Check out our list of Bactron Anaerobic Chamber frequently asked questions and answers!

Anaerobic Mixed Gas:

• What Type of Gas Should I Use With My Bactron Chamber?

* Each Bactron chamber is equipped to be used as a 2-gas system. The first gas should always be Anaerobic Mixed Gas (AMG) which is a pre-mixed combination of 90% Nitrogen, 5% Hydrogen and 5% Carbon Dioxide. The system can be run with just AMG or you have the option of hooking a second tank of 100% Nitrogen to the second gas input line. When both AMG and Nitrogen are hooked up, the Bactron will auto-cycle the first two cycles with Nitrogen only, and the third cycle with AMG; Nitrogen is more economical so the 2-gas option will save you a little money.

• How much gas does a chamber use per month?

* Usage can greatly affect how long a tank will last. However, for most labs a tank will last 1-3 weeks.

Catalyst:

• How Often Should I Bake Out My Catalyst?

* You should replace your used catalyst with a fresh one each day the chamber is in use. The Bactron systems come standard with two catalysts to allow you the ability to bake-out one, while the other is in use. Bake the catalyst overnight in an oven at 160-200 degrees Celsius.

• Can I leave a catalyst cartridge in over the weekend, if the chamber will not be entered until Monday morning?

* Yes. The catalyst is scrubbing the incidental oxygen brought into the chamber by the user. If there are no external oxygen introductions, the catalyst will remain active over a weekend.

General Questions:

• Is the air lock the only means to move items in and out of the Bactron?

* No. You can also bring small items that aren’t sharp or considered hazardous in through the gloves when you enter the chamber.

• How do I clean /disinfect the chamber surfaces?

Only Zephrin Chloride (Benzalkonium chloride) can be used to disinfect the interior of the Bactron chamber.  A detailed procedure can be found here in the SHEL LAB support forums. Do not use any volatile cleaning compounds as the gaseous buildup will increase until growth of desired cultures is inhibited.

• What oxygen indicator do I use?

* Foil Wrapped Oxygen indicator strips. Make sure to always have a fresh, moist strip. Below you will find more information about how to use and interpret Oxoid indicator strips.

• Is there a non-latex option for the sleeves and cuffs?

* Yes. The standard sleeves are made from Butadyl. Nitrile cuffs can be ordered in small, medium and large sizes from Sheldon MFG.

• What do I do when there is an accidental oxygen exposure to the chamber?

* Purge the entire chamber as soon as possible, by creating a small leak in the armport door. The chamber gassing light should be cycling on and off every two seconds. Allow approximately 50 psi to be used from the contents gas gauge on your AMG. Installing a fresh catalyst will also help speed the process of oxygen scrubbing. Open a new oxygen indicator strip and observe the color. If the strip is still pink, purge another 50 psi through the chamber, until the strip stays white.

• What is the purpose of Anatox and how do I use it?

* Anatox is an activated carbon compound. It used by placing 250 grams in a pyrex bowl in the incubator. The carbon will absorb some of the volatile sulfur compounds and organic acids that can occlude the surface of the catalyst. This will also help reduce the overall smell of the anaerobic bacterial growth from inside the chamber.anaerobic chamber.

• What is the purpose of the over-temperature alarm and how do I adjust it?

* The over-temperature alarm alerts you when the incubator has gone over your set point. You can adjust the alarm by using a coin to turn the knob clockwise. The over-temperature alarm also acts as a safety device to prevent overheating in the event of a component failure. For setting instructions, please refer to your Bactron user’s manual.

• How often do I have to replace bactron sleeves and cuffs?

* Usage will greatly affect how long these parts will last. In general, the sleeves will last approximately six months. However, cuffs must be checked more often and will last 1-3 months depending on usage. Cuffs come in different sizes and may need to be switched out for each user depending on user comfort.

Oxoid Anaerobic Indicator Strip:

• How do I use and interpret the indicator strips?

1. Place a folded, damp paper towel in Petri plate. Carefully open and place one Oxoid anaerobic indicator strip in the plate. Do not touch the liquid or the indicating strip itself.
2. Complete the chamber initiation purge and let the chamber come to temperature set point.
3. Wait for ten minutes and observe the strip.  It may remain white or turn slightly pink.  If it turns slightly pink, wait for five minutes and it should return to a white color.  Even if it remains a very light pink, the chamber probably contains less than ~1500ppm O2.  If the strip is a vivid pink to light red color, the chamber has more than ~2000ppm O2.

You can also refer to the following document for more information:

Oxoid Indicator Strip Procedure and Color Key

Trouble Shooting:

• My Pressure System is Injecting Too Often.

* There is probably a leak in the glove box work area, check
the following places using a leak detector:

-Around Plexiglas
-Armport Doors
-Pass Box Door
-Chiller
-Incubator Door (Bactron IV Models Only)
-Gas Inlet Swivel Elbow Fittings

• My Vacuum Pump Keeps Running.

* You have a leak in your vacuum system. Here are some places to check for leaks:
-The vacuum check valve, vacuum solenoid, foot pedal & vacuum switch are the most common places that you would find a vacuum leak.
-Check the tubing that plugs into the small vacuum elbow

• My Chamber Keeps Fogging Up.

*At certain concentrations of Oxygen and Hydrogen that occur during initialization or large Oxygen introductions, a condensation event will occur. This is a normal event and the condensate unit will eventually collect the excess. The chamber is directly under a cold air-conditioning vent, or the room is very cold. Redirect the vent or increase the ambient temperature in the room. The circulation fan in chamber is not working.

Replace the dehumidification component (Chiller)