Low Temperature Bod Incubator

A low temperature BOD incubator (also called a refrigerated BOD incubator or low-temperature incubator) is a specialized laboratory device designed to maintain precise, stable temperatures, typically from -10°C to +60°C (with the standard BOD test often run at 20°C ± 1°C). It features both cooling (refrigeration or thermoelectric/Peltier system) and heating capabilities, unlike regular bacteriological incubators that only heat and usually operate around 37°C.

Primary Uses

• The main application: Measures the oxygen consumed by microorganisms decomposing organic matter in wastewater, effluent, or water samples. The test requires incubation at ~20°C for 5 days in the dark.
• Other applications: Bacterial research at lower temperatures, seed germination, insect/fish breeding, microbial growth studies (e.g., yeast/mold), fermentation, plant physiology, and environmental/water quality analysis.

It ensures uniform temperature, minimal fluctuations (±0.5°C or better), and often includes forced air circulation for even distribution.

Key Features (Typical Specifications)

• Temperature Range: -10°C to 60°C (some models go up to 100°C or start from 5°C).
• Temperature Accuracy/Uniformity: ±0.2°C to ±1°C depending on the model.
• Capacity: Varies widely — small benchtop (e.g., 50–170 L), medium (200–300 L), or large floor models (up to 500–600 L or more).
• Construction: Inner chamber usually stainless steel (SS 304/316, mirror polished for easy cleaning), outer body mild steel with powder coating. Glass or solid door with lock.
• Control: Microprocessor-based PID controller with digital LED/LCD display (set value + process value). Some have touch-screen HMI or data logging.
• Cooling System: Compressor-based (e.g., Kirloskar) or energy-efficient thermoelectric (no compressor, quieter, lower vibration).
• Other: Adjustable shelves, UV light option (in some models), safety features like over-temperature protection, and low power consumption models.

Difference from Regular Incubator

• Regular (Bacteriological) Incubator: Heating only, typically 5–10°C above ambient to 60–80°C+. Used for general bacterial/fungal culture at 37°C.
• Low-Temp BOD Incubator: Has both heating + cooling, excels at stable low temperatures (especially below ambient), and is unaffected by room temperature. Essential for BOD because standard incubators can’t reliably hold 20°C in warmer environments.