
Forma® Model 3940/3949 ________________________________________Installation/Set-Up
2-2
2.2 Water (Humidity System) and Drain Connections
a. Connecting the Water Inlet for the Humidity System
Do not attempt to operate the humidity system without filling it with
water. The humidification heater will overheat, and the overtemp
safety thermostat will shut the humidification system down.
The humidity reservoir will require approximately one quart (0.946 liter) of
water on the initial filling. For best operation of the incubator, sterilized distilled,
demineralized or de-ionized water should be used in the humidity reservoir. Water purity
should be in the resistance range of 50K Ohm/cm to 1M Ohm/cm, or a conductivity range of
20.0 uS/cm to 1.0 uS/cm. Refer to ASTM Standard D5391-93 or D4195-88 for measuring
water purity.
Distillation systems, as well as some types of reverse osmosis water purity systems, can
produce water in the quality range specified. Tap water is not recommended as it may
contain chlorine, which can deteriorate the stainless steel. Tap water may also have a high
mineral content, which would produce a build-up of scale in the reservoir. High purity, ultra
pure or milli-q water is not recommended as it is an extremely aggressive solvent and will
deteriorate the stainless steel. High purity water has a resistance of above 1M Ohm to 18M
Ohm. Even high purity water can contain bacteria and organic contaminants. Water should
always be sterilized or treated with a decontaminant, safe for use with stainless steel as well
as safe for the product, prior to being introduced into the humidity reservoir.
The water inlet is the 1/8" FPT connection located on the rear top left corner of the
incubator. Water inlet pressure must not exceed 40 PSI. A manual shut-off valve should
be installed between the main water supply and the incubator.
To prevent mineral buildup on heater coils and humidity generator
walls, it may be necessary to clean the humidity generator and immersion
heaters with a non-metallic abrasive pad and flush thoroughly every two to
three months. Refer to Section 5.7, Cleaning and Adjusting the Humidity
Steam Generator.
Distilled or de-ionized water used in the humidity reservoir must be within a
water quality resistance range of 50K Ohm/cm to 1M Ohm/cm to protect and
prolong the life of the stainless steel. Use of water outside the specified
range will decrease the operating life of the unit and may void the warranty.