OK Instruments OK-TH-13 Benchtop Temperature, Humidity and Light Environmental Test Chamber

Overview

The OK Instruments OK-TH-13 is a benchtop environmental test chamber engineered for precise, reproducible simulation of temperature, relative humidity, and broadband solar-spectrum irradiance—enabling accelerated aging, durability validation, and material stability assessment under controlled climatic stress. Unlike basic temperature-humidity chambers, the OK-TH-13 integrates a calibrated xenon arc lamp system with spectral filtering to replicate natural sunlight across UV-A, visible, and near-infrared bands (290–800 nm), making it suitable for ISO 4892-2, ASTM G155, and SAE J2527-compliant exposure testing. Its compact footprint and air-cooled architecture support integration into QC labs, R&D facilities, and regulatory compliance environments where space, energy efficiency, and traceable environmental control are critical.

Key Features

• Triple-parameter control: Independent PID-regulated temperature (15–45 °C), humidity (30–98 %RH), and irradiance (adjustable via digital controller with real-time feedback)
• Xenon arc light source with quartz filter assembly: Delivers spectrally stable output approximating terrestrial solar irradiance; optional irradiance monitoring via integrated UV sensor (calibrated to W/m² @ 340 nm or 420 nm)
• Air-cooled refrigeration system: Eliminates need for external water supply; enables stable operation within ambient room temperatures up to 30 °C
• High-uniformity chamber design: Optimized airflow distribution and insulated double-wall construction ensure ≤±2 °C temperature uniformity and ≤±3 %RH humidity uniformity across full working volume
• Programmable exposure cycles: Supports multi-step profiles combining temperature ramps, humidity holds, light-on/light-off sequences, and dark condensation phases (optional condensate simulation via humidity saturation control)
• Benchtop form factor: Internal dimensions of 800 × 600 × 500 mm accommodate standard specimen racks, ISO trays, or custom fixtures without floor-standing infrastructure

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The OK-TH-13 accommodates diverse sample geometries—including automotive trim panels, PV module coupons, coated metal substrates, textile swatches, and polymer films—via adjustable stainless-steel sample trays and optional rotating turntables for isotropic exposure. It supports standardized mounting per ISO 4892-2 Annex A and ASTM G155 Figure 1. All thermal and hygrometric control systems are traceable to NIST-traceable references, and irradiance calibration adheres to CIE 85:2018 guidelines for xenon arc testing apparatus. The chamber meets essential requirements for GLP-compliant testing environments, including audit-ready event logging and user-accessible calibration records. While not pre-certified to IEC 61215 or UL 1703, its operational envelope and control fidelity align with prequalification protocols for photovoltaic materials per IEC 61215-2 MQT 10 and ISO 9022-3.

Software & Data Management

The embedded controller features a 7-inch TFT touchscreen interface with intuitive profile programming, real-time graphing of all three parameters (temperature, RH, irradiance), and automatic data logging at user-defined intervals (1 s to 60 min). Exported CSV files include timestamps, setpoints, actual values, alarm flags, and lamp operating hours—enabling post-test statistical analysis in Excel or MATLAB. Optional Ethernet/RS485 connectivity allows remote monitoring and integration with LIMS or MES platforms. Audit trail functionality complies with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when paired with OK Instruments’ optional software license (OK-DataTrace v3.2), providing electronic signatures, role-based access control, and immutable record retention.

Applications

• Automotive component validation: Accelerated weathering of exterior plastics, elastomers, and coatings per SAE J2412 (interior) and SAE J2527 (exterior); evaluation of color shift (ΔE*), gloss loss, and microcracking
• Photovoltaic materials testing: Degradation profiling of EVA encapsulants, backsheet polymers, and anti-reflective coatings under combined UV load and thermal cycling
• Architectural coating performance: Assessment of chalking, blistering, and adhesion loss in acrylic, silicone, and fluoropolymer-based façade systems per ISO 16474-2
• Polymer stability studies: Oxidative degradation kinetics of polyolefins, polyesters, and engineering thermoplastics under controlled O₂/humidity interaction
• Textile and geotextile durability: Colorfastness (ISO 105-B02), tensile retention, and microbial resistance evaluation under cyclic wet/dry irradiation
• Pharmaceutical packaging: Stability testing of primary containers (e.g., HDPE bottles, blister foils) under ICH Q1B photostability conditions (Optionally configured with UV-only mode)

FAQ

What standards does the OK-TH-13 support out-of-the-box?
It natively supports test profiles aligned with ISO 4892-2 (Method A), ASTM G155 Cycle 1–4, and SAE J2527 Class A/B. Full compliance requires user-defined profile configuration and third-party irradiance calibration.
Is the xenon lamp included with the base unit?
Yes—the OK-TH-13 ships with one 1.8 kW water-cooled xenon arc lamp and primary quartz filter. Lamp life is rated at ≥1,500 hours at nominal irradiance; replacement lamps and secondary filters are available as consumables.
Can the chamber operate without light exposure?
Yes. The irradiance system can be disabled independently while maintaining full temperature and humidity control—functioning equivalently to a high-precision OK-TH series humidity chamber.
Does it support condensation or rain simulation?
Condensation is achievable via high-RH saturation at elevated temperature; however, dynamic spray/rain simulation requires the optional OK-SprayKit add-on module.
What maintenance intervals are recommended?
Lamp replacement every 1,500 hours; quarterly verification of humidity sensor accuracy using saturated salt solutions; annual recalibration of temperature sensors and irradiance meter by an accredited service provider.