LabCompanion PL-150 High-Low Temperature & Humidity Environmental Test Chamber

Overview

The LabCompanion PL-150 High-Low Temperature & Humidity Environmental Test Chamber is a precision-engineered climatic simulation system designed for rigorous reliability validation of electronic components, automotive modules, aerospace hardware, medical devices, and industrial materials under controlled thermal and hygrothermal stress conditions. Operating on the fundamental principles of forced-air convection, refrigerant-based vapor compression cooling (R134a or R404A), and steam-humidification via stainless-steel immersion heaters, the chamber delivers stable, repeatable, and traceable environmental profiles in accordance with international test standards including IEC 60068-2-1 (cold), IEC 60068-2-2 (dry heat), IEC 60068-2-14 (temperature cycling), and IEC 60068-2-78 (damp heat, steady state). Its dual-sensor feedback loop architecture—integrating Pt100 resistance temperature detectors (RTDs) and capacitive humidity sensors—ensures high-fidelity closed-loop control across the full operational envelope.

Key Features

• Robust dual-wall construction with 100 mm total insulation thickness: high-density polyurethane (PU) foam core combined with mineral glass wool, rated for Class B fire resistance per UL 94 and GB 8624–2012.
• SUS 304 mirror-finish stainless-steel interior chamber (electropolished finish optional) resistant to corrosion from condensate, salt mist, and organic vapors; seamless welded corners minimize microbial retention points.
• Double-gasketed, counterweighted door with silicone-sealed thermal break and electrically heated anti-sweat window (40 W) to maintain optical clarity during high-humidity operation.
• Integrated observation viewport (280 × 350 mm) with tempered safety glass and integrated LED lighting (Philips 13 W PL-type) for real-time visual monitoring without thermal disturbance.
• Modular stainless-steel adjustable shelf system: two removable grid shelves with 50 mm vertical pitch; load capacity up to 30 kg per shelf (uniformly distributed).
• Standard 50 mm diameter cable/port access hole with silicone grommet and IP54-rated plug cap for external power/signal interfacing under operational conditions.
• Four heavy-duty casters (200 kg load rating each) with locking brakes and leveling feet for precise alignment and vibration isolation on standard laboratory flooring.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The PL-150 accommodates samples up to 500 × 600 × 500 mm in volume and supports concurrent thermal and humidity stress testing per MIL-STD-810H Method 502.6 (low temperature), Method 503.6 (high temperature), and Method 507.6 (humidity). Its chamber geometry and airflow design ensure compliance with ISO 16750-4 (road vehicles – environmental conditions) and AEC-Q200 qualification requirements for passive components. All temperature and humidity profiles are fully programmable and reproducible within ±0.5 °C and ±1.5 % RH tolerance, enabling adherence to GLP-compliant validation protocols. The system meets CE marking requirements (2014/30/EU EMC Directive and 2014/35/EU LVD Directive) and conforms to RoHS 2011/65/EU material restrictions.

Software & Data Management

Equipped with an embedded 7-inch color touchscreen HMI running LabCompanion’s proprietary TCS-3000 control firmware, the PL-150 supports up to 100 user-defined test programs with 99 segments per program (ramp/soak/humidity coupling enabled). Real-time data logging records temperature, humidity, setpoints, alarm status, and system diagnostics at configurable intervals (1–600 seconds). Export formats include CSV and PDF reports compatible with LIMS integration. Optional Ethernet (TCP/IP) and RS-485 Modbus RTU interfaces allow remote supervision via SCADA or enterprise MES platforms. Audit trail functionality—including operator ID, timestamped parameter changes, and event logs—is available as an add-on module compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when paired with user authentication and electronic signature packages.

Applications

• Accelerated life testing of PCBAs, connectors, sensors, and battery packs under combined thermal-hygric stress.
• Qualification of packaging integrity for sterile medical devices per ISO 11607-1.
• Environmental screening of avionics enclosures per DO-160G Section 4 (temperature) and Section 5 (humidity).
• Material compatibility studies involving polymers, adhesives, and elastomers exposed to cyclic condensation and thermal shock.
• Pre-conditioning of reference standards prior to metrological calibration in accredited labs (ISO/IEC 17025).
• Validation of HVAC component performance under extreme ambient conditions.

FAQ

What is the maximum sample weight the chamber can accommodate without compromising thermal uniformity?
The internal structure supports static loads up to 60 kg distributed across both shelves. For optimal uniformity, we recommend limiting total mass to 40 kg and ensuring ≥50 mm clearance from all chamber walls.
Does the system support ramp-and-soak profiles with simultaneous humidity control?
Yes—the TCS-3000 controller enables fully coupled temperature/humidity programming, including independent ramp rates, dwell times, and humidity hold points within the 20–98 % RH range.
Is third-party calibration certification included with shipment?
Factory calibration certificates (traceable to NIM China) are provided. Full ISO/IEC 17025-accredited calibration with uncertainty budgets is available as a paid service.
Can the chamber operate continuously at −40 °C and 98 % RH?
Continuous operation at the extreme low-temperature/high-humidity corner is not recommended due to risk of excessive frost accumulation on evaporator coils; the specified operating envelope assumes intermittent or stepped profiles per IEC 60068-3-4.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for long-term reliability?
Compressor oil and refrigerant levels should be verified annually; condenser coils require cleaning every 3 months in non-filtered environments; humidity tank descaling is advised quarterly using citric acid solution.