MEMMERT HCP246 Climate Chamber
| Origin | Germany |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Origin Category | Imported |
| Model | HCP246 |
| Pricing | Upon Request |
Overview
The MEMMERT HCP246 Climate Chamber is a precision-engineered, fully validated environmental simulation system designed for demanding laboratory applications requiring strict control of temperature and relative humidity (RH). Built in Germany to DIN 12880 and ISO 17025-aligned manufacturing standards, it employs a closed-loop, non-turbulent air circulation system with electro-polished stainless-steel interior walls to ensure uniform thermal distribution and eliminate condensation risks. Its core measurement architecture integrates dual A-class Pt100 sensors in a 4-wire configuration for traceable, high-stability temperature monitoring, coupled with a sterilizable capacitive RH sensor calibrated at 20% and 90% RH. The chamber supports both standalone operation and full integration into regulated environments—validated for compliance with FDA 21 CFR Part 11, EU Annex 11, and GLP/GMP data integrity requirements when equipped with optional Celsius FDA Edition software and MemmertCard XL.
Key Features
- Temperature range: 20°C to 90°C (with humidity control); 20°C to 160°C (dry heat mode, including automated 160°C/4 h STERICard sterilization cycle)
- Humidity range: 20–95% RH, controlled via steam generation (distilled water supply) and sterile-filtered dehumidification
- Temperature uniformity: ≤ ±0.3°C at 50°C (per DIN 12880); stability ≤ ±0.1°C (DIN 12880 dynamic test)
- Triple-layer safety architecture: mechanical temperature limiter (TB), electronically adjustable TWW monitor, and MEMMERT ASF (Automatic Safety Function) with real-time platinum sensor cross-checking
- Integrated audible/visual alarm system for over/under temperature, over/under humidity, door-open duration, empty water reservoir, and sensor fault detection
- Standard RS232 interface; optional RS485 (up to 16 units daisy-chained) or Ethernet (W6) for networked monitoring and control
- Onboard 1024 KB circular memory buffer for continuous logging of temperature, RH, setpoints, alarms, and timestamps (≈3 months @ 1-min intervals)
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The HCP246 accommodates diverse sample types—including pharmaceutical stability batches, polymer aging studies, microbiological culture incubation, and electronic component stress testing—within its 246 L electro-polished stainless-steel chamber (640 × 640 × 600 mm internal dimensions). Its smooth, crevice-free interior complies with ISO 14644-1 Class 5 cleanroom surface requirements. Optional accessories support validation workflows: factory-issued IQ/OQ documentation packages (Z5, Q1, Q2), NAMUR NE28-compliant dry-contact outputs (H5, H6, D4) for external SCADA integration, and user-ID card lockout (V9) for access-controlled SOP execution. All calibration certificates (e.g., Q2 at 50°C/80% RH) are issued per ISO/IEC 17025-accredited procedures.
Software & Data Management
The standard Celsius 2005 software (v10.0, Windows NT4/2000/XP/Vista compatible) enables remote programming, real-time graphing, and export of CSV/Excel reports. For regulated industries, the optional Celsius FDA Edition (Q2/Q3) provides full 21 CFR Part 11 compliance—including electronic signatures, audit trails, role-based permissions, and immutable record archiving. Data integrity is reinforced by onboard MemmertCard XL (V3), supporting up to 40 programmable ramp/soak segments and storing logs independently of PC connectivity. Printer output (via parallel port or USB-converted HP Deskjet 6940) generates time-stamped, tamper-evident hardcopy records meeting ALCOA+ principles.
Applications
- ICH Q1A(R2)/Q5C stability testing under defined temperature/humidity conditions
- Accelerated aging of medical devices per ISO 11607-1 and ASTM F1980
- Material moisture sorption isotherm characterization (e.g., hygroscopic polymers, excipients)
- Biological incubation requiring low-condensation RH control (e.g., fungal growth, cell culture pre-conditioning)
- Calibration lab reference environment for humidity sensor verification (traceable to PTB/NIST standards)
- Electronics reliability testing per JEDEC JESD22-A110 (high-humidity bias life testing)
FAQ
Does the HCP246 meet FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements?
Yes—when configured with Celsius FDA Edition software (Q2), MemmertCard XL, and enabled audit trail/logging, it satisfies electronic record and signature criteria including system validation, access controls, and data immutability.
Can temperature and humidity be independently controlled?
No—humidity control is only active within the 20–90°C temperature range. Above 90°C, the system operates in dry-heat mode only.
What validation documentation is included as standard?
Factory calibration certificate (60°C center-point), CE declaration of conformity, and DIN 12880-compliant performance test report are supplied. IQ/OQ packages (Z5, Q1, Q2) are optional.
Is the chamber suitable for sterile processing?
The interior is autoclavable-compatible, and the STERICard cycle (160°C/4 h) validates chamber sterility—not load sterility. Humidity sensor and water reservoir must be removed prior to sterilization.
How is data integrity ensured during power interruption?
Onboard non-volatile memory retains all logged data and program settings. Power-loss recovery resumes from last valid state without manual reconfiguration.
