Thermo Heracell VIOS 250i Copper-Lined Incubator

Product Code : SKU 3180WW INC

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Thermo Heracell VIOS 250i Copper-Lined CO₂ Incubator

The Thermo Heracell VIOS 250i Copper-Lined CO₂ Incubator is a premium large-capacity incubator designed for laboratories that demand exceptional contamination control, precise environmental regulation, and reliable long-term performance. Featuring a 255-liter (9.0 cu. ft.) chamber, a solid copper interior, infrared CO₂ sensing, continuous HEPA filtration, and Thermo's THRIVE active airflow system, the VIOS 250i creates an optimal environment for sensitive cell cultures while minimizing the risk of microbial contamination.

Whether supporting routine mammalian cell culture, stem cell research, biologics development, or advanced cell therapy applications, the Heracell VIOS 250i delivers the stable incubation conditions required for reproducible experimental results. Purchasing a refurbished Thermo Heracell VIOS 250i from American Instrument Exchange allows laboratories to acquire one of the industry's most respected CO₂ incubators while significantly reducing equipment costs.

Key Features

255 L (9.0 cu. ft.) chamber capacity
Solid copper interior chamber
Infrared CO₂ sensor
THRIVE active airflow system
Continuous HEPA filtration with chamber air exchange approximately every 60 seconds
Temperature range from ambient +3°C to 55°C
Steri-Run 180°C automated sterilization cycle
Covered integrated humidity reservoir
iCAN touchscreen controller with USB connectivity
Stackable design
90-day warranty from American Instrument Exchange

Designed for Advanced Cell Culture

The Heracell VIOS 250i was developed to provide the environmental stability required for today's most demanding cell culture applications. Its large chamber accommodates high-throughput research while maintaining excellent temperature uniformity, rapid CO₂ recovery, and high humidity throughout the incubation space. The compact footprint also allows laboratories to maximize usable incubation capacity without sacrificing valuable floor space.

One of the defining features of this model is its solid copper chamber. Copper possesses natural antimicrobial properties that help suppress microbial growth on chamber surfaces, providing an additional layer of contamination protection beyond routine laboratory cleaning procedures. Combined with continuous HEPA filtration and Thermo's THRIVE active airflow system, the incubator maintains clean, homogeneous chamber conditions while rapidly recovering temperature, humidity, and CO₂ levels after routine door openings.

Many laboratories pair the Heracell VIOS 250i CR with biosafety cabinets for aseptic sample preparation, centrifuges for cell processing, laboratory refrigerators for media and reagent storage, and ultra-low freezers for long-term sample preservation.

Common Applications

The Thermo Heracell VIOS 250i is commonly used for:

Mammalian cell culture
Stem cell research
Primary cell culture
Cell therapy development
Tissue engineering
Vaccine research
Cancer research
Monoclonal antibody production
Pharmaceutical research
Biologics development
Clinical research
Regenerative medicine

Its combination of precise environmental control and advanced contamination protection makes it suitable for both routine laboratory work and highly sensitive research applications.

Ideal Laboratory Environments

The Heracell VIOS 250i is widely used in biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical manufacturers, academic research laboratories, hospital research centers, government laboratories, regenerative medicine facilities, contract research organizations, and cell therapy production laboratories. Its large chamber capacity makes it particularly attractive for laboratories managing multiple research projects simultaneously or expanding into higher-throughput cell culture workflows without requiring multiple smaller incubators.

Temperature Recovery and Environmental Stability

Maintaining stable incubation conditions is essential for protecting sensitive cell cultures. The Heracell VIOS 250i utilizes THRIVE active airflow to gently circulate clean, humidified air throughout the chamber, helping maintain exceptional temperature and gas uniformity across every shelf. During routine door openings, the circulation fan automatically pauses to reduce unnecessary air exchange before rapidly restoring programmed conditions once the door is closed.

The infrared CO₂ sensor continuously measures chamber gas concentration without being affected by humidity fluctuations, providing accurate long-term CO₂ regulation while minimizing calibration requirements. Together, these systems help improve culture consistency and experimental reproducibility during both short-term and extended incubation studies.

Contamination Control

The copper-lined VIOS 250i was engineered with contamination prevention as a primary design objective. The solid copper chamber naturally inhibits microbial growth while the in-chamber HEPA filter continuously cleans the chamber atmosphere, exchanging the entire air volume approximately every minute. Following routine maintenance or contamination events, the Steri-Run 180°C decontamination cycle sterilizes all internal chamber surfaces without requiring removal of major components.

Additional contamination-control features include:

Solid copper interior chamber
Continuous HEPA filtration
THRIVE active airflow
Automatic fan stop during door openings
Covered humidity reservoir
Steri-Run 180°C sterilization cycle

Together, these features help laboratories maintain cleaner incubation environments while reducing downtime for routine decontamination.

Sample Storage Recommendations

The spacious 255-liter chamber is designed to accommodate a broad range of cell culture vessels, including T-flasks, multiwell plates, culture dishes, roller bottles, spinner flasks, suspension culture vessels, organoid cultures, primary cell cultures, stem cell cultures, and cell therapy bags. Adjustable perforated shelving allows laboratories to configure the chamber for changing workflows while maintaining excellent airflow and environmental uniformity throughout the incubator.

Energy Efficiency and Operating Costs

The Heracell VIOS 250i combines efficient direct heating, intelligent airflow management, and rapid recovery systems to reduce unnecessary energy consumption while maintaining precise environmental conditions. The covered humidity reservoir minimizes water loss, while the infrared CO₂ sensor helps optimize gas usage by providing accurate control without excessive cycling. These design features contribute to dependable long-term operation while helping reduce routine operating costs for laboratories running incubators continuously.

Key Specifications

Specification	Details
Manufacturer	Thermo Scientific
Model	Heracell VIOS 250i
Chamber Capacity	255 L (9.0 cu. ft.)
Chamber Material	Solid Copper
Temperature Range	Ambient +3°C to 55°C
CO₂ Range	1–20%
CO₂ Sensor	Infrared
Relative Humidity	>93% at 37°C
Humidity Source	Covered integrated water reservoir
Interior Dimensions	23.9" W × 24.8" D × 26.4" H
Exterior Dimensions	30.5" W × 36.8" D × 38.1" H
Weight	215 lb
Electrical	120V, 50/60 Hz

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 are the advantages of a copper-lined CO₂ incubator?

Copper naturally inhibits microbial growth on chamber surfaces, providing an additional layer of contamination protection beyond standard cleaning procedures. This makes copper-lined incubators especially popular in laboratories performing sensitive cell culture work.

Does the Heracell VIOS 250i use an infrared CO₂ sensor?

Yes. The incubator utilizes an infrared CO₂ sensor that delivers accurate gas measurements while remaining unaffected by humidity, providing excellent long-term stability with minimal calibration requirements.

What types of laboratories typically use the VIOS 250i?

The Heracell VIOS 250i is commonly found in biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical laboratories, university research facilities, hospital research centers, regenerative medicine laboratories, and cell therapy production environments.

What types of culture vessels fit inside the chamber?

The incubator accommodates T-flasks, cell culture dishes, multiwell plates, roller bottles, suspension cultures, organoids, stem cell cultures, primary cells, and numerous other vessel types used in modern cell culture laboratories.

Why purchase a refurbished Thermo Heracell VIOS 250i from American Instrument Exchange?

A refurbished Heracell VIOS 250i provides premium incubation performance at a significant savings compared to purchasing new equipment. Every unit is inspected and tested prior to shipment and includes a 90-day warranty from American Instrument Exchange.

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.

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