Thermo Scientific Heracell VIOS 160i Copper CO₂ Incubator – Refurbished – Cat. 51033556
The Thermo Heracell VIOS 160i CO2 incubator, catalog number 51033556, is an advanced direct-heat cell culture incubator designed for mammalian cell culture, biotechnology research, pharmaceutical development, and other applications requiring precise environmental control and exceptional contamination protection. Featuring a 165-liter (5.8 cu. ft.) chamber, 100% copper interior, IR180Si infrared CO₂ sensor, continuous HEPA air filtration, and a 180°C Steri-Run decontamination cycle, the Heracell VIOS 160i provides a highly controlled environment for sensitive biological cultures.
Available refurbished from American Instrument Exchange, the Thermo Heracell VIOS 160i offers laboratories a cost-effective alternative to purchasing a new premium CO₂ incubator. Its combination of direct-heat temperature regulation, THRIVE active airflow, advanced humidity management, and intuitive iCAN touchscreen controls makes it particularly suitable for laboratories maintaining valuable cell lines, conducting long-term experiments, or seeking enhanced protection against microbial contamination.
This particular configuration, Thermo Scientific catalog number 51033556, is identified in the manufacturer's VIOS ordering guide as a single-chamber, 120V incubator with a copper interior and infrared CO₂ sensor.
Key Features
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165-liter (5.8 cu. ft.) cell culture chamber
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100% copper interior for enhanced contamination resistance
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Direct-heat temperature-control system
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Temperature range from ambient +3°C to 55°C
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Temperature control accuracy of approximately ±0.1°C
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Temperature uniformity of approximately ±0.3°C at 37°C
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IR180Si single-beam, dual-wavelength infrared CO₂ sensor
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CO₂ concentration range from 1% to 20%
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THRIVE active airflow system for rapid environmental recovery
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Continuous HEPA filtration supporting ISO Class 5 air cleanliness
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Steri-Run 180°C high-temperature decontamination cycle
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Integrated, protected humidity reservoir
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Relative humidity exceeding approximately 93% at 37°C under specified conditions
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iCAN touchscreen controller with multilingual interface
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Automatic fan shutoff during door openings
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Independent temperature-monitoring and overtemperature protection
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Reversible exterior door for flexible laboratory installation
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Adjustable perforated shelving
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USB data output and optional analog monitoring interfaces
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Compact, stackable cabinet design
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120V, 50/60 Hz electrical configuration
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Refurbished and tested by American Instrument Exchange
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90-day warranty included
Thermo Heracell VIOS 160i Overview
The Thermo Scientific Heracell VIOS 160i is part of the manufacturer's premium VIOS family of CO₂ incubators, developed to support demanding cell culture applications through improved environmental stability, contamination protection, and ease of operation.
The incubator provides approximately 165 liters of usable chamber volume, accommodating conventional tissue culture flasks, multiwell plates, Petri dishes, and other laboratory vessels.
Unlike traditional water-jacketed incubators, the VIOS 160i uses a direct-heat system that transfers heat efficiently to the chamber while avoiding the maintenance associated with a surrounding water jacket.
The THRIVE active airflow system continuously circulates filtered, humidified air throughout the chamber, promoting consistent temperature, CO₂ concentration, and relative humidity.
An IR180Si infrared sensor provides accurate CO₂ measurements, while the integrated humidity reservoir helps reduce evaporation from culture media.
The 100% copper interior provides an additional measure of contamination resistance through copper's natural antimicrobial properties.
The incubator also incorporates a Steri-Run high-temperature decontamination cycle that reaches 180°C, helping reduce microbial contamination on interior chamber surfaces.
Together, these technologies make the Heracell VIOS 160i particularly attractive for laboratories conducting sensitive cell culture experiments, maintaining valuable biological materials, or requiring reliable environmental recovery following routine door openings.
Common Applications
The Thermo Heracell VIOS 160i CO2 incubator is suitable for mammalian cell culture, stem cell research, tissue engineering, biotechnology development, pharmaceutical research, and other applications requiring stable temperature, CO₂ concentration, and elevated humidity.
Academic research laboratories can use the incubator for maintaining established cell lines, expanding primary cultures, and conducting experiments involving cellular growth, metabolism, differentiation, and signaling.
Biotechnology companies may use the VIOS 160i for recombinant protein development, antibody research, cell-based assay preparation, and other procedures involving cultured mammalian cells.
Pharmaceutical laboratories can use it for drug discovery, toxicology studies, cell-based screening, and selected preclinical research applications.
The infrared CO₂ sensor and rapid environmental recovery are particularly useful in laboratories where incubator doors are opened frequently throughout the day.
The copper chamber, continuous HEPA filtration, and Steri-Run decontamination system also make this model attractive for contamination-sensitive workflows.
For complete cell culture operations, the Heracell VIOS 160i can be paired with biosafety cabinets for aseptic handling and laboratory centrifuges for cell harvesting and sample preparation.
Additional laboratory incubators, laboratory refrigerators, and ultra-low temperature freezers are available from American Instrument Exchange.
Thermo Heracell VIOS 160i CO2 incubator Ideal Laboratory Environments
The Heracell VIOS 160i is well suited for university research laboratories, biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical research facilities, medical research institutions, and laboratories performing routine or advanced mammalian cell culture.
Its 165-liter chamber offers a practical balance between incubation capacity and laboratory footprint.
The incubator is particularly useful for laboratories maintaining multiple cell lines or conducting extended experiments where environmental consistency is important.
The copper interior and high-temperature decontamination capability are attractive for laboratories that prioritize contamination prevention and efficient cleaning procedures.
The VIOS 160i can also serve as a dedicated incubator for valuable or contamination-sensitive cultures, helping laboratories separate experimental workflows.
Compatible stacking arrangements allow laboratories to expand incubation capacity without requiring additional bench or floor space, provided the appropriate manufacturer-approved accessories are used.
Copper Chamber & Contamination Control
One of the defining features of this Heracell VIOS 160i configuration is its 100% copper interior.
Copper possesses natural antimicrobial properties that can help inhibit the survival of certain microorganisms on exposed chamber surfaces.
In a CO₂ incubator, this provides an additional measure of contamination resistance alongside routine cleaning, HEPA filtration, and proper aseptic technique.
Unlike conventional stainless steel interiors, copper surfaces can help reduce microbial persistence without requiring a separate antimicrobial coating.
The copper chamber is designed for durability and long-term laboratory use.
Over time, copper may develop a natural patina. This discoloration does not necessarily indicate damage or loss of functionality.
Cleaning procedures should follow the manufacturer's recommendations to avoid unnecessary corrosion or damage to the chamber.
The copper interior does not eliminate the possibility of culture contamination, and laboratories should continue to use appropriate aseptic handling and disinfection procedures.
For laboratories seeking a refurbished CO₂ incubator with enhanced contamination-control features, the copper Heracell VIOS 160i offers a compelling alternative to conventional stainless steel models.
Steri-Run 180°C High-Temperature Decontamination
The Thermo Heracell VIOS 160i incorporates the manufacturer's Steri-Run high-temperature decontamination system.
Steri-Run raises the chamber temperature to approximately 180°C, providing a high-temperature treatment designed to reduce microbial contamination on interior surfaces.
Thermo Scientific describes the system as achieving a six-log reduction in specified biological indicators under validated test conditions.
The cycle can be performed in the assembled chamber, reducing the need to remove and separately autoclave many interior components.
This simplifies routine decontamination procedures and helps reduce the labor associated with maintaining a clean incubation environment.
The high-temperature cycle is particularly useful for laboratories maintaining sensitive cell lines or performing extended culture experiments.
The Steri-Run process should be initiated only after removing cultures and any materials not approved for exposure to the decontamination temperature.
The incubator must be allowed to complete the cycle and return to appropriate operating conditions before cultures are reintroduced.
The Steri-Run system provides a significant contamination-control advantage over older CO₂ incubators that rely entirely on manual disinfection.
THRIVE Active Airflow & Environmental Recovery
The Heracell VIOS 160i incorporates Thermo Scientific's THRIVE active airflow system.
This technology uses an internal fan to distribute filtered, humidified air throughout the chamber.
The controlled airflow promotes consistent temperature, CO₂ concentration, and relative humidity across the available shelf positions.
Unlike incubators relying primarily on natural convection, the VIOS 160i actively circulates chamber air to reduce environmental differences between sample locations.
Thermo Scientific describes recovery of key environmental parameters within approximately ten minutes or less following routine door openings under specified test conditions.
Rapid recovery is particularly valuable for laboratories that access their incubators frequently throughout the day.
Repeated door openings can introduce cooler, drier laboratory air and temporarily reduce CO₂ concentration.
The THRIVE system helps restore the selected conditions, reducing the duration of environmental disturbances experienced by sensitive cultures.
An automatic fan-stop function disables active circulation when the door is opened, helping minimize unnecessary air exchange.
The system also works with the integrated humidity reservoir to support efficient moisture recovery.
IR180Si Infrared CO₂ Sensor
Catalog number 51033556 incorporates Thermo Scientific's IR180Si infrared CO₂ sensor.
Unlike thermal conductivity sensors, which infer CO₂ concentration from changes in the thermal properties of the chamber atmosphere, infrared sensors measure carbon dioxide using infrared absorption.
The IR180Si sensor uses a single-beam, dual-wavelength design intended to provide accurate and stable CO₂ measurements.
This technology is particularly useful in laboratories where frequent door openings cause rapid changes in chamber temperature and humidity.
The sensor supports CO₂ concentrations from approximately 1% to 20%, accommodating conventional mammalian cell culture and other procedures requiring controlled carbon dioxide levels.
Accurate CO₂ regulation is important for cell culture media that use bicarbonate buffering to maintain physiological pH.
Changes in CO₂ concentration can alter culture-medium pH and potentially affect cell growth, metabolism, and experimental reproducibility.
The VIOS 160i continuously monitors chamber CO₂ concentration and adjusts gas delivery to maintain the selected setpoint.
The iCAN touchscreen provides direct access to CO₂ settings, operating information, and relevant alarms.
The standard catalog 51033556 configuration does not include independent oxygen regulation. Laboratories requiring hypoxic or hyperoxic control should select an appropriately equipped tri-gas configuration.
Integrated Humidity Reservoir & Evaporation Protection
The Thermo Heracell VIOS 160i CO2 incubator incorporates a protected, directly heated humidity reservoir designed to maintain elevated relative humidity during cell culture.
Manufacturer literature describes relative humidity exceeding approximately 93% at 37°C under specified operating conditions.
High humidity helps reduce evaporation from culture media, which is particularly important during extended incubation periods.
Excessive evaporation can alter nutrient concentrations, osmolarity, and other characteristics of the culture environment.
Unlike conventional incubators that use an exposed water pan, the VIOS 160i incorporates a protected reservoir designed to reduce unwanted condensation and improve humidity recovery.
Thermo Scientific describes humidity recovery up to five times faster than traditional water-pan designs under comparative test conditions.
The directly heated reservoir works with the THRIVE airflow system to distribute humidified air throughout the chamber.
This design helps maintain a stable culture environment while reducing condensation on chamber surfaces.
The reservoir should be filled and maintained according to the manufacturer's water-quality recommendations.
Routine cleaning and water replacement remain important for contamination control.
The VIOS 160i provides elevated humidity for cell culture but should not be confused with an environmental stability chamber offering independent programmable relative-humidity setpoints.
Continuous HEPA Filtration & ISO Class 5 Air Quality
The Heracell VIOS 160i incorporates continuous in-chamber HEPA filtration.
The system circulates chamber air through a high-efficiency particulate air filter to reduce airborne contamination.
Thermo Scientific states that the system filters the chamber air volume approximately once every 60 seconds.
Under specified test conditions, the chamber can achieve ISO Class 5 particulate air cleanliness within approximately five minutes after a routine door opening.
This helps reduce the number of airborne particles that may settle on culture vessels or chamber surfaces.
The HEPA filtration system works alongside the copper interior and Steri-Run decontamination cycle to provide multiple layers of contamination protection.
The combination is particularly valuable for laboratories maintaining valuable cell lines or conducting long-term culture experiments.
HEPA filtration does not replace proper aseptic technique, routine cleaning, or appropriate handling within a biosafety cabinet.
The HEPA filter should be inspected and replaced according to the manufacturer's maintenance recommendations.
iCAN Touchscreen Controller & Environmental Monitoring
The Thermo Heracell VIOS 160i incorporates the manufacturer's iCAN touchscreen control system.
The door-mounted display provides access to temperature and CO₂ setpoints, operating information, alarm settings, and maintenance functions.
Its touchscreen interface simplifies routine operation compared with older incubators that rely on multiple membrane buttons and nested menus.
The system supports multiple languages, making it suitable for laboratories with diverse research teams.
The controller provides access to environmental monitoring information and helps operators identify deviations from the selected operating conditions.
Dual temperature probes provide additional monitoring and overtemperature protection.
The incubator also incorporates USB connectivity for supported data-output functions.
Optional analog monitoring interfaces may be available depending on the installed configuration.
For laboratories requiring documented environmental histories, the available communication and data-recording functions should be evaluated in relation to the installed controller and external monitoring system.
Thermo Heracell VIOS 160i CO2 incubator Chamber Capacity & Laboratory Workflow
The Heracell VIOS 160i provides approximately 165 liters of chamber capacity.
The interior measures approximately 18.5 inches wide, 22.7 inches deep, and 23.9 inches high.
The manufacturer-standard configuration includes three adjustable perforated shelves, with a maximum of ten shelf positions.
Actual shelf quantity and included accessories should be confirmed for the refurbished unit.
The chamber accommodates conventional cell culture flasks, multiwell plates, Petri dishes, and other laboratory vessels.
Perforated shelving supports the circulation of conditioned air throughout the chamber.
Samples should be arranged to avoid blocking airflow pathways or overcrowding individual shelves.
The exterior cabinet measures approximately 25.1 inches wide, 34.6 inches deep, and 35.4 inches high.
The compact footprint and stackable design make the VIOS 160i suitable for laboratories seeking substantial incubation capacity without dedicating excessive floor space.
Thermo Heracell VIOS 160i Specifications
| Specification |
Details |
| Manufacturer |
Thermo Scientific |
| Model |
Heracell VIOS 160i |
| Catalog Number |
51033556 |
| Equipment Type |
Direct-Heat CO₂ Incubator |
| Configuration |
Single chamber |
| Chamber Capacity |
165 L (5.8 cu. ft.) |
| Chamber Material |
100% copper |
| Temperature Range |
Ambient +3°C to 55°C |
| Temperature Control |
Approximately ±0.1°C |
| Temperature Uniformity |
Approximately ±0.3°C at 37°C |
| Heating System |
Direct heat |
| Air Circulation |
THRIVE active airflow |
| CO₂ Range |
1–20% |
| CO₂ Sensor |
IR180Si infrared sensor |
| CO₂ Sensor Technology |
Single-beam, dual-wavelength infrared |
| Oxygen Regulation |
Not included in standard catalog configuration |
| Humidification |
Protected, directly heated water reservoir |
| Relative Humidity |
Greater than approximately 93% RH at 37°C |
| HEPA Filtration |
Continuous in-chamber |
| Air Filtration Rate |
Approximately one chamber air volume per 60 seconds |
| Chamber Air Cleanliness |
ISO Class 5 under specified conditions |
| Decontamination System |
Steri-Run |
| Decontamination Temperature |
180°C |
| Controller |
iCAN touchscreen |
| Temperature Protection |
Dual temperature probes and overtemperature protection |
| Standard Manufacturer Shelves |
3 adjustable, perforated shelves |
| Maximum Shelf Positions |
10 |
| Shelves Included |
Verify actual included quantity |
| Interior Dimensions (W × D × H) |
18.5" × 22.7" × 23.9" |
| Exterior Dimensions (W × D × H) |
25.1" × 34.6" × 35.4" |
| Net Weight |
Approximately 183 lb. (83 kg) |
| Electrical Requirements |
120V, 50/60 Hz |
| Data Output |
USB; optional analog interfaces |
| Exterior Door |
Reversible |
| Stacking Capability |
Yes, with compatible accessories |
| Refrigeration |
No |
| Independent Humidity Setpoint Control |
No |
| Warranty |
90-day warranty included from American Instrument Exchange |
Specifications compiled from Thermo Scientific manufacturer literature and distributor technical references. Actual shelf quantity, accessories, and installed options should be verified for the individual refurbished unit.
Refurbishment & Testing by American Instrument Exchange
The Thermo Scientific Heracell VIOS 160i is offered used and refurbished by American Instrument Exchange.
AIE technicians inspect and evaluate refurbished CO₂ incubators to verify their suitability for continued laboratory use.
The refurbishment process includes inspection of the chamber, copper interior, door gaskets, shelving, heating system, CO₂ sensor, humidity reservoir, airflow components, and electronic controls.
The incubator is cleaned, and worn or malfunctioning components are repaired or replaced as necessary.
Temperature performance is evaluated using calibrated monitoring equipment to verify chamber accuracy and stability.
CO₂ concentration is independently measured to assess sensor accuracy and gas-control performance.
The THRIVE airflow system, HEPA filtration components, alarms, touchscreen controller, and other installed functions are inspected as applicable.
The Steri-Run decontamination system is evaluated as part of the refurbishment process when appropriate.
Following testing and final inspection, the incubator is prepared for shipment.
A 90-day warranty is included from American Instrument Exchange.
Shipping & Installation
The Thermo Heracell VIOS 160i should be installed on a stable, level laboratory surface with appropriate ventilation and access.
The incubator requires a suitable 120V electrical supply and regulated CO₂ gas source.
The equipment nameplate should be checked before connecting electrical power.
The humidity reservoir should be filled with water meeting the manufacturer's requirements.
After installation, the incubator should be allowed to stabilize at the selected temperature and CO₂ concentration before sensitive cultures are introduced.
Laboratories should verify operating conditions using suitable calibrated reference instruments.
If the incubator is to be stacked with another compatible unit, manufacturer-approved stacking accessories should be used.
American Instrument Exchange can arrange appropriate shipping and assist customers in identifying compatible replacement equipment when needed.
Thermo Heracell VIOS 160i Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Thermo Heracell VIOS 160i used for?
The Heracell VIOS 160i is designed for mammalian cell culture, tissue culture, biotechnology research, pharmaceutical development, and other applications requiring controlled temperature, CO₂ concentration, and elevated humidity.
What is the capacity of the Heracell VIOS 160i?
The incubator provides approximately 165 liters, or 5.8 cu. ft., of chamber capacity.
Does catalog number 51033556 have a copper interior?
Yes. The Thermo Scientific VIOS ordering guide identifies catalog number 51033556 as the 120V single-chamber configuration with an infrared CO₂ sensor and 100% copper interior.
What is the advantage of the copper interior?
Copper possesses natural antimicrobial properties that can help reduce microbial persistence on exposed chamber surfaces. This provides an additional contamination-control measure when combined with proper cleaning and aseptic technique.
Does the Heracell VIOS 160i have a decontamination cycle?
Yes. The incubator incorporates Thermo Scientific's Steri-Run high-temperature decontamination system, which reaches approximately 180°C.
What is the temperature range of the VIOS 160i?
The incubator operates from approximately 3°C above ambient laboratory temperature to 55°C.
What type of CO₂ sensor does catalog number 51033556 use?
This configuration incorporates the IR180Si infrared CO₂ sensor, which uses a single-beam, dual-wavelength measurement system.
Does the VIOS 160i have HEPA filtration?
Yes. The incubator incorporates continuous in-chamber HEPA filtration designed to maintain ISO Class 5 particulate air cleanliness under specified conditions.
How quickly does the HEPA system restore clean air?
Thermo Scientific states that the chamber can achieve ISO Class 5 air cleanliness within approximately five minutes following a routine door opening under specified conditions.
What is THRIVE active airflow?
THRIVE is Thermo Scientific's active airflow system that distributes filtered, humidified air throughout the chamber to promote consistent temperature, CO₂ concentration, and relative humidity.
Does the Heracell VIOS 160i control oxygen?
The VIOS platform offers optional oxygen-control configurations, but standard catalog number 51033556 is a CO₂ incubator without independent oxygen regulation.
How does the VIOS 160i maintain humidity?
The incubator uses a protected, directly heated water reservoir designed to maintain relative humidity above approximately 93% at 37°C under specified conditions.
How many shelves does the Heracell VIOS 160i accommodate?
The manufacturer-standard configuration includes three adjustable shelves, with a maximum of ten shelf positions. The number included with an individual refurbished unit should be verified.
Can two Heracell VIOS 160i incubators be stacked?
Yes. Compatible VIOS incubators can be stacked using manufacturer-approved stacking accessories.
What electrical supply does catalog number 51033556 require?
The unit is designed for 120V, 50/60 Hz operation.
Is this Thermo Heracell VIOS 160i refurbished?
Yes. The Heracell VIOS 160i offered by American Instrument Exchange is used and refurbished. AIE technicians inspect, clean, and test the incubator to verify temperature stability, CO₂ regulation, and other installed functions. Necessary repairs are performed before shipment, and the equipment includes a 90-day warranty.
