LabCompanion PU-150 High-Low Temperature Environmental Test Chamber

Overview

The LabCompanion PU-150 is a precision-engineered high-low temperature environmental test chamber designed for rigorous thermal stress evaluation of materials, components, and finished products under controlled, repeatable conditions. Based on forced-air convection with dual-stage refrigeration (cascade system) and PID-controlled electric heating, the chamber delivers stable thermal environments across an extended operational range of −70 °C to +150 °C. Its architecture adheres to fundamental thermodynamic principles governing heat transfer, thermal inertia compensation, and chamber air dynamics—ensuring minimal thermal gradients and high reproducibility across validation cycles. The PU-150 is widely deployed in R&D laboratories, quality assurance departments, and manufacturing facilities where compliance with international environmental testing standards—including IEC 60068-2-1 (cold), IEC 60068-2-2 (dry heat), MIL-STD-810H Method 502.7, and GB/T 2423.1–2423.2—is required.

Key Features

• Robust cascade refrigeration system enabling reliable operation down to −70 °C without liquid nitrogen or external cryogenic support
• PID-based digital temperature controller with real-time monitoring, programmable ramp-soak profiles, and auto-tuning capability
• High-efficiency axial fan array with adjustable airflow distribution to maintain uniform thermal conditions (±2.0 °C uniformity across working volume)
• Stainless steel 304 interior chamber with seamless welding, corrosion-resistant insulation, and double-layer insulated door with heated anti-condensation seal
• Thermal protection circuitry including compressor overheat cut-off, heater overcurrent detection, and independent safety thermostat (mechanical backup)
• Compliance-ready design: supports IQ/OQ documentation templates and integrates with external data loggers for 21 CFR Part 11–compliant audit trails when paired with validated software

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The PU-150 accommodates samples up to 500 mm (W) × 600 mm (H) × 500 mm (D) within its stainless-steel working chamber. Its open-shelf configuration allows flexible fixture mounting and unobstructed airflow around test specimens—including PCB assemblies, automotive sensors, polymer housings, battery modules, and medical device enclosures. The chamber meets structural and performance criteria outlined in ISO/IEC 17025-accredited calibration protocols for environmental test equipment. It is routinely used in GLP and GMP-regulated environments for thermal aging studies, accelerated life testing, and pre-shipment qualification per AEC-Q200, JEDEC JESD22-A104, and IPC-9701 requirements.

Software & Data Management

The PU-150 operates with LabCompanion’s embedded TC-3000 control interface, offering intuitive touch-screen navigation, multi-step profile programming (up to 99 segments), and USB data export (CSV format). Optional Ethernet connectivity enables integration with LabCompanion’s centralized TestSuite™ platform—a validated software suite supporting remote monitoring, automated report generation (PDF/Excel), electronic signatures, and full 21 CFR Part 11 compliance (user access control, audit trail, data integrity encryption). All temperature logs are timestamped, traceable to NIST-traceable reference sensors, and retain metadata including operator ID, cycle ID, and environmental deviations.

Applications

• Thermal cycling validation of electronic components under extreme ambient conditions
• Material coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) characterization via dimensional stability assessment
• Accelerated aging of elastomers, adhesives, and encapsulants per ASTM D3045
• Preconditioning of lithium-ion battery cells prior to electrochemical testing (UN 38.3 T1–T5 simulation)
• Qualification of aerospace-grade composites per RTCA DO-160 Section 4.3 (temperature extremes)
• Stability testing of pharmaceutical packaging per ICH Q1A(R2) guidelines (long-term and accelerated conditions)

FAQ

What is the maximum allowable sample mass for thermal stability during rapid temperature transitions?
For optimal thermal uniformity and control fidelity, total sample mass should not exceed 25 kg. Excessive thermal mass may increase stabilization time and reduce effective uniformity; load calibration is recommended for critical applications.
Does the PU-150 support humidity control?
No—the PU-150 is a dry-temperature-only chamber. For combined temperature/humidity testing, refer to the PSL or PL series models.
Can the chamber be validated per IQ/OQ protocols?
Yes—LabCompanion provides factory-issued IQ/OQ documentation packages, including sensor calibration certificates (NIST-traceable), temperature mapping reports, and installation verification checklists.
Is the refrigeration system serviceable in-field?
The cascade refrigeration unit features modular compressors and accessible service valves. Preventive maintenance intervals are defined in the user manual, and authorized service technicians can perform field diagnostics and refrigerant recharge using standard HVAC tools.
What safety certifications does the PU-150 hold?
It complies with CE marking requirements (EMC Directive 2014/30/EU and Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU), and conforms to UL 61010-1 (3rd Ed.) for laboratory equipment safety. Full certification documentation is available upon request.