DR-36NL

Percival Scientific Drosophila Rearing Chamber Model DR-36NL

Compact, Non-Lighted Environmental Control for Drosophila Research

The DR-36NL Drosophila Chamber is purpose-built for drosophila rearing applications that do not require integrated lighting. It delivers precise temperature and humidity control, phenolic-coated refrigeration, and high-density shelving in a compact footprint ideal for labs using external light sources or constant-dark conditions.

Features

• No internal lighting for dark-cycle or externally lit experiments

• Six-tier shelving configuration maximizes rearing density

• Phenolic-coated coils protect against acidic drosophila environments

• IntellusUltra™ Controller for advanced environmental precision

• Compact footprint for space-constrained laboratories

Environmental Control System

IntellusUltra™ Controller

Percival’s IntellusUltra™ Controller is an industrial-grade control platform designed for controlled environments.

• Continuous 24-hour monitoring and control

• Controls temperature, humidity, and optional CO₂

• Step & ramp programming with 500 steps across 50 programs

• Manual, Diurnal, Program, and Non-Circadian operating modes

• Deviation alarms, power-failure logging, and onboard diagnostics

• Dual experiment protection with primary and independent secondary limits

Core Technical Highlights

Lighting System

• No lights installed inside the chamber

• Designed for use with external lighting or dark-cycle research

Interior Capacity

• Interior Volume: 29.7 cu ft

• Work Area: 32.3 sq ft

• Shelving: Six tiers of white epoxy-coated steel wire shelving

• Shelf Dimensions: 27″ D × 28.7″ W

• Growing Height:

  • 8″ per tier with all six shelves installed (water pan humidifier standard)

• Shelves supported by clips allowing ½″ vertical adjustments

Cabinet Construction & Finish

• Interior: 22-gauge electro-zinc plated steel

• Exterior: 18-gauge electro-zinc plated steel

• Welded inner and outer shells for durability

• Inner liner isolated to prevent metal-to-metal thermal transfer

• NSF-compliant seam design

• Interior floor: 304 stainless steel

• Access Port: One 1.25″ air-tight port on right-hand wall

• Floor Drain & Hose Assembly included

• Casters and adjustable leveling legs standard

• Finish: High-reflectivity, environmentally friendly baked white powder coating

Insulation

• Woodless construction

• 2″ foamed-in-place non-CFC urethane insulation

• 93% closed-cell structure

• R-value: 12.5

• Provides stable performance across full temperature range

Door & Access

• Single door opening: 29.2″ W × 57.5″ H

• Magnetic gasket provides a tight environmental seal

• Full-height access for loading and servicing

Refrigeration & Temperature Control

• Self-contained, air-cooled condensing unit

• Hot gas bypass system for continuous compressor operation

• Improves temperature stability and extends compressor life

• Top-mounted refrigeration for easy maintenance access

• Heat rejection rises upward without affecting chamber interior

• Ceiling-mounted evaporator coil with twin circulation fans

• Phenolic-coated coils protect against acidic drosophila byproducts

• Heat rejection to ambient: approximately 2504 BTU/hr

Temperature Range & Stability

• Temperature Range: 2°C to 44°C (±0.5°C)

Humidity Control

• Additive humidity control:

  • Up to 85% ±10% (lights on / external lighting, 15–30°C)

  • Up to 90% ±10% (lights off, 15–30°C)

• Requires de-mineralized water supply

• ½″ MPT water connection

Safety & Experiment Protection

• Adjustable high and low temperature safety limits

• Audible and visual alarms

• Automatic power shutdown if limits are exceeded

• System automatically resets when conditions return to normal

Dimensions & Utilities

• Exterior Dimensions: 33.5″ W × 33.6″ D × 77.2″ H

• Required Clearance: 6″ on right side

• Electrical Requirements:

  • Each power cord requires a dedicated 20-amp circuit

  • One chamber per outlet (single or duplex)

  • Some configurations may require multiple power cords

Applications

• Drosophila melanogaster rearing

• Dark-cycle and constant-dark studies

• High-density vial and bottle production

• Genetic, developmental, and lifecycle research

• Laboratories using external or shared lighting systems

The DR-36NL is the ideal choice when lighting is unnecessary or externally controlled, offering higher shelf density than VL models while maintaining the same environmental precision and durability expected from Percival Scientific.

Optional Upgrades

• Dehumidifier with sensor

• IntellusUltra Connect (remote monitoring)

• Android-based touchscreen interface

• CO₂ enrichment package

• Self-contained water-cooled condensing unit

• Dry alarm contacts

• Convenience receptacles (optional)

Contact us for custom configurations to match your research workflow.

 

Expert Guidance You Won’t Get From Big Distributors

Unlike broad catalog sellers, we specialize in controlled environment systems with deep application support. Our team understands the experimental nuances: from controller programming to lighting strategies and environmental uniformity. We help you match chamber options to your research goals and ensure you get the right system.

Ready to refine your setup or get a tailored quote? Contact us for expert support and configuration advice.