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Thermo Forma 3920 Environmental Chamber with CO₂ Control
Many biological research applications require more flexibility than a traditional CO₂ incubator can provide. While standard incubators typically operate only above ambient temperatures, studies involving plant tissue culture, entomology, environmental microbiology, and specialized cell culture often demand precise CO₂ regulation combined with refrigerated operation. The Thermo Forma 3920 Environmental Chamber with CO₂ Control was engineered to meet these requirements by combining a large-capacity refrigerated environmental chamber with programmable CO₂ control in a single laboratory instrument.
Featuring a 29 cubic foot (approximately 821-liter) chamber, the Thermo Forma 3920 provides stable temperatures from 0°C to 60°C together with adjustable CO₂ concentrations from ambient to 20%. Its directed airflow system promotes excellent temperature uniformity and rapid recovery, even when processing large sample loads or operating shaker systems. This combination makes the chamber well suited for applications that require both refrigerated environmental control and elevated CO₂ concentrations. Purchasing a refurbished Thermo Forma 3920 from American Instrument Exchange allows laboratories to acquire advanced environmental control capabilities while significantly reducing capital equipment costs.
Key Features
Approximately 29 cu. ft. (821 L) chamber capacity
Temperature range from 0°C to 60°C
CO₂ control from ambient to 20%
Refrigerated heating and cooling system
Directed airflow plenum design
Programmable ramp and soak controller
Heated solid door to minimize condensation
Digital temperature and CO₂ controls
Standard access ports for probes and data logging
Adjustable defrost timer
Stainless steel chamber
Compatible with shaker support shelves
Audible and visual safety alarms
90-day warranty from American Instrument Exchange
Designed for Specialized Biological Research
The Thermo Forma 3920 fills an important niche between conventional CO₂ incubators and standard environmental chambers. Rather than simply maintaining warm incubation temperatures, it allows researchers to combine refrigerated environmental control with programmable CO₂ concentrations for applications that cannot be performed inside a traditional cell culture incubator.
This flexibility supports laboratories studying plant physiology, insect biology, seed germination, environmental microbiology, algae cultivation, and other biological systems where reduced temperatures and elevated CO₂ levels must be maintained simultaneously. Researchers can also perform long-term biological studies requiring controlled atmospheric conditions without sacrificing the broad operating temperature range provided by the refrigeration system.
The chamber's large interior also accommodates shaker platforms, large culture vessels, environmental test fixtures, and other specialized research equipment. Many laboratories integrate the 3920 into workflows alongside biosafety cabinets, laboratory refrigerators, centrifuges, environmental monitoring systems, and analytical instruments to support comprehensive biological research programs.
Common Applications
The Thermo Forma 3920 is commonly used for:
Plant tissue culture
Plant physiology research
Seed germination studies
Insect and entomology research
Environmental microbiology
Algae cultivation
Biological stability studies
Drug stability testing
Shelf-life testing
Large-scale biological research
Controlled atmosphere experiments
Environmental simulation
University research laboratories
Biotechnology research
Its ability to combine refrigeration with programmable CO₂ control makes it particularly valuable for laboratories conducting specialized biological experiments that extend beyond conventional mammalian cell culture.
Ideal Laboratory Environments
The Thermo Forma 3920 is commonly installed in biotechnology companies, agricultural research laboratories, pharmaceutical development facilities, universities, government research organizations, botanical research centers, and industrial laboratories requiring precise environmental control with programmable atmospheric conditions.
Because the chamber accommodates large product loads while maintaining excellent environmental uniformity, it is especially useful for facilities performing long-duration biological studies, environmental simulation, or multiple concurrent research projects within a single chamber.
Temperature Recovery and Environmental Stability
Maintaining stable environmental conditions across a chamber approaching 30 cubic feet requires more than simply heating and cooling the interior. The Thermo Forma 3920 utilizes Thermo's Directed Airflow System, incorporating positive-pressure supply and negative-pressure return plenums that distribute conditioned air evenly across every shelf. Unlike traditional top-mounted airflow systems, this design promotes excellent temperature uniformity while supporting rapid recovery after routine door openings.
Operating from 0°C to 60°C, the chamber provides precise environmental control for refrigerated conditioning, ambient storage, and elevated-temperature biological studies. Programmable ramp-and-soak functionality allows researchers to create complex temperature profiles for experiments requiring controlled environmental transitions, while integrated refrigeration supports reliable operation below ambient laboratory temperatures.
Integrated CO₂ Control
Unlike conventional refrigerated environmental chambers, the Thermo Forma 3920 incorporates programmable CO₂ control with a range from ambient to 20%, allowing researchers to maintain controlled atmospheric conditions while operating across a broad temperature range.
This capability makes the chamber particularly useful for specialized biological applications that require elevated CO₂ concentrations outside the operating limits of traditional cell culture incubators. Combined with the large chamber capacity and directed airflow system, programmable CO₂ control provides researchers with a versatile platform for environmental studies involving plants, insects, microorganisms, and other biological systems requiring carefully controlled atmospheric conditions.
Sample Storage Recommendations
The Thermo Forma 3920 provides approximately 29 cubic feet (821 liters) of usable chamber space, allowing researchers to perform large-scale biological studies under precisely controlled temperature and atmospheric conditions. The spacious interior accommodates plant growth trays, tissue culture vessels, environmental test fixtures, culture flasks, shaker platforms, seed germination trays, insect rearing containers, and other specialized research equipment that may not fit inside conventional CO₂ incubators.
The adjustable shelving system allows users to configure the chamber for a wide range of experimental setups while maintaining adequate airflow around stored materials. For optimum environmental performance, samples should be arranged to avoid blocking airflow from the chamber's directed circulation system. Maintaining sufficient spacing between shelves and large vessels promotes uniform temperature distribution and consistent CO₂ concentrations throughout the chamber.
For long-duration experiments, laboratories often organize samples by project, treatment group, or collection interval. This approach simplifies access while minimizing unnecessary door openings that could temporarily affect chamber conditions.
Energy Efficiency and Operating Costs
The Thermo Forma 3920 was engineered for continuous laboratory operation where environmental chambers may remain in service for weeks or months without interruption. Its combination of compressor-based refrigeration, programmable electronic controls, and efficient airflow management helps maintain stable operating conditions while reducing unnecessary energy consumption.
The chamber's directed airflow system conditions and distributes air evenly throughout the cabinet, minimizing localized temperature variation without excessive fan operation. Combined with the insulated cabinet and heated solid door, this design reduces heat gain from the surrounding laboratory while helping maintain consistent internal conditions.
Researchers can also program temperature profiles using the integrated ramp-and-soak controller, allowing environmental changes to occur automatically without constant operator intervention. This capability improves laboratory efficiency while reducing the need for manual adjustments during complex experimental protocols.
Key Specifications
Specification
Details
Manufacturer
Thermo Forma
Model
3920
Chamber Type
Refrigerated Environmental Chamber with CO₂ Control
Chamber Capacity
Approximately 821 L (29 cu. ft.)
Temperature Range
0°C to 60°C
CO₂ Range
Ambient to 20%
Cooling System
Compressor Refrigeration
Heating System
Electric Heating
Airflow System
Directed Airflow Plenum
Controller
Programmable Ramp and Soak Controller
Chamber Material
Stainless Steel
Door
Heated Solid Door
Access Ports
Standard Probe Access Ports
Shelving
Adjustable Stainless Steel Shelves
Interior Dimensions
Approximately 38" W × 28" D × 54" H
Exterior Dimensions
Approximately 48" W × 36" D × 78" H
Alarm System
Audible and Visual
Electrical Requirements
230 V
Approximate Weight
Approximately 700 lb
Specifications are believed to be accurate but may vary depending on factory-installed options. Please verify all specifications prior to purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the Thermo Forma 3920 different from a standard CO₂ incubator?
Unlike a traditional CO₂ incubator, which typically operates only above ambient temperature, the Thermo Forma 3920 combines programmable CO₂ control with refrigeration. This allows researchers to perform biological experiments at temperatures as low as 0°C while maintaining controlled atmospheric conditions.
What types of research benefit from refrigerated CO₂ control?
The Thermo Forma 3920 is commonly used for plant physiology, plant tissue culture, seed germination, algal research, entomology, environmental microbiology, and other biological studies requiring elevated CO₂ concentrations at temperatures below those supported by conventional CO₂ incubators.
Can the chamber be used for pharmaceutical stability studies?
Yes. The refrigerated temperature range and programmable environmental controls make the chamber suitable for many stability testing applications. Laboratories that require controlled CO₂ concentrations during storage or testing may find the 3920 particularly valuable for specialized research protocols.
What is the benefit of the programmable ramp-and-soak controller?
The ramp-and-soak controller allows users to automatically transition between multiple temperature setpoints over time. This capability is useful for environmental simulation, circadian rhythm studies, plant growth experiments, and other protocols requiring gradual environmental changes rather than a constant temperature.
Can shaker platforms be installed inside the chamber?
Yes. The Thermo Forma 3920 is designed to accommodate compatible shaker support shelves and other laboratory accessories, allowing researchers to perform incubated shaking applications while maintaining controlled temperature and CO₂ conditions.
Why is directed airflow important in a large environmental chamber?
The directed airflow plenum distributes conditioned air evenly throughout the chamber, helping maintain consistent temperature and CO₂ concentrations across all shelf levels. This is particularly important when operating with large sample loads or conducting experiments that require highly reproducible environmental conditions.
Is the Thermo Forma 3920 intended for mammalian cell culture?
While the chamber can provide controlled CO₂ concentrations, its primary strength is supporting specialized biological research that requires refrigerated operation together with programmable atmospheric control. Conventional CO₂ incubators remain the preferred choice for routine mammalian cell culture performed at approximately 37°C.
Why purchase a refurbished Thermo Forma 3920 from American Instrument Exchange?
Purchasing a refurbished Thermo Forma 3920 from American Instrument Exchange provides access to a versatile refrigerated environmental chamber with integrated CO₂ control at substantial savings compared with buying new equipment. Every chamber is inspected and tested prior to shipment and includes a 90-day warranty, providing confidence that it is ready to support demanding laboratory research.
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.
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.
