The standard anaerobic program performs three cycles. Each cycle is composed of two phases: the evacuation phase and the replacement phase.
Initially there is approximately 21% oxygen in the atmosphere in the jar, the same percentage as normally in the air. During each cycle a little more than 80% of the jar contents is being replaced with an oxygen free gas mixture (evacuation to 205 mbar - replacement to 1040 mbar). After the three replacement cycles ((1-80.29%)3 x 21%) the Oxygen concentration in the air is rarefied to 0,16 %.
When an anaerobic recipe is performed, Hydrogen and a Catalyst must be in the jar to obtain and maintain an absolute anaerobic atmosphere. This catalyst binds any Oxygen in the jar to the Hydrogen in the gas mixture. This is necessary because:
- The Anoxomat reduces the oxygen level in the jar to only 0.16%.
- Media, if they are not pre-reduced, contain oxygen, which will be released in the jar atmosphere during incubation.
- Finally the inoculate may produce oxygen during the incubation.
During incubation the catalyst stays active and binds any Oxygen set free.
For information about different gas mixtures or concentrations in the jars, please view the information under Information - Hotline - Programming user defined atmospheres and under Products - Options. |
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