Anaerobic and Microaerophilic Workstations

01 Our Credentials

Because his early career had been as a ‘working-at-the-bench’ microbiologist,

Don Whitley set out to improve the microbiologist’s working life by removing
as much tedium as he could and by seeking to reduce the risk of tests being
compromised by human error. This experience helped him to develop novel
ideas for improving the working life of scientists through the use of labour-
saving equipment and automated solutions, leading to the formation of
Don Whitley Scientific Limited in 1976.

Don’s first product was an improved anaerobic jar. His work resulted in a stream of innovations in the early
years – and quite a number of products incorporating his inventions are still in production today.

Our patents include:

• Oval, sleeved ports
• Instant Access Porthole System
• Automatic Humidification
• Anaerobic Conditions Monitor

We have now sold thousands of anaerobic and hypoxic

workstations in over 50 countries and have
a worldwide network of distributors.

Don also made a significant contribution to the publication

“An Introduction to Clinical Anaerobic Bacteriology”, a guide to enable the reader to
isolate and identify 12 commonly occurring clinically important anaerobic bacteria. Considerable
expert knowledge was combined to make this the most up-to-date reference guide for the modern clinical
laboratory. Images were kindly supplied by the Anaerobe Reference Unit, Cardiff.
 02
Our greatest assets are our
satisfied customers…
...the overall impact of improved
anaerobic techniques to the laboratory
itself is $24,455 saved per year.
Dr Joan Barenfanger, et al Clinical Infectious Diseases,
2002;35(Supp11):s78-83

We grow both anaerobic and

microaerobic bacteria and the Whitley
Jar Gassing System has become a
real asset. It has really improved our
recovery of strict anaerobic organisms
such as Clostridium tetani. We have
been thoroughly satisfied with our
recent results.
Dr Joy Olaya, Dick White Referrals

Both the high standard of the

Don Whitley A35 Workstation and
the helpful, easily approached staff
at Don Whitley Scientific make
recommending the company and
their equipment a no-brainer.
Samantha Yuille, University of the West of Scotland
03 Unique Innovations

Instant Access Ports Anaerobic Conditions Monitor

The patented Whitley Instant Access Porthole
With this option an animated two-tone striped
Fact
System is available on many Whitley Workstations.
Fact
green icon confirms that suitable anaerobic
Not only does it enable instant access to your

01
conditions exist in the workstation. Yellow and

02
samples, this sleeveless system uses eight times
red icons provide an early indication if conditions
less gas when entering the workstation compared
begin to vary. Combining the use of this facility with
with a conventional porthole system.
bacterial control organisms is the most reliable
way of confirming that suitable anaerobic growth
conditions exist within a workstation.

Colour Touchscreen Automatic Humidification

Operating conditions are configured and maintained The Automatic Humidification System provides a

Fact by an intelligent, programmable logic controller in

Fact
sterile source of humidity without the need for open

03
conjunction with an intuitive touchscreen interface. trays/containers of water within the workstation.

04
The touchscreen interface displays the status The automatic humidification system does not
conditions of all controlled parameters and also increase the maximum level of humidity that can
allows the user to change operating parameters be achieved but will increase the humidity very
to suit specific test conditions. Alarm conditions quickly and will not contaminate the atmosphere
are clearly displayed and pin code controlled user in the workstation.
access levels protect user adjustable parameters.
 04
Three Gas Operation HEPA Filtration
Running your workstation on three gases can be
To quickly create and maintain a particle-free
Fact
very cost-effective in certain countries. Unique
Fact
environment, some workstations are available
to DWS, some of our anaerobic workstations can

05
with the unique Whitley Internal HEPA Filtration

06
operate on separate cylinders of N2, H2 and CO2 to
System. All the atmosphere in the chamber passes
provide the most cost-effective anaerobic conditions
through the filter every four seconds (tested down
(around 30% cheaper than a dual gas version).
to 0.3µm – exceeding ISO 14644 Class 3). Proof
of atmospheric cleanliness can be provided. CO2
monitoring and a removable front are supplied
as standard on workstations fitted with HEPA
filtration.

Data Download/Traceability Remote Access

There is an option to purchase data logging Most Whitley Workstations can be Ethernet-enabled

Fact software for some models of Whitley Workstation.

Fact for remote access to the touchscreen control panel.

07 08
This feature allows the recording of workstation This allows you to log into your workstation when
temperature, humidity and chamber pressure you are away from the lab and check current
for traceability or reference. The information is operating parameters, making changes if necessary.
displayed on the touch screen in graphical format. This feature also allows DWS engineers to log into
The recorded data can be downloaded via the your workstation remotely to assess the situation
USB interface to a memory stick and imported should a fault occur. They will then be able to
into a spreadsheet for further analysis. provide instant feedback and avoid any unnecessary
downtime.
05 Whitley Anaerobic Workstations

Whitley DG250 Whitley A35 Whitley A35 HEPA

The DG250 is an entry-level workstation suitable Sample manipulation within a secure anaerobic The Whitley A35 HEPA Workstation is an
for anaerobic and microaerophilic applications, environment is now as easy as working anaerobic workstation with the addtion of a
providing you with a generous working area and aerobically at the laboratory bench. The Whitley unique internal HEPA filtration system. Like our
large incubation capacity in the smallest possible A35 Anaerobic Workstation fulfils the diverse other anaerobic workstations, the A35 HEPA
footprint. For emergency anaerobic incubation it specifications of both research and clinical provides excellent conditions for the processing,
will hold up to 400 x 90mm Petri dishes. customers. This workstation accomodates up to incubation and examination of samples without
600 x 90mm Petri dishes. exposure to atmospheric oxygen.

FEATURES FEATURES FEATURES

• Perfect for laboratories growing anaerobes and • Optional Instant Access Porthole System eliminates the • Fitted with the unique Whitley Internal HEPA Filtration
microaerophiles where space is limited - only 810mm of need for gloves and sleeves and uses eight times less System where all the atmosphere inside the chamber
bench width required with no compromise of conditions. gas than conventional porthole systems. passes through the filter every 4 seconds. This ensures
• The user portholes act as two mini-airlocks so you can • Rapid, built-in airlock with mechanical and electrical the chamber environment is cleaned quickly.
transfer plates at the same time as entering/exiting the interlocks - no risk of compromising conditions inside the • Levels of atmospheric cleanliness inside the workstation
workstation. chamber; flushed with nitrogen as an additional cost exceed the requirements of ISO 14644 Class 3.
• The complete interior is temperature controlled – and can saving. • Uses filters specially designed for Don Whitley Scientific.
be set between 5°C above ambient and 45°C. • Innovative colour touch screen interface with password- • Fitted with patented, oval gloveports, equipped with
• The Whitley DG250 has an impressive 33% more capacity protected user levels. sleeves and gloves, for greater freedom of movement and
than any other unit of comparable size so you get more • Available with Removable Front / Dual gas operation / operator comfort.
for your money. Automatic commissioning cycle. • Automatic commissioning cycle to save time.
• The whole top can be lifted off for thorough cleaning and • Automatic dehumidifier – no user maintenance necessary. • Removable front, which aids cleaning and transfer of
the transfer of bulk samples and equipment. • Available with integrated Anaerobic Conditions Monitor. equipment, fitted as standard.
• Automatic dehumidifier – no user maintenance necessary.
 Note: All Whitley Anaerobic Workstations can be run as Microaerophilic chambers,
simply by connecting the relevant gas mixture.
06
Whitley A45 Whitley A45 HEPA Whitley A55
The Whitley A55 has a chamber size twice the width
The Whitley A45 Anaerobic Workstation has three The A45 HEPA Workstation, like our other
of an A35, with a huge working and incubation
ports for convenient access to the entire incubation anaerobic workstations, enables the processing,
area, and an airlock at either end. Petri dishes and
and working areas. Even with a relatively small incubation and examination of samples without
samples can be introduced at either end of the
footprint incubation capacity is maximised and exposure to atmospheric oxygen This workstation
workstation creating a natural, Lean rhythm for
creates the perfect controlled environment for small is fitted with a unique internal HEPA filtration
your laboratory workflow. This system is ideal for
or large sample numbers. Accomodates over 750 x system and has three ports for convenient user
the busy lab where organisation of samples and
90mm Petri dishes leaving a generous working area. access to the entire incubation and working areas.
cultures is key.

FEATURES FEATURES FEATURES

• The choice of an Instant Access Porthole System or our • Fitted with the unique Whitley Internal HEPA Filtration • The choice of an Instant Access Porthole System or our
unique oval porthole system. System where all the atmosphere inside the chamber passes unique oval porthole system.
• Rapid, built-in airlock with mechanical and electrical through the filter hundreds of times an hour, which ensures • 2x Rapid, built-in airlocks; flushed with nitrogen as an
the chamber environment is cleaned quickly.
interlocks - no risk of compromising conditions inside the additional cost saving.
chamber; flushed with nitrogen as an additional cost • Levels of atmospheric cleanliness inside the workstation
• Innovative colour touch screen interface with password-
saving. exceed the requirements of ISO 14644 Class 3.
protected user levels.
• Innovative colour touch screen interface with password- • Removable front fitted as standard to facilitate the
• Dual gas operation for real savings on gas.
protected user levels. transfer of items of equipment.
• Comfortable to work in and excellent visibility.
• Available with Removable Front / Dual gas operation / • Two manual, oval ports with sleeves and one Whitley
Instant Access Port. • Available with integrated Anaerobic Conditions Monitor.
Automatic commissioning cycle.
• Colour touchscreen interface that displays all monitored • Available as a dual temperature workstation to enable
• Automatic dehumidifier – no user maintenance necessary.
parameters and has PIN protected user levels. the use of different temperatures in each workstation
• Available with integrated Anaerobic Conditions Monitor. chamber.
• Rapid, built-in airlock that is flushed with nitrogen
– a cycle takes only 60 seconds – ensuring no risk of
compromising conditions inside the chamber.
07
Whitley A85 Whitley A85TG
The Whitley A85 Anaerobic Workstation has been created to enable both This workstation is an extremely cost-effective option as it runs from three
research and clinical scientists to carry out microbial manipulation within a secure separate gases (N2, H2, CO2). Running costs are 30% less than a dual gas version
anaerobic environment. Every aspect of system functionality has been thoroughly (which uses cylinders of ANO2 and N2). The Whitley A85TG Workstation has a
considered - a 30 litre airlock, environmental control systems, touch screen capacity of up to 700 x 90mm Petri dishes and a huge 30 litre airlock.
interface, workspace visibility, fabrication quality, the unique gloveport system
and maximum incubation capacity. It provides the ideal controlled environment
for small or large numbers of samples.

FEATURES FEATURES
• Innovative touch screen interface with PIN number user access. All the same great features as the A85 but also with:
• Control temperature from 5˚C above ambient up to 45˚C. • Manual, oval ports enable gloved or bare handed working. Each porthole also
• Modern, ergonomic design. allows the transfer of up to 10 plates each as you insert your arms.
• Dual gas operation. • Full colour touchscreen control panel for ease of use and for visual display of
parameters such as temperature, humidity and airlock cycle status.
• Automatic commissioning cycle.
• Large airlock accommodates up to 90 x 90mm Petri dishes.
• Automatic de-humidification system - no user maintenance necessary.
• Fitted with an automatic de-humidification system to save time and resources.
• Patented multi-functional gloveports.
• Comprehensive range of options available to tailor the workstation to your
• Optional refrigeration unit available.
needs, ie single plate entry system, internal power socket, etc.
 08
Whitley A95 Whitley A95TG
The A95 Workstation is the largest anaerobic chamber in the Whitley range with a huge capacity The Whitley A95TG is the second of our cost-effective, three gas workstations. Running from
of up to 1400 x 90mm Petri dishes, depending upon the way you choose to configure your separate cylinders of N2, H2 and CO2, this cabinet‘s operating costs are 30% less than the dual
working and incubation areas. This product incorporates the latest in touchscreen technology, gas version. The huge double chamber can accommodate up to 1,400 x 90mm Petri dishes.
which allows the incorporation of some unique features and benefits. The four manually
operated, oval glove ports enable two people to operate within the same controlled atmosphere
simultaneously. This is ideal for tutoring or for very busy laboratories. Each port also acts as a
mini-airlock so you can transfer 10 plates through each time you insert or withdraw your arms,
so reducing gas usage and the number of airlock cycles required.

FEATURES FEATURES
• Innovative touch screen interface with password protected user levels. • Four manual, oval gloveports enable two people to work in the chamber, gloved
• Rapid, built-in airlock with mechanical and electrical interlocks - no risk or bare handed, simultaneously.
of compromising conditions inside the chamber, flushed with nitrogen as an • Each gloveport acts as a mini-airlock for the transfer of 10 plates each at the
additional cost saving. same time as the operator’s arms.
• Available with integrated Anaerobic Conditions Monitor. • The large 30 litre airlock can transfer up to 90 x 90mm Petri dishes.
• Modern, ergonomic design. • An ideal workstation for high throughput laboratories and for training purposes.
• Dual gas operation. • Full colour touchscreen operation and visual display of parameters such as
• Automatic commissioning cycle. temperature, humidity and airlock cycle status.
• Automatic de-humidity control system – no user maintenance necessary. • Available with integrated Anaerobic Conditions Monitor.
09
Whitley M35 Whitley Jar Gassing System
The Whitley M35 is a microaerobic workstation ideal for the study For those laboratories still using jars, the Whitley Jar Gassing System
and isolation of Campylobacter ssp., Helicobacter pylori and reduces the cost of creating microaerobic conditions by 98% and
other similarly fastidious organisms. It is a key component for any anaerobic conditions by 89% compared to gas packs. Jars can be useful
microbiology laboratory. This chamber provides the perfect way of for transporting samples and when a low number of cultures does not
manipulating samples in a sustainable microaerobic environment. warrant the cost of a workstation.

FEATURES FEATURES
• Accommodates up to 600 Petri dishes. • Creates perfect conditions for growing anaerobes in less than 2 minutes and for
• Supplied with an automated dehumidification control system with no user microaerophiles in just 15 seconds. This compares to between 30 - 180 minutes to achieve
maintenance necessary. suitable conditions using gas generation sachets or kits.
• Allows bare hand working. • A full colour touch screen control panel allows you to monitor, in real time, that the criteria
• Intuitive colour touch screen interface with PIN-code protected user levels. necessary for the creation of either anaerobic or microaerobic conditions has been met.
• Rapid integral airlock - no risk of compromising conditions inside the chamber. • It is easy to use so no complicated operator training is required.

• Airlock flushed with nitrogen as an additional cost saving. • Incorporates PIN code protected user access levels for additional security.
• The optional printer enables you to create a hard copy audit trail for accreditation
• Modern, ergonomic design.
purposes.
• If you already have anaerobic jars that you wish to use you can order the adaptor kit,
which will enable you to connect to your existing jars.
 10
Whitley DG250 Workstation Whitley A35 Workstation Whitley A35 HEPA Workstation Whitley A45 Workstation Features

270 / 400 400 / 600 400 / 600 600 / 900 *Chamber Capacity
10 plates per port (20) 40 plates via airlock 40 plates via airlock 40 plates via airlock Port / Airlock Capacity
Manual Ports Instant Access or Manual Ports Instant Access or Manual Ports Instant Access or Manual Ports Porthole System
ANO2 / N2 ANO2 / N2 ANO2 / N2 ANO2 / N2 Gas Supplies
Hardwired Wireless Wireless Wireless Footswitch
Auto Sleeve Gassing
Internal Mains Socket
Storage Trays

● ● ● Lighting

● Inspection Lamp
Single Sample Entry
Optional Liquid-based System - - - ANO2 Indicator

- ANO2 Conditions Monitor

- - - - Refrigeration

- Data Logging
15 second sample transfer via ports 60 seconds 60 seconds 60 seconds Airlock Cycle Time
Extra Cable Glands

- HEPA Filtration

- - - - Microscope

● ● ● ● Automatic Dehumidifier

- Automatic Humidifier

- Chilled Incubation Compartment

Full lift off lid Removable Front

Workstation Trolley

- Remote Access
810 / 760 / 635 1255 / 720 / 710 1255 / 810 / 710 1660 / 720 / 710 Dimensions (w/d/h)
141 / 64 220 / 100 220 / 100 286 / 130 Weight (lbs/kg)

KEY: ● Fitted as standard Option available - Not applicable

 11
Features Whitley A45 HEPA Workstation Whitley A55 Workstation Whitley A85 Workstation Whitley A85 TG Workstation

*Chamber Capacity 600 / 900 800 / 1200 540 / 610 540 / 610

Port / Airlock Capacity 40 plates via airlock 40 plates via each airlock (2 airlocks) 10 plates per port + 90 plates via airlock (110) 10 plates per port + 90 plates via airlock (110)

Porthole System Instant Access or Manual Ports Instant Access or Manual Ports Manual Ports Manual Ports
Gas Supplies ANO2 / N2 ANO2 / N2 ANO2 / N2 H2 / N2 / CO2
Footswitch Wireless Wireless Wireless Wireless
Auto Sleeve Gassing
Internal Mains Socket
Storage Trays - -
Lighting ● ● ● ●
Inspection Lamp -
Single Sample Entry (front loading version only)
ANO2 Indicator - - -
ANO2 Conditions Monitor
Refrigeration - -
Data Logging
Airlock Cycle Time 60 seconds 60 seconds per airlock (2 airlocks) 5 minutes 5 minutes
Extra Cable Glands
HEPA Filtration ● - - -
Microscope - -
Automatic Dehumidifier ● ● ● ●
Automatic Humidifier - - -
Chilled Incubation Compartment - - -
Removable Front ● ● (Right-hand side only) - -
Workstation Trolley ●
Remote Access
Dimensions (w/d/h) 1660 / 810 / 710 2510 / 720 / 710 1570 / 760 / 840 1570 / 760 / 840
Weight (lbs/kg) 330 / 150 440 / 200 330 / 150 330 / 150

KEY: ● Fitted as standard Option available - Not applicable

 12
Whitley A95 Workstation Whitley A95 TG Workstation Whitley M35 Workstation Features

1080 / 1400 1080 / 1400 400 / 600 *Chamber Capacity

10 plates per port + 90 plates via airlock (130) 10 plates per port + 90 plates via airlock (130) 40 plates via airlock Port / Airlock Capacity
Manual Ports Manual Ports Manual Ports Porthole System
ANO2 / N2 H2 / N2 / CO2 H2 / N2 , CO2, N2, Air Gas Supplies
Wireless Wireless Wireless Footswitch

- Auto Sleeve Gassing

Internal Mains Socket
- - Storage Trays

● ● ● Lighting
Inspection Lamp
Single Sample Entry

- - - ANO2 Indicator

- ANO2 Conditions Monitor

- - - Refrigeration
Data Logging
5 minutes 5 minutes 60 seconds Airlock Cycle Time
Extra Cable Glands
- - HEPA Filtration

- Microscope

● ● ● Automatic Dehumidifier
- - Automatic Humidifier
- - - Chilled Incubation Compartment

- - Removable Front
Workstation Trolley
Remote Access
2415 / 760 / 840 2415 / 760 / 840 1255 / 720 / 710 Dimensions (w/d/h)
506 / 230 506 / 230 220 / 100 Weight (lbs/kg)

*Capacity based upon using 90mm Petri dishes. Shown as working / short term maximum with limited working space
13 What Can We Do For You?

SERVICE AND TEMPERATURE UKAS CALIBRATION/

MAINTENANCE MAPPING VALIDATION
Comprehensive service plans On-going compliance 100% confidence
We offer UK customers comprehensive maintenance In today’s increasingly regulated environment, To provide you with 100% confidence in your
and repair contracts on a variety of laboratory the need to demonstrate on-going compliance processes and ensure your equipment and
equipment from many different manufacturers. with quality and safety standards is part procedures will stand up to scrutiny,
of laboratory life.
We are the only company able to take advantage of DWS offers UKAS calibration and validation services
training from our in-house colleagues who design and DWS is UKAS accredited to provide temperature for heat sterilisation equipment, temperature
manufacture Whitley products – and, of course, mapping of Whitley Workstations, other anaerobic controlled processes and temperature indicators.
have their day-to-day support. chambers, incubators, ovens, fridges or freezers using This flexible onsite and offsite service is undertaken
up to 12 thermocouples. This is useful when you need by our team of experts who will take the time to
We also ensure all our engineers have been trained by
to identify any temperature gradients that may be explain the work they carry out.
the manufacturers of any equipment they service.
present and need to be avoided when carrying out
If you are a service contract customer, we can
• Engineer coverage across the UK particularly sensitive incubation tasks.
schedule your UKAS calibration/validation work to
• Fast response time Our on-site service means the work can be carried take place at the same time as routine servicing
• Stock of parts carried to ensure a first time fix out at your convenience with prompt supply of to save you time and money.
certification. If you have a DWS service contract, you
can arrange for your temperature mapping to be done
at the same time as a routine service or repair work
for the most cost-effective price.
 MICROBIOLOGY
LABORATORY
In-house laboratory services
It’s not every laboratory equipment manufacturer
that has its own in-house laboratory with
experience in food, water, environmental,
pharmaceutical and clinical work. As well as having
developed a great deal of experience in culturing
anaerobic and microaerophilic bacteria, the team
of DWS scientists have a key role in new product
development.
They are also on hand to help customers with the
best practical, productive ways of using products
supplied by DWS.

To support the design, manufacture and supply of Whitley Workstations,

we have a range of complementary services:
Don Whitley Scientific
14 Otley Road, Shipley, West Yorkshire, BD17 7SE, England.
Tel: +44 (0)1274 595728 Fax: +44 (0)1274 531197
Website: www.dwscientific.co.uk  Email: info@dwscientific.co.uk