
OPERATING MANUAL
CO2 incubators
INCO 108 INCO 108 med
INCO 153 INCO 153 med
INCO 246 INCO 246 med

on: +49 (0) 09122 / 925-0
ax: +49 (0) 09122 / 14585
on: +49 (0) 09122/925-128
and: +49 (0) 09122/925-126
-Mail: service@memmert.co
or service enquiries, please always specify the appliance number on the nameplate (see page
ition 11/2014
Subject to modifications

his manual describes the setup, function, operation and maintenance of CO2 incubators
f the types INCO and INCOmed with a chamber volume of 108, 153 and 246 litres. In this
manual, the term INCO is used for INCO as well as INCOmed for the purpose of simplification.
istinctions are explicitly pointed out.
his manual is intended for use by the trained staff of the operator in charge of operating
the incubator . If you are asked to work on the incubator, you should read
this manual carefully before startin
work on the unit. Familiarise yourself with the safety
re
ulations. Only perform the work that is described in this manual. If there is something you
on't understand, or certain information is missing, ask your superior or get in touch with the
manufacturer . Do not do anythin
he INCO incubator is available with different fittings: as a basic model, and with six different
additional modules. The technical fittin
s and functional range of the basic model and the
individual additional modules are described from pa
f specific equipment features or functions are available only with one of the additional mod-
es, this is pointed out in the relevant sections in this manual.
ue to individual fittings, depictions in this manual may be different from the actual appear-
ther documents that you must read:
or service and repair work (see page
) – a separate service manua
is instruction manual belongs with the incubator and should always be stored so that those
who work on the incubator have access to it. It is the responsibility of the operator to ensure
that persons who work on or who will work on the incubator are informed as to the whereabouts of this instruction manual. We recommend that it is always stored in a protected location c
ose to the incubator . Make sure that the instruction manual is not damaged by heat or
amp. If the incubator is sold on or transported and then set up again at a different location,
is instruction manual must go with it

1.1 Terms and icons used ..........................................................................................................
1.2 Product safety and dangers ................................................................................................
1.3 Requirements of the operating personnel ..........................................................................
.................................................................................................
1.5 Changes and conversions ....................................................................................................
1.6 Behaviour in case of malfunctions and irregularitie
1.7 What to do in case of accidents..........................................................................................
2.1 Design ................................................................................................................................1
2.2 Function.............................................................................................................................11
extras..................................................................................................................11
2.4 Mat
rial.............................................................................................................................1
2.6 Connections.......................................................................................................................1
14
2.8 EC Declaration of Conformit
...........................................................................................15
2.9 Desi
nation (nameplate) ...................................................................................................15
Technical data ....................................................................................................................1
2.11 Ambient conditions ...........................................................................................................1
..........................................................................................................1
. Delivery , Transport and Setting Up 1
.1 Safety regulations ..............................................................................................................1
Transport ............................................................................................................................1
..............................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................................2
. Putting into Operation 2
................................................................................................................................
.2 Connecting ........................................................................................................................
4
5. Operation and control 2
5.1 Operating personnel.........................................................................................................
oor ............................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................
5.7 Basic operation ..................................................................................................................
parameters............................................................................................................
modes ...............................................................................................................2
..............................................................................................2
5.11 During operation ...............................................................................................................34
operation ...............................................................................................................37
6. Warning messages and malfunctions 3
6.1 Warning messages ............................................................................................................
6.2 System/appliance errors ....................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................

ontent
7. Advanced functions 4
7.2 Basic appliance settings (Setup)
........................................................................................
7.3 Temperature monitorin
7.5 User ID card (optionally available as an accessory) ...........................................................
7.6 Calibration .........................................................................................................................
7.7 Communication interfaces ................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................
. Maintenance and Servicing 5
.1 Cleaning .............................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................
9. Storage and Disposal 6
.............................................................................................................................

n this manual, certain common terms and icons are used to warn you of dangers or to give
you notes that are important in avoidin
injury or damage. Observe and follow these notes
regulations to avoid accidents and damage. These terms and icons are explained below.
is always used whenever you or somebody else could be injured if you do
ot observe the accompanying safety regulation
is used for information that is important for avoiding damage
Prohibited sign (forbidding an action)
o not lift appliance
Warning icons (warning of a danger)
Regulation signs (stipulate an action)

ncubators of the INCO type are technically well-developed, manufactured using high-quality
materials and tested for many hours in the factory . They contain the latest technolo
omply with recognised technical safety regulations. But there are still dangers involved, even
en the appliance is used as intended. These dangers are described below.
fter removing covers, live parts may be exposed. You may receive
an electric shock if you touch these parts. Disconnect the mains plug
efore removing any covers. Any work inside the unit may only be
erformed by qualified electricians.
hen loading the chamber with an unsuitable load, poisonous or
explosive vapours or gases may be produced. This could cause the
chamber to explode, and people could be badly injured or poisoned.
The chamber may only be loaded with materials/test objects which
o not form any poisonous or explosive vapours when heated up
see also Chapter 2.7 Intended use on page 14).
anger of suffocation. In high concentrations, CO2 and N2 can have
a suffocating effect. In normal operation, the incubator gives off
and – if equipped with the O2 module – N
o its environment. You should therefore ensure that the room in
which it is installed is properly ventilated. If a gas bottle is not con-
ected, or is empty, always close the stop valve or pressure reducer
igh concentrations of CO2 can cause cold burns or frostbite. Avoid
gas to the eyes and skin.
gas bottles may burst or explode at high temperature. Do not
use naked flames in the vicinity of the gas bottles. Store gas bottles
at lower than 5
in a well-ventilated location. Prevent water from
enetrating, as well as backflow into the gas bottles. It is essential
that you read the safety notes and regulations of the gas suppliers.
and N2are not dangerous substances in terms of the German Ordinance on Hazardous
Substances (GefStoffV). Y ou should nevertheless familiarise yourself with the applicable safety
re
ations prior to handling such gas bottles

he incubator may only be operated and maintained by persons who are of legal age, and
who have received instructions for the incubator . P ersonnel who are to be trained
r who are undergoing general training may only be active on the incubator under the con
tinuous supervision of an experienced person.
he incubator may only be transported by persons (fork-lift truck, manual pallet jack), who are
trained for this work and who know the correspondin
epairs may only be performed by qualified electricians. In this case the regulations in the
eparate service manual must be observed.
esponsibility of the owner
is responsible for the flawless condition of the incubator and for the incubator being oper-
ated in accordance with its intended use (see pa
is responsible for ensuring that persons who are to operate or service the incubator are
ualified to do this, have received instructions about the incubator and are familiar with
ust know about the applicable regulations, requirements and work protection regula-
ions, and train staff acordingly
is responsible for ensuring that unauthorised persons have no access to the incubator
is responsible for ensuring that the maintenance plan is adhered to and that maintenance
and repair work is properly carried out (see pa
nsures, for example through corresponding instructions and inspections, that the incuba
or and its surroundings are kept clean and tidy;
is responsible for ensuring that personal protective clothing is worn by operating person-
el, e.g. work clothes, safety shoes, protective gloves.
o independent conversions or alterations may be made to the incubator . No parts may be
added or inserted which have not been approved by the manufacturer .
ndependent conversions or alterations result in the EC declaration of conformity (see page
its validity , and the incubator may no longer be operated.
he manufaturer is not liable for any damage, danger or injuries that result from independent
onversions or alterations, or from non-observation of the regulations in this manual
haviour in case of malfunctions and irregularitie
he incubator may only be used when in a flawless condition. If you as the operator notice
irre
ularities, malfunctions or damage, immediately put the incubator out of service (see
apter 1.8) and inform your superiors.
ou can find information on eliminating malfunctions from page 38 .

What to do in case of accidents
eep calm. Act resolutely and with consideration. Pay attention to your own
. Switch off the incubator and close the valves on the gas bottle.
nitiate first aid measures. If available: Call a trained first aid helper .
In case of contact with
inse eyes out with water for at least 15 minutes. With cold burns, rinse with water
r at least 15 minutes. Cover over in a sterile manner . Call a doctor.
igh concentrations can cause suffocation. Symptoms may include a loss of mobility and
onsciousness. The victim is not aware of suffocatin
ow concentrations of CO can cause accelerated breathing and headaches
nyone affected should breathe fresh air , using a breathing device independent of recircu-
air . K eep the person warm and calm. Call a doctor. In case of respiratory arrest, use
artificial respiration
eave the room immediately , warn others and ventilate the room. If you re-enter the room,
se an autonomous breathing device (independent of ambient air) if it has not been estab-
ished that the atmosphere is harmless.
1.8 Switching off incubator in an
ush main switch on front side of appliance
ose the valves on the gas bottle.
Fig. 1 Switch off incubator by

4
1
2
3
14
13
11
12
9
10
8
7
6
5
18
17
16
15
Fig. 2 Design of INCO incubators
Controller/control panel (see page
onnections on the rear of the oven
Pt100 temperature sensors
Nameplate (beneath door, see page

he air in the incubator is heated up by an all-round heater with a large surface (
as is introduced into the working chamber via a sterile filter . Because CO
has a much higher specific weight than air , the gas is let into the working chamber above the
interior fan (2). The turbulence-free interior ventilation (3) ensures a uniform distribution of
t
ases, creating a homogenous atmosphere
n the basic version, humidification takes place by means of water trays (4). To avoid uncontrolled condensation, dosed fresh air is piped into the interior . If the appliance is equipped
with a humidity module, humidification takes place via a hot-air
enerator , which allows
water to eva
orate at a set rate. The sterile hot air is let into the interior above the fan and is
mixed with the air current (5).
1
1
1
1
1
1
4 4
2
5
3
1
Fig. 3 How INCO incubators wor
lectronic fuzzy-supported PID process controller with pulse width modulation and per-
anent performance adjustments and time-saving self-diagnosis system to quickly locate
ll-round heater with larger surface area, with additional thermal conduction layer (see
apacitive humidity sensor
umidity control (fresh air via sterile filter) ensures that setpoint humidity is quickly
eached and guarantees short recovery times, while avoiding condensation formatio
omogenous atmosphere and temperature distribution through encapsulated, turbu-
lence-free ventilation system
TERICard for fully automatic sterilisation process control for hot air sterilisation of appli
ance, including sensors and fan rotor (see page 49

igitalised electronic CO control with automatic zero position, NDIR measuring system
nosis system and acoustic error display , air pressure compensatio
anguage settings (see page
ntegrated week time switch with grup function (e.g. each working day) (see page 31
etracting push-turn control for simple operation of appliance (see page
wo separate Pt100 temperature sensors DIN Class A in a 4-wire circuit for control and
igital monitoring control for overtemperature, undertemperature and automatic
etpoint following (ASF) (see page 48
echanical temperature limiter (TB protection class 1, see page 45
onitoring relay to switch off heater in case of erro
coustic signal messages if temperature or CO limits are crossed, when door is open and
as bottle is empty (see page 38
alibration of temperature, humidity , CO
and O possible on the device without a sepa-
ptionally availableadditional modules
wo gas connections with quick release connectors (see page 1
utomatic switch-over of gas bottles
lectro-polished, seamless laser-welded chamber
ogging option of temperature, CO2 and relative humidity via computer/laptop
nternal log memory with 1024 kB as ring memory for all setpoint and actual values, errors
settings in real time and with date, logging approx. 3 months at 1 minute storage
arallel printer port (PCL3-compatible) for printing out log data (see page 13 and page 43
ptionally USB, Ethernet, RS-232 or RS-485 interface (see from page
xtended adjustment range from 0 to 20 %
-point calibration (5 %, 10 %, 15 % CO
ontrol of oxygen concentration through the introduction of nitrogen (
(not in combination with Comfort or Premium module
ncludes comfort, hygiene, communication and C
ctive microprocessor humidification and dehumidification control (40-97 % rh

or the outer housing, MEMMERT uses stainless steel (W .St.No. 1.4016), and for the interior,
tainless steel (W .St.No. 1.4301), which stands out through its high stability , optimal hygienic
properties and corrosion-resistance towards many (but not all!) chemical compounds (caution
for example with chlorine compounds). The chamber load for the appliance must be carefully
with respect to chemical compatibility with the materials mentioned.
material resistance table can be requested from the manufacturer .
perating voltage: See nameplate (page 15 ), 50/60 Hz
urrent consumption: See nameplate (page 15
rotection class 1, i.e. operating insulation with safety earth terminal in accordance with
N 6101
rotection type IP 20 acc. to EN 60 529
nterference-suppressed acc. to EN 55011 class B
ppliance fuse: Fusible link 250 V/15 A quick-blow
he temperature controller is protected with a miniature fuse 100 mA (200 mA at 115 V)
or models with a humidity model the CO
controller is protected with a 6.3 A miniature
alternatively Ethernet, RS-232 or RS-485 connection) (details from page
Printer connection (only for models with communication or premium modules) (see page
connection to main gas bottle
connection to reserve gas bottle (only for models with CO
connection (quick-release connector, only if equipped with O

bserve the country-specific regulations when making connections (e. g. in Germany DIN VDE
100 with residual current device).
his appliance is intended for operation on an electrical power system with a system imped-
anc
at the point of transfer (service line) of a maximum of 0.292 ohm. The operator must
nsure that the incubator is operated only on an electrical power system that meets these
requirements. If necessary , you can ask your local ener
y supply company what the system
impe
onnection of external appliances
nly appliances may be connected externally (depending on the model, USB, RS 232, RS 485,
thernet, printer) whose interfaces comply with the requirements for safety extra-low voltage
e oven can be connected with the supplied compressed air hose via a pressure regulator
as bottle monitor (DIN 8546) to a CO
compressed gas bottle or directly to a central CO
or models with the CO or premium modules, two gas bottles with quick release connectors
an be connected. If equipped with the O
gas bottle can be connected instead
e pre-pressure must not exceed 1.2 bar . A value between 0.8 and 1 bar is considered to be
or models with a humidity module, the incubator can be connected with the supplied hose
e also supplied water supply tank.
NCO incubators may only be used for incubating cell cultures or similar . Any other use is
may result in hazards and damage.
xplosion-proof (they do not comply with workplace health & safety
re
ulation VBG 24). The chambers may only be loaded with materials and substances which
annot produce any toxic or explosive vapours at temperature ranges up to 50 ºC, and which
emselves cannot explode, burst or ignite.
he incubators may not be used for drying, vaporising and branding paints or similar materi
als, the solvents of which could form an explosive mixture when combined with air . If there is
any doubt as to the composition of materials, they must not be loaded into the incubator . P otentially explosive
as-air mixtures must not be produced, either in the interior of the chamber
r in the direct vicinity of the appliance.
he incubator may not be used for sterilisation purposes. It is not a steriliser with respect to
t
nly gas bottles with a pressure regulator may be connected to the gas connections of the
ven. Introducing other gases or materials than C

ntended use of the INCOmed
or INCOmed incubators, which are subject to the 93/42/EEC guideline (Council Directive on
the approximation of the laws of the Member States relatin
to medical devices), the intended
se is defined as follows:
he CO2 incubator INCO med is intended for the creation and maintenance of constant environmental conditions for application in the field of in vitro fertilisation (IVF), especially for the
incubation of oocytes, spermatozoa and zy
otes in special culture dishes for IVF application as
well as for
ene expression and the biosynthesis of RNA and proteins.
2.8 EC
ou can download the EC declaration of conformity of the appliance online:
nglish: http://www.memmert.com/en/service/downloads/ce-statement/
German: http://www.memmert.com/de/service/downloads/e
-konformitaetserklaerung/
2.9 Designation (nameplate
. 5 ) provides information about the appliance model, manufacturer and
technical data. It is attached to the front of the appliance, on the ri
Typ: INC 108 F.-Nr.: 0109.0088
230 V
~
4.4 A 50/60 Hz 1000 W
DIN12880-Kl.3.1 Nenntemp.: 50 °C
1
2
3
4
5
6
10
8
9
7
Fig. 5 Nameplat
Connection / performance values

Model
* See Fig. 6 on page 17 .
108 153 246
ppliance width D* [mm] 71
ppliance height E* (varies
ue to adjustable feet) [mm]
77
ppliance depth F* (includ-
ing door handle) [mm
helves half size / full size
ax. load per sliding shelf
ax. load per appliance [kg]
emperature recording by means of Pt100 in a 4-wire circuit
justment range: Normal mode: 20 °C to 50 °C
Sterilisation mode: 160 °C (4 hours) via STERICard
justment precision: 0.1 °C
ontrol range: from 8 °C above room temperature to 50 °C
Variation (time): max. ±0,1 °C at 37 °C
Variation (spatial): max. ±0.3 °C at 37 °C
e relative humidity in the chamber is measured by a capac-
itive humidity sensor and displayed digitally in percent.
he measurement precision of the humidity sensor is 1 % rh
djustment range: 88 to 97 % rh (for models with
umidity module 40 to 97 % rh)
justment precision: 1 % rh
isplay range: 10 to 98 % r
Variation (time): max. ±1 % rh

Model
* See Fig. 6 on page 17 .
108 153 246
e CO content is determined through an NDIR measur-
ing system, controlled constantly by a microprocessor an
isplayed digitally in percent
djustment range: 0 to 10 % (for models with CO
premium modules 0 to 20 %)
justment precision: 0.1 %
Variation (time): max. ±0.1 % rh
Variation (spatial): max. ±0.3 %
content is determined with a long-lasting, mainte-
nance-free zirconium dioxide sensor , constantly controlled by
a microprocessor and displayed digitally in percent
justment range: 1 to 20 %
justment precision: 0.1 %
Variation (time): max. ±0.1 %
Variation (spatial): max. ±0.3 %
D
A75 75
38
38
F
C
202
B
76
E
8
12
Fig. 6 Dimensions of INCO incubators

he incubator may only be used in enclosed rooms and under the following environmental
ient temperature: 5 ºC to 35 ºC
umidity: max. 80 % not condensing
ltitude of installation max. 3,000 m above sea level
he incubator may not be used in areas where there is a risk of explosions. The ambient air
ust not contain any explosive dusts, gases, vapours or gas-air mixtures. The incubator is
ot explosion-proof.
eavy dust production or aggressive vapours in the vicinity of the appliance could lead to
imentation in the chamber interior and as a consequence, could result in short circuits
r damage to electrical parts. For this reason, sufficient measures should be taken to
revent large clouds of dust or aggressive vapours from developing.
For incubators with basic fittings:
wo (INCO 108) or three (INCO 153 and 246) sliding shelves
Ź Water tray (one for INCO 108 and 153 incubators, two for INCO 246 incubators)
Ź
Additionally, for models with humidity module:
Water supply tank and connection hos
Additionally, for models with CO
econd gas pressure hose with quick-release connecto
Additionally, for models with O
econd gas pressure hose with quick-release connecto

elivery, Transport and Setting Up
elivery, Transport andSetting Up
You may injure your hands or feet when transporting and
nstalling the incubator. You should wear protective gloves
and work
ecause of the weight of the incubator, you could injure yourself if
you try to lift it on your own.
f possible, only transport the incubator with a fork-lift truck or
anual pallet jack. The incubator may only be moved using a means
of transport by persons who have the required qualification for this
e.g. fork-lift truck licence). This incubator may not be transported
wi
f the incubator has to be carried, at least two people are required
for models 108 and 153, and at least four people for model 246.
The incubator could fall over and seriously injure you. Never tilt the
ncubator and transport it only in an upright position.
e incubator can be transported in three ways:
with a fork-lift truck; move the forks of the truck entirely under the incubator
n the manual pallet jack.
y carrying; to do this, at least two people are required for models 108 and 153, and four
eople for model 246. Read the weight information detailed on page 16 .
e incubator is delivered in cardboard packaging on a cardboard pallet.
emove cardboard packaging or cut open carefully along an edge
ift up incubator from pallet and put down on the appliance feet.
hecking for completeness and transport dama
eck the delivery note to ensure that the delivery is complete.
heck the inside and outside of the incubator for damage.
f you notice deviations from the delivery note, damage or irregularities, do not put the incu-
bator into operation, but inform the haula
e company and the manufacturer
isposing of packaging materia
ispose of the packaging material (cardboard) in accordance with the effective legal disposal
ulations for cardboard packaging in your country

elivery, Transport and Setting Up
.3.4 Storage after delivery
f the incubator is initially to be stored after delivery: Read the storage conditions from page
he incubator can be placed either on the ground or on a table (work surface). When doing
is, ensure that the appliance is positioned exactly horizontally.
installation site must be
level and able to reliably carry the wei
ht of the incubator (see page 1
. Do not place the ap-
pliance on an inflammable surface
power connection must be available at the installation site in accordance with the connec-
tion data on the nameplate (see pa
distance between the wall and the rear of the chamber must be at least 15 cm. The clear-
must not be less than 20 cm and the side clearance from the wall not
less than 8 cm (
. 7 ). Sufficient air circulation in the vicinity of the chamber must be guaran
FP
FP
FP
FP
Fig. 7 Minimum clearance from walls and ceiling