
CO₂ Sensor	Thermal conductivity (TC)
Oxygen Control	Tri-gas configuration listed; installed sensor and range to be verified
Humidification	Integrated heated water reservoir
Relative Humidity	Up to approximately 95% RH at 37°C
Air Circulation	Gentle fan-assisted circulation
Decontamination	ContraCon moist-heat cycle
Decontamination Temperature	90°C
Controller	iCAN touchscreen
Inner Door	Heated glass
Standard Shelves	3
Maximum Shelves	Up to 10
Interior Dimensions (W × D × H)	Approximately 20.9" × 21.7" × 24.8"
Exterior Dimensions (W × D × H)	Approximately 27.6" × 31.5" × 38.2"
Electrical Requirements	120V, 50/60 Hz; verify nameplate
Communication Interface	RS-232
Warranty	90 days through American Instrument Exchange

Specifications are based on the Heracell 150i Copper platform and the AIE listing for SKU 3180RR INC. Oxygen-control hardware, sensor type, range, electrical configuration, dimensions, and included accessories should be verified for the individual refurbished unit.

Thermo Scientific Heracell 150i Copper Frequently Asked Questions

What is the advantage of a copper-lined CO₂ incubator?

Copper has naturally antimicrobial properties that can reduce the survival of many microorganisms on exposed chamber surfaces. The Heracell 150i Copper incorporates these surfaces as an additional contamination-control measure, helping protect sensitive cultures when used alongside appropriate aseptic procedures.

Is this Heracell 150i a tri-gas incubator?

American Instrument Exchange identifies this particular unit as a tri-gas incubator. Tri-gas systems are designed to regulate temperature, CO₂, and oxygen when equipped with the appropriate controls and gas connections. The installed oxygen sensor and operating range should be verified before purchase.

What type of CO₂ sensor does this unit use?

This Heracell 150i uses a thermal conductivity CO₂ sensor with a 0–20% control range. Other Heracell configurations may incorporate infrared CO₂ sensors, so it is important to distinguish between individual units.

Is the Heracell 150i Copper suitable for stem cell culture?

Yes. The incubator provides controlled temperature, CO₂ concentration, and elevated humidity for many stem cell culture applications. Its copper-lined chamber and ContraCon decontamination system are particularly useful for laboratories maintaining contamination-sensitive cultures.

How does the ContraCon decontamination system work?

ContraCon uses a controlled 90°C moist-heat decontamination cycle designed to reduce microbial contamination within the incubator chamber. The system helps simplify routine contamination-control procedures and reduces reliance on chemical disinfection alone.

Does the Heracell 150i control relative humidity?

The incubator uses an integrated heated water reservoir to maintain elevated humidity, approaching approximately 95% RH under specified conditions. It is not a general-purpose programmable relative-humidity chamber with independently adjustable RH setpoints.

How many shelves can the Heracell 150i accommodate?

The Heracell 150i platform normally includes three shelves and can accommodate up to ten, depending on the configuration. The number of shelves included with this individual refurbished unit should be confirmed before purchase.

What is the difference between a copper Heracell 150i and a stainless steel model?

Both versions provide controlled temperature, CO₂ concentration, and humidity for cell culture. The primary distinction is the chamber material. The copper version provides naturally antimicrobial interior surfaces, while stainless steel versions use conventional corrosion-resistant chamber construction.

Is this Thermo Heracell 150i Copper refurbished?

This Thermo Scientific Heracell 150i Copper is offered used and refurbished by American Instrument Exchange. AIE technicians inspect, clean, and test incubators to verify temperature performance, CO₂ control, humidification, and other installed functions as applicable. Components are repaired or replaced as necessary, and refurbished equipment includes a 90-day warranty.

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.

Please contact our team at info@americaninstrument.com for more details.

FAQ

Does the equipment come with a warranty?

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.