LabCompanion PR408 Vertical Temperature and Humidity Controlled Environmental Test Chamber
| Brand | LabCompanion |
|---|---|
| Origin | Guangdong, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Direct Manufacturer |
| Product Category | Domestic |
| Model | PR408 |
| Instrument Type | Vertical Chamber |
| Cooling Method | Air-Cooled |
| Temperature Range | −20 °C to +150 °C |
| Humidity Range | 20–98 % RH |
| Temperature Uniformity | ≤ ±2 °C |
| Temperature Fluctuation | ±0.5 °C |
| Humidity Uniformity | ≤ ±2.5 % RH |
| Heating Rate | 1.0–3.0 °C/min |
| Interior Dimensions (W×D×H) | 800 × 850 × 600 mm |
Overview
The LabCompanion PR408 is a vertically oriented, air-cooled environmental test chamber engineered for precise, repeatable simulation of temperature and humidity conditions in laboratory and industrial quality assurance environments. Based on the principle of forced-air convection combined with dual-channel PID-controlled refrigeration and steam-based humidification, the PR408 maintains stable thermal-hygrometric profiles across its 408 L internal workspace (800 × 850 × 600 mm). Its operational envelope—spanning −20 °C to +150 °C and 20–98 % RH—supports accelerated aging, thermal cycling, condensation testing, and long-term stability assessments per ISO 16750-4, IEC 60068-2-30, and ASTM D4332 protocols. Designed for integration into GLP-compliant laboratories and production line validation workflows, the chamber features a robust stainless-steel interior, insulated double-wall construction, and an independently monitored safety cutoff system.
Key Features
- Vertical configuration optimized for floor-space efficiency and ergonomic sample loading/unloading
- Air-cooled refrigeration system with hermetically sealed compressor and copper-aluminum finned evaporator for low-maintenance operation
- Steam-type humidification system with deionized water reservoir and anti-scale heater to minimize mineral deposition and ensure RH reproducibility
- Dual independent PID controllers—one for temperature, one for humidity—with real-time auto-tuning and adaptive compensation for load variation
- High-resolution touchscreen interface (7″ TFT LCD) supporting multi-segment programmable profiles, data logging, and USB export
- Integrated over-temperature, over-humidity, and dry-run protection circuits compliant with IEC 61000-6-2 EMC standards
- Optional RS485 Modbus RTU or Ethernet TCP/IP interface for SCADA and MES integration
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The PR408 accommodates a broad range of physical samples—including polymer components, printed circuit boards (PCBs), automotive trim parts, pharmaceutical packaging, and coated metal specimens—without requiring custom fixtures. Its uniform airflow design ensures ≤ ±2 °C temperature deviation and ≤ ±2.5 % RH deviation across the entire working volume, verified per IEC 60068-3-5. The chamber meets structural and operational requirements for ISO/IEC 17025-accredited testing laboratories and supports audit-ready documentation for FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when paired with optional electronic signature and audit trail software modules. All electrical components conform to UL 61010-1 and CE-LVD directives.
Software & Data Management
The embedded controller records time-stamped temperature and humidity values at user-selectable intervals (1 s to 60 min), storing up to 10,000 hours of data internally. Exported CSV files are compatible with Microsoft Excel, MATLAB, and statistical process control (SPC) platforms such as Minitab. Optional LabCompanion LogView Pro software provides remote monitoring, alarm notification via email/SMS, and automated report generation aligned with ISO 9001 clause 8.2.4 (Monitoring and Measurement Resources). Full audit trail functionality—including operator ID, parameter changes, and session start/stop timestamps—is available for GMP-regulated environments upon license activation.
Applications
- Accelerated life testing of elastomers and thermoplastics under cyclic thermal-hygrometric stress
- Pre-conditioning of lithium-ion battery cells prior to electrochemical performance evaluation
- Stability assessment of moisture-sensitive active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) per ICH Q1A(R2)
- Environmental stress screening (ESS) of electronic assemblies per MIL-STD-810H Method 507.6
- Validation of packaging barrier properties (e.g., water vapor transmission rate correlation)
- Calibration verification of handheld hygrometers and thermometers using NIST-traceable reference sensors
FAQ
What is the maximum allowable sample mass for stable operation within the specified temperature and humidity tolerances?
The PR408 is rated for up to 35 kg of non-exothermic, non-hygroscopic load without compromising uniformity specifications. For high-mass or thermally active samples, consult the Load Capacity Derating Guide included in the technical manual.
Does the chamber support rapid temperature transitions between extreme setpoints?
Yes—the heating rate of 1.0–3.0 °C/min applies from ambient to +150 °C; cooling from +150 °C to −20 °C requires approximately 65 minutes, consistent with IEC 60068-3-10 thermal shock profile definitions.
Is third-party calibration certification available?
LabCompanion offers factory calibration with NIST-traceable certificates (ISO/IEC 17025 accredited partner labs) and on-site verification services upon request.
Can the PR408 be integrated into an existing building management system (BMS)?
Yes—via optional Modbus RTU (RS485) or BACnet/IP (Ethernet) communication modules, enabling status monitoring, setpoint adjustment, and alarm forwarding.
What maintenance schedule is recommended for long-term reliability?
Monthly inspection of humidifier water level and drain pan; quarterly cleaning of air intake filters and condenser coils; annual verification of sensor accuracy and refrigerant charge integrity by certified service personnel.
