Thermo Scientific 3909 User manual

50159139 Rev. D
Forma
Environmental Chamber
July, 21st 2020
Model 3909 and 3942
Operating Manual
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© 2020 Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. All rights reserved.
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. provides this document to its customers with a product purchase to use in the product
operation.
This document is copyright protected and any reproduction of the whole or any part of this document is strictly prohibited,
except with the written authorization of Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. The contents of this document are subject to change
without notice.
All technical information in this document is for reference purposes only. System configurations and specifications in this
document supersede all previous information received by the purchaser.Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. makes no
representations that this document is complete, accurate or error-free and assumes no responsibility and will not be
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shall in no way govern or modify any Terms and Conditions.
Trademarks
Thermo Scientific is a brand owned by Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. All other trademarks mentioned in the operating
instructions are the exclusive property of the respective manufacturers.
Thermo Fisher Scientific LLC
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USA
Thermo Fisher Scientific LLC is an affiliate to:
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.
81 Wyman Street
Waltham, MA 02454
USA

Thermo Scientific Model 3909/3942 | 1
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Table of Contents............................................................................................................................................1-1
Chapter 1 Safety Notes....................................................................................................................................................1-1
Explanation of the Safety Information and Symbols .......................................................................................1-1
Additional Symbols for Safety Information.....................................................................................................1-1
Basic Operating Precautions........................................................................................................................1-2
Operational Safety Rules .............................................................................................................................1-3
Warranty....................................................................................................................................................1-4
Intended Use..............................................................................................................................................1-4
Unintended Use ..........................................................................................................................................1-4
Standards and Directives ............................................................................................................................1-5
Chapter 2 Delivery of the Environmental Chamber .........................................................................................................2-1
Packaging..................................................................................................................................................2-1
Acceptance Inspection ................................................................................................................................2-1
Scope of Delivery........................................................................................................................................2-2
Chapter 3 Transport Information .....................................................................................................................................3-1
Lifting Model 3909 .....................................................................................................................................3-1
Moving Model 3942 ...................................................................................................................................3-2
Chapter 4 Installation ......................................................................................................................................................4-1
Ambient Conditions.....................................................................................................................................4-1
Requirements.............................................................................................................................................4-1
Intermediate Storage ..................................................................................................................................4-2
Installing the Wall Anchors ..........................................................................................................................4-2
Power Connection ......................................................................................................................................4-3
Installing the Shelves ..................................................................................................................................4-3
Leveling the Unit.........................................................................................................................................4-3
Connect Water Inlet for Humidity System......................................................................................................4-3
Alternate Water Supply for Humidity System.................................................................................................4-4
Attaching Drain Connections .......................................................................................................................4-5
Chapter 5 Product Description ........................................................................................................................................5-1
Process Configuration.................................................................................................................................5-1
Light Protection included as Option in Door Switch .......................................................................................5-2
4-20 Milliamp Output .................................................................................................................................5-3
Remote Alarm Contacts ..............................................................................................................................5-3
Access Port................................................................................................................................................5-4
Solid Door ..................................................................................................................................................5-4
Light Modules ............................................................................................................................................5-7
Stability Testing ICH-Q1B ............................................................................................................................5-7
Plant Growth ..............................................................................................................................................5-7
Hatching of Animals / Insects ......................................................................................................................5-7
Construction...............................................................................................................................................5-8
Additional Information: Lamp Breakage........................................................................................................5-9

Table of Contents
2 | Model 3909/3942 Thermo Scientific
Installation ...............................................................................................................................................5-10
Insert the Light Module .............................................................................................................................5-10
Attaching the Reinforced Support Channels................................................................................................5-11
Fixing the reinforced shelf channels: .....................................................................................................5-11
Possible Positions.....................................................................................................................................5-13
3909 Light Module ..............................................................................................................................5-13
3909 Sockets Light Module .................................................................................................................5-14
3942 Light Module ..............................................................................................................................5-15
3942 Sockets for Light Module ............................................................................................................5-16
Lamp Exchange........................................................................................................................................5-17
Technical Data .........................................................................................................................................5-18
Chapter 6 Start-Up ..........................................................................................................................................................6-1
Set the Overtemp Safety Thermostat............................................................................................................6-1
Set the Undertemp Safety Thermostat..........................................................................................................6-2
Chapter 7 Operation ........................................................................................................................................................7-1
Preparing the Environmental Chamber .........................................................................................................7-1
Device Check .............................................................................................................................................7-1
Preliminary Cleaning and Disinfecting ..........................................................................................................7-1
Chapter 8 Handling and Control ......................................................................................................................................8-1
Control Panel..............................................................................................................................................8-1
Set the Operating Temperature....................................................................................................................8-5
Set the Operating Humidity..........................................................................................................................8-5
Air Exchange Ventilator Caps.......................................................................................................................8-6
Set Up the Heatless Dryer (Optional) ............................................................................................................8-6
Operation Time Switch Light Modules ..........................................................................................................8-7
Symbol Legend .....................................................................................................................................8-7
Key Function .........................................................................................................................................8-8
Menu Overview .....................................................................................................................................8-9
Handling Advice ....................................................................................................................................8-9
Channel ON OFF / Permanent P .............................................................................................................8-9
Programming Menu .............................................................................................................................8-10
Standard Weekly Program ....................................................................................................................8-10
Cycle ..................................................................................................................................................8-11
Cycle Options ......................................................................................................................................8-11
Pulse ..................................................................................................................................................8-12
Priorities of the Switching Programs .....................................................................................................8-12
Special Program Entry (within yearly time switches) ...............................................................................8-12
Special Program Activation by Date (within yearly time switches) ............................................................8-13
Extra Switching Time (within yearly time switches) .................................................................................8-14
Permanent Program ............................................................................................................................8-14
Switch off Warning ..............................................................................................................................8-15
Channel Keys ......................................................................................................................................8-15
Additional Adjustments ........................................................................................................................8-17
Program Modify ...................................................................................................................................8-17
Chapter 9 Cleaning and Disinfection ...............................................................................................................................9-1

Thermo Scientific Model 3909/3942 | 3
Table of Contents
Cleaning ....................................................................................................................................................9-1
Clean the Glass Doors.................................................................................................................................9-2
Moisture-Sensitive Components ..................................................................................................................9-3
Cleaning Exterior Surfaces ..........................................................................................................................9-3
Cleaning Operation Panels ..........................................................................................................................9-4
Wipe / Spray Disinfection ............................................................................................................................9-4
Predisinfection............................................................................................................................................9-4
Cleaning the workspace..............................................................................................................................9-5
Final Disinfection ........................................................................................................................................9-5
Cleaning the Light Module Reflector.............................................................................................................9-5
Appropriate cleaning procedures to different degrees of pollution ..................................................................9-6
Chapter 10 Maintenance ...............................................................................................................................................10-1
Maintaining the Humidity Generator ...........................................................................................................10-1
Preventive Maintenance for Environmental Chambers .................................................................................10-2
Returns for Repair ....................................................................................................................................10-4
Chapter 11 Disposal ......................................................................................................................................................11-1
Chapter 12 Specifications .............................................................................................................................................12-1
Chapter 13 Service ........................................................................................................................................................13-1
Remove Software Lockout.........................................................................................................................13-1
Controller Configuration ............................................................................................................................13-2
Offset Calibration (Temp/Humidity).............................................................................................................13-2
Set Door Heater Control ............................................................................................................................13-2
Clean/Adjust Steam Generator...................................................................................................................13-4
Change PID Tuning...................................................................................................................................13-6
Watlow PM Control Auto Tune ...................................................................................................................13-7
Configuration Record ...............................................................................................................................13-8
Honeywell Truline Configuration Record ...................................................................................................13-14
Chapter 14 Information..................................................................................................................................................14-1
Contact....................................................................................................................................................14-1

Table of Contents
4 | Model 3909/3942 Thermo Scientific

Thermo Scientific Model 3909/3942 | 1-1
Safety Notes | Chapter 1
Safety Notes
Explanation of the Safety Information and
Symbols
Safety notes and symbols used throughout these operating instructions
Additional Symbols for Safety Information
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or
serious injuries.
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or
serious injuries.
Indicates a situation which, if not avoided, could result in damage to equipment
or property.
NOTE
Is used for useful hints and information regarding the application.
Important operating and/or maintenance instructions. Read the accompanying text carefully.
Potential electrical hazards. Only qualified persons should perform procedures associated
with this symbol.
Equipment being maintained or serviced must be turned off and locked off to prevent
possible injury.

| Safety Notes
1-2 | Model 3909/3942 Thermo Scientific
Chapter 1
For any activity on the environmental chamber:
✔Always use the proper protective equipment (clothing, gloves, goggles, etc.)
✔Always dissipate extreme cold or heat and wear protective clothing.
✔Always follow good hygiene practices.
✔Each individual is responsible for his or her own safety.
Basic Operating Precautions
These operating instructions describe environmental chambers.
The environmental chambers have been manufactured to the latest state of the art and
have been tested thoroughly for flawless functioning prior to shipping. However, the
environmental chambers may present potential hazards, particularly if it is operated by
inadequately trained personnel or if it is not used in accordance with the intended
purpose.
Therefore, the following must be observed for the sake of accident prevention:
Never step into the unit.
The environmental chambers must be operated by adequately trained and authorized
professional personnel.
The environmental chambers must not be operated unless these operating
instructions have been fully read and understood.
For any operation of this device, the operator must prepare clear and concise written
instructions in the language of the operating and cleaning personnel based on these
operating instructions, applicable safety data sheets, plant hygiene guidelines, and
technical regulations, in particular:
The decontamination measures to be employed for the environmental chamber and
the accessories used with it.
The safety precautions to be taken when processing specific agents.
Wearing protective equipment when handling e.g. microbiological and biological
samples.
The measures to be taken in case of accidents.
Repair work on the environmental chamber must be carried out only by trained and
authorized expert personnel.
WEEE Compliance: Thermo Fisher Scientific has contracted with companies for
recycling/disposal in each EU Member State. For further information, send an email to
[e-mail].

Thermo Scientific Model 3909/3942 | 1-3
Safety Notes | Chapter 1
Disconnect the unit from all power sources before cleaning, troubleshooting, or
performing other maintenance on the product or its controls. To disconnect power
supply to the environmental chamber, unplug the supply cord at the back of the
chamber. Note that deactivating the main switch on the front control panel to the Off
position is not sufficient to disconnect power.
The contents of these operating instructions are subject to change at any time
without further notice.
Keep these operating instructions close to the environmental chamber so that safety
instructions and important information are always accessible.
Should you encounter problems that are not detailed adequately in these operating
instructions, please contact Thermo Fisher Scientific immediately for your own.
Operational Safety Rules
The following rules must be heeded when working with environmental chambers:
Observe the sample weight limits specified for your environmental chambers, whole
and its shelving in particular; see “Specifications” on page 12-1.
Arrange the samples evenly throughout the work space, making sure not to place
them too closely to the interior walls to ensure a uniform temperature distribution.
Do not load your environmental chambers with substances that exceed the
capabilities of the available lab apparatus and personal protection equipment to
provide sufficient degrees of protection to users and third parties.
Check the door seal every 12 months for proper sealing performance and possible
damage.
Do not process any samples containing hazardous chemical substances that may be
released into the ambient air through defective seals or may cause corrosion or other
defects on parts of the environmental chamber.
The tempering of defined substances or materials with higher moisture content can
result in increased condensation in the chamber. Measures must be observed.
The user is responsible for carrying out appropriate decontamination procedures
when hazardous materials are spilled on or inside the environmental chamber.
Humidity
After transport and decommissioning, or storage under humid conditions a
drying-out process must be performed. During the drying-out process the
equipment cannot be assumed to meet all the safety requirements of the IEC
61010-2-010 standard. The drying-out period is 2 hours.
If the environmental chamber is not used in the manner specified in this
operating manual, the protection provided by the equipment design maybe
impaired.

| Safety Notes
1-4 | Model 3909/3942 Thermo Scientific
Chapter 1
Warranty
Thermo Fisher Scientific warrants the operational safety and functions of the
environmental chambers only under the condition that:
The environmental chamber is operated and serviced exclusively in accordance with
its intended purpose and as described in these operating instructions.
The environmental chamber is not modified.
Only original spare parts and accessories that have been approved by Forma are
used (third-party spares without Forma approval void the limited warranty).
Inspections and maintenance are performed at the specified intervals.
An operation verification test is performed after each repair activity.
Intended Use
Forma Environmental Chambers with light option are laboratory devices intended for
Stability testing,
Shelf life studies, packaging testing,
Light stability testing,
Cultivation of: cells, tissue, micro organism cultures for research only,
Plant growth,
Hatching of insects, fish or other animals and microorganisms that require light
exposure,
Refrigerated storage or long term storage of substances and samples.
The devices employ:
Precision temperature control - above or below and above ambient temperature,
depending on model
Precision humidity control: some models only
On option: Precision CO2control
On option: Light control for day/night simulation and light stability testing for
simulating the specific physiological ambient conditions for these cultures, organisms
and test or storage applications acc,. ICH guideline.
Unintended Use
The appliance is not explosion-proof. To avoid the risk of explosion do not load the
environmental chamber with tissue, material or liquids that:
are easily flammable or explosive,

Thermo Scientific Model 3909/3942 | 1-5
Safety Notes | Chapter 1
release vapor or dust that forms combustible or explosive mixtures when exposed to
air,
release poisons,
release dust,
exhibit exothermic reactions,
are pyrotechnical substances,
cultivation of: human cells for diagnostics of diseases.
Refrain also from pouring any liquids onto the internal base plate.
Standards and Directives
UL 61010-1, 3rd Edition, May 11, 2012, Revised April 29, 2016,
CAN/CSA-C22-2 No. 61010-1-12, 3rd Edition, Revision dated April 29, 2016,
FCC 47 CFR Part 15B,
ISED ICES-001, Issue 4: 2006, Updated November 2014,
China EEP Hazardous Substances Information
http://www.thermofisher.com/us/en/home/technical-resources/
rohs-certificates.html,
ICH guidelines: Q1A for stability testing of new active ingredients and products,
Q1B, for light stability testing.

| Safety Notes
1-6 | Model 3909/3942 Thermo Scientific
Chapter 1

Thermo Scientific Model 3909/3942 | 2-1
Delivery of the Environmental Chamber | Chapter 2
Delivery of the Environmental
Chamber
Packaging
The environmental chambers are delivered in a rugged packaging box. All packaging
materials can be separated and are reusable:
Packaging materials
Packaging carton: Recycled paper
Foam elements: Styrofoam (CFC-free and HFC-free)
Pallet: Chemically untreated wood
Packaging film: Polyethylene
Packaging ribbons: Polypropylene
Acceptance Inspection
After the environmental chamber has been delivered, check the delivery immediately for:
Completeness
Possible damage
If components are missing or damage is found on the environmental chamber or the
packaging, in particular damage caused by humidity and/or water, please notify the
carrier as well as Forma Technical Support immediately.
Risk of Injury
Should sharp edges have formed in damaged areas or elsewhere on the device, take all
necessary precautions to protect personnel handling the environmental chamber. For
example, have them wear protective gloves and other personal protection equipment.

| Delivery of the Environmental Chamber
2-2 | Model 3909/3942 Thermo Scientific
Chapter 2
Scope of Delivery
The desired light modules should be ordered separately:
50158127 Light module for ICH light stability testing.
50158128 Light module for plant growth.
50158129 Light module for animal hatching.
Part Amount
Environmental chamber 1
Shelves and Shelf Channels
3909
3942
2 and 4
3 and 6
Reflector tester for door switch 1
Set of accessories
- Water connection
- Manual Watlow controller CD
- Screws for wall mounting
1

Thermo Scientific Model 3909/3942 | 3-1
Transport Information | Chapter 3
Transport Information
Lifting Model 3909
Figure 3-1 Lifting the model
Lift the unit only with appropriate lifting gear at the indicated lifting points.
Humidity
After transport and decommissioning, or storage under humid conditions a
drying-out process must be performed. During the drying-out process the
equipment cannot be assumed to meet all the safety requirements of the IEC
61010-2-010 standard. The drying-out period is 2 hours.
roller castor
levelling feet
The Model 3909 has a total weight of approx. 575 lbs / 261 kg.

| Transport Information
3-2 | Model 3909/3942 Thermo Scientific
Chapter 3
Use 2 wooden blocks (WxLxH / 2 in x 20 in x 1.2 in / 50 mm x 500 mm x 30 mm) under
the left and right side between the roller castors as a load spreading block, to avoid
damaging the unit.
Levelling feet can be used to lock into position and/or levelling the unit.
Do not stack units!
Moving Model 3942
After unpacking and bringing in upright position, the unit is designed to be moved on even
surfaces, in a laboratory, to its operating position, only.
Leveling feet can be used to lock into position and/or leveling the unit.
The Model 3942 has a total weight of approx. 765 lbs / 347 kg.

Thermo Scientific Model 3909/3942 | 4-1
Installation | Chapter 4
Installation
Ambient Conditions
Requirements
The environmental chamber must only be operated in a location that meets all of the
ambient condition requirements listed below:
Installation location indoors in dry areas free from drafts.
The dust pollution may not exceed the contamination category 2 based on EN
61010-1. Using the environmental chamber in an atmosphere with electrically
conductive dust is prohibited.
The room must be equipped with appropriate ventilation. Solid, level, fire-proof
surface; no flammable materials opposite to the rear panel of the environmental
chamber.
The electrical circuitry of the environmental chamber has been designed for an
operating height of up to 2000 m above sea level.
If a high-voltage test is to be performed on the unit, it must first be heated for around
30 minutes at 50°C.
The ambient temperature must be within 18°C - 26°C (64°F - 79°F) with light
module and 16°C - 32°C (61°F - 90°F) without light module, see “Specifications”.
Devices that produce excessive amounts of heat must not be placed near the
environmental chamber.
Power line voltage variations must not exceed ±10 % of the nominal voltage.
Transient surges must lie within the range of levels that normally occur in the power
supply system. The impulse withstand voltage based on surge category II of IEC
60364-4-443 shall be applied at the nominal voltage level.
Relative humidity up to 70%, non condensing, at an ambient temperature of 28°C,
decreasing linearly up to 55% at 32°C without light module, up to 70%, at 28°C with
light module.
Please note: Should condensation exist, wait until the moisture has evaporated
completely before connecting the environmental chamber to a power source and
powering up.
WARNING
Connect to suitable power supply only.
See chapter Technical Specifications for specific power input for the respective
unit.

| Installation
4-2 | Model 3909/3942 Thermo Scientific
Chapter 4
Intermediate Storage
When the chamber is placed in intermediate storage, which is permissible for a maximum
of four weeks, make sure that the ambient temperature is between 20°C to 60°C (68°F to
140°F) and the maximum relative humidity does not exceed 90%, non-condensing.
Installing the Wall Anchors
The unit has two wall anchor studs located in the left and right side of the cabinet. Use the
provided 5/16” bolts to secure the wall anchors to each side of the cabinet top. Anchors
that connect between the cabinet sides to facility wall are customer supplied.
Figure 4-1 Wall Anchor Installation
To prevent the unit from tilting, wall brackets must be obtained and installed by
the customer to secure the unit before use.
NOTE
For Model 3942 - Wall anchors are required to meet the UL Tip Test Safety
Standards. For Model 3909 - Wall anchors are not required to meet the UL Tip
Test Safety Standards. However, they are included in the event that the cabinet
is installed on a benchtop.
610105
5/16-18 UNC
STAINLESS STEEL
RIVNUT
23036
5/16 INT. TOOTH
LOCKWASHER
3176856
5/16-18 x 1“
HH FULL THREAD
SS CAP SCREW
TOPOFCABINET
REAROFCABINET
(ORMAINBODYOFCABINET
DONOTATTACHTOCONTROLPANEL)

Thermo Scientific Model 3909/3942 | 4-3
Installation | Chapter 4
Power Connection
See the serial tag on the side of the unit or the “Specifications” section for electrical
specifications.
For Models 3909 and 3942, plug the provided 10 ft. power cord with the CEE 16 A, 6h
plug into the grounded dedicated electrical circuit.
Installing the Shelves
The shelves may be installed at any level in the environmental chamber. Install a shelf
channel on each side. With the tabs pointing up, attach the channel by locating the rivet
into a slotted hole, far end first. Pull the channel toward the front and slide the front rivet
on the channel into the slotted hole and press down. Make sure that the channels are
opposite each other so that the installed shelf will be level.
Figure 4-2 Install Shelf Channel
Leveling the Unit
Place a bubble-type level on a shelf inside the environmental chamber. Adjust the feet as
needed; counterclockwise to lengthen or clockwise to shorten. Level the unit
front-to-back and left-to-right.
Connect Water Inlet for Humidity System
The humidity reservoir will require approximately three cups (0.710 liter) of water on the
initial filling. For best operation of the environmental chamber, sterilized distilled,
demineralized or de-ionized water should be used in the humidity reservoir. Water purity
should be in the resistance range of 50K to 1MOhm*cm, or a conductivity range of 1.0 to
20.0 S/cm. Refer to ASTM Standard D5391-93 or D4195-88 for measuring water
purity.
Connect the environmental chamber to a grounded, dedicated circuit. For Models
3909 and 3942, the power cord connector is the mains disconnect device.
Position the chamber to allow unobstructed access so the unit can be easily
disconnected in an emergency.

| Installation
4-4 | Model 3909/3942 Thermo Scientific
Chapter 4
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
or ultrapure 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 to 18M
Ohm*cm. 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 center of the
environmental chamber. For pressurized systems, water inlet pressure must not exceed
40 PSI. A manual shut-off valve should be installed between the main water supply and
the environmental chamber. A water strainer is provided that can be connected to the
back of the cabinet if desired.
Alternate Water Supply for Humidity System
If an in-house water supply of the required purity range (50K to 1M Ohm*cm) is not
available, an alternate water supply method can be used. A large vented carboy (5 gal.
minimum) of water in the required purity range can be placed on top of the unit. The
provided ¼” hose barb fitting should be used to connect to the 1/8” FPT water inlet fitting,
located on the rear top center of the environmental chamber.
NOTE
Thermo Fisher Scientific offers free water sample testing. For further
information contact our Customer Service Department.
Distilled or de-ionized water used in humidity reservoir must be within a water
quality resistance range of 50K 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 warranty.
To prevent mineral buildup on humidity generator walls, it may be necessary to
clean the humidity generator with a non-metallic abrasive pad and flush
thoroughly every two to three months. Refer to “Clean/Adjust Steam Generator”
on page 13-4 .