Precautions for Your Unit 4
Meanings of Symbols 5
About this Manual 5
Product description 6
Key Features 6
Unpacking and Inspecting Your Unit 7
Inspection Guidelines 7
Recording Data Plate Information 7
Installation Overview 8
Selecting a Location for the Unit 8
Leveling the Unit 9
Sterilizing Your Unit 9
Installing Sample Tray 9
Plugging the Unit into a Power Source 9
Control Panel Overview 10
Getting the Unit Ready for Use 11
Turning the Unit On 11
Setting the Chamber Temperature 11
Calibrating the Main Temperature Control 11
Setting the Shaker Speed 12
Using the Timer 12
Setting the Safety Temperature Alarm 13
Adding or Removing Counterweights 13
Adjusting the Shaker Movement 14
Disinfecting Your Unit 15
A Typical Decontamination Procedure 16
Control Maintenance 16
Solving Problems 17
Temperature 17
Refrigeration (SI9R models only) 21
Power 19
Mechanical 20
Contamination 21
Getting Assistance 22
Obtaining Nameplate Information 22
Returning Your Unit 22
SHEL LAB Contact Information 22
Replacement Parts 23
These units are TUV CUE listed as orbital shaking incubators for professional, industrial, or
educational use where the preparation or testing of materials is done at approximately
atmospheric pressure and no flammable, volatile, or combustible materials are being
heated.
These units have been tested to the following requirements:
CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 61010-1:2012
CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 61010-2-010 + R:2009
UL 61010-1:2004 + R:2005-07 + R:2008-10
UL 61010A-2-010:2002
UL 61010-1:2012
EN 61010-1:2010
EN 61010-2-010:2003
Thank you for choosing a SHEL LAB shaking orbital incubator. SHEL LAB sets the standard for quality and reliability.
Your unit is backed by over 30 years of design and manufacturing excellence in the scientific, research, and medical
equipment industries.
Your unit is a general-purpose incubator designed for professional, industrial or educational use where
the preparation or testing of materials is done at approximately atmospheric pressure, and
no flammable, volatile or combustible materials are being heated.
These units are not intended for use at hazardous or household locations.
Before you use the unit, read this entire manual carefully to understand how to install, operate, and maintain the unit in a
safe manner. Your satisfaction with the unit will be maximized as you read about its safety and operational features. Keep
this manual on-hand so it can be used by all operators of the unit. Be sure all operators of the unit are given appropriate
training before you put the unit in service.
Use the unit only in the way described in this manual. Failure to follow the guidelines and instructions in this
manual may be dangerous and/or illegal.
General Safety Considerations
Your incubator and its recommended accessories have been designed and tested to meet strict safety requirements.
For continued safe operation of your incubator, always follow basic safety precautions including:
Read this entire manual before using the incubator.
Be sure you follow any city, county, or other ordinances in your area regarding the use of this unit.
Use only approved accessories. Do not modify system components. Any alterations or modifications to your
incubator may be dangerous and will void your warranty.
Always plug the unit’s power cord into a grounded electrical outlet that conforms to national and local electrical
codes. If the unit is not grounded, parts such as knobs and controls may conduct electricity and cause serious injury.
Do not connect the unit to a power source of any other voltage or frequency beyond the range stated on the power
rating overlay at the rear of the unit.
Do not modify the power cord provided with the unit. If the plug does not fit an outlet, have a proper outlet installed
by a qualified electrician.
Avoid damaging the power cord. Do not bend it excessively, step on it or place heavy objects on it. A damaged cord
can easily become a shock or fire hazard. Never use a power cord after it has become damaged.
Precautions for Your Unit
Observe the following additional safety guidelines for your unit.
Operating Conditions For optimum performance use your incubator at room temperatures between 18 and 25C, at
no greater than 80% relative humidity. If you intend to operate the unit in conditions outside of these limits, contact
customer service.
Installing the Unit Installation of the unit can be performed by the end user
Lifting and Handling The incubator is very heavy and should be moved by a lifting device, such as pallet jack. If you
must lift the device by hand, always observe the following guidelines:
o Do not move the incubator while it is plugged into the power source.
o Remove all moving parts, such as shelves and trays, before you move the unit. Make sure the door is securely
shut.
o Use at least four people to lift the incubator.
o Lift the unit from its bottom surface only.
o Do not use doors, handles or knobs to lift or stabilize the unit.
o Keep the unit from tipping.
Servicing Your Unit Only qualified personnel should service your unit. Faulty service may be dangerous and will
invalidate the unit’s warranty. Do not operate the unit if any parts are damaged or missing.
Maintenance Unplug the unit from its power source before attempting any maintenance.
A Controlled environment for continuous growth of biological organisms.
Vibration-free operation. A unique adjustable counterbalance system provides vibration-free operation regardless
of load.
Large chamber. A large nine cubic foot chamber facilitates throughput.
Refrigeration. The SSI10R units (SI9s) are refrigerated to support insect cell culture and entomology studies.
Load Flexibility. Our unique counterbalance system is adjustable to accommodate off-center loads and varying
capacities, which in turn allows smoother running.
Oxygen transfer. Inter-changeable orbit hubs are available to provide adjustment for maximum oxygen transfer.
Various circular/stroke sizes, from vigorous to gentle, are available to accommodate different types of cells.
Sample protection. All major functions—temperature, RPM, and time—have audio and visual alarms that
immediately alert the operator to deviations from set parameters.
Over-temperature protection is provided by an independent safety thermostat, separate from the main temperature
controller. Guards your samples from inadvertent overheating.
Key Features
A brushless DC motor offers quiet and maintenance-free orbital shaking motion.
A PID microprocessor controller provides precise stability and uniformity.
The rotation platform included with each unit is self-centering for easy installation.
Large easy to read LED displays.
Digital keypad operation allows calibration of the main temperature controller to a reference thermometer.
A one-inch hermetically sealed, double-paned glass viewing window.
Unit exteriors are formed of cold-rolled steel finished with corrosion resistant powder coat paint.
Chamber interiors and shelves are made of polished stainless steel, which provides excellent durability and an
easy-to-clean surface.
An interlock switch stops the shaking mechanism when the door is opened.
The SSI10R units (SI9Rs) refrigeration uses a 1/6-horsepower motorized compressor that does not use CFCs
Before leaving our factory, all units are packaged in high quality shipping materials designed to provide
protection from transportation related damage.
Once a unit leaves our factory however, safe delivery becomes the responsibility of the carrier who is liable
for loss or damage to your unit. Damage sustained during transit is not covered under
your unit warranty.
Upon receiving your unit, inspect the exterior and interior for any concealed loss or damage. If you find any
damage, follow the carrier’s procedure for damage or loss claims.
Inspection Guidelines
Carefully inspect the package for damage. If the package is damaged, report the damage to the carrier
service that delivered the unit.
If the carton is not damaged, open and remove its contents. Verify that all of the following equipment is
included with the unit:
Carefully check all packaging before discarding.
Save the shipping crate until you have successfully installed the unit and verified its operation. If you need to
return your unit for any reason, see “Getting Your Unit Serviced” on page 22.
Recording Data Plate Information
Once you have determined the unit is free from damage, locate the data plate at the back of the unit. The
data plate indicates your unit’s model number and serial number. Record this information in the space
provided on page 22, “Getting Your Unit Serviced” for easy future reference.
THIS INCUBATOR IS VERY HEAVY. DO NOT PERFORM THESE INSTALLATION
ADJUSTMENTS WITHOUT PROPER EQUIPMENT OR ADEQUATE ASSISTANCE.
Installation Overview
To install your unit, you need to:
1. Select a suitable operating location for the unit.
2. Level the unit.
3. Sterilize the unit.
4. Install the sample tray.
5. Plug the unit into a power source.
Selecting a Location for the Unit
The operating location of your unit has a significant impact on your unit’s performance and how often it must be cleaned
and disinfected. Use the following guidelines to select the best location for your unit.
DO NOT MOUNT YOUR UNIT TO A FLAMMABLE SURFACE.
Operating Conditions For optimum performance, use your incubator at room temperatures between 18 and 25C
(65 to 77 F) and at no greater than 80% relative humidity.
If you intend to operate the unit in conditions outside of these limits, contact your customer service representative.
Exposure. Avoid exposing the unit to the following:
Direct sun
High air movement, such as air vents, heating and cooling ducts, doors and other heavy traffic areas.
Extreme heat from steam radiators, stoves, ovens, autoclaves, or other sources of heat.
Level Surface. The unit must be located on a solid, flat and level surface strong enough to support its total weight.
Space requirements Allow a minimum of 20 cm (8 in.) between the rear and sides of the unit, and any walls or
partitions that can obstruct free airflow. Do not block access to the power cord, circuit breaker or fuses. Cleanliness. Good laboratory quality control practice is the most efficient and reliable way to keep your unit free
from contamination.
If it is important that the interior of your unit remain sterile, always pay attention to the following guidelines:
Keep the air in the laboratory as clean as possible.
Keep the floor around the unit clean.
If the unit must be placed at floor level, use a sturdy platform. (See Option Accessory List Page 23)
Minimize the number of times access is made to the chamber during normal operation. Each time the door is
opened; room air is drawn in and can lead to contamination of the unit.
After deciding on the location for your unit, follow the installation instructions below.
The unit must sit level from side to side and from front to back. While the unit does not have to be absolutely
level, each of the four feet should be in firm contact with the surface on which the incubator is to be run.
Install the four leveling feet in the four holes in the bottom of the unit. When the feet are installed, you can
raise or lower a corner of the unit by turning its foot clockwise or counterclockwise, respectively.
In the case of stacked units, the adjustable feet in the top unit are replaced by stacking pins. These pins will
mate and self align with the stacking pin receivers on the top of the bottom unit. These pins are leveled by
adjustment in a similar fashion as the leveling feet.
To level the incubator
1. Insert a leveling foot into each of the four holes at the bottom of the unit.
2. Adjust the foot at each corner until the unit stands level and solid without rocking.
If you move the incubator to a different location, be sure to re-level the incubator at the new location.
Sterilizing Your Unit
The interior of your incubator was cleaned at the factory but is not sterile. For information on sterilizing your
unit, see “Disinfecting Your Unit“ on page 15.
Installing Sample Tray
Your unit comes with a sample tray as standard equipment.
To install the sample tray
1. Make sure the latches are in the unlatched or UP position.
2. Enclose all corners of the shaking mechanism within the lips of the sample tray. This can be done easily by
positioning the front two corners and then setting the rest of the tray down.
3. Shake the tray by its handles to confirm that it is firmly in place.
4. Secure the latches by moving them into the DOWN position.
Plugging the Unit into a Power Source
We recommend that you plug your incubator into a circuit separate from other equipment. This prevents damage or
destruction of the incubator caused by overloading or failure of other equipment on the same circuit.
The electrical supply circuit to the incubator must conform to all national and local electrical codes. The voltage supplied
to your unit should not vary from the data plate rating by more than 10%.
For your own safety, do not plug the unit into a power source until you have read and understood
the safety and operational instructions in this manual.
To connect the unit to a power source
1. Be sure the plug and the cord are in good condition. If the power cord is worn, cut or damaged in any way, do not
use it. Contact customer service for a replacement power cord. For information on contacting customer service, see
page 22.
2. Plug the service cord firmly into a grounded electrical outlet. If the plug does not fit the outlet, have a proper outlet