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Binder C150 Air-Jacketed CO₂ Incubator
Successful mammalian cell culture depends on maintaining stable environmental conditions while minimizing the risk of contamination. The Binder C150 Air-Jacketed CO₂ Incubator was engineered to provide highly accurate temperature and carbon dioxide control together with one of the industry's most effective high-temperature sterilization systems. Featuring a 150-liter (5.4 cubic foot) chamber, drift-free infrared CO₂ measurement, precision air-jacket heating, and a 180°C hot-air sterilization cycle, the C150 delivers the environmental stability required for demanding cell culture applications while simplifying routine laboratory maintenance.
Unlike many conventional CO₂ incubators, the Binder C150 combines an air-jacket design with a seamless deep-drawn stainless steel chamber that eliminates welded seams and difficult-to-clean corners. Its fan-assisted air-jacket system provides rapid temperature recovery after door openings, while the infrared CO₂ sensor maintains stable atmospheric conditions independent of humidity fluctuations. Together with an automatic diagnostic system, password-protected controls, and integrated alarm monitoring, the C150 is well suited for biotechnology, pharmaceutical, academic, and clinical laboratories requiring dependable long-term incubation performance. Purchasing a refurbished Binder C150 from American Instrument Exchange provides laboratories with a premium German-engineered CO₂ incubator at substantial savings compared with purchasing new equipment.
Key Features
Approximately 150 L (5.4 cu. ft.) chamber capacity
Air-jacket heating system
Temperature range from Ambient +7°C to 50°C
CO₂ range from 0% to 20%
Drift-free infrared CO₂ sensor
180°C hot-air sterilization cycle
Fan-assisted air-jacket technology
Weldless deep-drawn stainless steel chamber
Seamless integrated shelf support system
Microprocessor controller
Optical and audible alarm system
Password-protected controls
Zero-voltage alarm contact for remote monitoring
Inner heated glass door
90-day warranty from American Instrument Exchange
Designed for Reliable Cell Culture
The Binder C150 was developed for laboratories requiring highly reproducible incubation conditions over extended periods. Its 150-liter chamber accommodates tissue culture flasks, culture dishes, multiwell plates, spinner flasks, and other standard cell culture vessels while maintaining exceptional temperature and CO₂ stability.
The incubator's fan-assisted air-jacket system provides rapid recovery following routine door openings, helping maintain consistent environmental conditions throughout long-term cell culture experiments. Combined with Binder's infrared CO₂ measurement technology, the C150 delivers reliable atmospheric regulation that is largely unaffected by changes in chamber humidity, supporting reproducible experimental results across a broad range of biological applications.
Common Applications
The Binder C150 Air-Jacketed CO₂ Incubator is commonly used for:
Mammalian cell culture
Stem cell research
Cancer biology
Primary cell culture
Regenerative medicine
Tissue engineering
Gene therapy research
Cell therapy development
Pharmaceutical research
Biotechnology research
Vaccine development
Academic biomedical research
Clinical research laboratories
Long-term cell culture experiments
Its combination of precise environmental control and high-temperature sterilization makes it particularly valuable for laboratories where contamination control and experimental reproducibility are critical.
Ideal Laboratory Environments
The Binder C150 is well suited for biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical manufacturers, university research laboratories, hospital research centers, contract research organizations, and clinical laboratories performing routine and advanced mammalian cell culture.
Its robust construction, dependable infrared CO₂ sensing, and integrated sterilization capabilities also make it an excellent choice for shared laboratory environments where equipment reliability and ease of maintenance are especially important.
Temperature Recovery and Environmental Stability
The Binder C150 utilizes a fan-assisted air-jacket heating system that delivers excellent chamber uniformity while rapidly restoring environmental conditions after door openings. Temperature is controlled over a range of Ambient +7°C to 50°C, with temperature fluctuation of approximately ±0.1°C and chamber variation of approximately ±0.4°C at 37°C. The incubator's infrared CO₂ measurement system provides drift-free monitoring and precise atmospheric regulation from 0% to 20% CO₂, ensuring stable culture conditions throughout extended incubation periods.
The tightly sealing inner glass door minimizes environmental disturbance during routine observation, while the integrated fan-assisted airflow promotes consistent temperature distribution throughout the chamber without creating excessive drying of cultures.
High-Temperature Sterilization and Contamination Control
One of the defining features of the Binder C150 is its fully automated 180°C hot-air sterilization cycle. Unlike lower-temperature decontamination systems, this overnight sterilization process sanitizes the complete chamber without chemical disinfectants, helping laboratories reduce contamination risk between projects while simplifying routine maintenance.
The polished stainless steel chamber is manufactured from a single deep-drawn piece with no welded seams or inaccessible corners, making routine cleaning straightforward while reducing areas where contaminants can accumulate. Combined with the infrared CO₂ sensor, automatic diagnostics, alarm monitoring, and password-protected controls, the Binder C150 provides a dependable incubation platform for demanding cell culture laboratories.
Sample Storage Recommendations
The 150-liter (5.4 cubic foot) chamber of the Binder C150 provides ample capacity for laboratories performing routine and advanced mammalian cell culture. The chamber accommodates tissue culture flasks, Petri dishes, multiwell plates, spinner flasks, roller bottles, and other standard cell culture vessels while maintaining stable temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide levels.
Adjustable stainless steel shelves allow users to organize cultures efficiently based on vessel size and workflow. For optimal environmental uniformity, culture vessels should be distributed evenly throughout the chamber with sufficient clearance between shelves to promote unrestricted airflow. Proper spacing minimizes localized temperature variations and helps the incubator recover quickly following routine door openings.
Research laboratories maintaining multiple cell lines often dedicate individual shelves to separate projects or cell types, improving organization while reducing unnecessary handling and minimizing opportunities for cross-contamination.
Energy Efficiency and Operating Costs
The Binder C150 was designed to deliver reliable incubation performance while minimizing operating costs over the life of the instrument. Its air-jacket heating system provides rapid temperature recovery without the additional weight, maintenance, or installation requirements associated with water-jacketed incubators. The efficient heating design also contributes to lower energy consumption during continuous operation.
The drift-free infrared CO₂ sensor requires less frequent calibration than traditional thermal conductivity sensors, helping reduce routine maintenance while providing highly stable atmospheric control. The seamless stainless steel chamber and removable interior components simplify cleaning, allowing laboratories to spend less time on preventative maintenance and more time on research.
The integrated 180°C hot-air sterilization cycle further reduces operating costs by eliminating the need for chemical disinfectants during routine chamber decontamination while providing a simple, repeatable sterilization process.
What makes the Binder C150 different from many other CO₂ incubators?
One of the C150's defining features is its 180°C hot-air sterilization cycle, which sterilizes the entire chamber without chemical disinfectants. Combined with the seamless stainless steel interior and infrared CO₂ sensor, this helps reduce contamination risk while simplifying routine maintenance.
Why does the C150 use an infrared CO₂ sensor?
Infrared CO₂ sensors provide stable, drift-resistant measurements that are largely unaffected by chamber humidity. This allows the incubator to maintain accurate carbon dioxide concentrations over long incubation periods while reducing calibration requirements.
Is the Binder C150 suitable for long-term cell culture?
Yes. The combination of precise temperature control, stable CO₂ regulation, high humidity, and rapid environmental recovery makes the C150 well suited for long-term mammalian cell culture, stem cell research, and other applications where consistent environmental conditions are essential.
What types of culture vessels can the C150 accommodate?
The chamber is designed to hold a wide variety of laboratory vessels, including T-flasks, culture dishes, multiwell plates, roller bottles, spinner flasks, and cell culture bags. Adjustable shelving provides flexibility for different laboratory workflows.
Does the C150 require chemical disinfectants during sterilization?
No. The integrated 180°C hot-air sterilization cycle is designed to decontaminate the chamber without chemical disinfectants, making routine sterilization straightforward while helping laboratories reduce contamination between research projects.
What laboratories commonly use the Binder C150?
The C150 is frequently found in biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical laboratories, universities, hospitals, clinical research facilities, and contract research organizations performing mammalian cell culture, stem cell research, tissue engineering, and other biological applications.
How does the air-jacket heating system benefit laboratory workflows?
The air-jacket design provides rapid temperature recovery after door openings while reducing the weight and maintenance associated with water-jacketed incubators. This allows laboratories to maintain stable environmental conditions while simplifying installation and relocation.
Why purchase a refurbished Binder C150 from American Instrument Exchange?
Purchasing a refurbished Binder C150 from American Instrument Exchange provides laboratories with a premium German-engineered CO₂ incubator at significant savings compared with purchasing new equipment. Combining a 150-liter chamber, drift-free infrared CO₂ measurement, rapid air-jacket temperature recovery, and a 180°C hot-air sterilization cycle, the C150 delivers dependable performance for demanding cell culture applications. Every incubator is inspected and tested prior to shipment and includes a 90-day warranty for added confidence.
Click Hereto see the Binder C150 CO2 incubator on the American Instrument Exchange 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.
