VWR Model 1917 Large-Capacity CO₂ Incubator

VWR Model 1917 Large-Capacity CO₂ Incubator – Used and Refurbished

The VWR Model 1917 Reach-In CO₂ Incubator is a large-capacity laboratory incubator designed for roller bottle cell culture, mammalian cell expansion, biotechnology research, and biological production applications. Featuring a spacious 28 cu. ft. chamber, infrared CO₂ sensor, forced-air circulation, and precision digital temperature controls, the VWR 1917 CO₂ incubator provides a controlled environment for laboratories requiring substantially more incubation space than conventional benchtop CO₂ incubators.

Available used and refurbished from American Instrument Exchange, the VWR Model 1917 offers laboratories a cost-effective alternative to purchasing a new large-capacity CO₂ incubator. Its roll-in configuration, internal electrical outlets, and temperature uniformity of approximately ±0.5°C at 37°C make it particularly attractive for laboratories operating roller bottle apparatus or maintaining large quantities of cell cultures.

Key Features

• Large 28 cu. ft. (approximately 793 L) incubation chamber

• Temperature range from approximately 5°C above ambient to 70°C

• Temperature uniformity of ±0.5°C at 37°C

• Temperature sensitivity of approximately ±0.05°C

• Infrared CO₂ sensor for accurate atmospheric monitoring

• Digital microprocessor temperature and CO₂ controls

• Forced-air circulation for consistent chamber conditions

• Independent adjustable overtemperature protection

• Audible and visual temperature and CO₂ alarms

• Four internal electrical outlets for compatible equipment

• Roll-in floor channels with folding access flaps

• Compatible with selected roller bottle apparatus

• Four adjustable shelves included with this AIE unit

• CO₂ sampling port for independent gas measurement

• Door-activated CO₂ injection shutoff

• Refurbished and tested by American Instrument Exchange

• 90-day warranty included

VWR Model 1917 Overview

The VWR Model 1917 was developed for laboratories requiring high-capacity CO₂ incubation, particularly applications involving roller bottle systems and other large cell culture apparatus.

With approximately 28 cu. ft. of chamber volume, the Model 1917 provides substantially more space than a conventional 5–6 cu. ft. CO₂ incubator. Its upright, floor-standing configuration allows laboratories to consolidate numerous culture vessels or larger incubation systems within a single controlled environment.

The incubator was manufactured for VWR by Sheldon Manufacturing, the company associated with the SHEL LAB laboratory equipment brand.

The Model 1917 combines electronic temperature control, an infrared CO₂ sensor, and mechanically circulated air to maintain stable conditions throughout its large chamber.

An independent overtemperature thermostat provides an additional level of protection, while audible and visual alarms alert operators to significant deviations from the selected temperature and CO₂ setpoints.

The chamber is designed to accommodate conventional laboratory shelving as well as compatible roller bottle equipment.

This particular unit offered by American Instrument Exchange includes four adjustable shelves, although the original manufacturer's standard configuration specified six.

For laboratories expanding cell culture capacity or replacing older large-format incubators, the VWR 1917 provides a practical combination of chamber volume, environmental control, and equipment accessibility.

Common Applications

The VWR Model 1917 is especially well suited for roller bottle cell culture, large-scale mammalian cell expansion, biotechnology research, vaccine development, antibody production, and other applications requiring substantial CO₂-controlled incubation space.

Roller bottle systems are frequently used to grow adherent mammalian cells on the interior surfaces of rotating cylindrical vessels. These systems can provide substantial culture surface area while occupying more space than conventional cell culture flasks.

The VWR 1917 accommodates compatible roller bottle apparatus within its large chamber and provides internal electrical outlets for equipment that meets the manufacturer's power restrictions.

Biotechnology laboratories may use the incubator for cell expansion, process development, and biological production research.

Pharmaceutical laboratories can use it for cell-based assays, drug discovery research, and other procedures involving large numbers of culture vessels.

Academic and industrial research laboratories may also benefit from the ability to maintain multiple experimental groups under common temperature and CO₂ conditions.

For complete cell culture workflows, laboratories can pair the VWR 1917 with biosafety cabinets for aseptic handling and laboratory centrifuges for cell harvesting and processing. Laboratory refrigerators and ultra-low freezers provide complementary storage for culture media, reagents, and biological samples.

Cell Types & Culture Applications

The VWR 1917 supports CO₂-dependent cell culture applications requiring stable temperature, controlled carbon dioxide concentration, and substantial chamber capacity.

Typical applications include:

• Roller bottle cell culture

• CHO and HEK293 cell expansion

• Adherent mammalian cell cultures

• Hybridoma cultures

• Fibroblast cultures

• Vaccine development research

• Antibody-production research

• Biotechnology process development

• Large-scale tissue culture

• Cell-based pharmaceutical research

The incubator can accommodate conventional cell culture flasks, bottles, dishes, and other laboratory vessels when configured with appropriate shelving.

Its large chamber also provides flexibility for compatible powered equipment, although the dimensions, electrical requirements, and operating temperatures of installed apparatus should be verified before use.

For applications involving long incubation periods, operators should establish appropriate monitoring and cleaning procedures to protect cultures and maintain consistent environmental conditions.

Temperature Control & Uniformity

The VWR Model 1917 uses microprocessor temperature control and mechanically circulated air to maintain stable conditions throughout its large incubation chamber.

The published temperature range extends from approximately 5°C above ambient to 70°C, supporting conventional mammalian cell culture at 37°C and other heated incubation applications.

Manufacturer documentation specifies temperature uniformity of approximately ±0.5°C at 37°C and temperature sensitivity of approximately ±0.05°C.

These values describe different performance characteristics. Temperature uniformity refers to differences between locations in the chamber, while sensitivity describes the controller's response to temperature changes.

The internal circulation system helps distribute heated air throughout the chamber and minimize temperature differences between shelf positions.

The main controller incorporates a digital temperature display with 0.1°C resolution, allowing operators to monitor chamber conditions and adjust the setpoint.

An independent high-limit thermostat provides backup protection if the primary temperature controller fails or the chamber becomes excessively warm.

For applications involving powered roller apparatus, the heat generated by equipment motors must be considered when establishing incubation conditions.

Because the Model 1917 does not incorporate refrigeration, substantial internal heat loads may prevent the chamber from maintaining a setpoint close to ambient temperature.

Infrared CO₂ Control & Atmospheric Stability

The VWR 1917 incorporates an infrared CO₂ sensor that measures carbon dioxide concentration within the chamber.

Infrared sensing provides an important advantage for cell culture applications because it measures CO₂ directly and is less sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity than thermal conductivity sensing.

The controller provides digital CO₂ monitoring with 0.1% display resolution and allows operators to establish the desired atmospheric setpoint.

AIE lists a CO₂ operating range of 5% to 20% for this unit.

The incubator also includes a dedicated CO₂ sampling port that allows operators to check chamber gas concentration using an independent analyzer.

This feature is useful for routine calibration verification and troubleshooting.

The CO₂ controller incorporates high- and low-concentration alarms that activate when measured concentration deviates significantly from the selected setpoint.

The manufacturer's operating manual specifies alarm thresholds approximately 1 percentage point above or below the setpoint, with a delay on the low audible alarm to accommodate brief door openings.

The Model 1917 also incorporates a door-activated CO₂ injection shutoff. When the chamber door is opened, gas injection is interrupted to reduce unnecessary CO₂ consumption.

These features help maintain reliable atmospheric control during routine cell culture operations.

Roller Bottle Compatibility & Internal Electrical Outlets

One of the VWR 1917's most distinctive features is its compatibility with selected roller bottle apparatus.

The chamber floor incorporates built-in channels with folding flaps that allow compatible equipment to be wheeled into and out of the incubator.

This design simplifies installation and removal of larger roller systems that would otherwise be difficult to position inside a conventional incubator.

The chamber also includes internal electrical outlets intended for compatible equipment.

The original manufacturer's operating manual specifies four outlets, with connected equipment limited to 1 amp. The exact outlet arrangement and applicable electrical restrictions should be verified on the individual unit.

These outlets can help support compatible roller apparatus without requiring power cords to pass through the chamber door.

However, operators must account for the heat generated by motors and other powered components.

Additional heat can affect temperature regulation and may limit the ability of the incubator to maintain the desired operating conditions.

Laboratories should also verify that installed equipment is rated for the intended chamber temperature and atmospheric environment.

The VWR 1917's combination of large capacity, roll-in access, and internal electrical power makes it particularly useful for laboratories operating substantial roller bottle culture systems.

Chamber Construction & Contamination Control

The VWR 1917 is a dry CO₂ incubator, meaning it does not use a surrounding water jacket for temperature regulation.

Its heated chamber and forced-air circulation system provide environmental control without the maintenance requirements associated with a water-jacketed incubator.

The chamber is designed for routine cleaning and maintenance, with adjustable shelving that can be removed to improve access to interior surfaces.

The manufacturer's operating instructions recommend appropriate cleaning and disinfection procedures and caution against chlorine-based bleach or abrasive cleaning products that could damage chamber materials.

The Model 1917 should not be described as having an automatic high-temperature sterilization cycle or HEPA-filtered chamber air unless those features are independently confirmed.

Although the incubator can support CO₂-dependent cell culture, the standard configuration does not provide independently programmable relative-humidity control.

Any humidification arrangement should be evaluated carefully, particularly because the manufacturer's manual warns that certain electrical outlets are not vapor-proof.

Proper aseptic technique, routine cleaning, and appropriate maintenance remain essential for minimizing contamination risks.

VWR Model 1917 Specifications

Specifications are based on VWR's Model 1917 manufacturer documentation and AIE's listing for SKU 3189D INC. The included shelf quantity reflects AIE's description of this particular unit. Electrical requirements, outlet configuration, and installed accessories should be verified before purchase.

VWR Model 1917 Frequently Asked Questions

What is the VWR Model 1917 used for?

The VWR 1917 is a large-capacity CO₂ incubator designed for roller bottle cell culture, mammalian cell expansion, biotechnology research, and biological production applications requiring controlled temperature and carbon dioxide concentration.

What is the capacity of the VWR 1917?

The incubator provides approximately 28 cu. ft., or 793 L, of chamber capacity. Its interior measures approximately 31"W × 25"D × 62"H.

Can the VWR 1917 accommodate roller bottle apparatus?

Yes. The Model 1917 incorporates floor channels with folding access flaps that allow compatible roller bottle apparatus to be moved into and out of the chamber. Equipment dimensions and electrical requirements should be verified before installation.

Does the VWR 1917 have internal electrical outlets?

Yes. The manufacturer's original manual specifies four internal outlets intended for compatible equipment, with a 1-amp restriction. The installed outlets and their electrical ratings should be confirmed for the individual refurbished unit.

What type of CO₂ sensor does the VWR 1917 use?

The Model 1917 uses an infrared CO₂ sensor. Infrared sensing provides accurate carbon dioxide measurement with less sensitivity to changes in temperature and humidity than thermal conductivity sensors.

What is the temperature range of the VWR 1917?

The published operating temperature range extends from approximately 5°C above ambient to 70°C. The incubator is designed for heated incubation and does not incorporate refrigeration.

Does the VWR 1917 have an independent overtemperature control?

Yes. The incubator includes an adjustable high-limit thermostat that operates independently of the main temperature controller. This provides additional protection if the primary control system fails.

How many shelves are included with this VWR 1917?

AIE's listing identifies four adjustable shelves on this particular unit. The original manufacturer manual describes six shelves in the standard configuration, so the included shelf quantity should be based on the actual refurbished unit rather than the original factory package.

What is the difference between the VWR 1917 and VWR 1927?

The VWR 1917 and 1927 are related large-capacity reach-in CO₂ incubators. The Model 1917 provides approximately 28 cu. ft. of chamber capacity, while the larger Model 1927 provides approximately 40 cu. ft. Both use similar temperature and CO₂ control technology.

Is this VWR Model 1917 refurbished?

The VWR Model 1917 offered by American Instrument Exchange is used and refurbished. AIE technicians inspect, clean, and test incubators using calibrated temperature-recording equipment to verify temperature control and performance. CO₂ regulation, alarms, and other installed functions are evaluated as applicable. Components are repaired or replaced as necessary, and refurbished equipment includes a 90-day warranty.

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