Temperature limitations

Experiments
1

Hello eVOLVER experts,
I am trying to set up some experiments with eVOLVER and would need it to work at 58-60 degrees Celsius. Has someone operated at these temperatures before? The main paper says the max T would be 45 degrees Celsius. Is anyone aware of any part of the equipment that may limit the temperature?
Thank you very much for your help!
Best wishes,
Anush

2

Hi Anush,

There are two 20 Ohm, 15 W heating resistors (wired in series) on the Smart Sleeve that provide the heating capabilities. With the typical 12V power source, the Sleeve can get to 45C if the room temp is around 25C. There are several ways to increase temperature, and also a few concerns:

  • You can change the input power source from 12V to 24V to output more heat, but the fans responsible for stirring have to be replaced for 24V rated ones. Both the stirring and heating come from the same power source. Changing one will impact the other. Be sure to calculate the current draw and do not exceed 1A/ channel on the eVOLVER for the heaters.

  • You can put the eVOLVER in an incubator ~40C and then use eVOLVER to increase the temp to 60C on the smart sleeve (while keeping the 12V power). I am not sure how robust the electronics constantly in a warm environment. I don’t see any obvious issues but it is something to consider.

  • One concern: The PLA 3d printed sleeves on the eVOLVER get pretty soft at around 55C and can deform. I would try printing new sleeves out of ABS if you were to try this.

Best,
Brandon

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3

Hi Brandon,
Thank you so much for your quick answer! I will try this out and follow up here if I have more questions!
Best wishes,
Anush

4

Hi Anush,

I was wondering whether you have been able to use the system at higher temperatures, as I’m currently investigating whether eVOLVER would be suitable for our lab (we need to grow our strains at 55C).

Best regards,
Jeroen

5

Hi Jeroen,
I decided to set up the eVOLVER at its maximum temperature (45degC) because I did not find it safe to keep it in an incubator at higher temperatures (see Brandon’s concerns above). Our strain grows optimally at 58-60degC, and at 45degC it also grows, just slower.
The temperature rise to 45degC is slow but it works.
I hope this helps. Good luck!
Best wishes,
Anush

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