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Thermo HERAcell VIOS 250i CO2 Incubator
The Thermo Heracell VIOS 250i CO2 Incubator is specifically designed to deliver the performance reliability, ease of operation, and value required to support a range of culturing needs from basic research to the demanding, leading-edge applications, so you're ready for whatever comes next.
Thermo Heracell VIOS 250i CO2 Incubator Specifications
Catalog number: 51033587
TC Sensor
Stainless-steel interior
90-day warranty
Thermo Heracell VIOS 250i CO2 Incubator Features
Thermo Heracell CO2incubators with non-corrosive stainless-steel interior chambers provide the ideal in-vitro environment. Large 255L capacity provides space for high throughput applications and accommodates spaces for culture devices for larger sample output.
Direct heat chamber
255 L (9.0 cu.ft.) electropolished stainless steel or copper chamber with compact footprint, easily stackable
Standard left hand door swing, field reversible by qualified service support
THRIVE active airflow
In-chamber fan gently distributes clean, humidified air throughout the chamber ensuring homogeneous conditions
Fast recovery of all parameters in 10 minutes or less for stable culturing conditions
Auto-stop function disables fan operation during door openings to minimize air exchange
ISO Class 5 HEPA filtration
In-chamber HEPA continuously filters the entire chamber air volume every 60 seconds
ISO Class 5 clean room air quality is achieved in the culture chamber within 5 minutes
Continuous protection minimizes airborne contaminants settling on interior surfaces
Covered Integrated humidity reservoir
Directly heated water reservoir provides stable high relative humidity levels, preventing culture desiccation
Cover limits particles and spilled media from settling into the reservoir, keeping water clean
Separating water provides a condensation free incubation chamber, limiting areas for contaminants to breed
5X faster humidity recovery than traditional water pan designs
Easy water handling: humidity reservoir may be filled or drained without removing shelves or cultures
Water level sensor indicates when a refill is needed
Steri-Run on-demand high temperature sterilization cycle
Independently validated overnight cycle ensures complete elimination of all biological contaminants
180°C cycle designed for uniform 12-log sterilization on all chamber surfaces
Simplifies cleaning and eliminates the need for separate autoclaving and reassembly of components
Intuitive, interactive iCAN touchscreen control
Bright LED screen to monitor all incubator interactions
Provides visibility to changes in culture environment with performance trend graphing, error and usage logs
Convenient on-screen user prompts and reminders for easy navigation
Selectable languages simplify operation: English, Spanish, German, French, Italian, Japanese and Mandarin
Wireless Monitoring Solution
Thermo Scientific DeviceLink HUB, our easy-to-install solution, works with the Thermo Fisher Cloud to monitor conditions inside your CO2 incubators.
DeviceLink HUB monitors chamber temperature, gas levels, alarms, and alerts from the incubator data output connection, RS-232 or USB
Alarms and notifications are also sent to the user by email and mobile push notification
DeviceLink HUB is an optional accessory for models with the iCAN touchscreen interface
DeviceLink HUB is available in the following regions
United States and Canada
28 members of the European Union
Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland
In situ sensors and probes designed for precise control
Dual temperature probes for over temperature protection with operational back up
Thermal conductivity (TC) CO2 sensor with rH compensation designed for fast recovery and stable operation
Testing
Most of our equipment is used and reconditioned. Our technicians test incubators using a calibrated digital chart recorder to verify the accuracy of temperature controls and readouts. We replace any hardware or parts as is necessary and clean all incubators thoroughly prior to shipment.
Pictures
The photos above are representative. Please bear in mind that the equipment shown is currently in storage in our warehouse and that in addition to testing each machine we will clean all the equipment thoroughly prior to shipment.
We often have multiple units of each model in stock and sometimes we're unable to feature photos of every single unit. At your request, we can provide photos of the equipment in your order after it has been tested and cleaned.
Thermo Heracell VIOS 250i CO2 incubator on our YouTube channel
Thermo Heracell VIOS 250i CO2 Incubator - Additional Specifications
Exterior dimensions
30.5"W x 36.8"D x 38.1"H
Chamber dimensions
23.9"W x 24.8"D x 26.4"H
Capacity
9 cu. ft. (255 L)
Temperature range
Ambient +3° to 55°C
CO2 range
1 to 20%
Electrical requirements
120 V, 50/60 Hz
Weight
215 lbs
For inquiries about the Thermo Heracell VIOS 250i CO2 Incubator, please give us a call at 978-521-2221, or fill out the form on this page.
Thermo Heracell VIOS 250i CO₂ Incubator – FAQs
What is the Thermo Heracell VIOS 250i CO₂ incubator used for?
The Thermo Heracell VIOS 250i is designed for precise environmental control in cell culture, tissue engineering, IVF, and pharmaceutical research applications. It maintains stable temperature, CO₂ concentration, and humidity, all of which are critical for sensitive biological samples.
What are the key features of the Heracell VIOS 250i?
Thermo VIOS 250i incubators are known for combining advanced contamination control with user-friendly operation, including:
255 L (9 cu. ft.) chamber capacity for high-throughput labs
ISO Class 5 HEPA filtration for continuous air purification
THRIVE active airflow system for uniform conditions and fast recovery
180°C Steri-Run sterilization cycle for complete decontamination
iCAN touchscreen interface with data logging and trend monitoring
Integrated humidity reservoir for stable >93% RH at 37°C
These features make it ideal for labs requiring reproducibility, sterility, and regulatory compliance.
How does the VIOS 250i prevent contamination?
While the high-heat sterilization cycle is the most obvious and well known contamination control feature on the VIOS models, these incubators actually use a multi-layer contamination control system.
This includes continuous HEPA filtration of chamber air every ~60 seconds combined with the high-temperature Steri-Run cycle (180°C) for full sterilization, supplemented by a covered humidity reservoir to reduce microbial growth and smooth stainless steel interior for easy cleaning. (Copper lined units may also be available for increase anti-microbial protection.) Together, these systems help maintain cleanroom-level conditions inside the chamber.
How does the Heracell VIOS 250i ensure uniform temperature and gas distribution?
The VIOS 250i uses a rear-wall air duct and optimized airflow pathway to evenly distribute heat and gases throughout the chamber. According to the operator manual, air is circulated from the fan along the rear wall and directed toward the chamber ceiling, ensuring consistent temperature and homogeneous CO₂ distribution across all shelves.
Additionally, the system actively mixes incoming gases with chamber air to maintain stable pH conditions in cell culture media, which depend heavily on CO₂ uniformity.
This design helps eliminate “hot spots” or uneven growth conditions, which is critical for uniformity and reproducible experimental results.
How effective is the Steri-Run high-temperature sterilization cycle?
The built-in Steri-Run sterilization program heats the chamber to 180°C, achieving a 12-log Sterility Assurance Level (SAL), a standard indicating near-total elimination of microorganisms.
Unlike manual cleaning alone, this automated cycle:
Sterilizes all interior surfaces without disassembly
Reduces reliance on chemical disinfectants
Ensures consistent, validated decontamination
For labs concerned with cross-contamination, this feature provides repeatable, audit-ready sterilization with minimal operator intervention.
Why choose the Thermo Heracell VIOS 250i over other CO₂ incubators?
The VIOS 250i stands out due to its combination of:
Advanced contamination control (HEPA + high-heat sterilization)
Fast recovery and uniform conditions
Intuitive digital controls
Proven reliability in demanding lab environments
It is a strong choice for labs that need consistent, contamination-free culture conditions at scale.
What are the benefits of buying a refurbished VIOS 250i?
Purchasing a refurbished unit from American Instrument Exchange offers significant advantages:
Cost savings compared to new equipment
Fully tested and calibrated performance
90-day warranty included
Sustainable equipment reuse
Immediate availability (no long lead times)
Each unit undergoes rigorous inspection, repair, and validation to ensure lab-ready performance.
Their process ensures you receive equipment that performs like new—at a fraction of the cost.
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.
