DR-36VL

Percival Scientific Drosophila Rearing Chamber Model DR-36VL

Compact, Lighted Environmental Control for Drosophila Research

The DR-36VL Drosophila Chamber is specifically designed for drosophila rearing and experimentation in laboratories requiring integrated, programmable LED lighting within a smaller footprint. This chamber combines precise temperature and humidity control, phenolic-coated refrigeration, and vertically mounted linear LEDs to support consistent, reproducible drosophila research.

Features

Integrated LED lighting for uniform shelf illumination

Optimized cabinet size for space-constrained labs

Phenolic-coated coils protect against acidic drosophila environments

IntellusUltra™ Controller for reliable, real-time environmental control

Designed for high-density vial and bottle rearing

Environmental Control System

IntellusUltra™ Controller

Percival’s IntellusUltra™ Controller provides industrial-grade performance with flexible functionality levels tailored to research applications.

• Real-time monitoring and control of temperature, humidity, and lighting

• Expandable architecture for optional connectivity and system upgrades

• Advanced diagnostics, alarms, and experiment protection

Core Technical Highlights

Lighting System

• Linear LEDs mounted vertically on each side of every shelf

• Light intensity programmable up to 120 µmol m²/s, measured at 6″ from LEDs

• Dimmable from 5–100% output

• Lighting schedules fully programmable through the IntellusUltra™ controller

• Designed for consistent illumination without excessive heat load

Interior Capacity

• Interior Volume: 29.7 cu ft

• Work Area: 27 sq ft

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

• Shelf Dimensions: 27″ D × 25.1″ W

• Growing Height:

  • 9.5″ per tier with water pan humidifier installed

  • Up to 10.5″ per tier without water pan humidifier

• Shelves supported by clips allowing ½″ vertical adjustment increments

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 shell isolated to prevent metal-to-metal thermal conduction

• NSF-compliant seam design

• Interior floor: 304 stainless steel

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

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

• Casters and adjustable leveling legs for lab flexibility

Insulation

• Woodless construction

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

• 93% closed-cell structure

• R-value: 12.5

• Ensures stable performance across full operating range

Door & Access

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

• Magnetic gasket provides a tight environmental seal

• Full-height access for efficient 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

• Heat rejection rises upward without impacting internal chamber conditions

• Ceiling-mounted evaporator coil with twin air-circulation fans

• Phenolic-coated coils protect against acidic drosophila byproducts

• Heat rejection to ambient: approximately 2169 BTU/hr

Temperature Range & Stability

• Lights On: 5°C to 44°C (±0.5°C)

• Lights Off: 2°C to 44°C (±0.5°C)

Humidity Control

• Additive humidity control:

  • Up to 85% ±10% (lights on, 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 shutdown of chamber power if limits are exceeded

• System automatically resets once 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

Typical Applications

• Drosophila melanogaster rearing

• Genetic and developmental studies

• Behavioral and lifecycle research

• Controlled photoperiod experiments

• High-density vial and bottle production

The DR-36VL offers full environmental control with integrated lighting in a compact footprint, making it ideal for laboratories that need precision drosophila rearing without sacrificing space or performance.

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

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.