SHEL LAB SCO58 CO₂ Incubator

Brand : Sheldon

Product Code : SKU 3137W INC

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Shel Lab SCO58 Large Capacity CO₂ Incubator

As cell culture programs expand, managing dozens of smaller incubators can become inefficient, increasing maintenance requirements, consuming valuable laboratory space, and making it more difficult to maintain consistent environmental conditions across multiple experiments. The Shel Lab SCO58 CO₂ Incubator addresses these challenges by combining an expansive 58 cubic foot (1,641 L) chamber with precise environmental control, allowing laboratories to consolidate large-scale cell culture operations into a single, high-capacity incubator. Designed for roller bottle applications, cell harvesting, vaccine production, and high-throughput tissue culture, the SCO58 delivers the performance required by demanding research and biomanufacturing environments.

Unlike many large-capacity incubators that prioritize volume over performance, the SCO58 incorporates an air-jacketed heating system, an infrared (IR) CO₂ sensor, and microprocessor-controlled environmental regulation to maintain stable culture conditions throughout the chamber. Four interior electrical outlets, a flip-out loading ramp for roller bottle systems, and a corrosion-resistant stainless steel interior further enhance workflow efficiency for laboratories handling large culture volumes. Purchasing a refurbished Shel Lab SCO58 from American Instrument Exchange provides an economical solution for facilities seeking dependable large-capacity incubation without the cost of purchasing new equipment.

Shel Lab SCO58 CO₂ Incubator Key Features

Large 58 cu. ft. (1,641 L) chamber
Air-jacketed heating system
Infrared (IR) CO₂ sensor
CO₂ range from 0–20%
Operating temperature range of Ambient +8°C to 60°C
Temperature stability of ±0.2°C
Temperature uniformity of ±0.5°C at 37°C
Roller bottle-compatible chamber with flip-out loading ramp
Four 1-amp interior electrical outlets
Corrosion-resistant 300-series stainless steel interior
Six adjustable shelves supplied (expandable to thirty)
Viewing window in door
Digital microprocessor controller
90-day warranty from American Instrument Exchange

Built for High-Volume Cell Culture

The SCO58 was engineered specifically for laboratories where production capacity is just as important as environmental precision. Its 58 cubic foot chamber accommodates large numbers of T-flasks, roller bottle systems, cell factories, culture dishes, media bottles, and other cell culture vessels without sacrificing temperature consistency. Rather than distributing experiments across multiple smaller incubators, laboratories can centralize large-scale culture work within a single controlled environment, simplifying workflow while improving equipment utilization.

The incubator's air-jacket design promotes excellent temperature uniformity throughout the chamber, while the infrared CO₂ sensor rapidly restores gas concentrations following door openings. Because infrared sensors are not affected by chamber humidity, they provide faster recovery and more stable CO₂ regulation than traditional thermal conductivity sensors, making the SCO58 particularly well suited for busy laboratories with frequent chamber access.

Common Applications

The Shel Lab SCO58 is commonly used for:

Large-scale mammalian cell culture
Roller bottle cultivation
Vaccine research and production
Cell harvesting
Monoclonal antibody production
Stem cell research
Biopharmaceutical manufacturing
Tissue engineering
Regenerative medicine
Contract research organizations (CROs)
Academic research laboratories
Biotechnology process development

Large cell culture facilities frequently pair the SCO58 with biosafety cabinets for aseptic culture handling, ultralow temperature freezers for long-term sample preservation, laboratory refrigerators for media storage, and high-capacity centrifuges for downstream cell processing.

Ideal Laboratory Environments

The Shel Lab SCO58 is particularly well suited for biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical manufacturers, vaccine development laboratories, contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs), university core facilities, and research institutions supporting high-throughput cell culture. Laboratories using roller bottle systems or scaling from research into pilot production benefit from the incubator's exceptional chamber capacity, stable environmental control, and flexible shelving configuration.

Designed Around Laboratory Workflow

One of the defining characteristics of the SCO58 is that it was designed with workflow—not simply chamber volume—in mind. The integrated flip-out loading ramp simplifies loading heavy roller bottle assemblies, while four interior electrical outlets allow powered accessories to be used inside the chamber without routing cables through the door gasket. Six adjustable shelves are included as standard, and the chamber can accommodate up to thirty shelves, giving laboratories considerable flexibility when configuring the interior for changing research needs.

These thoughtful design elements help laboratories maximize usable chamber space while reducing handling time during routine culture maintenance, media changes, and harvest procedures.

Environmental Stability and Contamination Control

Maintaining a consistent incubation environment becomes increasingly important as chamber size grows. The Shel Lab SCO58 combines an air-jacketed heating system, precision microprocessor controls, and an infrared (IR) CO₂ sensor to help ensure stable culture conditions throughout its 58 cubic foot chamber. Because infrared sensors directly measure carbon dioxide concentration and are unaffected by chamber humidity, they provide rapid recovery following door openings and maintain accurate CO₂ levels during extended incubation periods.

The corrosion-resistant 300-series stainless steel interior is designed for routine laboratory cleaning and long-term durability. Smooth interior surfaces simplify sanitation between projects, while the large chamber provides flexibility to separate experiments, reducing unnecessary handling and supporting organized laboratory workflows.

Typical Cell Types and Culture Vessels

The Shel Lab SCO58 is designed to support laboratories working with large culture volumes and diverse vessel formats. Its expansive chamber readily accommodates T-flasks, cell factories, roller bottles, multiwell plates, culture dishes, media bottles, spinner flasks, and other vessels commonly used in mammalian cell culture and bioprocess development.

This large-capacity incubator is frequently used for culturing CHO cells, HEK293 cells, hybridomas, fibroblasts, stem cells, primary mammalian cell lines, and other adherent or suspension cultures used in biotechnology, pharmaceutical development, regenerative medicine, and vaccine production. The adjustable shelving system allows laboratories to optimize the chamber layout for changing workflows while maintaining excellent access to cultures throughout the incubation cycle.

Shel Lab SCO58 CO₂ Incubator Key Specifications

Specification	Details
Manufacturer	Shel Lab
Model	SCO58
Chamber Type	Air-Jacketed CO₂ Incubator
Chamber Capacity	58 cu. ft. (1,641 L)
Temperature Range	Ambient +8°C to 60°C
Temperature Stability	±0.2°C
Temperature Uniformity	±0.5°C at 37°C
CO₂ Range	0–20%
CO₂ Sensor	Infrared (IR)
Heating System	Air Jacket
Interior Material	300-Series Stainless Steel
Shelves Included	6 Adjustable Shelves
Maximum Shelf Capacity	30 Shelves
Interior Electrical Outlets	Four 1-Amp Outlets
Viewing Window	Yes
Loading Feature	Integrated Flip-Out Roller Bottle Ramp
Interior Dimensions	(W × D × H): 43″ × 34.5″ × 67.5″
Exterior Dimensions	(W × D × H): 51″ × 44.8″ × 81″
Electrical Requirements	110–120V, 50/60 Hz, 15A
Weight	~950 lbs (430.9 kg)

Specifications are based on available manufacturer documentation. Certain specifications may vary depending on production year or factory-installed options. Please verify installation requirements prior to purchase.

Shel Lab SCO58 CO₂ Incubator Frequently Asked Questions

Why would a laboratory choose a 58 cubic foot incubator instead of several smaller incubators?

A single large-capacity incubator simplifies workflow by centralizing large-scale cell culture operations in one controlled environment. This can reduce maintenance requirements, free valuable laboratory space, and make it easier to manage large production runs while maintaining consistent environmental conditions.

What types of culture vessels can the SCO58 accommodate?

The SCO58 is designed for high-capacity applications and can accommodate T-flasks, roller bottles, cell factories, culture dishes, multiwell plates, media bottles, spinner flasks, and other common cell culture vessels. Its adjustable shelving system allows the chamber to be configured for a wide variety of laboratory workflows.

What advantage does the infrared CO₂ sensor provide?

An infrared sensor directly measures carbon dioxide concentration and is not affected by chamber humidity. This allows the incubator to recover CO₂ levels quickly after door openings while maintaining accurate gas control during long incubation cycles.

What is the purpose of the flip-out loading ramp?

The integrated loading ramp makes it easier to load and unload roller bottle systems and other large culture assemblies. This feature helps reduce lifting strain while improving access to the chamber during routine culture maintenance.

Why are interior electrical outlets included?

The four interior electrical outlets allow compatible laboratory accessories to operate inside the chamber without routing power cords through the door seal. This supports specialized cell culture workflows while helping preserve chamber integrity.

Is the SCO58 suitable for biomanufacturing and pilot-scale production?

Yes. Its large chamber capacity, roller bottle compatibility, stable environmental control, and flexible shelving configuration make it well suited for pilot production, process development, vaccine research, monoclonal antibody production, and other high-throughput cell culture applications.

Does the air-jacketed design require routine water maintenance?

No. Unlike water-jacketed incubators, air-jacketed systems do not require a water jacket to be filled or maintained. This can simplify routine maintenance while still providing excellent temperature performance for many cell culture applications.

Why purchase a refurbished Shel Lab SCO58 from American Instrument Exchange?

Purchasing a refurbished Shel Lab SCO58 CO₂ Incubator from American Instrument Exchange provides laboratories with a proven, large-capacity incubation platform at substantial savings compared with purchasing new equipment. Featuring a 58 cubic foot chamber, air-jacketed heating, an infrared CO₂ sensor, roller bottle compatibility, and a durable stainless steel interior, the SCO58 is an outstanding choice for biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and research laboratories performing high-volume cell culture. Every unit is inspected and tested prior to shipment and includes a 90-day warranty for added confidence.

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.