Q: How does an anaerobic chamber remove the air/oxygen?

1. Gas Purging (Creating the Anaerobic Atmosphere)

• The chamber is flushed with a gas mixture — usually nitrogen, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide.
• Nitrogen and CO₂ displace atmospheric air, while hydrogen plays a key role in eliminating trace oxygen.

2. Catalyst Reaction (Removing Oxygen Chemically)

• Inside the chamber, there’s typically a palladium catalyst.
• Hydrogen gas reacts with any residual oxygen in the presence of the catalyst, forming water (H₂O).
• This chemical reaction effectively scavenges oxygen from the chamber atmosphere.
• The Whitley Anaerobic Workstations take this a step further by use of the patented Anotox sachet that extends catalyst life to 6 months without the need for baking.

3. Airlocks / Transfer Ports

• When materials are introduced, they go through an airlock system.
• The airlock is repeatedly evacuated and refilled with the anaerobic gas mix before items enter the chamber, preventing oxygen from leaking inside.

4. Continuous Monitoring & Control

• Modern systems constantly monitor oxygen levels (often aiming for <1 ppm O₂).
• Some units automatically flush and rebalance gases if oxygen rises above set thresholds.
• Whitley Anaerobic Workstations have the option of Electronic Anaerobic Conditions Monitoring – that will monitor the anaerobic atmosphere in real-time.

Q: How much does an anaerobic chamber cost?

Anaerobic workstations can range in price from $10,000 - $100,000+

A few major factors that influence how much you’ll end up paying:

• Size / Internal Volume: Larger workspaces cost more. If you need to accommodate many petri plates, big culture vessels, and have enough glove ports, size adds up.
• Material & Build Quality: Stainless steel vs. acrylic or vinyl; thickness of walls; quality of glove ports, seals, viewports, etc.
• Features:
• Number of glove ports or airlocks
• Automatic airlocks
• Gas regulation (e.g. hydrogen, nitrogen, CO₂)
• Oxygen monitoring & control systems
• Temperature control, humidity control, safety systems
• Customization & Brand: Premium brands often charge more, reliability and service matter. Unique customizations for special applications will also command a higher price tag.
• Used vs New: Used units are cheaper, but may require refurbishment, replacement parts, or calibration.

Q: Anaerobic chamber versus anaerobic jar, pros & cons of each

Anaerobic Jars

How they work:

• Samples are placed in a sealed jar with a gas-generating sachet (hydrogen + CO₂), often combined with a palladium catalyst, to remove oxygen.
• Indicator strips (resazurin or methylene blue) confirm anaerobic conditions.

Pros:

• ✅ Low cost (typically $200–$500 for a jar; sachets cost extra).
• ✅ Simple and portable — easy to set up anywhere.
• ✅ Great for small batch use or teaching labs.
• ✅ Good for short-term culture of common anaerobes.

Cons:

• ❌ Limited capacity — only fits a small number of plates or tubes.
• ❌ No way to manipulate cultures once inside — you must remove plates to streak, examine, or subculture.
• ❌ Slower setup time each run (resealing, sachet replacement).
• ❌ Anaerobiosis can take several hours to establish, and conditions may not be as stable.
• ❌ Higher running cost over time (consumables). If your lab is using anaerobic jars, take a look at the Whitley AtmoGen Automatic Jar Gassing System paired with Whitley Incubation boxes. Save time and money while quickly creating the perfect environment for your cultures.

Anaerobic Workstations (Chambers)

How they work:

• Entire sealed chamber is filled with a controlled atmosphere (typically N₂, H₂, CO₂).
• Palladium catalyst removes trace O₂.
• Glove ports allow direct handling of cultures in real time.

Pros:

• ✅ Allows continuous manipulation of cultures without oxygen exposure.
• ✅ Precise environmental control (O₂ often <1 ppm).
• ✅ Large workspace accommodates many plates, tubes, and even instruments.
• ✅ Faster recovery and growth of strict anaerobes.
• ✅ No recurring sachet costs (though gas supply is needed).
• ✅ Often includes temperature, humidity, or additional control options.

Cons:

• ❌ High upfront cost ($10,000–$100,000+ new).
• ❌ Requires dedicated lab space and gas supplies.
• ❌ More complex to install and maintain (filters, catalyst, gloves).
• ❌ Overkill if you only need anaerobes occasionally. Interested in an anaerobic workstation for your lab? Be sure to check out our full range of Whitley Anaerobic Workstations. Funds a bit tight? We often have refurbished and demo units available for a discounted price and we offer lease-to-own options!

• Use anaerobic jars if: you’re a teaching lab, only culture anaerobes occasionally, or don’t need to manipulate cultures in real time.
• Use an anaerobic workstation if: you routinely work with strict anaerobes, need reliable long-term cultures, or require manipulation without oxygen exposure (e.g., research, clinical, biotech applications).

Q: Whitley Anaerobic Workstations Compared to Coy or Coy Labs Anaerobic Chambers

Overview of Each System

Coy Anaerobic Chambers

• Coy offers vinyl (PVC) flexible chambers, often called “bubble” chambers
• They use the standard hydrogen + palladium catalyst method: a gas mix (often 5% H₂ in N₂/CO₂) is circulated over a catalyst (Stak-Pak) to remove trace oxygen down to ~0–5 ppm.
• Modules include vacuum/airlock systems, catalyst fan boxes, quick-change gloves, temperature‐control options.
• Flexible vinyl design allows some volume changes/expansion (less rigid “box” feel). But is also prone to tears and damage that can result in leaks and repairs.
• Gloved system for working inside the chamber.

Whitley Anaerobic Workstations

• Whitley offers rigid chamber workstations in multiple sizes (A20, A25, A35, up to large models).
• They support single, dual, or three-gas configurations, including H₂, N₂, CO₂, and optional HEPA filtration in some models.
• Touchscreen interface, data logging, remote access, catalyst/atmosphere monitoring, “instant access ports,” patented designs for efficient gas use, etc
• Workstations combine incubation + working area (chamber interior held at temperature) to maximize usable capacity
• Uses a cuff and sleeve system with gas and evacuation cycles for users to work more comfortably inside the chamber with increased dexterity than a gloved system.

Q: How to choose an anaerobic chamber

When choosing an anaerobic chamber (workstation or chamber system), the best fit depends on your lab’s research goals, sample throughput, and budget. Here are the main factors to consider:

🔬 1. Research Application

• Clinical / diagnostic labs → Need highly reliable, automated systems with incubation built in (e.g., Whitley Workstations).
• Research labs (microbiology, gut microbiome, synthetic biology, soil, environmental) → May benefit from more flexible setups and custom features.
• Anaerobic vs. microaerophilic → Ensure the chamber supports the right oxygen levels (0 ppm vs. low % O₂ for microaerophiles. (Check out the Whitley M-Series Workstations for microaerophiles).

📏 2. Size & Capacity

• Throughput needs → How many plates, tubes, or flasks do you need to incubate and manipulate at once?
• Footprint → Do you have the bench or floor space? Rigid workstations often take more room than vinyl “bubble” chambers.
• Growth + work in one space → Some chambers double as incubators; others need separate incubation space.

🧪 3. Atmosphere Control

• Gas mix → Will you use pre-mixed cylinders (N₂/CO₂/H₂) or workstation gas blending?
• Catalyst efficiency → Systems that regenerate palladium catalysts (e.g. Whitley Anaerobic Workstations) automatically save maintenance headaches.
• O₂ monitoring → Consider built-in O₂ sensors and data logging for quality control.

🧤 4. Workflow & Ease of Use

• Airlock design → How quickly can you move samples in and out? Instant access ports vs. vacuum/purge cycles.
• Glove ergonomics → Flexible vinyl can reduce “glove fight” but may sacrifice rigidity; rigid boxes are sturdier but sometimes less comfortable.
• Visibility → Clear viewing panels and good lighting help with manipulations.

⚙️ 5. Automation & Monitoring

• Data logging → Some labs require digital records of O₂ levels, temperature, and gas usage (important in clinical settings).
• Remote access → Higher-end systems allow monitoring and alerts if the atmosphere drifts.
• Environmental control → Temperature, humidity, and CO₂ control for sensitive cultures.

💰 6. Cost & Operating Expenses

• Upfront cost → Rigid, automated workstations (e.g., Whitley Anaerobic Workstation) can be significantly more expensive than flexible vinyl systems (e.g., Coy).
• Gas consumption → Systems vary in efficiency; some designs reduce purge volume or gas loss.
• Maintenance → Replacement gloves, vinyl, catalyst, seals, or filters all add to lifetime cost.

🛠️ 7. Durability & Maintenance

• Vinyl (flexible chambers) → Lower upfront cost but more prone to punctures, glove tears, and wear.
• Rigid (acrylic/aluminum chambers) → More durable, easier to clean, typically longer life.
• Service support → Availability of local service engineers and replacement parts.

👩‍🔬 8. User Experience & Training

• How many people will use it?
• Is it easy for new students or techs to learn?
• Do you need multiple smaller chambers for separate projects, or one large shared system?

Q: What is the catalyst for an anaerobic chamber?

In an anaerobic chamber (or workstation), the catalyst is typically palladium — often coated onto pellets, granules, or a solid support inside the chamber.

Here’s how it works:

• The chamber atmosphere usually contains hydrogen (H₂) along with nitrogen and carbon dioxide.
• Trace amounts of oxygen (O₂) that leak in or remain after purging react with hydrogen in the presence of the palladium catalyst.
• The chemical reaction is:
  
• This converts oxygen into water vapor, effectively removing it from the chamber and maintaining an oxygen-free environment.
• Because of this reaction, it is important an anaerobic workstation has a dehumidification system to remove moisture from the chamber. All Whitley Anaerobic Workstations come standard with automatic dehumidification systems.
• Catalyst life and maintenance can vary greatly between workstations – Whitley Workstations use the patented Anotox sachets to prevent poisoning of the catalyst (for example, from moisture, sulfur, or volatile organics). This extends catalyst life to 6 months without the need for baking.

Q: What gas cylinders are used with an anaerobic workstation?

Typical Gas Cylinders for Anaerobic Workstations

1. Mixed Gas Cylinders (Premix)

• Common composition:
• 80–90% Nitrogen (N₂)
• 5–10% Hydrogen (H₂)
• 5–10% Carbon Dioxide (CO₂)
• This is the most frequently used cylinder type in anaerobic microbiology labs.
• The hydrogen reacts with oxygen via the palladium catalyst to remove trace O₂.
• CO₂ supports the growth of many anaerobes (especially gut bacteria).

2. Single Gas Cylinders (Used in Some Systems)

Some workstations allow you to use separate cylinders of:

• Nitrogen (N₂) → base gas, displaces oxygen.
• Hydrogen (H₂) → scavenges oxygen with catalyst.
• Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) → optional but beneficial for many organisms.

These are blended automatically by the workstation’s gas-mixing controls. This can save money (since premix cylinders can be more expensive), but it requires a chamber capable of mixing and regulating gas flow. If you are interested in a chamber with gas mixing capabilities, check out the Whitley M-Series.

📌 Key Considerations

• Safety: Hydrogen levels are always kept well below flammable limits (usually <10%).
• Purity: Medical or research-grade gases are recommended to avoid contamination.
• Efficiency: The number and size of cylinders needed depend on chamber volume, frequency of airlock use, and how often the atmosphere is refreshed.

Q: What is an Anaerobic Chamber?

An anaerobic workstation (also called an anaerobic chamber) is a sealed laboratory enclosure designed to create and maintain an oxygen-free environment so researchers can safely handle and grow organisms that cannot tolerate oxygen (strict anaerobes).

🔬 Key Features

1. Sealed Environment
• Fully enclosed system that prevents oxygen from entering.
• Access is via glove ports and an airlock/transfer chamber for moving samples in and out.
2. Controlled Atmosphere
• The chamber is filled with a defined gas mix, usually:
• Nitrogen (N₂) → inert background gas
• Hydrogen (H₂) → reacts with oxygen to eliminate it
• Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) → supports growth of many anaerobes
• A palladium catalyst inside the chamber removes any trace oxygen by converting it to water vapor.
3. Work Inside Without Oxygen Exposure
• Unlike anaerobic jars or bags, you can open plates, inoculate cultures, examine samples, and run experiments inside the chamber without oxygen damage.
4. Monitoring & Control
• Many systems continuously monitor oxygen levels (often down to <1 ppm).
• Some models also control temperature, humidity, and CO₂ concentration for incubation.

📌 Why Use One?

• Essential for culturing strict anaerobes (e.g., Clostridium, Bacteroides, gut microbiota).
• Enables long-term experiments without exposing samples to oxygen.
• Provides a more reliable and stable environment than anaerobic jars, which can take hours to reach full anaerobiosis and don’t allow manipulations inside.

✅ In short:

An anaerobic workstation is like a mini oxygen-free laboratory, allowing scientists to culture, manipulate, and study anaerobic organisms under carefully controlled conditions.