LabCompanion PL-225 Programmable Temperature and Humidity Environmental Test Chamber

Overview

The LabCompanion PL-225 is a precision-engineered programmable temperature and humidity environmental test chamber designed for rigorous physical property evaluation under controlled climatic conditions. Based on dual-system refrigeration and steam-based humidification with PID-controlled heating and dehumidification, the chamber maintains stable thermal-hygrometric profiles across its operational envelope. It operates on the principle of forced-air convection with optimized airflow distribution to ensure uniform temperature and relative humidity throughout the test volume—critical for evaluating material stability, packaging integrity, electronic component reliability, and accelerated aging behavior per international standards such as IEC 60068-2-1, IEC 60068-2-2, IEC 60068-2-78, and ISO 19040. The PL-225 is not intended for cryogenic or high-temperature stress testing; rather, it is engineered for mid-range environmental simulation where reproducibility, long-term drift control, and regulatory traceability are paramount.

Key Features

• Microprocessor-based 7-inch color touchscreen controller with intuitive graphical interface and multi-segment program capability (up to 99 cycles, 999 steps)
• Dual independent control loops for temperature and humidity—each with real-time monitoring, alarm thresholds, and auto-tuning functionality
• High-efficiency hermetic compressor system with copper-aluminum finned evaporator and condenser for consistent cooling performance
• Steam generator humidification system with stainless-steel water tank, level sensor, and dry-run protection to prevent heater damage
• Double-layer insulated chamber walls (100 mm polyurethane foam, density ≥40 kg/m³) and double-glazed observation window with anti-fog coating
• Internal chamber constructed from 304 stainless steel; exterior housing in powder-coated cold-rolled steel for corrosion resistance and structural rigidity
• Over-temperature, over-humidity, compressor overload, and water shortage safety interlocks compliant with IEC 61000-6-2/6-4 EMC requirements

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The PL-225 accommodates a wide range of sample types—including polymer films, pharmaceutical blister packs, printed circuit boards, lithium-ion battery cells, textile specimens, and coated metal substrates—within its 187.5 L working volume (500 × 750 × 500 mm). Its internal layout supports standard ISO/IEC 17025-compliant placement protocols: samples are positioned on adjustable stainless-steel shelves with ≥50 mm clearance from walls and airflow ducts to minimize boundary layer interference. The chamber meets essential design and safety requirements outlined in UL 61010-1, EN 61000-6-2, and GB/T 10586–2018 (Chinese national standard for environmental test equipment). While not certified to full FDA 21 CFR Part 11 out-of-the-box, its controller supports audit trail logging, user-level access control (three-tier), and password-protected parameter modification—enabling qualification for GLP/GMP environments when validated per site-specific SOPs.

Software & Data Management

The PL-225 integrates seamlessly with LabCompanion’s optional PC-based data acquisition software (LCS-Link v4.2), enabling remote monitoring, real-time graphing, and automated report generation in PDF or Excel format. All sensor readings—including chamber air temperature (PT100 Class B), relative humidity (capacitive polymer sensor, calibrated traceably to NIST SRM), and cycle status—are timestamped and stored internally (≥30 days at 1-min intervals) with battery-backed memory. Data export supports CSV and XML formats compatible with LIMS platforms. For regulated laboratories, optional firmware upgrades provide electronic signature support, change history tracking, and 21 CFR Part 11-compliant user authentication—subject to IQ/OQ/PQ validation documentation and network configuration per institutional IT policy.

Applications

• Accelerated stability testing of pharmaceutical primary packaging per ICH Q1A(R2) guidelines
• Moisture barrier performance assessment of flexible food packaging materials (ASTM F1249, ASTM E96)
• Thermal cycling and humidity soak testing of automotive ECUs and ADAS sensors (SAE J2232, ISO 16750-4)
• Conditioning of composite laminates and adhesives prior to mechanical testing (ASTM D618, ISO 291)
• Environmental stress screening of consumer electronics during pre-production verification (JEDEC JESD22-A110)
• Calibration reference chamber for hygrometer and thermohygrometer verification labs

FAQ

What is the maximum allowable load mass inside the PL-225 without compromising performance?
The chamber is rated for up to 30 kg of non-exothermic, non-hygroscopic test specimens. Exceeding this limit may degrade temperature/humidity uniformity and extend stabilization time beyond specifications.
Can the PL-225 be configured for low-humidity operation below 20 % RH?
No—the standard configuration has a minimum setpoint of 20 % RH due to limitations in dehumidification capacity and sensor accuracy at sub-saturation levels. For <20 % RH applications, consider the PDR-series desiccant-equipped models.
Is external water supply required for continuous operation?
No—the integrated 12 L stainless-steel reservoir supports up to 72 hours of uninterrupted humidification at 98 % RH. An optional external water inlet kit (part #WIF-PL) is available for unattended long-duration tests.
Does the controller support custom alarm relay outputs?
Yes—two configurable dry-contact relays (NO/NC) are provided for integration with building management systems (BMS) or external warning lights, programmable per user-defined deviation thresholds.
What calibration documentation is supplied with shipment?
Each unit ships with a factory calibration certificate covering temperature (–10 °C to +60 °C) and humidity (20–98 % RH) at three points, traceable to national metrology institutes via ISO/IEC 17025-accredited subcontractors.