Percival Scientific Drosophila Rearing Chamber Model DR-36VL
Compact, Lighted Environmental Control for Drosophila Research
The Percival Scientific 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.
