Prasad Lab Equipment

An Orbital Shaker Incubator is a laboratory instrument that combines the functions of an incubator and an orbital shaker in a single unit. It is designed to provide controlled temperature conditions while simultaneously shaking or agitating the samples in a circular motion. This type of incubator is widely used in microbiological, biochemical, and chemical research, where constant agitation is required to mix or aerate samples.

Key Features of an Orbital Shaker Incubator:

1. Orbital Shaking Motion:

   • The unit typically offers orbital shaking, which means the sample containers move in a circular or elliptical motion. This ensures that the contents of the vessels are evenly mixed, enhancing processes like cell culturing, protein expression, or chemical reactions.

2. Temperature Control:

   • The incubator aspect of the unit allows for precise temperature regulation, usually in the range of 5°C to 60°C, though some models may extend beyond these limits. The temperature is controlled via a digital microprocessor controller, ensuring consistent conditions for sensitive experiments.

3. Shaking Speed:

   • Orbital shakers typically offer variable speed settings, which can range from 20 to 300 rpm (revolutions per minute), allowing users to adjust the shaking intensity based on the nature of the sample and the experimental requirements.

4. Uniform Temperature Distribution:

   • The unit is designed with an efficient air circulation system to ensure uniform temperature distribution within the chamber, preventing hot or cold spots that could affect sample integrity.

5. Capacity:

   • Orbital shaker incubators come in a variety of sizes, ranging from smaller units for individual flasks or test tubes to larger models capable of holding several liters of sample volume. The capacity is often specified in terms of the number and size of vessels it can accommodate.

6. Type of Containers:

   • These units are compatible with a variety of sample containers, including flasks, petri dishes, test tubes, bottles, and microplates, depending on the model and application.

7. Adjustable Orbit:

   • Some orbital shaker incubators allow users to adjust the shaking orbit or the amplitude of the motion, typically from 20mm to 50mm. This feature enables better customization of mixing action based on the specific needs of the samples being used.