LabCompanion HP-80U Programmable Temperature and Humidity Chamber

Overview

The LabCompanion HP-80U Programmable Temperature and Humidity Chamber is an engineered environmental test system designed for precise simulation of dynamic thermal and hygrothermal stress conditions. It operates on the principle of forced-air convection with independent, parallel control of temperature and humidity via a balanced thermal-humidity control (BTHC) methodology—ensuring stable, repeatable chamber environments without cross-coupling interference. The chamber supports both steady-state (constant) and time-varying (programmed) profiles, enabling rigorous evaluation of material stability, component reliability, and product robustness under real-world storage, transport, and operational conditions. Its architecture integrates mechanical compression refrigeration (single-stage or cascade configuration), stainless-steel steam humidification, and PID-driven feedback regulation—optimized for long-term operational integrity in quality assurance, R&D, and production validation workflows.

Key Features

• Robust dual-mode refrigeration system: configurable single-stage or binary cascade cooling using imported hermetic scroll compressors and environmentally compliant R507 refrigerant.
• High-fidelity control architecture: Japanese ETAC820 touchscreen HMI integrated with industrial-grade PLC and SOC modules, supporting up to 50 programmable profiles with 2500 total steps, including segment looping, pattern branching, and interruption-resume functionality.
• Uniform environmental distribution: optimized centrifugal airflow design with rear-mounted circulation fan and strategically positioned ducting eliminates thermal/hygrometric dead zones; validated uniformity meets ISO 16750-4 and IEC 60068-3-5 requirements.
• Energy-efficient operation: proprietary heat recovery and compressor load modulation reduce power consumption by up to 30% and water usage by 20% versus conventional chambers.
• Dual-layer safety architecture: includes independent overtemperature cutoff, dry-run protection for humidifier, refrigerant high-pressure switch, motor overload relay, ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI), and real-time self-diagnostic monitoring.
• Modular data infrastructure: built-in LAN interface compliant with IPC/SCADA protocols enables centralized fleet management of ≥200 units; USB 2.0 port supports encrypted, timestamped data export (CSV/Excel) with audit-trail metadata.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The HP-80U accommodates diverse sample geometries—including PCB assemblies, lithium-ion battery cells, optical components (LCDs, fiber optic connectors), polymer housings, and medical device packaging—within its 80 L stainless-steel (SUS304) work chamber. Its construction complies with UL 61010-1 and IEC 61000-6-3 for electromagnetic compatibility. Testing protocols executed on this platform satisfy statutory and industry-specific regulatory frameworks, including ASTM D4332 (conditioning of plastics), ISO 16750-4 (road vehicle environmental testing), USP (pharmaceutical packaging stability), and FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when paired with validated software configurations. All calibration points are traceable to NIST-certified reference standards.

Software & Data Management

The embedded ETAC820 controller provides full GLP/GMP-aligned data governance: automatic logging of setpoints, actual values, alarms, and system status at user-defined intervals (1 sec–60 min resolution). Raw datasets include timestamps with millisecond precision, operator ID tagging, and digital signature support. Exported files retain hierarchical metadata (test ID, program name, segment index, runtime duration) compatible with LIMS integration. Optional remote monitoring software enables role-based access control, email/SMS alerting, and real-time dashboard visualization across enterprise networks. Audit trails record all parameter modifications, user logins, and emergency stops—fully compliant with 21 CFR Part 11 Annex 11 requirements for electronic records and signatures.

Applications

This chamber serves critical functions across multiple sectors: accelerated aging of polymer encapsulants in automotive electronics; thermal cycling validation of 5G RF modules per AEC-Q200; moisture absorption/desorption profiling of moisture-sensitive devices (MSL classification); shelf-life assessment of sterile barrier systems under ISO 11607; and qualification testing of aerospace avionics per DO-160 Section 4. It is routinely deployed in ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratories for test method validation, uncertainty budgeting, and inter-laboratory comparison studies. The HP-80U also supports custom test sequences required for JEDEC JESD22-A104 (temp/humidity bias), JESD22-A110 (highly accelerated stress test), and IEC 60749-27 (humidity resistance).

FAQ

What standards does the HP-80U comply with for environmental testing?
It meets GB/T 10586, GB/T 10592, IEC 60068-2-3 (Ca), MIL-STD-810D Method 502.2/507.2, and GJB 150.9—covering steady-state and cyclic temperature-humidity profiles.
Can the chamber operate below 20% RH?
Yes—when equipped with the optional auxiliary dehumidification module, it achieves and maintains ≤10% RH across the full temperature range.
Is the controller capable of executing complex multi-step profiles?
Yes—the ETAC820 supports nested loops, conditional branching between patterns, and real-time adjustment of active segments without program interruption.
How is data integrity ensured during power loss?
The system features non-volatile memory retention and automatic resume functionality; all running parameters and elapsed time are preserved and restored upon re-power.
What materials are used in chamber construction to ensure corrosion resistance?
Interior surfaces are fabricated from electropolished SUS304 stainless steel; exterior panels use either powder-coated cold-rolled steel or brushed 304 SS, with high-density polyurethane + fiberglass composite insulation.