Thermo HERAcell 240i

Brand : Thermo

Product Code : SKU 3180MM INC

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Thermo Scientific Heracell 240i CO₂ Incubator (Catalog 51026331)

As cell culture programs expand, laboratories often require greater incubation capacity without compromising environmental stability or contamination control. The Thermo Scientific Heracell 240i CO₂ Incubator (Catalog 51026331) was designed to meet those needs by combining a spacious 240-liter (8.4 cubic foot) chamber with precise temperature regulation, rapid humidity recovery, and Thermo Scientific's proven contamination-control technologies. Featuring an electropolished stainless steel interior, touchscreen operation, integrated humidity reservoir, and ContraCon™ moist heat decontamination, the Heracell 240i provides a dependable environment for growing mammalian cells while simplifying routine laboratory operation.

Unlike smaller benchtop incubators, the Heracell 240i offers substantial capacity for laboratories processing large numbers of culture flasks, multiwell plates, and cell culture vessels. The air-jacketed heating system provides rapid temperature recovery following door openings, while the integrated humidity system restores optimal humidity levels significantly faster than conventional water-pan designs. With optional infrared CO₂ sensing, optional oxygen control, and an intuitive iCAN touchscreen interface, the Heracell 240i is well suited for academic research, biotechnology, pharmaceutical development, and IVF laboratories requiring reliable long-term incubation performance. Purchasing a refurbished Thermo Scientific Heracell 240i from American Instrument Exchange provides laboratories with a premium CO₂ incubator at substantial savings compared with purchasing new equipment.

Key Features

Approximately 240 L (8.4 cu. ft.) chamber capacity
Air-jacketed heating system
Temperature range from Ambient +3°C to 55°C
Electropolished stainless steel chamber
CO₂ control from 0% to 20%
Thermal conductivity (TC) CO₂ sensor (IR optional)
ContraCon 90°C moist heat decontamination
Integrated rapid humidity reservoir
Approximately 93% relative humidity at 37°C
iCAN color touchscreen controller
Door-mounted user interface
RS-232 communication
LED interior lighting
Optional oxygen control (1–21% or 5–90%)
90-day warranty from American Instrument Exchange

Designed for High-Capacity Cell Culture

The Heracell 240i was engineered for laboratories that require significantly greater incubation capacity than traditional 150-liter incubators while maintaining excellent environmental stability. Its 240-liter chamber accommodates large numbers of T-flasks, culture dishes, roller bottles, multiwell plates, spinner flasks, and other common cell culture vessels, making it ideal for laboratories supporting multiple research groups or expanding production workflows.

The spacious interior also provides flexibility for organizing independent projects while reducing the number of incubators required within the laboratory. By consolidating cell culture activities into a larger chamber, laboratories can improve workflow efficiency while maintaining tightly controlled incubation conditions.

Common Applications

The Thermo Scientific Heracell 240i is commonly used for:

Mammalian cell culture
Stem cell research
Cancer biology
Primary cell culture
Regenerative medicine
Biopharmaceutical development
Vaccine research
Gene therapy
Cell therapy
IVF and reproductive medicine
Academic biomedical research
Pharmaceutical research
Biotechnology development
Tissue engineering

Its combination of large chamber capacity and stable environmental control makes it particularly valuable for laboratories maintaining numerous concurrent cell culture projects.

Ideal Laboratory Environments

The Heracell 240i is well suited for biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical manufacturers, university research laboratories, medical research institutes, IVF clinics, contract research organizations, and hospital research centers requiring dependable large-capacity CO₂ incubation.

Its generous chamber volume makes it particularly attractive for laboratories seeking to increase throughput without significantly increasing laboratory footprint through multiple smaller incubators.

Temperature Recovery and Environmental Stability

The Heracell 240i utilizes an air-jacketed heating system that provides rapid temperature recovery after routine door openings while maintaining excellent chamber uniformity. Combined with the integrated humidity reservoir, the incubator restores optimal humidity levels substantially faster than conventional removable water-pan systems, helping reduce media evaporation during long-term culture.

Standard models utilize a reliable thermal conductivity (TC) CO₂ sensor for accurate atmospheric regulation, while laboratories requiring even greater stability under fluctuating humidity conditions may be equipped with the optional dual-beam infrared sensor. Optional oxygen control further expands the incubator's capabilities for hypoxia research and specialized cell culture applications.

ContraCon Decontamination and Rapid Humidity Recovery

One of the defining features of the Heracell 240i is its integrated ContraCon moist heat decontamination system, which performs a complete 90°C decontamination cycle without requiring chemical disinfectants or disassembly of major chamber components. This simplifies routine maintenance while helping laboratories reduce the risk of contamination between research projects.

The incubator also incorporates Thermo Scientific's integrated humidity reservoir, which restores chamber humidity significantly faster than traditional water pans while requiring less handling during routine operation. Combined with the electropolished stainless steel chamber, touchscreen interface, LED lighting, and optional advanced gas control, these features make the Heracell 240i a dependable solution for demanding cell culture laboratories.

Sample Storage Recommendations

The 240-liter (8.4 cubic foot) chamber of the Thermo Scientific Heracell 240i provides ample capacity for laboratories managing multiple cell culture projects simultaneously. The spacious interior accommodates tissue culture flasks, multiwell plates, culture dishes, roller bottles, spinner flasks, cell culture bags, and other standard laboratory vessels while maintaining stable temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide conditions.

The adjustable shelving system allows researchers to configure the chamber to maximize usable space while accommodating different vessel sizes. For optimal environmental uniformity, culture vessels should be evenly distributed throughout the chamber with adequate clearance between shelves to allow unrestricted airflow. Proper spacing helps promote rapid recovery after door openings while ensuring consistent conditions throughout the incubation chamber.

Laboratories performing long-term culture experiments or maintaining multiple cell lines often dedicate individual shelves to specific projects, reducing unnecessary handling and minimizing disturbances to other cultures during routine access.

Energy Efficiency and Operating Costs

The Heracell 240i was designed to provide dependable environmental control while minimizing energy consumption and routine maintenance. Its air-jacket heating system delivers rapid temperature recovery without the additional weight and maintenance associated with traditional water-jacketed incubators, making installation and relocation easier while maintaining excellent temperature stability.

The integrated humidity reservoir restores chamber humidity more quickly than conventional removable water pans, reducing recovery times following routine door openings while simplifying cleaning and maintenance. Depending on the configuration, the incubator may also include an infrared CO₂ sensor that requires less frequent calibration than traditional thermal conductivity sensors, helping reduce long-term operating costs.

Combined with its durable stainless steel chamber, digital controls, and efficient environmental management system, the Heracell 240i provides reliable performance for laboratories operating continuously throughout the year.

Key Specifications

Specification
Manufacturer	Thermo Scientific
Model	Heracell 240i (Catalog 51026331)
Incubator Type	CO₂ Cell Culture Incubator
Chamber Capacity	240 L (8.4 cu. ft.)
Temperature Range	Ambient +3°C to 55°C
Heating System	Air Jacket
CO₂ Range	0% to 20%
CO₂ Sensor	Thermal Conductivity (Infrared Optional)
Relative Humidity	Approximately 95% at 37°C
Humidity System	Integrated Heated Water Reservoir
Chamber Material	Electropolished Stainless Steel
Decontamination	90°C Moist Heat Cycle
Display	Color Touchscreen
Data Output	RS-232
Interior Dimensions	23.9" W × 23.0" D × 26.4" H
Exterior Dimensions	30.7" W × 32.8" D × 36.8" H
Electrical Requirements	120 V, 50/60 Hz
Approximate Weight	178 lb (81 kg)

Specifications are believed to be accurate but may vary depending on factory-installed options. Please verify all specifications prior to purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary advantage of the Heracell 240i over smaller CO₂ incubators?

The Heracell 240i provides significantly more usable chamber space, allowing laboratories to incubate larger numbers of cultures while reducing the need for multiple smaller incubators. This can simplify workflow and improve laboratory efficiency.

Does the Heracell 240i use an air jacket or a water jacket?

This model uses an air-jacket heating system, providing rapid temperature recovery after door openings while avoiding the maintenance, weight, and installation considerations associated with water-jacketed incubators.

How does the integrated humidity reservoir improve performance?

Unlike traditional removable water pans, the integrated humidity system restores humidity more rapidly after the door is opened, helping reduce media evaporation and maintain more consistent culture conditions during routine laboratory use.

Can the Heracell 240i support hypoxia research?

Some configurations of the Heracell 240i are equipped with optional oxygen control, allowing researchers to establish reduced oxygen environments for hypoxia studies, stem cell research, and other specialized cell culture applications. Buyers should verify the installed configuration before purchase.

Is the touchscreen difficult to operate?

No. The front-mounted color touchscreen provides straightforward access to temperature, carbon dioxide, alarms, calibration functions, and operating parameters through an intuitive menu system that simplifies daily operation.

What types of laboratories commonly use this incubator?

The Heracell 240i is widely used by biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical laboratories, academic research institutions, hospital research centers, IVF clinics, and contract research organizations performing mammalian cell culture and other advanced biological research.

How does the 90°C decontamination cycle benefit laboratories?

The built-in moist heat decontamination cycle allows users to sanitize the chamber without chemical disinfectants, helping reduce contamination risk while minimizing downtime between research projects.

Why purchase a refurbished Thermo Scientific Heracell 240i from American Instrument Exchange?

Purchasing a refurbished Thermo Scientific Heracell 240i from American Instrument Exchange provides laboratories with a premium large-capacity CO₂ incubator at substantial savings compared with purchasing new equipment. Combining a 240-liter chamber, air-jacket heating, rapid humidity recovery, 90°C chamber decontamination, and an intuitive touchscreen interface, the Heracell 240i is designed to support demanding cell culture applications while delivering dependable long-term performance. Every incubator 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.