OK Environmental Test Chamber OK-TH-21

Overview

The OK Environmental Test Chamber OK-TH-21 is a benchtop temperature and humidity controlled chamber engineered for precision environmental simulation in R&D laboratories, quality assurance departments, and industrial testing facilities. It operates on the principle of closed-loop feedback control using high-stability Pt100 temperature sensors and capacitive relative humidity (RH) transducers, integrated with a microprocessor-based PID controller. The system dynamically regulates refrigeration (via air-cooled hermetic compressors), resistive heating elements, ultrasonic humidification, and refrigerant-based dehumidification to maintain user-defined thermal and hygroscopic conditions. Designed to meet fundamental requirements of accelerated reliability testing, the OK-TH-21 supports static condition holding as well as programmable multi-step cycles—enabling standardized evaluation of material aging, component degradation, and functional stability under defined climatic stress profiles.

Key Features

• Benchtop form factor with compact internal volume (120 L) optimized for space-constrained labs and small-batch validation.
• Air-cooled dual-stage refrigeration system enabling stable operation across -40 °C to +150 °C, with independent humidity control from 20–98 % RH.
• High-reproducibility thermal management: temperature fluctuation maintained at ±1 °C above 0 °C and ±2 °C below 0 °C; humidity fluctuation limited to ±3 % RH.
• Programmable controller supporting up to 120 segments per test profile, with ramp/soak functionality and automatic cycle repetition.
• Robust stainless-steel inner chamber with seamless welded corners, corrosion-resistant exterior housing, and insulated double-wall construction (polyurethane foam, 100 mm thick).
• Integrated over-temperature, over-humidity, and dry-run protection circuits compliant with IEC 61000-4 electromagnetic compatibility standards.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The OK-TH-21 accommodates samples up to 600 × 500 × 400 mm (W × D × H), including PCB assemblies, polymer specimens, pharmaceutical packaging, automotive sensors, and small electronic enclosures. Its design adheres to core principles outlined in ISO 16750-4 (road vehicles – environmental conditions), IEC 60068-2-1 (cold testing), IEC 60068-2-2 (dry heat), and IEC 60068-2-78 (damp heat, cyclic). While not certified to full GLP or GMP validation protocols out-of-the-box, the chamber supports IQ/OQ documentation packages and can be qualified for use in regulated environments when paired with external calibrated reference sensors traceable to NIM (National Institute of Metrology, China) or equivalent national metrology institutes. Optional data logging modules provide time-stamped records suitable for internal audit trails.

Software & Data Management

The embedded controller features a 7-inch color TFT touchscreen interface with intuitive navigation, real-time graphing of temperature/humidity trends, and USB export of CSV-formatted test logs. Optional PC-based software (OK-EnviroLink v3.2) enables remote monitoring via Ethernet, automated report generation (PDF/Excel), alarm event history, and integration with LIMS systems. All data points—including setpoints, actual values, alarm triggers, and system status—are timestamped with millisecond resolution. Audit trail functionality meets basic FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for electronic records when configured with user-level access control and password-protected configuration changes.

Applications

• Electronics reliability: thermal cycling of PCBs, solder joint fatigue assessment, moisture sensitivity level (MSL) pre-conditioning per J-STD-020.
• Automotive component validation: climate endurance testing of ECUs, connectors, and battery management systems under combined thermal-hygric stress.
• Pharmaceutical stability: ICH Q1A-compliant long-term and accelerated storage condition simulation (e.g., 25 °C/60 % RH, 40 °C/75 % RH).
• Materials science: hygrothermal aging of composites, adhesives, and elastomers; dimensional stability evaluation of thermoplastics.
• Food packaging integrity: water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) preconditioning and seal strength correlation studies.
• Quality control: incoming inspection of hygroscopic raw materials (e.g., lithium-ion cathode powders, excipients) prior to processing.

FAQ

What is the maximum sample weight this chamber can accommodate?
The chamber does not specify a maximum load rating; however, airflow distribution and thermal uniformity are maintained when total sample volume occupies no more than 30% of internal chamber volume.
Is external water supply required for humidification?
No—the OK-TH-21 uses an integrated ultrasonic humidifier with a 4-L internal reservoir, eliminating dependency on continuous tap water feed.
Can the chamber perform rapid temperature transitions?
Yes, with a programmable heating rate of 1.0–3.0 °C/min; cooling rate is not specified but typical for air-cooled systems in this class is ~1.5–2.5 °C/min between 25 °C and -20 °C.
Does the unit support third-party calibration verification?
Yes—standard RS485 Modbus RTU interface allows connection to external dataloggers; sensor mounting ports are provided for insertion of NIST-traceable reference probes during periodic verification.
What maintenance intervals are recommended?
Compressor condenser coils should be cleaned every 3 months; humidifier tank and transducer surfaces require weekly descaling with deionized water; annual verification of PID tuning parameters is advised for critical applications.