PHCbi
PHC Corporation of North America, a Member of PHC Group Support FAQ

SUPPORT Faq

Support

FAQ

What do you have questions about?

Cold Storage
  • What temperature ranges do PHCbi biomedical freezers have available?
    Our ultra-low temperature (ULT) freezers offer model-specific temperature ranges from -40°C to -86°C, with select models capable of -50°C to -86°C. For applications requiring even colder storage, we also offer a mechanical air-phase cryogenic freezer that operates between -125°C and -150°C, providing reliable performance without the need for liquid nitrogen.
  • What are the benefits of air phase cryogenic storage at -150°C?
    Samples are maintained below the critical -130°C recrystallization point of pure water. PHCbi cryogenic freezers offer the ability to maintain a stable, reliable -150°C temperature at all vertical levels within the cabinet, avoiding the severe temperature differentials typically seen in a liquid nitrogen (vapor-phase) freezer. Related models: MDF-C2156VANC-PA.
  • Does the mechanical -150°C PHCbi freezer use liquid nitrogen as its primary cooling source?
    No, it is a mechanical system that does not require the use of liquid nitrogen. However, it does feature an LN2 backup system that can be used for additional peace of mind.
  • Do my PHCbi ultra-low temperature (ULT) freezers have two compressors? If so, why?
    Yes, PHCbi ULTs use a dual-compressor system as part of a cascade refrigeration design. This system uses two different refrigerants — one optimized for standard temperature ranges and another capable of reaching ultra-low temperatures. The first compressor cools the second-stage refrigerant, allowing it to condense and operate effectively at extremely low temperatures (e.g., -80°C). This approach ensures stable and efficient cooling performance well below the limits of conventional refrigeration systems.
  • What kind of storage racks fit in PHCbi ULT freezers?
    Most PHCbi ULTs can accommodate racks up to 22.5 inches (22 ½") deep. A typical configuration supports 6 high × 4 deep racks for 2-inch boxes. However, if your model includes a center bar, it may limit full-height rack placement. In such cases, a mix of 5 high × 4 deep and 6 high × 4 deep racks may be required to optimize space around the center bar.
    You can use our rack configurator to see the most commonly used racks: https://www.phchd.com/us/biomedical/rack-configuration.

    See our full rack catalogue in our Knowledge Center.
  • Does PHCbi offer flammable storage or explosion-proof refrigerators or freezers?
    No, PHCbi does not currently offer flammable storage or explosion-proof refrigerators or freezers.
  • Where are my local service companies?
    Our list of service providers can be found here. You can also contact us here for more information.
  • Does PHCbi offer chromatography refrigerators?
    We offer several sizes of high-performance refrigerators suitable for chromatography. An optional feature which provides an access port for external power connections is available to meet chromatography applications.
  • Do PHCbi refrigerated products meet Environmental Protection Agency regulations regarding refrigerants?
    All current PHCbi products utilize Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) approved refrigerants that are non-ozone depleting.
  • Do PHCbi refrigerators and freezers meet cGMP applications for temperature uniformity?
    PHCbi high-performance refrigerators, freezers and ultra-low freezers are designed to meet the stringent International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH) standards for uniformity.

    Since current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) requirements and boundary requirements can vary, contact your PHCbi sales representative to discuss your specific application. It is likely that we will have a solution for your needs.
  • Can I get parts for my older Sanyo or Panasonic refrigerator or freezer?
    For over 50 years, we've proudly committed to supporting our products by maintaining repair parts well beyond their end of production. Please reach out to our tech support team at service@us.phchd.com with your model number which can be found on the serial number tag, typically located on the back of the unit, to find out about your specific product.
INCUBATORS
  • How does direct heat and air jacket compare to conventional water jacketed systems?
    The patented direct heat and air jacket heating system distributes proportional energy to the interior chamber through a natural convection air jacket surrounded by a high-density insulation to protect against ambient temp fluctuations. Modern air jacketed incubators rival older technology water jacketed incubators in uniformity, without the burden of additional weight and the potential for leaks.
  • What is the difference between single-beam, dual detector infrared (IR2) sensor and thermal conductivity (TC) sensor?
    The Cell IQ Incubator dual infrared (IR2) sensor is accurate and stable, unaffected by variations in humidity or temperature. Following door openings, full CO2 recovery is achieved within 2 minutes without overshoot. PHC's IR2 sensors are robust and long lasting. Compared to traditional thermal conductivity (TC) sensors, which are affected by variations in humidity and temperature, IR2 sensors provide precision readings and control. At a 5% setpoint, the difference can be as much as 80% inaccuracy for up to an hour following a door closing.
  • Where are my local service companies?
    Our list of service providers can be found here. You can also contact us here for more information.
  • Can I get parts for my older Sanyo or Panasonic incubator?
    For over 50 years, we've proudly committed to supporting our products by maintaining repair parts well beyond their end of production. Please reach out to our tech support team at service@us.phchd.com with your model number which can be found on the serial number tag, typically located on the back of the unit, to find out about your specific product.
  • Can I clean my incubator with bleach?
    No, bleach tends to break down the protective oxide layers in stainless steel surfaces, leading to rust. We recommend cleaning PHCbi incubators with 70% alcohol or mild detergent followed by sterile water rinsing to maintain the surface while dealing with potential soil or contaminants.
LAB MONITORING
  • Are your lab monitoring systems easy to install?
    Yes.

    Our LabSVIFT® monitoring system requires only 3 simple steps for hardware installation.

    Our LabAlert® monitoring system hardware installation is plug and play. Simply supply power to the Gateway, activate the transmitters to sync with gateway, connect the sensor probes onto the transmitter (applicable configurations), then install sensor probes into the chamber of the equipment that will be monitored (applicable configurations).
  • Does your system meet standard requirements?
    Our system complies with most standard requirements, including HACCP, The Joint Commission, AABB, GMP, FCC, and the FDA. In addition, NIST calibration is available.
  • Is there a limit to the number of sensors that are supported by your systems?
    No.

    The LabSVIFT monitoring system can support an unlimited amount of connected transmitters. Two sensor probes can be installed per LabSVIFT transmitter. Each transmitter is utilized to monitor each connected device or chamber.

    The Lab Alert monitoring system is a modular system, so you can begin with a few sensors and then continue to add on as your operation grows. It supports an unlimited number of sensors.
  • Can your systems provide multiple alarms at different times?
    Yes, our systems can be tailored to your needs. Not only can you set alarms for different temperature ranges, but you can specify what alarms should go off at certain times of the day. Recipients can be specified for the received notifications assigned for each device.
  • What range of temperatures can your systems monitor?
    a. LabSVIFT: Option 1: -40°C to +85°C | Option 2: -200°C to +200°C

    b. LabAlert: Option 1: -40°C to +60°C | Option 2: -160°C to +160°C
  • Are the Wi-Fi sensors complicated to integrate into our current system?
    a. LabSVIFT: Wi-fi Cloud Based Monitoring System

    b. LabAlert: Zigbee Based Monitoring System
  • Where can I find more information on LabAlert and LabSVIFT Monitoring Systems?
    Visit our dedicated webpages for LabAlert and LabSVIFT systems.
  • Where are my local service companies?
    Our list of service providers can be found here. You can also contact us here for more information.
Cell and Gene Therapy
  • Does PHCbi have any cell analysis systems?
    Yes, PHCbi's live cell metabolic pathway analyzer, LiCellMo®, offers continuous, real-time monitoring of cellular activity — delivering minute-by-minute insights into cell states. Its advanced in-line system precisely measures both glucose uptake and lactate production within the same culture medium on a 24-well plate, providing a clear picture of cell growth and differentiation. Because this method eliminates the need for manual sampling, the same cells remain available for further testing after the assay. This cutting-edge technology opens new doors for overcoming challenges in metabolic research and driving innovative discoveries.
  • What is the method of measurement in the LiCellMo?
    Electrochemical sensors on the sensor module have enzymes that bind specifically to either glucose or lactate. As these enzymes bind and oxidize glucose and lactate, the released electrons are measured as a current value that is further evaluated as a millimolar concentration.
  • Does LiCellMo require a proprietary 24-well plate for use with cell cultures?
    No, LiCellMo does not require any specialized well plate unique to the LiCellMo. However, because stability and contact are critical to accurate measurement, well plate adapters are necessary and have been designed brand-specific for commonly used well plate brands.

    The five well plate brands compatible with the LiCellMo are:
    • Corning Costar
    • Corning Falcon
    • Thermo Nunc
    • Greiner Cellstar
    • Sumitomo Bakelite Sumilon
  • Does PHCbi offer any cell expansion systems?
    PHCbi is currently developing an innovative cell expansion system, LiCellGrow™, that is being designed to allow researchers to visualize continuous metabolic changes in cells in real-time and adjust cell culture conditions automatically for enhanced cell quality.
  • What volume size options will be available for the LiCellGrow system?
    The LiCellGrow is being designed to launch with 1 Liter and 0.5 Liter (500 mL) bag size options.
  • Do I need to use any specialized media or reagents when running the LiCellMo?
    No, users are free to use most kinds of media or reagents as dictated by their experimental protocols. If there are any concerns with specific types of media/reagents/drugs such as with any additives that might contain close analogues to glucose or lactate, please contact us here.
  • Does PHC Corporation of North America (PHCNA) offer any imaging systems?
    PHCNA offers the SCREEN Cell3iMager NX high throughput imaging system. The NX offers high-speed, high-quality, whole well analysis with focus composition technology and deep learning functionality. High resolution, whole-well analysis of a 96-well plate can be done in under 1 minute at 10x magnification.
  • Does the SCREEN NX offer any AI tools or functionality?
    The SCREEN NX offers an option for a robust deep learning AI tool that can assist users with target acquisition and analysis. The deep learning tool can be designed using preset recipes and further enhanced with parameter adjustments and user assisted targeting. Once developed, the system can quickly scan and accurately acquire targets with little input from users.
Validation
  • What is ISO-14000?
    Many companies are now familiar with the 9000 series of international standards dealing with quality systems. As a continuation of this standardization process, the ISO-14000 series of international standards have been developed for incorporating environmental aspects into operations and product standards.
  • Where are my local service companies?
    Our list of service providers can be found here. You can also contact us here for more information.