Esco CelCulture CO2 Incubator Model CCL-170B-9

Brand : Esco

Product Code : SKU 3105E INC

Quantity

Price Match Policy

Shipping

All products ship from our 30,000 sq. ft. Haverhill, MA warehouse

Esco CelCulture CCL-170B-9 CO₂ Incubator

Creating a consistently clean incubation environment is one of the most important factors in successful cell culture. Even when temperature and CO₂ levels are carefully controlled, airborne contaminants introduced during routine laboratory use can compromise valuable cultures and delay critical research. The Esco CelCulture CCL-170B-9 CO₂ Incubator was engineered to address this challenge by combining precise environmental control with advanced contamination prevention technologies, including ISO Class 5 chamber cleanliness, continuous ULPA air filtration, and ISOCIDE antimicrobial surface protection. With a 6 cubic foot (170-liter) chamber, the CCL-170B-9 delivers the capacity required for routine research while maintaining exceptional environmental stability.

Widely used in biotechnology, pharmaceutical, clinical, and academic laboratories, the CelCulture series combines infrared CO₂ sensing, rapid temperature recovery, high humidity control, and an integrated moist heat decontamination cycle to create an ideal environment for mammalian cell culture. The segmented inner glass door system further minimizes environmental disruption during routine access, helping protect cultures throughout the incubation process. Purchasing a refurbished Esco CelCulture CCL-170B-9 from American Instrument Exchange provides laboratories with a premium CO₂ incubation platform at substantial savings compared with purchasing new equipment.

Key Features

Approximately 6 cu. ft. (170 L) chamber capacity
Infrared (IR) CO₂ sensor
Temperature range from ambient +10°C to 60°C
Continuous ULPA filtration maintaining ISO Class 5 chamber cleanliness
ISOCIDE antimicrobial powder-coated exterior
90°C moist heat decontamination cycle
Segmented inner glass door system
High-humidity incubation environment
Stainless steel interior chamber
Rapid temperature and CO₂ recovery
Digital microprocessor controller
Audible and visual alarms
90-day warranty from American Instrument Exchange

Designed for Clean Cell Culture

The Esco CelCulture CCL-170B-9 was designed with contamination prevention as a primary objective. Rather than relying solely on periodic chamber sterilization, the incubator continuously filters recirculated chamber air through an ULPA filtration system capable of restoring ISO Class 5 air quality shortly after the outer door is closed. This continuous air purification helps reduce airborne particulate contamination during routine laboratory operation.

The chamber accommodates tissue culture flasks, multiwell plates, Petri dishes, spinner flasks, and other commonly used culture vessels while providing sufficient capacity for multiple investigators or concurrent research projects. The segmented inner glass door allows researchers to access only a portion of the chamber at a time, minimizing environmental disruption to cultures that remain inside.

These design features make the CCL-170B-9 particularly well suited for laboratories where contamination control, rapid environmental recovery, and reliable incubation performance are essential.

Common Applications

The Esco CelCulture CCL-170B-9 is commonly used for:

Mammalian cell culture
Primary cell culture
Stem cell research
Cancer biology
Tissue engineering
Hybridoma development
Monoclonal antibody production
Protein expression
Virology
Pharmaceutical research
Biotechnology research
Clinical laboratory research
Academic life science research
Long-term maintenance of valuable cell lines

Its combination of clean-air technology and stable environmental control makes it an excellent choice for laboratories working with contamination-sensitive cultures.

Ideal Laboratory Environments

The Esco CelCulture CCL-170B-9 is well suited for biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical manufacturers, university research laboratories, hospital research facilities, contract research organizations, and government laboratories performing routine mammalian cell culture.

Its 170-liter chamber provides an excellent balance between usable incubation capacity and laboratory footprint, making it suitable for both dedicated tissue culture suites and multi-user research environments. Laboratories maintaining multiple cell lines or supporting several investigators can benefit from the incubator's segmented access system and rapid environmental recovery.

Temperature Recovery and Environmental Stability

Stable incubation conditions are essential for maintaining healthy cell cultures throughout long-term experiments. The Esco CelCulture CCL-170B-9 utilizes a microprocessor-controlled heating system and an infrared CO₂ sensor to provide accurate regulation of temperature and chamber atmosphere. Infrared sensing delivers precise CO₂ measurement with minimal influence from humidity changes, helping maintain stable pH conditions in bicarbonate-buffered culture media.

The incubator's segmented inner glass door design helps reduce environmental disturbance by limiting the amount of chamber air lost during routine access. Combined with efficient airflow management, high humidity control, and rapid recovery performance, the incubator quickly returns to programmed operating conditions following door openings.

Contamination Control

The defining advantage of the Esco CelCulture CCL-170B-9 is its comprehensive contamination control strategy. During normal operation, chamber air continuously circulates through an ULPA filtration system that maintains ISO Class 5 cleanliness, reducing airborne particles that could compromise valuable cultures. The incubator's ISOCIDE antimicrobial coating further inhibits microbial growth on exposed exterior surfaces, while the stainless steel chamber simplifies routine cleaning and maintenance.

Routine decontamination is simplified through the integrated 90°C moist heat decontamination cycle, allowing laboratories to sanitize the chamber between projects without extensive manual disassembly. Together, these technologies help create a consistently clean incubation environment for sensitive mammalian cell culture applications while minimizing laboratory downtime.

Sample Storage Recommendations

With approximately 6 cubic feet (170 liters) of usable chamber space, the Esco CelCulture CCL-170B-9 provides ample capacity for routine mammalian cell culture while maintaining a compact laboratory footprint. The chamber is designed to accommodate T-flasks, culture dishes, multiwell plates, cell culture bags, roller bottles, spinner flasks, and other vessels commonly used in biotechnology and life science research.

The incubator's adjustable shelving system allows laboratories to configure the interior for a wide variety of vessel sizes and research workflows. To achieve the best environmental performance, culture vessels should be arranged to allow unrestricted airflow throughout the chamber while avoiding overcrowding. Proper spacing helps maintain uniform temperature, humidity, and CO₂ concentrations across every shelf while supporting rapid recovery after routine door openings.

The segmented inner glass door system further improves organization by allowing researchers to access only the portion of the chamber containing the required samples. This minimizes environmental disturbance to cultures remaining inside and helps preserve stable incubation conditions during routine laboratory work.

Energy Efficiency and Operating Costs

The Esco CelCulture CCL-170B-9 was engineered to provide stable environmental control while minimizing unnecessary energy consumption during continuous laboratory operation. The insulated cabinet, efficient heating system, and digital microprocessor controller work together to maintain programmed incubation conditions with excellent temperature stability and rapid recovery.

Unlike incubators that rely solely on periodic decontamination, the CelCulture continuously recirculates chamber air through an ULPA filtration system, maintaining ISO Class 5 clean-air conditions without requiring frequent manual intervention. The segmented inner glass door also contributes to operating efficiency by reducing the amount of conditioned air lost during routine access, allowing the chamber to recover temperature and CO₂ levels more quickly.

Routine maintenance is simplified by the integrated 90°C moist heat decontamination cycle, which allows laboratories to sanitize the chamber between projects without extensive disassembly. Together, these features help reduce downtime while supporting reliable long-term operation in busy research environments.

Key Specifications

Specification	Details
Manufacturer	Esco
Model	CelCulture CCL-170B-9
Incubator Type	Air-Jacketed CO₂ Incubator
Chamber Capacity	Approximately 170 L (6.0 cu. ft.)
Temperature Range	Ambient +10°C to 60°C
CO₂ Range	0% to 20%
CO₂ Sensor	Infrared (IR)
Humidity Control	Up to Approximately 95% Relative Humidity
Air Filtration	Continuous ULPA Filtration (ISO Class 5 Chamber Cleanliness)
Chamber Material	Stainless Steel
Exterior Finish	ISOCIDE Antimicrobial Powder Coating
Decontamination	90°C Moist Heat Cycle
Door Configuration	Segmented Heated Inner Glass Doors with Insulated Outer Door
Controller	Digital Microprocessor
Display	Digital LED Display
Interior Dimensions	Approximately 19.7" W × 20.5" D × 26.8" H
Exterior Dimensions	Approximately 25.8" W × 30.7" D × 39.8" H
Shelving	Adjustable Stainless Steel Shelves
Alarm System	Audible and Visual
Electrical Requirements	120 V
Approximate Weight	Approximately 220 lb

Specifications are believed to be accurate but may vary depending on factory-installed options. Please verify all specifications prior to purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Esco CelCulture CCL-170B-9 different from many other CO₂ incubators?

The CelCulture CCL-170B-9 was designed with contamination prevention as a primary focus. Continuous ULPA filtration maintains ISO Class 5 chamber cleanliness, while the ISOCIDE antimicrobial exterior coating, segmented glass doors, and integrated moist heat decontamination cycle work together to help protect valuable cell cultures.

Why does this incubator use an infrared CO₂ sensor?

Infrared (IR) CO₂ sensors provide highly accurate CO₂ measurement and are largely unaffected by humidity inside the chamber. This allows the incubator to maintain stable atmospheric conditions that support consistent pH regulation in bicarbonate-buffered cell culture media.

What are the benefits of the segmented inner glass doors?

Instead of opening the entire chamber, researchers can access only the section containing the desired cultures. This reduces heat and CO₂ loss, minimizes disruption to the remaining samples, and allows the incubator to recover more quickly after door openings.

What is ISO Class 5 chamber cleanliness?

ISO Class 5 (formerly Class 100) indicates an extremely clean air environment with very low airborne particulate levels. The CelCulture achieves this through continuous ULPA filtration, helping reduce contamination risks during routine laboratory operation.

What is the purpose of the 90°C moist heat decontamination cycle?

The moist heat cycle simplifies routine chamber sanitation by reducing microbial contamination between research projects. Regular decontamination helps maintain a clean incubation environment without requiring extensive manual cleaning.

What laboratories commonly use the Esco CelCulture CCL-170B-9?

The incubator is widely used in biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical laboratories, university research facilities, hospital research centers, clinical laboratories, and contract research organizations performing mammalian cell culture, stem cell research, cancer biology, virology, and tissue engineering.

Is the CCL-170B-9 suitable for long-term maintenance of valuable cell lines?

Yes. The combination of precise temperature regulation, infrared CO₂ sensing, high humidity control, continuous ULPA filtration, and rapid recovery performance makes the incubator well suited for long-term maintenance of sensitive mammalian cell cultures.

Why purchase a refurbished Esco CelCulture CCL-170B-9 from American Instrument Exchange?

Purchasing a refurbished Esco CelCulture CCL-170B-9 from American Instrument Exchange provides laboratories with a premium CO₂ incubator featuring infrared CO₂ sensing, ISO Class 5 clean-air technology, and advanced contamination control at substantial savings compared with buying new equipment. Every incubator is inspected and tested prior to shipment and includes a 90-day warranty, providing confidence that it is ready to support demanding cell culture applications.

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.

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.