Thermo Scientific Heracell VIOS 250i CR CO2 Incubator

Product Code : SKU 3180Z INC

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Thermo Scientific Heracell VIOS 250i CR CO₂ Incubator

The Thermo Scientific Heracell VIOS 250i CR CO₂ Incubator is designed for laboratories where contamination control, environmental stability, and regulatory compliance are critical to successful cell culture. Built on Thermo Scientific's proven Heracell VIOS platform, the 250i CR combines precise temperature and CO₂ control with continuous HEPA filtration and a cleanroom-compatible design for use in GMP and advanced research environments. Its large 255-liter chamber provides ample capacity for high-throughput laboratories while maintaining the uniform incubation conditions required for sensitive cell lines.

Whether you're expanding stem cells, producing cell and gene therapies, developing biologics, or performing routine mammalian cell culture, the Heracell VIOS 250i CR delivers the stable environment needed to maximize cell viability and experimental reproducibility. Purchasing a refurbished Thermo Scientific Heracell VIOS 250i CR from American Instrument Exchange provides laboratories with premium incubation technology while reducing capital equipment costs.

Key Features

255 L (9.0 cu. ft.) chamber capacity
ISO Class 5 cleanroom-compatible design
Continuous HEPA filtration with complete chamber air exchange approximately every 60 seconds
Infrared (IR) CO₂ sensor for highly accurate gas measurement
Temperature range from ambient +3°C to 55°C
Steri-Run™ 180°C automated sterilization cycle
Heated, covered humidity reservoir
Optional oxygen control for hypoxic or hyperoxic culture
USB connectivity and optional analog outputs
Electropolished stainless steel chamber
90-day warranty from American Instrument Exchange

Designed for Critical Cell Culture Applications

The Heracell VIOS 250i CR was engineered for laboratories where protecting valuable cell cultures is just as important as maintaining precise incubation conditions. Unlike standard laboratory incubators, the CR model incorporates a cleanroom-compatible exterior and continuous HEPA filtration to help minimize particulate contamination while maintaining excellent temperature, humidity, and gas uniformity throughout the chamber.

The incubator's infrared CO₂ sensor provides accurate measurements that are unaffected by humidity or temperature fluctuations, allowing the system to maintain stable environmental conditions during extended culture periods. Combined with intelligent airflow management and distributed heating technology, the VIOS platform quickly restores chamber conditions following routine door openings, helping reduce stress on sensitive cultures.

These features make the Heracell VIOS 250i CR particularly well suited for laboratories where consistency, contamination prevention, and regulatory compliance are essential.

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 Scientific Heracell VIOS 250i CR is frequently used for:

Mammalian cell culture
Stem cell expansion
Cell and gene therapy manufacturing
Vaccine development
Monoclonal antibody production
Regenerative medicine
Pharmaceutical process development
Biopharmaceutical manufacturing
Clinical research
Quality control laboratories

Its combination of precise environmental control and contamination protection makes it an excellent incubator for both research and production environments.

Ideal Laboratory Environments

The Heracell VIOS 250i CR is commonly found in:

Biotechnology laboratories
Pharmaceutical manufacturers
Cell therapy facilities
GMP production suites
Academic research laboratories
University core facilities
Hospital research centers
Contract development and manufacturing organizations (CDMOs)

Laboratories transitioning from research into clinical or commercial manufacturing often choose this incubator because it offers the environmental stability required for regulated workflows while providing sufficient chamber capacity for growing production demands.

Temperature Recovery and Environmental Stability

Consistent incubation conditions are essential for maintaining healthy cell cultures. The Heracell VIOS 250i CR uses distributed heating technology and multiple temperature sensors to provide excellent temperature uniformity throughout the chamber.

Following routine door openings, intelligent control systems rapidly restore programmed temperature and CO₂ levels, reducing environmental fluctuations that can affect sensitive cultures. The infrared CO₂ sensor continuously monitors gas concentration without being influenced by humidity, allowing accurate regulation throughout long-term incubations.

Rapid environmental recovery helps improve reproducibility while supporting laboratories with frequent chamber access throughout the workday.

Humidity Control and Contamination Prevention

The incubator's heated, covered humidity reservoir maintains high relative humidity while minimizing sample evaporation during long incubation periods. Unlike traditional open water pans, the covered reservoir helps reduce contamination opportunities while allowing humidity levels to recover quickly after the door is opened.

To further protect valuable cultures, the Heracell VIOS 250i CR incorporates several contamination-control features:

Continuous ISO Class 5 HEPA filtration
Chamber air exchange approximately every minute
Automatic fan management during door openings
Steri-Run 180°C overnight sterilization cycle
Smooth electropolished stainless steel interior
Seamless chamber construction for easier cleaning

Together, these systems help reduce contamination risk while minimizing downtime for routine cleaning and sterilization.

Sample Storage Recommendations

The spacious 255-liter chamber supports a wide variety of culture vessels, including:

T-flasks
Cell culture dishes
Multiwell plates
Roller bottles
Spinner flasks
Suspension culture vessels
Cell therapy bags
Stem cell cultures
Primary cell cultures

The large chamber capacity allows laboratories to incubate numerous experiments simultaneously while maintaining uniform environmental conditions across all shelf positions.

Energy Efficiency and Operating Costs

Modern laboratory incubators must deliver stable performance while minimizing operating expenses. The Heracell VIOS 250i CR combines efficient insulation, intelligent heating controls, and optimized airflow to reduce unnecessary energy consumption without sacrificing incubation performance.

Rapid recovery following door openings also helps reduce CO₂ consumption and heating demand compared to older incubator designs, making the system economical for laboratories operating continuously.

Key Specifications

Specification	Details
Manufacturer	Thermo Scientific
Model	Heracell VIOS 250i CR
Chamber Capacity	255 L (9.0 cu. ft.)
Temperature Range	Ambient +3°C to 55°C
CO₂ Range	1–20%
CO₂ Sensor	Infrared (IR)
Relative Humidity	>93% RH at 37°C
Oxygen Control	Optional 1–21% or 5–90%
Chamber Material	Electropolished Stainless Steel
Interior Dimensions	Approximately 24.8" W × 23.9" D × 26.4" H
Exterior Dimensions	Approximately 36.8" W × 30.5" D × 38.1" H
Electrical	Available in multiple voltage configurations
Data Interface	USB with optional analog outputs

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 difference between the Heracell VIOS 250i and the VIOS 250i CR?

The CR model is designed specifically for cleanroom and GMP environments. It features a cleanroom-compatible exterior and continuous HEPA filtration while providing the same precise environmental control that has made the VIOS platform popular for advanced cell culture applications.

What types of laboratories use the Heracell VIOS 250i CR?

The incubator is commonly used in biotechnology, pharmaceutical manufacturing, regenerative medicine, stem cell research, cell and gene therapy production, vaccine development, and academic research laboratories.

Does this incubator support hypoxic cell culture?

Many Heracell VIOS 250i CR incubators are equipped with optional oxygen control that allows hypoxic or hyperoxic culture conditions. Please verify whether the specific unit includes this option.

How does the incubator help reduce contamination?

The incubator combines continuous HEPA filtration, a heated covered humidity reservoir, automatic fan management during door openings, a seamless stainless steel chamber, and the Steri-Run™ 180°C sterilization cycle to help maintain a clean culture environment.

Why buy a refurbished Thermo Scientific Heracell VIOS 250i CR?

A refurbished Heracell VIOS 250i CR allows laboratories to acquire a premium CO₂ incubator at a significant savings compared to purchasing new equipment. Every unit from American Instrument Exchange is inspected and tested prior to shipment and includes a 90-day warranty.

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.