Sheldon Manufacturing Bactron III Anaerobic Chamber

Brand : Sheldon

Product Code : SKU 2733B GLOVE BOX

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Sheldon Manufacturing Bactron III Anaerobic Chamber – Refurbished

The Sheldon Manufacturing Bactron III Anaerobic Chamber is a laboratory anaerobic workstation designed for the cultivation, incubation, examination, and handling of oxygen-sensitive microorganisms in a controlled, low-oxygen environment. Manufactured by Sheldon Manufacturing under the SHEL LAB brand, the Bactron III combines an enclosed working chamber, integrated incubation capabilities, and a specimen transfer airlock to support anaerobic microbiology and bacteriology applications.

The Bactron III allows laboratory personnel to manipulate cultures and specimens without repeatedly exposing them to atmospheric oxygen. Its enclosed workspace provides a practical alternative to traditional anaerobic jars and gas-generating systems, particularly for laboratories performing frequent culture handling, inoculation, inspection, and incubation.

This refurbished Sheldon Manufacturing Bactron III, part number 9170587, is offered by American Instrument Exchange. The unit is configured for 120V, 9.0A, 50/60Hz electrical service and provides laboratories with an economical alternative to purchasing a new anaerobic workstation.

American Instrument Exchange inspects and tests refurbished laboratory equipment before shipment and includes a 90-day warranty.

Key Features

Sheldon Manufacturing Bactron III anaerobic workstation
Designed for cultivation and handling of oxygen-sensitive microorganisms
Enclosed anaerobic working chamber
Integrated temperature-controlled incubation compartment
Airlock transfer system for introducing and removing specimens
Glove-port access for specimen handling and manipulation
Transparent chamber panels for observation of cultures and procedures
Controlled gas atmosphere for anaerobic microbiology applications
Compatible with appropriate anaerobic gas mixtures
Supports culture inoculation, incubation, inspection, and recovery
Suitable for clinical and research microbiology laboratories
Electrical requirements: 120V, 9.0A, 50/60Hz
Manufacturer part number 9170587
Refurbished and tested by American Instrument Exchange
90-day warranty included

Overview

The Sheldon Bactron III is a specialized laboratory workstation developed to provide a controlled environment for working with microorganisms that are sensitive to oxygen.

Conventional anaerobic culture methods often require sealed jars, specialized gas-generating systems, or repeated transfers between separate handling and incubation environments.

The Bactron III simplifies these procedures by combining an enclosed work area with integrated incubation and specimen transfer capabilities.

Laboratory personnel can introduce culture plates and other compatible materials through the airlock, perform manipulations inside the chamber, and transfer specimens to the incubation compartment without routinely exposing the cultures to room air.

This arrangement is particularly valuable when working with strict anaerobes or performing procedures that require prolonged manipulation of oxygen-sensitive samples.

Sheldon Manufacturing Bactron III Anaerobic Chamber Common Applications

The Bactron III is used for anaerobic bacteriology, clinical microbiology, microbiological culture preparation, anaerobic organism isolation, and research involving oxygen-sensitive microorganisms.

Additional applications include preparation and examination of anaerobic cultures, inoculation of culture media, recovery of anaerobic bacteria, and studies of microbial growth under controlled atmospheric conditions.

The system can also support selected research involving anaerobic microbial communities and oxygen-sensitive biological materials, provided the required environmental conditions can be maintained.

Key Specifications

Specification	Details
Manufacturer	Sheldon Manufacturing
Brand	SHEL LAB
Model	Bactron III
Part Number	9170587
Equipment Type	Anaerobic Chamber / Anaerobic Workstation
Chamber Configuration	Enclosed Anaerobic Workspace
Incubation	Integrated Temperature-Controlled Incubator
Specimen Transfer	Airlock System
Operator Access	Glove-Port / Sleeve Access
Chamber Visibility	Transparent Viewing Panels
Atmosphere	Controlled Anaerobic Gas Mixture
Gas Supply	External Gas Supply Required
Atmosphere Management	Gas Exchange and Oxygen-Removal System
Incubator Temperature Range	Verify Against Original Bactron III Documentation
Temperature Control	Integrated Incubator Controller
Workspace Dimensions	Verify Individual Unit
Incubator Dimensions	Verify Individual Unit
Airlock Dimensions	Verify Individual Unit
Exterior Dimensions	Verify Individual Unit
Electrical Voltage	120V
Electrical Current	9.0A
Electrical Frequency	50/60Hz
Power Consumption	Approximately 1,080 VA Maximum Based on Nameplate Rating
Serial Number	Recorded on Manufacturer Nameplate
Condition	Used / Refurbished
Warranty	90 Days

Electrical specifications are taken from the manufacturer's identification label on the actual equipment. The Bactron III is an earlier-generation instrument; dimensions, plate capacities, and controller specifications for current Bactron models should not be assumed to apply to this unit.

Ideal Laboratory Types

The Sheldon Bactron III is well suited to clinical microbiology laboratories, hospital research facilities, academic microbiology departments, pharmaceutical research laboratories, biotechnology facilities, and institutions studying anaerobic microorganisms.

It is particularly useful for laboratories that routinely cultivate strict anaerobes or require a controlled atmosphere for culture manipulation and incubation.

Controlled Anaerobic Atmosphere

The principal function of the Bactron III is to provide an enclosed environment suitable for handling oxygen-sensitive microorganisms.

Anaerobic microorganisms may be inhibited or damaged by exposure to atmospheric oxygen, making environmental control an important part of successful cultivation.

The Bactron III uses an appropriate anaerobic gas mixture and an atmosphere-management system to establish and maintain low-oxygen conditions.

The specific gas mixture, operating pressure, and oxygen-removal procedures must follow the manufacturer's instructions.

The chamber should be fully conditioned and its atmosphere verified before sensitive cultures are introduced.

Integrated Anaerobic Incubator

The Bactron III incorporates a temperature-controlled incubation compartment within the anaerobic workstation.

This arrangement allows laboratory personnel to move prepared cultures into incubation without routinely transferring them through room air.

Maintaining cultures within the controlled atmosphere can help reduce interruptions to anaerobic conditions during routine handling.

The incubator is intended to provide stable temperatures for compatible microbiological applications.

Actual temperature range, stability, and uniformity should be verified during refurbishment and documented for the individual unit.

Airlock Transfer System

The specimen transfer airlock is an essential component of the Bactron III.

It allows culture plates, supplies, and other compatible materials to enter or leave the workstation while limiting the introduction of atmospheric oxygen into the main chamber.

During operation, the airlock atmosphere is exchanged according to the manufacturer's prescribed procedure before the internal door is opened.

Proper airlock operation helps maintain chamber conditions during repeated specimen transfers.

The airlock seals, doors, valves, and cycling mechanism should be inspected and tested before laboratory use.

Glove-Port Access and Specimen Handling

The Sheldon Manufacturing Bactron III Anaerobic Chamber provides operator access through its chamber ports and compatible sleeve or cuff assemblies.

This arrangement allows researchers to manipulate culture plates, inoculation tools, and other laboratory materials while maintaining the enclosed atmosphere.

The transparent chamber construction provides visibility of the workspace during handling and inspection.

Properly maintained sleeves, cuffs, and seals are important for preventing atmospheric oxygen from entering the chamber.

Any worn or damaged access components should be replaced before the unit is placed into service.

Anaerobic Culture Preparation and Incubation

The Bactron III supports a workflow in which specimens can be introduced, prepared, inoculated, incubated, and examined within the same controlled environment.

This can be especially useful for strict anaerobes that are sensitive to oxygen exposure during transfer.

The workstation may also reduce the need to repeatedly open and close individual anaerobic culture containers.

Laboratories should follow established microbiological procedures for media preparation, organism handling, environmental monitoring, and contamination prevention.

Oxygen Control and Environmental Stability

Successful anaerobic culture depends on maintaining the appropriate chamber atmosphere throughout operation.

The Bactron III's atmosphere-management components help establish conditions suitable for anaerobic work.

Oxygen indicators or suitable oxygen-measurement equipment should be used to verify that the chamber has reached the required conditions.

Regular inspection of the airlock, seals, tubing, gas connections, and oxygen-removal components is important for maintaining performance.

Chamber performance depends on the condition of these components, the gas supply, and the operating procedures used.

Gas Supply Requirements

The Sheldon Bactron III requires an appropriate external gas supply for anaerobic operation.

Anaerobic workstations commonly use manufacturer-specified gas mixtures containing nitrogen, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide, although the exact composition must be confirmed for this model.

The system may require compatible gas regulators, tubing, and atmosphere-conditioning components.

Gas cylinders and regulators should be installed according to applicable laboratory safety requirements.

The Bactron III should not be operated with an improvised gas mixture or an unverified gas connection.

Refurbishment and Testing by American Instrument Exchange

American Instrument Exchange supplies refurbished laboratory equipment for microbiology, biotechnology, pharmaceutical research, and other laboratory applications.

For a Sheldon Bactron III, relevant refurbishment and testing procedures include inspecting the chamber enclosure, checking the condition of the access ports and seals, testing the airlock mechanism, and evaluating the integrated incubator.

The gas connections, valves, atmosphere-management components, electrical system, and temperature controller should also be inspected.

Where appropriate test equipment and gas supplies are available, chamber leak integrity, anaerobic atmosphere establishment, and incubator temperature performance should be evaluated.

Customers requiring documented oxygen measurements, temperature mapping, or confirmation of specific operating accessories should discuss these requirements with AIE before purchase.

The refurbished Bactron III includes a 90-day warranty from American Instrument Exchange.

Shipping and Installation

The Sheldon Bactron III is a specialized laboratory instrument that requires careful handling during transportation and installation.

The chamber should be protected against impact, vibration, and damage to its transparent panels, access ports, airlock, and internal components.

Installation requires a suitable laboratory work surface or stand, compatible electrical service, and the correct anaerobic gas supply.

The manufacturer's identification label specifies 120V, 9.0A, 50/60Hz electrical service.

Laboratories should also ensure adequate space for chamber access, gas connections, maintenance, and specimen handling.

Before use, the chamber should be inspected, connected to the appropriate gas supply, conditioned according to the manufacturer's procedures, and tested for the required environmental conditions.

Related Equipment

Laboratories using the Sheldon Bactron III may also require laboratory incubators, biological safety cabinets, laboratory autoclaves, laboratory refrigerators and freezers, and laboratory microscopes.

American Instrument Exchange supplies used and refurbished laboratory equipment for microbiology, clinical research, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical laboratories.

Sheldon Bactron III FAQs

What is the Sheldon Bactron III used for?

The Bactron III is an anaerobic workstation designed for cultivating, handling, and examining oxygen-sensitive microorganisms under controlled atmospheric conditions.

Does the Bactron III include an incubator?

Yes. The Bactron III incorporates an integrated temperature-controlled incubation compartment for compatible anaerobic cultures.

What is the advantage of an anaerobic chamber over anaerobic jars?

An anaerobic chamber allows cultures to be handled, manipulated, and incubated within a controlled atmosphere rather than relying entirely on individually sealed culture containers.

Does the Bactron III require an external gas supply?

Yes. The workstation requires an appropriate anaerobic gas mixture supplied through compatible regulators and connections.

Can the Bactron III be used for clinical microbiology?

Yes. The system is suitable for appropriate anaerobic culture procedures in clinical microbiology and related laboratory settings.

How are samples transferred into the chamber?

Samples are introduced through an airlock system designed to reduce oxygen entry into the main working chamber.

Does the chamber maintain completely oxygen-free conditions?

The Bactron III is designed to establish anaerobic conditions, but actual oxygen levels depend on chamber integrity, gas supply, atmosphere-management components, and proper operation. Oxygen conditions should be verified before sensitive work.

What are the electrical requirements?

The equipment identification label specifies 120V, 9.0A, 50/60Hz.

Is this the same as the current Sheldon Bactron 300?

No. The Bactron III is an earlier-generation model. Although the two systems share the general purpose of anaerobic microbiology, their dimensions, controls, and accessories should not be assumed identical.

Does the refurbished Bactron III include a warranty?

Yes. American Instrument Exchange includes a 90-day warranty on refurbished equipment.

Are gas regulators and other accessories included?

The included gas regulators, tubing, sleeves, cuffs, oxygen indicators, and other accessories should be confirmed with American Instrument Exchange before purchase.

Testing Procedures for Used and Refurbished Laboratory Equipment

Ensure Accuracy, Safety, and Dependable Performance Across Applications

At American Instrument Exchange, all used and refurbished laboratory equipment undergoes a rigorous, multi-point testing protocol to ensure optimal performance, operational safety, and long-term reliability. Whether the equipment is destined for research, diagnostics, quality control, or production environments, our thorough inspection and testing process is designed to meet the highest standards of laboratory excellence.

Why Testing Used Lab Equipment Is Essential

Before any refurbished laboratory equipment is returned to service, it must be carefully tested to verify:

• Functional integrity and operational performance
• Setpoint accuracy and repeatability (where applicable)
• User interface responsiveness and control features

Proper testing reduces the risk of equipment failure, measurement inaccuracies, or user hazards—helping to ensure consistent results in clinical, academic, biotech, and industrial labs.

Our standardized lab equipment testing procedures are tailored to each equipment type, ensuring every unit meets manufacturer specifications and industry benchmarks.

Key Testing Procedures for Refurbished and Used Laboratory Equipment

1. Initial Visual Inspection

• Examine equipment housing for signs of wear, corrosion, or damage
• Check ports, power cords, and exterior components for tampering or deterioration
• Verify that internal and external parts (racks, shelves, connectors, accessories) are present and undamaged

2. Functional Startup and Operational Testing

• Power on the equipment and verify startup diagnostics
• Confirm functionality of displays, buttons, switches, and control panels
• Run basic functions to confirm proper response and behavior under standard operating conditions

3. Testing and Performance Verification

• Test internal sensors or control systems using industry-standard tools
• Perform operational tests to validate accuracy and consistency
• Verify key performance specifications such as temperature control, timing, speed, or measurement outputs, depending on equipment type

4. Mechanical and Electrical System Testing

• Evaluate motors, pumps, fans, or other moving parts for smooth operation
• Inspect and test wiring, relays, fuses, and circuit boards for safety and reliability
• Test power delivery and grounding compliance

5. Safety and Compliance Checks

• Ensure equipment is grounded and insulated to meet laboratory safety standards
• Test alarms, interlocks, emergency stops, or safety shutdown systems if applicable

6. Final Quality Assurance and Documentation

• Perform extended runtime testing
• Document operational logs, testing results, and any repairs or adjustments made
• Complete a final inspection, thorough cleaning, and packaging for delivery

Trusted Quality from American Instrument Exchange

With over 50 years of experience in laboratory equipment refurbishment, American Instrument Exchange is committed to delivering certified, lab-ready instruments backed by expert testing. Our testing protocols ensure that each piece of equipment—regardless of type—is safe, accurate, and dependable from day one.

Whether you're equipping a startup lab or expanding a high-throughput facility, you can count on our refurbished laboratory equipment to perform with precision and reliability.

Refurbishment Protocol for Used Laboratory Equipment from American Instrument Exchange

At American Instrument Exchange, every piece of used laboratory equipment we offer undergoes a multi-step refurbishment process. Whether it's an analytical balance, centrifuge, freezer, oven, or any other essential lab instrument, our goal is to restore each unit to peak performance—ensuring accuracy, safety, and long-term reliability in scientific, clinical, industrial, and academic environments.

Why Choose Refurbished Lab Equipment from American Instrument Exchange?

• Thoroughly tested for performance, precision, and safety
• Backed by a warranty
• A cost-effective alternative to new equipment
• Environmentally sustainable through equipment reuse and waste reduction
• Serviced by expert technicians with decades of laboratory equipment experience

Step-by-Step Refurbishment Protocol

Every instrument and system refurbished at American Instrument Exchange follows a detailed, industry-aligned process:

1. Initial Intake & Inspection

• Complete visual and structural inspection for cosmetic damage, wear, or corrosion
• Mechanical assessment of hinges, seals, fasteners, motors, and moving parts
• Missing components and damaged items are documented for repair or replacement

2. Cleaning and Decontamination

• Full internal and external cleaning using non-abrasive, lab-safe solutions
• Removal of biological, chemical, or particulate contamination
• Disassembly and cleaning of removable parts such as trays, shelves, and filters

3. Mechanical and Electrical Repair

• Replacement or repair of worn or broken mechanical parts
• Evaluation and servicing of control panels, sensors, switches, and displays
• Testing and repair of electrical wiring, fuses, circuit boards, and power supplies

4. Functional System Testing

• Assessment of all major functions specific to the equipment type (e.g., speed, temperature, force, weight, timing)
• Operation of control interfaces, programming menus, and digital displays
• Verification of stabilization time, responsiveness, and user input reliability

5. Testing and Performance Verification

• Testing of internal sensors, controllers, and measurement systems using certified tools
• Multi-point testing to ensure repeatability, accuracy, and performance consistency
• Confirmation of user-defined setpoints, timing sequences, or programmable cycles

6. Safety and Compliance Checks

• Testing of safety interlocks, alarms, and over-limit protection systems (as applicable)
• Electrical safety inspections, including grounding and insulation verification

7. Final Quality Assurance and Documentation

• Full operational testing under simulated lab conditions
• Completion of performance benchmarks, testing results, and repair logs
• Final cleaning and visual inspection

Trust the Experts at American Instrument Exchange

With over 50 years of experience in the laboratory equipment industry, American Instrument Exchange is a trusted leader in high-quality refurbished lab instruments. Our refurbishment protocols ensure that every piece of equipment we sell is lab-ready—offering the precision, performance, and durability your team can count on.

Whether you’re outfitting a new lab or expanding an existing operation, choose American Instrument Exchange for tested, warrantied, and cost-effective laboratory equipment.

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.