The Thermo Heracell VIOS 160i Dual-Stack CO₂ Incubator combines two independently controlled 165-liter incubation chambers to provide high cell culture capacity within a compact laboratory footprint. With a total nominal capacity of 330 liters, or 11.6 cu. ft., across the stack, this configuration is well suited for laboratories that need to expand incubation capacity, separate different cell lines, or maintain independent environments for multiple research groups without installing two units side by side.
Each Heracell VIOS 160i chamber uses Thermo Scientific's THRIVE active airflow system, an infrared CO₂ sensor, continuous in-chamber HEPA filtration, a protected humidity reservoir, and the Steri-Run 180°C sterilization cycle. Together, these systems support rapid environmental recovery, high relative humidity, ISO Class 5 air quality, and dependable contamination control for sensitive cell culture applications. Purchasing a refurbished Heracell VIOS 160i stack from American Instrument Exchange gives laboratories access to two premium CO₂ incubation chambers at a substantial savings compared with purchasing new equipment.
Key Features
Dual-stack configuration with two independently controlled chambers
165 L (5.8 cu. ft.) capacity per chamber
330 L (11.6 cu. ft.) combined nominal capacity
Temperature range from ambient +3°C to 55°C
CO₂ control range from 1% to 20%
Infrared CO₂ sensing
THRIVE active airflow system
Full parameter recovery in ten minutes or less under specified conditions
Continuous in-chamber HEPA filtration
Entire chamber air volume filtered approximately every 60 seconds
ISO Class 5 cleanroom air quality achieved within approximately five minutes
The dual-stack Heracell VIOS 160i provides the equivalent capacity of two full-size CO₂ incubators while using substantially less floor space than two units placed next to one another. Each chamber operates independently, allowing laboratories to maintain separate temperature and CO₂ setpoints or divide cultures by project, cell type, researcher, or contamination risk.
This flexibility is particularly useful in multi-user laboratories. One chamber can be dedicated to routine mammalian cell culture while the second supports primary cells, stem cells, organoids, or other sensitive cultures. Laboratories can also use one chamber for active culture work while the other undergoes cleaning, sterilization, or preparation for a new project.
The chambers feature noncorrosive stainless steel interiors that provide a durable, easy-to-clean alternative to copper-lined incubators. Stainless steel resists staining, tolerates commonly used laboratory cleaning agents, and provides a smooth chamber surface suited to facilities with established cleaning and disinfection protocols.
Many laboratories pair the Heracell VIOS 160i stack with biosafety cabinets for aseptic cell manipulation, centrifuges for cell separation and harvesting, laboratory refrigerators for storing media and reagents, and ultra-low freezers for preserving cell banks and valuable biological samples.
Common Applications
The Thermo Heracell VIOS 160i dual-stack incubator is commonly used for:
Mammalian cell culture
Primary cell culture
Stem cell research
Cell and gene therapy development
Regenerative medicine
Organoid culture
Tissue engineering
Cancer research
Vaccine development
Monoclonal antibody research
Pharmaceutical development
Biologics research
Clinical and translational research
High-throughput cell culture workflows
The independent chambers make the stack especially useful for laboratories running multiple protocols or maintaining cultures with different environmental, scheduling, or access requirements.
Ideal Laboratory Environments
The Heracell VIOS 160i stack is well suited for biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical research laboratories, academic core facilities, hospital research centers, cell and gene therapy laboratories, contract research organizations, government laboratories, and regenerative medicine programs. Its high combined capacity is particularly valuable in growing laboratories where available floor space is limited, as well as shared facilities that need to allocate separate incubation chambers to different research teams or projects.
Temperature Recovery and Environmental Stability
Each VIOS 160i chamber uses THRIVE active airflow to circulate clean, humidified air throughout the incubation space. The in-chamber fan promotes homogeneous temperature, CO₂ concentration, and humidity across the shelving area, reducing variations between cultures placed at different chamber locations.
When the glass door is opened, an automatic stop function pauses fan operation to reduce unnecessary air exchange and limit the movement of room air into the chamber. Once the door is closed, active airflow resumes and helps restore the programmed environmental conditions. Under specified test conditions, critical growth parameters can recover within ten minutes or less following a routine door opening.
The incubator operates across a temperature range of ambient +3°C to 55°C. This range supports standard mammalian cell culture at 37°C as well as protocols requiring moderately elevated temperatures. Direct chamber heating and controlled airflow work together to reduce temperature gradients and support stable conditions during long-term experiments.
An infrared CO₂ sensor measures chamber gas concentration across a control range of 1% to 20%. Infrared sensing is not significantly affected by high chamber humidity, making it well suited for continuous use in humidified CO₂ incubation. Precise CO₂ control helps maintain culture media pH and protects cells from unnecessary atmospheric fluctuations.
Contamination Control
The Heracell VIOS 160i incorporates several contamination-control systems to protect sensitive cultures. An in-chamber HEPA filter continuously removes airborne particulates from the circulating chamber atmosphere. The complete air volume passes through the filtration system approximately once every 60 seconds, helping the chamber achieve ISO Class 5 air quality within approximately five minutes under specified operating conditions.
The protected humidity reservoir is integrated into the chamber floor and covered to reduce contamination exposure. Direct heating of the water supports high relative humidity while the covered design helps limit spills, handling, and standing-water exposure compared with conventional open humidity pans. The system is also designed to promote humidity recovery while reducing condensation on chamber walls.
For more thorough decontamination, the Steri-Run cycle raises the chamber temperature to 180°C. This automated high-temperature process provides an alternative to chemical fumigation and can be used between projects, following suspected contamination, or as part of a preventive maintenance program. The sterilization system is designed to treat chamber surfaces and installed interior components without requiring extensive disassembly.
The dual-stack arrangement provides an additional operational advantage: one chamber may remain available for cultures while the other is being sterilized, provided the stack is installed with the appropriate Thermo stacking components and heat-management configuration.
Sample Storage Recommendations
Each 165-liter chamber can accommodate T-flasks, multiwell plates, culture dishes, spinner flasks, suspension culture vessels, primary cell cultures, stem cell cultures, organoids, tissue-engineered constructs, and other commonly used cell culture containers. Adjustable perforated shelves allow users to configure each chamber for different vessel heights and sample quantities.
Laboratories can use the dual-chamber configuration to separate sensitive primary cultures from routine immortalized cell lines, divide work by research team, or isolate projects with different contamination-control requirements. Culture vessels should be distributed across the shelves with sufficient open space to support airflow. Overcrowding the chamber or blocking perforated shelf surfaces may reduce environmental uniformity and increase recovery time after the door is opened.
Energy Efficiency and Operating Costs
Stacking two VIOS 160i chambers allows a laboratory to double its nominal incubation capacity without doubling the floor space required. This can reduce the need for additional benches, equipment stands, or room modifications in facilities where laboratory space carries a high operating cost.
Each chamber is independently controlled, allowing laboratories to operate both chambers during periods of high demand or consolidate cultures into one chamber when workload permits. The protected humidity reservoir reduces water loss, while the infrared CO₂ sensor supports controlled gas injection and helps limit unnecessary CO₂ consumption.
The active airflow and direct-heating systems are designed to restore chamber conditions quickly after access, reducing the length of time that heaters and gas controls must operate at increased output. Continuous HEPA filtration does add a replaceable maintenance component, but it provides a meaningful contamination-control benefit for laboratories working with valuable cultures.
Key Specifications
Specification
Details
Manufacturer
Thermo Scientific
Model
Heracell VIOS 160i
American Instrument SKU
3180S INC
Configuration
Dual-chamber stack
Number of Chambers
Two
Capacity per Chamber
165 L (5.8 cu. ft.)
Combined Nominal Capacity
330 L (11.6 cu. ft.)
Chamber Material
Electropolished stainless steel
Temperature Range
Ambient +3°C to 55°C
CO₂ Control Range
1% to 20%
CO₂ Sensor
Infrared
Relative Humidity
Greater than 93% RH at 37°C
Air Circulation
THRIVE active airflow
Filtration
In-chamber HEPA filtration
Air Exchange Through Filter
Entire chamber volume approximately every 60 seconds
Chamber Air Quality
ISO Class 5 within approximately five minutes
Sterilization Cycle
Steri-Run 180°C high-temperature cycle
Humidity System
Protected, directly heated integrated reservoir
Controller
Door-mounted iCAN touchscreen
Shelving
Adjustable perforated shelves
Exterior Door
Reversible
Interior Door
Heated glass door
Interior Dimensions per Chamber
22.7" W × 18.5" D × 23.9" H
Exterior Dimensions per Chamber
34.6" W × 25.1" D × 35.4" H
Weight per Chamber
Approximately 183 lb
Approximate Combined Chamber Weight
366 lb, excluding stacking hardware and dolly
Electrical
120 V, 50/60 Hz
Installation
Requires compatible stacking adapter and support configuration
Stack height, overall installed dimensions, and total installed weight depend on the stacking adapter, roller base, leveling hardware, and accessories included with the unit. Specifications are believed to be accurate but may vary depending on factory-installed options. Please verify all specifications prior to purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this listing for one incubator or a dual stack?
This listing is for a stack consisting of two Thermo Heracell VIOS 160i incubation chambers. Each chamber has a nominal capacity of 165 liters, providing a combined nominal capacity of 330 liters across the stack.
Can the two chambers operate at different settings?
Yes. Each chamber has its own controls and can operate independently. This allows laboratories to maintain separate temperature and CO₂ setpoints, isolate different cell lines, or assign each chamber to a different research group.
What is the temperature range of the Heracell VIOS 160i?
Each chamber operates from approximately 3°C above ambient temperature to 55°C. The incubator is therefore suitable for standard 37°C mammalian cell culture and other protocols within that operating range.
What is the CO₂ control range?
The incubator controls CO₂ concentration from 1% to 20% using an infrared sensor. This range supports standard cell culture conditions as well as applications requiring elevated CO₂ concentrations.
How does the HEPA filtration system protect cultures?
The in-chamber HEPA system continuously filters the chamber atmosphere. The complete air volume passes through the filter approximately every 60 seconds, and the chamber can achieve ISO Class 5 air quality within approximately five minutes under specified conditions.
Does the VIOS 160i include a high-temperature sterilization cycle?
Yes. Each chamber includes Thermo Scientific's Steri-Run cycle, which heats the chamber to 180°C for automated high-temperature sterilization. This provides a thorough decontamination option without relying solely on chemical disinfectants.
What is the advantage of purchasing a stacked incubator?
A stacked configuration provides twice the incubation capacity within approximately the same floor footprint as a single chamber. It also gives the laboratory two independent environments, providing operational flexibility and reducing the risk of relying on one shared chamber for every culture.
Why purchase a refurbished Thermo Heracell VIOS 160i stack from American Instrument Exchange?
A refurbished Heracell VIOS 160i stack provides two advanced CO₂ incubation chambers at a substantial savings compared with purchasing new equipment. The system combines high capacity, independent chamber control, active airflow, HEPA filtration, high-temperature sterilization, and a 90-day warranty from American Instrument Exchange.
CLICK HERE to see the Thermo Heracell VIOS 160i on our YouTube channel
Testing Procedures for Used and Refurbished CO₂ Laboratory Incubators Ensure Atmosphere Control, Temperature Accuracy, and Regulatory Compliance
At American Instrument Exchange, all used and refurbished CO₂ incubators undergo a multi-step testing and calibration process. These procedures are designed to ensure precise environmental control, microbial safety, and long-term reliability—critical for cell culture, IVF, tissue engineering, and pharmaceutical R&D applications.
Why Testing Used CO₂ Incubators Is Essential
Before a CO₂ incubator is redeployed into a laboratory, it must be thoroughly tested for:
• CO₂ sensor accuracy and gas concentration control
• Temperature uniformity and stability
• Humidity system function
• HEPA filtration and contamination control
• Electrical and safety compliance
Proper testing ensures viable growth environments for sensitive cultures and prevents costly contamination or culture loss in high-stakes lab environments.
Our standardized refurbishment protocol ensures used CO₂ incubators deliver laboratory grade performance at a fraction of the cost of comparable new units.
Key Testing Procedures for Refurbished and Used CO₂ Incubators
1. Initial Visual Inspection
• Inspect the exterior for corrosion, dents, or door alignment issues
• Check door gasket integrity and hinge function
• Verify presence and condition of internal shelves, water pans, and humidity trays
• Examine power cords, gas connectors, and display interfaces for signs of wear
2. Functional Startup Test
• Power on the unit and check for successful system boot
• Verify touchscreen or keypad response, and test all user-programmable settings
• Check door alarms and temperature/CO₂ alerts
3. Temperature Control and Uniformity Testing
• Use temperature probes to verify internal temperature accuracy
• Monitor temperature uniformity across multiple chamber zones
• Ensure fast recovery times after door openings
4. CO₂ Sensor Testing and Gas Delivery System Test
• Test accuracy of infrared (IR) or thermal conductivity (TC) CO₂ sensors using certified reference gas and probes/Fyrite analyzers
• Test inlet pressure regulators and gas flow control systems
• Confirm stable CO₂ levels at multiple setpoints (e.g., 5%, 10%)
• Check for proper mixing and diffusion throughout the chamber
5. Humidity and Contamination Control Testing
• Test humidity generation (via water pan or active system) and verify chamber RH levels
• Inspect HEPA filters (if equipped) and airflow systems for particulate control
• Sanitize interior and confirm antimicrobial coatings or copper components are intact
6. Electrical Safety and Compliance Check
• Ensure proper grounding and insulation of all electrical components
• Perform leak and continuity testing
• Verify the unit meets electrical safety standards for laboratory environments
7. Final Quality Assurance and Performance Validation
• Run a 24-hour performance cycle with monitored CO₂, temperature, and RH
• Document data and final readings
• Complete service report
All refurbished CO₂ incubators sold by American Instrument Exchange are tested to meet the performance demands of today's advanced laboratory workflows—ensuring safety, precision, and peace of mind with every unit.
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.
