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Percival I-30BLL Illuminated Biological Incubator
Many biological research applications require more than precise temperature control alone. Seed germination studies, insect rearing, cyanobacteria cultivation, algae research, bioassays, and product stability testing often depend on carefully regulated temperature, humidity, and photoperiods to produce reliable, repeatable results. The Percival I-30BLL Illuminated Biological Incubator is designed to provide this level of environmental control within a compact laboratory chamber. Featuring a 9.7 cu. ft. chamber, programmable fluorescent lighting, humidity control, and a refrigeration system capable of maintaining temperatures from 2°C to 44°C, the I-30BLL provides an excellent solution for research laboratories performing controlled-environment biological studies.
Unlike conventional laboratory incubators that provide temperature regulation alone, the Percival I-30BLL incorporates integrated lighting and environmental controls that allow researchers to simulate day and night cycles while maintaining precise chamber conditions. The self-contained refrigeration system with hot-gas bypass delivers excellent temperature stability, while programmable fluorescent lighting supports experiments requiring consistent photoperiods and low-light growth conditions. Purchasing a refurbished Percival I-30BLL from American Instrument Exchange provides laboratories with a proven environmental research incubator at substantial savings compared to purchasing new equipment.
Percival I-30BLL Key Features
9.7 cu. ft. chamber capacity
Temperature range: 2°C to 44°C
Programmable fluorescent lighting system
Light intensity up to approximately 100 μmol/m²/s
Two programmable lighting events
Humidity control from ambient to 85% RH
Precision temperature regulation
Self-contained refrigeration system
Hot-gas bypass compressor design
Internal air circulation system
Two illuminated shelving tiers
Digital environmental controls
120V electrical operation
90-day warranty from American Instrument Exchange
Designed for Controlled-Environment Biological Research
The Percival I-30BLL is engineered for laboratories requiring stable environmental conditions beyond those provided by conventional laboratory incubators. By combining refrigeration, programmable lighting, humidity control, and precise temperature regulation, the chamber supports a broad range of biological research applications that depend on carefully controlled environmental variables. Researchers can establish repeatable lighting schedules while maintaining consistent temperature and humidity throughout extended experimental protocols.
The incubator utilizes a self-contained air-cooled refrigeration system with a hot-gas bypass design that allows continuous compressor operation for improved temperature stability and extended compressor life. Internal air circulation promotes uniform environmental conditions throughout the chamber, while the programmable fluorescent lighting system allows researchers to establish controlled photoperiods for germination studies, insect life cycle research, photosynthetic organisms, and other light-dependent biological applications.
Common Applications
The Percival I-30BLL is commonly used for:
Seed germination studies
Plant physiology research
Cyanobacteria cultivation
Algae research
Insect rearing
Entomology
Bioassays
Product stability testing
Bacterial culturing
Environmental microbiology
Food quality studies
General biological research
The I-30BLL is frequently incorporated into plant science, environmental biology, and microbiology workflows. Laboratory refrigerators store culture media, environmental samples, and research reagents, while laboratory freezers preserve biological specimens and reference materials. Biosafety cabinets provide clean workspaces for microbiological sample preparation, centrifuges support sample separation and downstream analysis, and autoclaves sterilize media, glassware, and laboratory equipment prior to experimentation.
Ideal Laboratory Environments
The Percival I-30BLL is an excellent choice for university research laboratories, agricultural research centers, environmental testing laboratories, food science laboratories, biotechnology companies, entomology facilities, microbiology laboratories, and industrial quality assurance programs. Its combination of programmable lighting, refrigeration, humidity control, and precise environmental regulation makes it particularly well suited for laboratories conducting biological research requiring carefully controlled growth conditions.
Why Choose the Percival I-30BLL?
The Percival I-30BLL combines dependable temperature control, programmable lighting, humidity regulation, and durable environmental chamber construction in a compact laboratory incubator designed for biological research. Its illuminated chamber and precision environmental controls allow researchers to perform a wide variety of plant, microbial, insect, and environmental studies without requiring a full-sized plant growth chamber.
Whether supporting seed germination, cyanobacteria cultivation, insect propagation, bioassays, environmental biology, or product stability testing, the Percival I-30BLL provides the controlled environmental conditions required for consistent and reproducible research.
Performance and Environmental Stability
The Percival I-30BLL Illuminated Biological Incubator is designed to provide stable environmental conditions for biological research requiring tightly controlled temperature, lighting, and humidity. Its self-contained refrigeration system utilizes a hot-gas bypass design that allows the compressor to operate continuously, minimizing temperature fluctuations while reducing wear associated with repeated compressor cycling. This approach helps maintain uniform chamber conditions throughout long-duration experiments and supports reliable, repeatable research results.
Temperature is distributed throughout the chamber by an internal air circulation system that promotes excellent uniformity across the growing area. Integrated humidity control helps maintain appropriate moisture levels for a variety of biological applications, while the programmable fluorescent lighting system allows researchers to establish consistent day/night photoperiods for experiments involving photosynthetic organisms or light-dependent biological processes.
Unlike a standard laboratory incubator, the I-30BLL allows multiple environmental variables to be controlled simultaneously. This makes it particularly valuable for experiments where temperature, relative humidity, and light exposure must remain consistent over days or weeks to ensure reproducible experimental outcomes.
Typical Samples and Laboratory Applications
The Percival I-30BLL supports a diverse range of biological and environmental research applications. Typical samples include seeds, seedlings, algae, cyanobacteria, mosses, fungi, bacterial cultures, environmental water samples, soil microorganisms, insects, plant tissue cultures, agricultural specimens, food products undergoing stability testing, and other biological materials requiring controlled environmental conditions.
Common laboratory applications include seed germination studies, plant physiology research, algal cultivation, cyanobacteria research, insect life-cycle studies, entomology, microbial ecology, environmental microbiology, bioassays, food quality testing, shelf-life studies, pharmaceutical stability testing, agricultural research, and educational laboratory instruction. The combination of programmable lighting and precise environmental regulation also makes the incubator suitable for laboratories evaluating biological responses to controlled photoperiods.
Specifications are compiled from manufacturer literature and American Instrument Exchange product information. Specifications may vary depending on production year and installed options. Please verify chamber dimensions, electrical requirements, lighting configuration, shelf arrangement, and included accessories prior to purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an illuminated biological incubator?
An illuminated biological incubator combines precise temperature control with programmable lighting, allowing researchers to regulate both environmental temperature and photoperiod. These systems are commonly used for biological studies involving plants, algae, insects, and other light-sensitive organisms.
How is the Percival I-30BLL different from a standard laboratory incubator?
Unlike a conventional microbiology incubator, the I-30BLL incorporates refrigeration, programmable fluorescent lighting, humidity control, and forced-air circulation, enabling researchers to simulate controlled environmental conditions for specialized biological studies.
What types of research commonly use this incubator?
The I-30BLL is frequently used for seed germination, plant physiology, algal and cyanobacterial cultivation, insect rearing, environmental biology, food quality studies, microbial ecology, agricultural research, and pharmaceutical or product stability testing.
Why is programmable lighting important?
Programmable lighting allows researchers to establish repeatable light and dark cycles that simulate natural day and night conditions. This capability is important for studying plant growth, photosynthesis, circadian rhythms, insect development, and other biological processes influenced by light exposure.
Does the incubator provide cooling as well as heating?
Yes. The self-contained refrigeration system allows the chamber to maintain temperatures from approximately 2°C to 44°C, making the incubator suitable for both refrigerated and elevated-temperature biological applications.
Which laboratories typically purchase the Percival I-30BLL?
The I-30BLL is commonly used by universities, agricultural research centers, environmental testing laboratories, food science laboratories, biotechnology companies, government research facilities, and industrial quality assurance laboratories performing controlled-environment biological research.
Why purchase a refurbished Percival I-30BLL from American Instrument Exchange?
A refurbished Percival I-30BLL Illuminated Biological Incubator from American Instrument Exchange provides laboratories with a dependable controlled-environment research chamber at a substantial savings compared to purchasing new equipment. Featuring a 9.7 cubic foot chamber, programmable fluorescent lighting, 2°C to 44°C temperature control, humidity regulation, and a self-contained refrigeration system with hot-gas bypass, the I-30BLL is an excellent choice for plant science, microbiology, environmental biology, agricultural research, entomology, and product stability testing. Every unit is thoroughly inspected and tested prior to shipment and includes a 90-day warranty from American Instrument Exchange.
Click here to see a video of this unit on our YouTube channel.
Testing Procedures for Used and Refurbished Laboratory Incubators Ensure Quality and Stability Before Use
Used and refurbished laboratory incubators from American Instrument Exchange are thoroughly tested to ensure optimal performance and temperature stability with laboratory safety standards. Each unit undergoes a detailed inspection and functionality assessment to meet the needs of research, clinical, and industrial labs.
Why Testing Used Laboratory Incubators Is Essential
Before a laboratory incubator is reintroduced into any work environment, it must be tested for:
• Temperature uniformity and accuracy
• Airflow and humidity control (if applicable)
• Door seal integrity and insulation effectiveness
• Electrical and safety system compliance
Comprehensive testing reduces the risk of culture loss, contamination, and equipment failure—especially critical in applications involving cell culture, microbiology, pharmaceutical research, and diagnostics.
Our multi-point testing protocol for used and refurbished incubators ensures reliability, safety, and performance across all models and brands.
Key Testing Procedures for Refurbished and Used Laboratory Incubators
1. Initial Visual Inspection
• Check for cosmetic damage, corrosion, and wear to exterior surfaces, door hinges, and gasket seals
• Inspect power cord, wiring, and display panel for any defects or signs of tampering
• Confirm that shelves, chamber components, and internal fixtures are present and undamaged
2. Functional Testing
• Power on the incubator and verify all display indicators and alarms function correctly
• Test door latch and seal mechanisms for proper closure and insulation
• Run basic temperature cycles to ensure the unit maintains stability over time
3. Temperature Accuracy and Uniformity Tests
• Test internal sensors and controllers using temperature probes
• Measure temperature consistency at multiple chamber locations over several hours
• Confirm that programmable temperature settings respond accurately
4. Airflow and Humidity Control (if applicable)
• Test internal fan operation and airflow distribution
• For humidified incubators, inspect and test humidity reservoirs, sensors, and control systems
• Check for condensation buildup and confirm environmental stability
5. Electrical Safety and Compliance Checks
• Ensure all electrical components are properly grounded
• Perform insulation resistance and leakage current tests
• Verify compliance with current electrical safety standards for laboratory equipment
6. Final Quality Assurance Checklist
• Perform full cycle testing at various temperature setpoints
• Document performance benchmarks and results
All refurbished incubators from American Instrument Exchange are backed by our commitment to quality and precision. With our strict testing procedures, you can rely on your incubator to deliver dependable results from day one.
Repair and Refurbishment Protocol for Used Laboratory Incubators Performance and Quality from American Instrument Exchange
At American Instrument Exchange, every used laboratory incubator we sell goes through a repair and refurbishment protocol. Whether it’s a standard, CO₂, or refrigerated incubator, our goal is to restore each unit to laboratory-level performance—ensuring temperature accuracy, environmental stability, and long-term reliability in your lab.
Why Choose a Refurbished Laboratory Incubator from American Instrument Exchange?
• Fully tested for performance and safety
• Backed by a warranty
• Cost-effective alternative to new equipment
• Environmentally sustainable through reuse and restoration
• Refurbished by expert technicians with decades of lab equipment experience
Step-by-Step Refurbishment Protocol
Every incubator at American Instrument Exchange follows this comprehensive, multi-stage process:
1. Initial Intake & Inspection
• Visual inspection for cosmetic wear, corrosion, dents, or broken components
• Mechanical assessment of door hinges, gaskets, seals, and chamber components
• Document any missing parts or issues requiring repair or replacement
2. Cleaning and Decontamination
• Thorough internal and external cleaning using non-abrasive solutions
• Decontamination/cleaning of surfaces to remove biological, chemical, or particulate residue
• Cleaning of removable parts (e.g., shelves, trays, etc.)
3. Mechanical and Electrical Repair
• Repair or replacement of worn mechanical components such as door latches, fans, hinges, and seals
• Evaluation and repair of control panels, switches, thermostats, and displays
• Inspection and testing of wiring, fuses, relays, and power supplies
4. Environmental Control System Assessment
• For CO₂ incubators: CO₂ sensors, regulators, and gas delivery systems are tested
• For refrigerated incubators: compressors, condensers, and cooling systems are evaluated for performance and leaks
• Fan motors and airflow systems are tested to ensure uniform environmental conditions
5. Temperature and Sensor Testing
• All temperature sensors and controllers are tested using thermometers/probes
• Uniformity and accuracy tested at multiple chamber locations
• For humidified or CO₂ incubators, humidity and CO₂ stability are verified
6. Safety System Testing
• Test of over-temperature protection systems and alarms
• Evaluation of door sensors, safety interlocks, and power failure recovery
7. Final Quality Control and Documentation
• Full performance test run over 24 hours
• Validation of setpoints for temperature, CO₂ (if applicable), and humidity (if applicable)
• Final inspection and cleaning before packaging
• Complete service report
Trust the Experts at American Instrument Exchange
With over 50 years in the lab equipment industry, American Instrument Exchange is a trusted source for high-quality refurbished laboratory incubators. Our proven refurbishment protocol ensures every unit is reliable, accurate, and ready to meet the demands of your lab from day one.
Warranty Information
All used equipment sold by American Instrument Exchange is refurbished/reconditioned, tested to meet specifications, cleaned, and comes with a 90-day warranty from the date of shipment unless otherwise specified. New products include a warranty from the manufacturer. Your warranty is only valid if you have paid your invoice. If your invoice is over 30 days old, warranty work will not be performed until your invoice is paid in full. American Instrument Exchange is not liable for any special or consequential damages that result from the use of, or the inability to use, the materials on this site or the performance of the products,
Exceptions include international sales and items that are agreed to be sold with a lesser warranty or items that are agreed to be sold “as is.”
Should there be visible shipping damage to packaging or concealed shipping damage to item(s) supplied, buyer must communicate such damage to the delivering entity or carrier upon receipt first and to American Instrument the same day item is accepted / signed for. Failure to do so voids warranty. Customer decision to involve / procure third party or OEM service other than American Instrument or AIE assigned vendors to resolve in-warranty instrument failure or defect without first placing a service call to American Instrument voids warranty.
Return & Cancellation Policy
American Instrument Exchange will authorize the return of and issue a full refund for any equipment that is not working as represented and could not be replaced or repaired to the customer’s satisfaction by AIE or a representative of AIE during the warranty period. Returns without prior authorization and an RMA number will not be accepted.
Customers are responsible for proper packaging of the equipment and all included accessories. American Instrument will pay for insurance and shipping costs. Non-inventory items bought specifically to fill customer orders may possibly be returned, but on a case by case basis.
Customers who cancel orders after refurbishing has begun or after delivery where there are no equipment performance issues may be subject to a Restocking/Cancellation Fee of 20% or more and responsible for shipping costs for both the delivery and return.
Ongoing and Extended Support Options
American Instrument Exchange is able to provide additional repair and support services outside the warranty terms for most products that sell.
For biosafety cabinets, clean benches, chemical fume hoods, and other clean air products our team at AIE Laboratory Services can provide certifications, repairs, decontaminations, and other services for customers throughout New England, and guidance and limited technical assistance for any customers in the US and Canada for new or refurbished biosafety cabinets purchased from American Instrument Exchange.
For all other products, the repair service team at American Instrument Exchange can provide both field and depot repair evaluations. We can easily schedule and coordinate the pick-up and transportation of your malfunctioning equipment. By offering hourly rates lower than most OEM service providers and eliminating travel time for technicians, we help reduce repair costs. Furthermore, our lab depot repair service minimizes or eliminates scheduling delays. Our experienced service technicians are qualified to restore your equipment to factory specifications.
Yes, all equipment from American Instrument Exchange comes with a warranty. Used/reconditioned/refurbished equipment is tested to make sure it operates to the manufacturer's specifications and comes with a 90-day warranty (unless otherwise noted). New equipment comes with a warranty from the manufacturer.
How do you test and recondition the equipment?
Testing requirements vary across all the equipment categories we sell. Temperature controlled units are tested with NIST traceable probes and data loggers. Gaskets, external housing, glass, handles, controls and control screens are all thoroughly inspected for integrity and functionality. We test all equipment using the manufacturer's parameters and specifications to confirm that the unit operates properly.
How do products ship from American Instrument Exchange?
We can ship products both nationally and internationally using a well-established network of transporters. Smaller items will ship via UPS. Larger equipment will be palletized and shipped either LTL or air-ride, depending on the specific equipment and/or delivery requirements.
Return and order cancellation policy
American Instrument Exchange will accept the return of any product that is not working as represented and could not be replaced or repaired to the customer's satisfaction during the warranty period. Customers who cancel orders after refurbishing has begun will be subject to a cancellation and restocking fee of between 20% and 40%.
Are discounts available for educational or non-profit institutions, or for bulk purchases?
Yes – call or email us today with a list of equipment you're looking for and we can potentially put together a quote that includes a discount.
How does your price matching policy work?
We strive to keep our pricing competitive and reasonable. If you find comparable items for sale at a lower price from other vendors please send us a link and or quote for the item and we'll do our best to match or beat the price.
Can I see the equipment in person before committing to a purchase?
Customers are welcome to make an appointment to view equipment in our warehouse. Given our workload we may not be able to test or clean the equipment prior to your arrival if you have not committed to an order.
1023 Western Avenue is a working warehouse, not a showroom, and customers should dress appropriately and wear closed toe shoes.
Can I ship products that I purchased elsewhere to American Instrument for repair?
Yes – please see our repair services page for more information.
