CO2 Incubator monitoring and verification

Incubator Measurement and Monitoring

Monitoring, Validation and Mapping in Incubators and Test Chambers

One of the most important devices in producing and researching biopharmaceuticals is the CO₂ incubator, used for cell culture processes in many applications, including antibody production, tissue engineering, viral vaccine research, reproductive technologies, cell and gene therapies, and toxicity studies. To be effective, incubators must mimic the environmental conditions of a living body (in vivo) to enable successful cell growth in media within the chamber (in vitro). Culturing cells requires not only ideal conditions in the media used, but also in the incubator chamber as part of a robust contamination control strategy (CCS).

Accurate measurements mean repeatable processes & a successful CCS

For carbon dioxide within incubators, the GMP251 CO₂ probe is an ideal solution. Based on Vaisala’s CARBOCAP® technology, it ensures measurement stability—critical for both process repeatability and effective contamination control. The CARBOCAP sensor features a unique infrared (IR) light source, extending probe lifetime. The GMP251 probe also calculates temperature and pressure compensations, important for any gas measurement, and the sensor head can be heated to prevent condensation—further supporting your contamination control strategy.

Wireless monitoring simplify installations

In the latest adaptation of GMP251 probe technology, the probe is connected to a wireless data logger to provide easier installation and send real-time and historical data to the viewLinc Continuous monitoring system or viewLinc Cloud. As the software component of this system, viewLinc provides local and remote alarming, real-time trend data, and reports for compliance with regulations.viewLinc monitors multiple parameters, including temperature, relative humidity, CO₂, differential pressure, and door status, sending alarms via text, email, or local display to ensure rapid response to any deviation that could impact contamination control.

The RFL100 CO2 data logger uses Vaisala’s proprietary wireless technology VaiNet to achieve wired-equivalent connectivity and superior signal strength to 100 m (330 ft.). The  RFL100 carbon dioxide data logger can measure CO2 %, CO2 % with temperature, or CO2 % with temperature and humidity. Designed for incubators, the RFL100 includes probe-mounting options for secure, flexible placement, supporting your CCS by enabling optimal monitoring locations. Optional heat-resistant cables simplify heat sterilization, as only the probe needs to be removed. Easy removal also allows for straightforward calibration, supporting both compliance and contamination prevention.

What Makes Vaisala’s CO2 Sensors Unique?

In a word, calibration. Vaisala CO2 transmitters are individually adjusted and delivered with traceable calibration certificates, ensuring measurement accuracy is verified and documented for regulatory compliance—critical in pharmaceutical and biotech environments where precise gas control directly impacts product safety and process validation. Vaisala uses a single-beam and dual-wavelength NDIR (Non-dispersive infrared) technology for measuring CO2. This patented CARBOCAP® technology is used in all its CO2 sensors. This technology incorporates a unique tunable band pass filter that was developed by Vaisala and is manufactured in our own state-of-the-art cleanroom. 

Incubator Measurement and Monitoring Related Products

Indigo520 with probe

Indigo500 Series Transmitters

The Vaisala Indigo500 series transmitters are host devices for Vaisala Indigo-compatible, stand-alone smart probes. The Indigo500 series include multi-functional Indigo520 transmitter and Indigo510 transmitter with basic features.
The Vaisala CARBOCAP® Carbon Dioxide Probe GMP251 is an intelligent, stand-alone, %-level probe for stable and accurate CO2 measurements.

CO₂ Probe GMP251

The Vaisala CARBOCAP® Carbon Dioxide Probe GMP251 is an intelligent, stand-alone, %-level probe for measuring CO2 in life science incubators, cold storage facilities, fruit and vegetable transportation, and in all demanding applications where stable and accurate percentage-level CO2 measurements are needed.
The Vaisala CARBOCAP® Carbon Dioxide Probe GMP231 is a CO2 meter for incubator manufacturers needing reliable incubator CO2 sensor.

CO₂ Probe GMP231

The Vaisala CARBOCAP ® Carbon Dioxide Probe GMP231 is designed to provide incubator manufacturers with accurate and reliable carbon dioxide measurements and sterilization durability at high temperatures, up to 180 °C

viewLinc Monitoring, Alarming and Reporting Software

The viewLinc Enterprise Server software monitors temperature, relative humidity, CO 2 , differential pressure, level, door contacts, Boolean, and more, offering low cost of ownership due to easy connectivity to your existing network, remote access, and scalability up to thousands of monitored locations.
The Vaisala HUMICAP® Humidity Module HMM100 is an open frame module for integration into environmental chambers.

Humidity Module HMM100

The Vaisala HUMICAP® Humidity Module HMM100 is an open frame module for integration into environmental chambers. The modules provide a single analog output channel for relative humidity (RH) or dew point (Td).

Related resources

RFL100 CO2 data logger on incubator
Application note

Wireless CO2 monitoring in incubators

With advances in wireless technologies like the RFL100, and development of smart probes like the GMP251, installation, deployment, calibration, data integrity, and compliance with GxP regulations can provide researchers and manufacturers with a competitive advantage.

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