Thermo Scientific Air-Jacketed Compact Flo-Thru 315 Installation and maintenance instructions

Air-Jacketed Compact Flo-Thru®
CO2Incubators
Operator’s Manual and Parts List
Model No.
315
315 V (dual voltage)
315-1
LT1448 1 • 5/28/09

Safety Information ........................................................................................................................................................3
Alert Signals ..........................................................................................................................................................3
Specifications ..............................................................................................................................................................4
Power Requirements ............................................................................................................................................4
Temperature Range ..............................................................................................................................................4
Temperature Control ..............................................................................................................................................4
Temperature Uniformity ........................................................................................................................................4
Carbon ioxide Range ..........................................................................................................................................4
Volume ..................................................................................................................................................................4
Overall imensions................................................................................................................................................4
Chamber imensions ............................................................................................................................................4
Shelf imensions ..................................................................................................................................................4
Shipping Weight ....................................................................................................................................................4
Unit’s Environmental Operating Conditions ..........................................................................................................4
Unpacking and Installation ..........................................................................................................................................5
Shipping Carton ....................................................................................................................................................5
Location ................................................................................................................................................................5
Electrical Requirements ........................................................................................................................................5
Gas Filter Interface Assembly Kit ..........................................................................................................................6
Installation Procedure............................................................................................................................................6
Figure A: Back of Unit - Rear Panel View, Exterior ..............................................................................................7
escription and Features ............................................................................................................................................9
Basic Components ................................................................................................................................................9
escription ..........................................................................................................................................................11
Control Panel ......................................................................................................................................................12
Operation....................................................................................................................................................................13
Loading the Incubator..........................................................................................................................................13
Air/Gas Ratio ......................................................................................................................................................13
CO2/Air Flow Nomograph: 315 Series Flo-Thru CO2 Incubators ......................................................................14
Thermostat Control..............................................................................................................................................15
Operating Suggestions, 315 Series Flo-Thru CO2 Incubators............................................................................15
CO2 Sampling Measurement ..............................................................................................................................15
Temperature Readout Calibration........................................................................................................................16
Using Fyrite ................................................................................................................................................................17
Hints on Using the Fyrite ....................................................................................................................................17
Taking a Fyrite Reading ......................................................................................................................................18
Maintenance ..............................................................................................................................................................21
Cleaning ..............................................................................................................................................................21
Care and Cleaning of Stainless Steel..................................................................................................................21
The Alloy Called Stainless ..................................................................................................................................21
The pH Factor ......................................................................................................................................................22
Special Considerations ........................................................................................................................................22
Cleansing Agents ................................................................................................................................................23
Cleaning Methods ........................................................................................................................................23
Materials Effective in isinfecting ................................................................................................................24
Unit Repairs ........................................................................................................................................................24
Replacement Parts ....................................................................................................................................................25
Ordering Procedures ..................................................................................................................................................26
Two Year Limited Warranty ........................................................................................................................................28
2
Table of Contents

3
Your Thermo Scientific Air-Jacketed Compact Flo-Thru®
CO2 Incubator has been designed with function, reliability,
and safety in mind. It is your responsibility to install it in
conformance with local electrical codes. It is most impor-
tant that the user follow installation instructions exactly as
written. Failure to do so is likely to lead to improper opera-
tion, erroneous calibrations and possible damage to the
equipment. o not attempt operation without this informa-
tion.
The following equipment is to be supplied by the user:
• ry CO2 gas (research grade or better).
• A dual-stage regulator for the CO2 tank.
• 1/4" (0.64 cm) I Flexible tubing (appropriate
length from tank to incubators), and connected
per local codes.
• Fyrite or other CO2 analyzer.
BE ADVISED: INSTALLATION AN PRE-OPERATION
PROCE URE WILL TAKE AT LEAST 24 HOURS TO
COMPLETE. O NOT ATTEMPT TO RUSH THE
PROCESS WITH SHORT CUTS TO THE PROCE URES
ESCRIBE IN THIS MANUAL.
Safety Information
W rning
Warnings alert you to a possibility of
personal injury.
C ution
Cautions alert you to a possibility of
damage to the equipment.
Note
Notes alert you to pertinent facts and
conditions.
Hot Surf ce
Hot surfaces alert you to a possibility of
personal injury if you come in contact
with a surface during use or for a period
of time after use.
Alert Signals

Power Requirements
315, 315 V (110): 120 Volts, 50/60 Hz, 200 Watts, 1.7 Amps
315-1, 315 V (220): 240 Volts, 50/60 Hz, 200 Watts, 0.8 Amps
Temperature Range
Ambient +5°C to 60°C
Temperature Control
±0.2°C
Temperature Uniformity
±1.0°C
Carbon ioxide Range
From 0 to 20% of the mixture
Volume
1.2 cu. ft. (33.9 liters)
Unit’s Environmental Operating Conditions
POLLUTION EGREE*: 2
INSTALLATION CATEGORY*: II
ALTITU E: 2000 Meters MSL (Mean Sea Level)
HUMI ITY: 80% maximum, non-condensing
ELECTRICAL SUPPLY: 120VAC or 240VAC
VOLTAGE TOLERANCE: ±10% of normal rated line
TEMPERATURE: 15ºC to 40ºC
PRO UCT USAGE: This product is intended for use indoors only
*Refer to IEC 664-1
4
Specifications
Overall imensions
22.5”W x 18” x 19”H (57cm x 46cm x 48cm)
Chamber imensions
14”W x 12” x 12”H (36cm x 31cm x 31cm)
Shelf imensions
2 standard; space for 3 additional shelves.
11" W x 13-1/2" x 7" H (28 x 34 x 18 cm)
Shipping Weight
70 lbs. (32 kg)

5
Shipping Carton
The shipping carton should be inspected upon delivery.
When received, carefully examine for any shipping dam-
age before unpacking. If damage is discovered, the deliv-
ering carrier should both specify and sign for the damage
on your copy of the delivery receipt.
Open the carton carefully making certain that all parts are
accounted for before packaging materials are discarded.
After unpacking, if damage is found promptly report it to
the carrier and request a damage inspection promptly.
IMPORTANT: Failure to request an inspection of damage
within a few days after receipt of shipment absolves the
carrier from any liability for damage. You must call for a
damage inspection promptly.
Location
Place the unit where it will be used, away from external
vibration sources, drafts and wide variations in ambient
temperature. To prevent damaging the tubing, allow at
least 3” (8 cm) between the back of the incubator and
wall. Choose a location near a power supply that match-
es the unit nameplate requirements.
Electrical Requirements
• Use a properly grounded electrical outlet of cor-
rect voltage and current handling capacity.
• o not remove or modify grounded power plug.
Use only properly grounded outlets to avoid
shock hazard
Unpacking and Installation
C ution
This unit is designed for use with CO2
only. o not use with any other gases.
Failure to observe these precautions
can result in explosion and/or fire and
serious injury and/or death and proper-
ty damage.
Note
Leave unit disconnected when not in
use.

Gas Filter Interface Assembly Kit
Models 315, 315-1, and 315 V require this assembly to be
used for both CO2 and air.
Kit includes:
• (4) Hose Clamps - #250-331-00
• (1) In-Line Filter - #525-034-00
• (1) 10 ft. (4.57 m) length of 1/4” (6.35 mm) I
PVC tubing - #720-418-00
Installation Procedure
See next page for illustration.
1. Turn the unit power switch to the OFF position.
2. Connect tubing to tank gas outlet.
3. Connect 1/4” (0.64 cm) I tubing to hose barb on
one side of in-line filter and secure with hose
clamp; connect tubing to in-line filter hose barb on
its other side and secure with hose clamp.
4. 315 series incubators require this assembly to be
connected to both air and gas inlet fittings.
5. Set the supply regulators at 4 psi.
6. Check all of the connections for leaks.
7. Turn the unit power switch to the ON position.
6
UNPACKING AND INSTALLATION
W rning
High concentrations of carbon diox-
ide product metabolic abnormalities,
disturbances of the central nervous
system and cardiac instability.
Unconsciousness may occur at con-
centrations above 10%.

7
Back of unit
1/4” (0.64 cm) hose
barb connections
(CO2 fitting)
Pressure regulators and gauges must be
installed on each tank. Check local gas supplier
for proper regulators.
Set pressure at 10 psi.
In-line filter
Hose clamp
Hose clamp
1/4” (0.64 cm)
ID tubing
Hose clamp
100% CO2
and air
UNPACKING AND INSTALLATION
Figure A: Back of Unit – Rear Panel View, Exterior

8
Standard Type (Correct) Siphon Type (Incorrect)
1
2
3
12
3
4
5
6
7
8
1. Compressed Gas Association #320
connector.
2. Gas head space.
3. Liquid CO2 filled to 68% equal weight
of water that cylinder would hold at
60ºF.
1. Warning tag indicating that cylinder is siphoning type.
2* Aluminum ring.
3* Gold band.
4* Stamp or marking on cylinder: "Siphon" or "Eductor
Tube".
5* Valve should be of special type for service.
6* Withdrawal tube draws up the liquid CO2.
7* Gas head-space.
8* Liquid CO2 filled to 68% equal weight of water that
cylinder will hold at 60ºF.
*Note: Some gas suppliers will have no markings to indicate an
“Educator Tube” or “Siphon” type cylinder. Be sure to order
RY, LAB-GRA E CO2.
Be sure to obtain a dual-stage regulator from the gas supplier
for the CO2 tank that is to be installed according to local
codes. Connect 1/4" I (6.35 mm) flexible tubing to the regula-
tor. Connect the other end of the tubing to the unit's CO2 inlet
(located on the back top panel). Insert tubing over hose barb
and fasten with an appropriate clamp to assure a proper con-
nection. Adjust the regulator for the pressure recommended
on the previous pages when CO2 is to be injected into cham-
ber. For optimum results, do not exceed or reduce this pres-
sure.

Basic Components
9
escription and Features
1. Air and CO2 flowmeters
2. Unit feet
3. CO2 access port
4. Chamber shelves
5. Temperature sensor
6. Chamber gasket
7. Inner glass door, handle shaft
8. Inner glass door
9. Inner glass door, handle
10. Outer steel door/gasket
910
15
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1

Chamber Ceiling, Interior
10
DESCRIPTION AND FEATURES
Circulating Fan
1. Cordset
2. Cordset
3. CO2 inlet port
4. Air inlet port
5. Input connector
6. 120/240 selector switch
4
Rear Panel View, Exterior
56
123

escription
CO2 levels are manually adjusted utilizing flowmeters. Flo-
Thru control of CO2 concentrations and temperature create a
growth environment ideal for tissue cultures, plants, cells,
viruses and related organisms.
An incoming gas mixture passes through the plenum and is
gently circulated throughout the chamber. Separate flowme-
ters adjust air and CO2 rates and an access port on the con-
trol panel permits sampling of the chamber atmosphere.
One thermostat is an adjustable setpoint control unit the other
is a non-adjustable, over-temperature-limiting unit. It is factory
pre-set to regulate temperature in order to protect the cham-
ber.
Heaters on the outside of the chamber inner walls are posi-
tioned for uniform heat distribution, while high-density fiber-
glass insulation minimizes heat loss.
A double-door system has a tempered glass inner door that
provides unobstructed viewing of the entire chamber.
Model 315 and 315-1 interiors are constructed of seamless
stainless steel for cleaning ease and maintenance. 2 stain-
less steel shelves are standard—a total capacity is 5 shelves.
Model 315 V is a dual voltage unit that can be operated at
either 120 or 240VAC by moving a voltage selector switch
located on the back panel to either 120 or 240V.
All models have a steel outer cabinet with a powder-coated
finish for easy cleaning.
11
DESCRIPTION AND FEATURES

12
DESCRIPTION AND FEATURES
1. AIR FLOWMETER: Controls the amount of incoming air by rotating its control knob.
2. LE ISPLAY: isplays current temperature.
3. CALIBRATION POTENTIOMETER: Using a jeweler’s screwdriver, display can be adjusted.
4. TEMPERATURE STATUS LAMP: Lit when heaters are active.
5. TEMPERATURE CONTROL: Rotates to raise or lower temperatures.
6. POWER SWITCH: Turns the unit on and off.
7. CO2 FLOWMETER: Controls the amount of incoming CO2 by rotating its control knob.
8. HIGH SAFETY STATUS LAMP: Lights up when high limit set point temperature is exceeded.
9. CO2 SAMPLE INLET PORT: Used to determine the amount of CO2 inside the chamber.
Control Panel
Air CO2
Temperature °C
CAL
Temp Control
Temp HI
Safety
Power Sample
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

13
Operation
Loading the Incubator
Load the chamber, spacing the items as far apart as possible
(for maximum air circulation).
Air/Gas Ratio
Set the flowmeters to obtain the required air and CO2 flow—
using the lowest possible CO2 flow rate will help to conserve
gas. Use one of the following formulas to find the desired air-
to-gas ratio:
R=% CO2 in the chamber atmosphere
A=Air flow in liters/minute
C=CO2 flow in liters/minute
Equ tion 1 (to be used if air and CO2 flow rates are known):
R = Cx 100
A + C
Equ tion 2 (to be used if air flow rate and % CO2 are
known):
C = RA liters/min.
100-R
Equ tion 3 (to be used if CO2 flow rate and % CO2 are
known):
A = 100C-RC liters/min.
R
Example 1: If a CO2 percentage of 15% is desired at a flow
rate of 0.4 liters/min. of CO2, use Equation 3.
A = 100(0.4) - 15 (0.4) =40-6
15 15
= 2.26 liters/min. of air
Example 2: If flow rates are set 0.1 liters/min. of CO2 and 3
liters/min. of air, use Equation 1 to find percentage of CO2.
B = 0.1 x 100 = 3.2% CO2 in chamber
3.0 + 0.1 atmosphere
W rning
o not use in the presence of flam-
mable or combustible materials or
explosive gases. o not use in the
presence of pressurized or sealed
containers – fire or explosion may
result, causing death or severe
injury.
W rning
o not heat any substance above a
temperature that will cause it to emit
toxic fumes; death or severe injury
may result.
W rning
Use only carbon dioxide in the incu-
bator. o not under any circum-
stance inject oxygen or other explo-
sive gas or mixture into unit. Failure
to observe these precautions can
result in explosion and/or fire and
serious injury or death and property
damage.

14
OPERATION
CO2 10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2.5
2
1.5
1.0
.9
.8
.7
.6
.5
.4
.3
.25
.2
.16
.15
.1
L
I
T
E
R
S
/
M
I
N
U
T
E
CO2 26 24 22 20 181614 12 10
9.0
8.0
7.0
6.0
5.0
4.0
3.0
2.5
2.0
1.5
1.0
0.8
0.6
0.4
%
CO2
1 1.5 2 2.5 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 15 20 25 30 40 1009080706050
LITERS PER MINUTE, AIR
1. RAW A VERTICAL LINE FROM THE POINT THAT REPRESENTS THE AIR FLOW ON THE HORIZON-
TAL AXIS UNTIL IT INTERSECTS A IAGONAL LINE IN ICATING THE REQUIRE VOLUME (%) OF CO2
FLOW; 2. RUN A HORIZONTAL LINE TO THE VERTICAL AXIS TO FIN REQUIRE FLOW OF CO2 IN
LITERS/MINUTE; 3. TO OBTAIN THE AIR FLOW (IF CO2 FLOW IN LITERS/MINUTE AN % CO2 ARE
KNOWN), REVERSE PROCE URE.
CO2/Air Flow Nomograph: 315 Series Flo-Thru CO2 Incubators

Thermostat Control
A hydraulic thermostat is utilized for set point control to
protect chamber from over-temperature conditions.
Operating Suggestions, 315
Series Flo-Thru CO2 Incubators
• In order to obtain and maintain the desired CO2
gas pressure, periodically check the tightness
and integrity of the gasket that secures the glass
door to the chamber.
• To be sure of maintaining desired gas pressure,
periodically check outflow pressure from gas
supply source.
• If maintaining humidity conditions within the
chamber, check level of water in pan and replen-
ish as necessary. For best operation of the
equipment, fill the humidity reservoir with steril-
ized distilled water or equivalent. The acceptable
resistivity range is 50K to 1 Megohm (conductivi-
ty 1 to 20 micro Siemens).
• After power is disconnected to the unit, do not
permit humidity water to remain in the unit.
Remove any pans and/or dry the interior thor-
oughly.
• Insofar as possible, keep the incubator door
closed in order to reduce the possibility of fun-
gus growth starting from airborne organisms
entering the chamber.
CO2 Sampling Measurement
Insert sample probe into the sample access port making
sure that a tight seal is attained. Obtain a sample of CO2
sufficiently large to meet the requirements of the analyti-
cal apparatus or procedure being used. Perform CO2
analysis.
15
OPERATION
C ution
Using chlorinated tap water or addi-
tives that contain chlorine will void the
manufacture warranty. Similarly, high
purity (deionized) water that does not
fall within a resistivity range of 50K to
1 Megohm will void the manufacture
warranty. If you should have any ques-
tions, please contact Technical
Support.

Temperature Readout
Calibration
Place a scientifically accurate thermometer in the cham-
ber, on a center shelf and allow the incubator to stabilize
at some set temperature. If the digital temperature read-
out does not agree with the thermometer, take the trim-
mer pot tool, insert in calibration pot on control panel and
adjust until readout matches the measured temperature.
16
OPERATION

Hints on Using the Fyrite
The following information is intended to supplement that
found in the Fyrite manual and is based on experience
working with users of our Incubators.
One of the most important aspects of using the Fyrite pro-
cedure and one that is frequently overlooked is the condi-
tion of the fluid. The Fyrite accepts a sample of the
Incubator's environment into its own chamber where it is
absorbed by the Fyrite fluid to determine the CO2 per-
centage or tension. Keeping outside air from the sample
drawn from the Incubator is of special importance. Any
outside air contaminating the sample is detrimental to an
accurate reading, and more importantly, to the growth of
your cells. Inspection of the fluid should be performed
only with the user wearing protective gloves, as the Fyrite
fluid is slightly corrosive. The inspection should review the
following:
•THE DATE OF THE LAST FLUID CHANGE:
Old fluid will not absorb as much CO2 and will
produce a false reading. This may lead the user
to recalibrate the Incubator to higher CO2 ten-
sions that can prove lethal to cell cultures.
Fyrite fluid should be changed after approxi-
mately 350 uses. This approximates a change of
fluid once a year if the Fyrite procedure is car-
ried out on a daily basis. Keep track of the num-
ber of uses and if the Fyrite is used with more
than one Incubator. Experience shows that the
color of the fluid is not as important as the age
of fluid.
•CHECK THE CONTAINMENT VESSEL AND
HOSES AT LEAST ONCE A MONTH: Make
sure that there are no cracks in the vessel or
leakage of fluid to the outside of the container.
This can indicate a leaky seal or internal crack.
Hoses should be stretched slightly and inspect-
ed for cracks or holes. This is critical as cracks
and/or holes in the hoses can draw in outside
ambient air and produce a false reading.
•CHECK THE FLUID DAILY AND ADJUST THE
SLIDE GAUGE TO READ ZERO: If you have
adjusted the slide gauge all the way down and
the fluid level is still too low, place a couple of
17
Using Fyrite
Note
A little water goes a long way. Use
only a couple drops of distilled water
at once.
C ution
o not use Fyrite fluid to adjust the
level of fluid use distilled water only.
The only time to use fresh Fyrite
fluid is when you change it due to
the age of the fluid.

drops of distilled water into the plunger on the
top of the Fyrite. epress the plunger and the
water will transfer into the Fyrite causing the
fluid level to rise. Repeat this procedure until the
fluid level reads correctly.
• Inspect the Fyrite filter in the clear plastic casing
between the hoses for any contamination or
growth. Change it if necessary. CAUTION:
MAKE SURE THE FILTER IS MOIST BEFORE
YOU TAKE YOUR REA ING. A MOIST FILTER
IS A MUST FOR AN ACCURATE REA ING.
To moisten the filter:
1) Remove the end of the short hose without the
squeeze bulb that connects to the Incubator.
2) Add several drops of distilled water to the fil-
ter, replace the hose and squeeze the bulb.
3) Release the bulb and the water will be drawn
into the filter.
4) Squeeze the bulb and quickly release it to
remove any excess water. You will see this
water (if any) come out of the end of hose that is
closest to the squeeze bulb. This is the cupped
end that is depressed onto the Fyrite.
Taking a Fyrite Reading
It is recommended th t Fyrite CO2 nd independent
temper ture tests be performed t interv ls to be
determined individu lly or s dict ted by est blished
protocol. Some l bor tories conducting critic l work
m y w nt to record CO2 nd temper ture re dings on
d ily b sis.
1. Clear the Fyrite of any residue CO2. Simply
depress the plunger on the head or the top of
the Fyrite taking care not to cover the hole. This
introduces fresh ambient air into the Fyrite
chamber.
3. Release the plunger and turn the Fyrite upside
down, holding it at a 45-degree angle until most
18
USING FYRITE
C ution
The incubator must be stable.

of the bubbles surface and the fluid has filled the
head. Even the smallest bubbles may contain
CO2, so that it is important to let most of the
smaller bubbles surface.
4. Turn it right side up and hold it at 45 degrees.
Allow the fluid to fill the Fyrite and depress the
plunger again. This clears the Fyrite of any CO2
that might cause a false reading.
5. Attach the filter side of the hose to the
Incubator's CO2 sample port. Remove the brass
tube, if present, from the Fyrite hose, as it is not
needed and attach the hose to the CO2 sample
port. (The brass tube was once used with older
Incubators that utilized a hole in the Incubator
wall or door to measure CO2 but this method
proved to cause contamination problems.)
6. LOOK AT YOUR FYRITE GAUGE AN A JUST
THE ZERO IF NECESSARY. Take the squeeze
bulb end of the hose and with the hole of the
cupped end facing down, place it onto the
plunger of the Fyrite and hold it firmly in posi-
tion. IMPORTANT: ONCE YOU HAVE
EPRESSE THE PLUNGER OF THE
FYRITE, IT IS CRITICAL THAT IT NOT BE
RELEASE URING THE FOLLOWING PRO-
CE URE.
9. epress the plunger and hold it down. It is very
important not to allow the plunger to spring up—
if this occurs, you will be repeating an already
existing reading. It will not matter how many
times you pump the squeeze bulb, as long
as you hold the plunger down you will introduce
only one sample to the Fyrite. But, by releasing
the plunger and immediately pushing it back
down, you will then be adding an additional
sample to the Fyrite chamber causing the read-
ing to double or triple. In the event that it is diffi-
cult to hold the plunger down while pumping the
squeeze bulb, find a more suitable or comfort-
able position.
10. Without releasing the plunger, pump the
squeeze bulb at least 20 times— this assures
19
USING FYRITE

USING FYRITE
complete and thorough transfer of the sample to
the Fyrite chamber.
11. Once the bulb has been pumped the required
number of times, HOL THE SQUEEZE BULB
IN THE "SQUEEZE " POSITION and release
the pressure on the cup that will also release
the plunger. This traps the sample from the
Incubator in the Fyrite chamber and allows the
fluid to absorb the CO2.
12. With the plunger now released, turn the Fyrite
upside down again and hold at a 45-degree
angle to allow the smaller bubbles to surface
while the fluid fills the chamber head.
13. Reverse and turn Fyrite right side up and hold at
a 45-degree angle to allow the same thing to
happen. Repeat this procedure.
14. Hold upside down at 45-degree angle and right-
side up at 45-degree angle. Finish by shaking
the Fyrite slightly while holding at 45-degree
angle to allow residue droplets of fluid to drain
into the measuring tube.
15. Read the gauge: It should match or be close to
your CO2 set point. It is possible that you may
be off as much as ±3%. If you read more than
8%, it is possible that you may have introduced
two samples or the Incubator is way out of cali-
bration. If a wide variation between the reading
and CO2 set point exists, it is recommended
that the sampling and measurement procedure
be repeated.
16. Once the possibility of any error in Fyrite read-
ing has been eliminated, calibrate your
Incubator to conform to the reading obtained.
20