PHCbi Cell-IQ Series Tri-gas Cell Culture Incubator

Brand : PHCbi

Product Code : SKU 3197QQ INC

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PHCbi Cell-IQ Series Tri-gas Cell Culture Incubator

The PHCbi Tri-gas incubators optimize mammalian cell cultures through variable O₂ control to better mimic in vivo conditions for regenerative medicine and stem cell applications. The MCO-170MP-PA CO₂ /O₂/N₂incubator allows you to achieve more accurate results by culturing your cells at physiological oxygen levels.

This model includes the optional high speed decontamination system that utilizes hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) vapor to clean the incubator chamber in under three hours. The system safely and efficiently decontaminates with a 100% kill rate of major contaminants.

PHCbi Cell-IQ Series Tri-gas Cell Culture Incubator features

Model MCO-170MP-PA
Connections for CO2/O2/N2
Capacity: 5.7 Cu. Ft.
Temp range: ambient + 5°C to 50°C
Does not included O2 sensor
90-day warranty

The solid zirconia O₂ sensor allows precise control of oxygen levels in order to simulate in vivo conditions similar to a cell's native surroundings. The MCO-170MP-PA Tri-gas incubator reproduces low oxygen concentrations that are often found in tissues, organs and pathogenic tissues.

The PHCbi inCu-saFe combines the germicidal properties of elemental copper with the corrosion and discoloration resistance of stainless steel to deliver passive contamination control throughout the chamber interior. The SafeCell UV lamp provides safe, active and passive contamination control of circulated air and the humidity water reservoir. SafeCell scrubs and decontaminates circulated chamber air without affecting cell cultures in situ.

Superior temperature uniformity and accurate temperature levels are achieved by the microprocessor controlled Direct Heat and Air Jacket System, which functions under microprocessor control.

The high contrast color LCD display allows for easy, touchscreen use even with gloved hands. The control panel interface allows for easy programming of temperature, CO₂, O₂ and N₂,along with other internal conditions of your incubator. A standard USB port simplifies the storage or transfer of logged data. Proprietary IR2 sensor achieves ultrafast CO₂ recovery without overshoot, even following multiple door openings.

CLICK HERE to see the PHCbi Cell-IQ Series tri-gas cell culture incubator on our YouTube channel

PHCbi Cell-IQ MCO-170MP-PA testing

Most of our equipment is used and reconditioned. All of our incubators are used and reconditioned. We test incubators using a calibrated digital data logger to verify the accuracy of temperature controls and readouts. We replace any hardware or parts as is necessary and clean all incubators thoroughly prior to shipment.

PHCbi Cell-IQ MCO-170MP-PA pictures

The photos above are representative. Please bear in mind that the equipment shown is currently in storage in our warehouse and that in addition to testing each machine we will clean all the equipment thoroughly prior to shipment.

We often have multiple units of each model in stock and sometimes we're unable to feature photos of every single unit. At your request, we can provide photos of the equipment in your order after it has been tested and cleaned.

PHCbi Cell-IQ MCO-170MP-PA Tri-gas Cell Culture Incubator – specifications

External dimensions	24.4" W x 28.7" D x 35.6" H
Interior dimensions	19.3" W x 20.6" D x 26.2" H
Capacity	5.7 cu.ft.
Temperature range	Ambient + 5° to 50°C
CO2 control range	0% to 20%
Oxygen control range	1-18% & 22-80%, ±0.2%
Electrical requirements	120V, 60Hz, 16A
Weight	170 lbs

For inquiries about the PHCbi Cell-IQ MCO-170MP-PA Tri-Gas Cell Culture Incubator, please give us a call at 978-521-2221, or fill out the form on this page.

PHCbi Cell-IQ MCO-170MP-PA Tri-gas Cell Culture Incubator frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What makes a tri-gas incubator different from a standard CO₂ incubator?

Unlike standard CO₂ incubators, tri-gas models allow active oxygen (O₂) control in addition to CO₂ and temperature. This enables researchers to simulate hypoxic or physiological oxygen levels found in tissues, improving experimental accuracy and reproducibility.

How does the incubator control oxygen levels so precisely?

The PHCbi Cell-IQ MCO-170MP-PA Tri-Gas Cell Culture Incubator system uses a solid zirconia oxygen sensor, which allows accurate and stable O₂ measurement and control. This enables researchers to maintain low oxygen environments that closely mimic in vivo cellular conditions.

What gases are required to operate this incubator?

Tri-gas incubators typically require:

CO₂ (carbon dioxide)
O₂ (oxygen)
N₂ (nitrogen, for oxygen displacement/control)

Proper gas supply and regulation are essential for maintaining stable chamber conditions. Please contact our sales team for questions about this specific model.

How easy is the incubator to clean and maintain?

The Cell-IQ Series is designed for simplified maintenance, featuring:

Rounded interior corners for easy wipe-down
Removable shelves and components
Automated decontamination cycles (UV and/or high heat)

These features reduce downtime and help maintain sterile conditions with minimal effort.

Can the PHCbi Cell-IQ Series Tri-gas Cell Culture Incubator support hypoxia or low-oxygen research?

Yes—this is one of its primary advantages. The tri-gas configuration allows researchers to precisely control low oxygen levels, making it ideal for hypoxia studies and physiologically relevant cell culture models.

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.