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 effect how long a tank will last. However, for most labs a tank will last several months.

Catalyst:
• How Often Should I Bake Out My Catalyst?
* You should replace your used catalyst with a fresh one each day. The Bactron systems come standard with two catalysts to allow you the ability to bake-out one, while the other is in use.

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

General Questions:
• Can I use the Bactron for microaerophilic cultures?
* The Bactron chamber does not include an oxygen sensor. However, users have been successful in maintaining microaerophilic environments by using a pre-mixed gas and removing the catalyst. Please call tech service for more information 1-800-322-4897.

• Is the air lock the only means to move items in and out of the Bactron?
* No. You can also bring small items 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 Bactron the chamber.  A detailed procedure can be found here in the SHEL LAB support forums

• What oxygen indicator do I use?
* Foil Wrapped Oxygen indicator strips. Make sure to always have a fresh,
moist strip.

• Is there a non-latex option for the sleeves and cuffs?
* Yes. The standard sleeves are made from Butadyl. Nytril 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.

• What is the purpose of Anatox and how do I use it?
* Anatox is an odor absorbent that can be placed in the
anaerobic chamber.

• What is the purpose of the overtemp alarm and how do I
adjust it?
* The over temp 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. 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 both the cuffs and sleeves will last approximately
six months. However, cuffs come in different sizes and
may need to be switched out for each user depending on
user comfort.

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 Through Box Door
-Manometer
-Proximity Switch on Pass Through Box Door
-Chiller
-Incubator Door (Bactron IV Models Only)
-Pressure Switch
-Swivel Elbow

• My Vacuum Pump Keeps Running.
* You have a leak in your vacuum system. Here are some
places to check for leaks:
-Check the valve, Vacuum Solenoid, Foot Pedal & Vacuum Switch – These are the most common places that you would find a vacuum leak.
-Check the tubing that plugs into the small vacuum elbow
-Check the proximity switch

• My Chamber Keeps Fogging Up.
* Replace the dehumidification component (Chiller)