LabCompanion PR-800 Constant Temperature and Humidity Chamber

Overview

The LabCompanion PR-800 Constant Temperature and Humidity Chamber is an engineered environmental test system designed for precise, repeatable simulation of steady-state thermal and hygric conditions. Based on forced-air convection heating/cooling and solid-state humidity generation via steam injection and dual-stage refrigeration dehumidification, the chamber delivers stable operation across a broad operational envelope: –20°C to +150°C temperature range and 20–98% RH humidity range. Its architecture complies with fundamental thermodynamic and psychrometric principles governing moisture-laden air behavior under controlled boundary conditions—enabling rigorous evaluation of material stability, component integrity, and functional reliability during prolonged exposure to constant damp-heat stress. The system is purpose-built for compliance-driven testing in electronics, optoelectronics, aerospace components, battery systems, and medical device packaging where long-term environmental resilience must be quantitatively verified.

Key Features

• Robust vertical chamber construction with SUS304 stainless steel interior—resistant to corrosion, thermal cycling fatigue, and condensate accumulation.
• High-density polyurethane foam insulation (≥100 mm thickness) minimizing thermal bridging and energy loss; achieves low steady-state heat transfer coefficient (U-value).
• Air-cooled refrigeration circuit with environmentally compliant R-404A or R-134a refrigerant (subject to regional regulation), eliminating need for water cooling infrastructure.
• Double-layer, low-emissivity heated observation window with internal LED lighting—enables real-time visual monitoring without compromising chamber integrity.
• High-strength silicone rubber door gasket rated for continuous operation at 98% RH and 150°C, ensuring leak-tight sealing and minimal humidity drift.
• Modular optional interfaces: Ø50 mm or Ø100 mm test port(s) with brass compression fitting, analog/digital signal output terminals, and integrated purified water supply for steam humidification.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The PR-800 accommodates diverse sample geometries up to 1000 mm (W) × 1000 mm (D) × 800 mm (H), supporting PCB assemblies, LCD modules, lithium-ion battery packs, fiber optic connectors, and sealed medical device enclosures. It meets the metrological and functional requirements of multiple international and national standards, including but not limited to: IEC 60068-2-78 (Test Cab: Damp Heat, Steady State), IEC 60068-2-30 (Test Db: Damp Heat, Cyclic), ASTM D4332 (Conditioning Containers and Packages), MIL-STD-810H Method 507.6 (Humidity), and GJB 150.9A-2009 (Military Equipment—Humidity Testing). All temperature and humidity sensors are calibrated traceable to NIM (National Institute of Metrology, China) or equivalent national metrology institutes. System validation documentation supports IQ/OQ protocols required under ISO/IEC 17025 and GLP environments.

Software & Data Management

Equipped with a 7-inch color touchscreen HMI running embedded Linux OS, the PR-800 provides intuitive local control, real-time trend plotting, and alarm history logging. Optional Ethernet or RS485 interface enables integration into centralized lab management systems (LIMS) or SCADA platforms. Data export supports CSV format with timestamped records (1-second minimum interval). For regulated industries, optional 21 CFR Part 11-compliant firmware upgrade includes electronic signatures, audit trail logging, user role-based access control (admin/operator/viewer), and password-protected parameter lockout—ensuring data integrity and traceability throughout test execution and archival.

Applications

• Accelerated aging of polymer encapsulants and conformal coatings used in automotive ECUs and avionics.
• Validation of moisture barrier performance in flexible OLED display laminates and thin-film solar cell substrates.
• Stress screening of LiCoO₂ and NMC cathode materials under high-humidity storage conditions per UN 38.3 Section 4.1.
• Qualification testing of IP67-rated consumer electronics housings per IEC 60529 and ISO 20653.
• Pre-conditioning of reference standards prior to dimensional metrology in climate-controlled CMM rooms.
• Supporting ASTM F1980-22 (Accelerated Aging of Sterile Barrier Systems) for medical packaging validation.

FAQ

What is the maximum sample weight the PR-800 can accommodate without affecting thermal uniformity?

The chamber is rated for static load up to 150 kg distributed evenly on the standard stainless steel shelf; exceeding this may impede airflow and degrade temperature/humidity uniformity—consult LabCompanion’s Load Distribution Guidelines before installation.
Can the PR-800 perform ramp-and-soak profiles, or is it limited to constant condition operation?

By default, the PR-800 is configured for steady-state operation. However, optional programmable controller firmware (Model PR-800-PC) enables multi-step ramp/soak sequences—including linear temperature ramps and humidity hold phases—with user-defined dwell times and transition rates.
Is third-party calibration certification available upon delivery?

Yes. Factory-installed PT100 temperature sensors and capacitive RH probes are supplied with NIST-traceable calibration certificates (as per ISO/IEC 17025). On-site verification and re-calibration services are available globally through authorized LabCompanion service partners.
How does the system handle condensation during rapid cooldown or high-humidity transitions?

The chamber employs a dew-point controlled defrost cycle and anti-condensation heater strips along the observation window and door frame—preventing fogging and water accumulation that could compromise test validity or operator safety.
Does the PR-800 meet RoHS and REACH requirements for restricted substances?

All structural materials, wiring harnesses, and insulation foams comply with EU Directive 2011/65/EU (RoHS2) and Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 (REACH), with full declaration of SVHCs provided in the Technical Compliance Dossier.