LabCompanion PL-80 Benchtop Temperature and Humidity Controlled Chamber
| Brand | LabCompanion |
|---|---|
| Origin | Guangdong, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Direct Manufacturer |
| Product Category | Domestic |
| Model | PL-80 |
| Instrument Type | Upright |
| Temperature Range | 15–45 °C |
| Humidity Range | 20–98 % RH |
| Temperature Deviation | ≤ ±2 °C |
| Temperature Fluctuation | ±0.5 °C |
| Humidity Deviation | ±2.5 % RH |
| Humidity Fluctuation | ±3 % RH |
| Heating Rate (non-linear, no-load) | ~3.5 °C/min (20 °C to +150 °C) |
| Internal Dimensions (W×D×H) | 400×400×500 mm |
| External Dimensions (W×H×D) | 600×1495×950 mm |
| Net Weight | 230 kg |
| Power Supply | AC 220 V / 20.0 A |
Overview
The LabCompanion PL-80 is a compact, upright benchtop temperature and humidity controlled chamber engineered for precise environmental simulation in research laboratories, quality control facilities, and R&D departments. It operates on the principle of forced-air convection combined with dual-channel PID-controlled refrigeration and steam-based humidification systems, enabling stable, repeatable conditioning of test specimens under defined thermal and hygroscopic conditions. Designed for applications requiring compliance with standardized environmental exposure protocols—including ASTM D4332, ISO 2231, IEC 60068-2-78, and JIS Z 8702—the PL-80 delivers high reproducibility in ambient-range testing (15–45 °C / 20–98 % RH), making it suitable for accelerated aging, material stability assessment, packaging validation, and electronic component preconditioning.
Key Features
- Compact upright footprint optimized for limited laboratory space without compromising internal volume (400 × 400 × 500 mm working chamber)
- Dual independent PID controllers for simultaneous, decoupled regulation of temperature and relative humidity
- High-efficiency scroll compressor refrigeration system with eco-friendly R134a refrigerant
- Ultrasonic steam humidifier with automatic water level monitoring and anti-dry-burn protection
- Insulated double-wall construction with 100 mm thick polyurethane foam (thermal conductivity < 0.022 W/m·K)
- Touchscreen HMI interface with real-time graphing, programmable multi-step profiles (up to 99 segments), and event logging
- RS485 communication port supporting Modbus RTU protocol for integration into centralized lab management systems
- Over-temperature, over-humidity, and compressor overload safety interlocks compliant with IEC 61000-6-2/6-4 EMC standards
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The PL-80 accommodates a broad range of sample types—including polymers, pharmaceutical tablets, printed circuit boards, textiles, adhesives, and coated substrates—without risk of condensation-induced degradation or thermal shock, thanks to its smooth ramp-and-soak profile execution and low turbulence airflow design. Its operational envelope meets key regulatory prerequisites for GLP-compliant stability studies (ICH Q1A–Q1E), as well as requirements outlined in USP <1151> and ISO 17025-accredited testing environments. The chamber supports audit-ready data integrity through optional time-stamped, password-protected event logs aligned with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 principles (when paired with validated software).
Software & Data Management
LabCompanion’s proprietary ChamberControl™ software (v3.2+) enables remote monitoring, real-time parameter visualization, and automated report generation (PDF/CSV). Data export includes timestamped temperature/humidity traces, alarm history, and calibration verification records. For enterprise deployment, the PL-80 integrates seamlessly with LIMS platforms via OPC UA or HTTP API endpoints. All firmware updates are digitally signed and delivered through secure HTTPS channels. Optional 21 CFR Part 11 add-on module provides electronic signature capability, role-based access control, and immutable audit trails for GxP-regulated workflows.
Applications
- Accelerated stability testing of pharmaceuticals and medical devices per ICH guidelines
- Moisture absorption/desorption kinetics analysis for hygroscopic materials
- Preconditioning of samples prior to mechanical or electrical testing (e.g., tensile, dielectric, solderability)
- Environmental stress screening (ESS) of electronic assemblies during qualification
- Validation of packaging barrier performance under cyclic humidity conditions
- Calibration reference chamber for hygrometers and thermometers (with optional traceable NIST-certified sensors)
- Long-term storage simulation for archival media and biological reagents
FAQ
What is the maximum allowable load mass inside the PL-80 chamber without compromising temperature uniformity?
The chamber maintains specified uniformity (±2 °C, ±3 % RH) with up to 15 kg of non-heat-generating, low-thermal-mass samples placed centrally on the standard stainless-steel shelf.
Does the PL-80 support rapid humidity recovery after door opening?
Yes—equipped with high-capacity humidification and recirculation fans, the unit achieves ≤15-minute recovery to setpoint (±3 % RH) following a 30-second door opening at 40 °C / 75 % RH.
Can the PL-80 be calibrated internally, and is external calibration documentation provided?
The unit includes built-in calibration offset adjustment for both temperature and humidity sensors. A factory calibration certificate (traceable to NIM, China) is supplied with each shipment; optional UKAS/NIST-traceable third-party calibration services are available upon request.
Is the chamber compatible with continuous unattended operation for 72+ hours?
Yes—designed for Class II continuous-duty operation, the PL-80 features redundant safety circuits, automatic defrost cycling, and self-diagnostic firmware that logs operational health metrics every 10 seconds.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for optimal long-term performance?
Monthly inspection of air filters and water reservoir; quarterly cleaning of condenser coils and humidifier transducer; annual verification of sensor accuracy and refrigerant charge integrity using certified service tools.
