English Product Name

Overview

The OK-FH Series Salt-Dry-Wet Composite Environmental Test Chamber is an integrated corrosion and environmental stress testing system engineered for high-fidelity simulation of multi-stress natural exposure conditions. Unlike conventional single-mode salt spray chambers, this chamber enables programmable, sequential, or simultaneous execution of three distinct environmental states—salt fog, dry heat, and high-humidity conditioning—within a single test cycle. Its operational principle relies on controlled air-atomized nebulization of pre-conditioned NaCl solution, coupled with independent thermal and hygrometric regulation via precision P.I.D-controlled heating elements and steam-based humidification. The chamber’s architecture conforms to the physical requirements of standardized accelerated corrosion testing protocols, particularly those governing automotive component validation, electroplated surface evaluation, and electronic enclosure reliability assessment under combined chloride, thermal, and moisture stressors.

Key Features

• Triple-mode environmental simulation: seamless transition between salt fog (ASTM B117-equivalent), dry bake (up to 60°C), and high-humidity conditioning (30–98% RH)
• 40 L side-mounted PVC reservoir with level-sensing feed tank ensuring uninterrupted solution supply during extended test cycles
• Gas saturation system: compressed air is heated, deoiled, and humidified to match chamber temperature prior to nozzle entry—minimizing thermal shock and ensuring stable, isothermal spray generation
• Touchscreen HMI interface supporting bilingual (English/Chinese) operation, real-time graphical display of setpoint (SV) vs. process value (PV), program curve visualization, and cumulative runtime tracking
• 9-group configurable P.I.D. parameters with auto-tuning capability and automatic dry/wet bulb calibration for long-term humidity accuracy stability
• Comprehensive safety architecture: low-water-level cutoff, over-temperature cut-off, salt solution depletion alarm, and Class I leakage current protection per IEC 61000-4-5

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The chamber accommodates samples up to standard industrial footprint dimensions (customizable internal volume configurations available upon request). It supports testing of metallic substrates, coated parts, PCB assemblies, automotive trim components, and galvanized fasteners. The system meets national metrological verification requirements per GB/T 5170.8–1996 and fulfills the procedural specifications outlined in GB/T 2423.17–1993 (equivalent to IEC 60068-2-11) and GB/T 10587–2006 for environmental test equipment performance. While not certified to ISO 9227 or ASTM B117 out-of-the-box, its operational parameters—including deposition rate control (1–2 mL/80 cm²·h), temperature uniformity (±1.0°C), and salt concentration tolerance (5.0 ±0.5% NaCl)—are fully aligned with the measurement and reporting criteria of these international standards. For GLP/GMP-regulated environments, optional audit trail logging and user-access-level configuration can be implemented via firmware extension.

Software & Data Management

The embedded controller provides local data retention for up to 100 test programs, each supporting up to 99 segments with individually defined temperature, humidity, and spray activation states. All operational parameters—including elapsed time, cycle count, and real-time deviation from setpoints—are timestamped and stored internally. USB export functionality enables CSV-formatted data retrieval for post-test statistical analysis (e.g., corrosion rating per ISO 10289 or ASTM D610). Optional Ethernet connectivity supports remote monitoring via Modbus TCP or custom SCADA integration. The system supports 21 CFR Part 11-compliant electronic signature modules when deployed in regulated pharmaceutical or medical device QA/QC laboratories—subject to site-specific validation documentation.

Applications

This chamber is routinely deployed in R&D and quality assurance labs across the automotive OEM and Tier-1 supplier ecosystem for evaluating paint adhesion, zinc-nickel coating durability, and under-hood component resistance to coastal or de-icing salt exposure. In electronics manufacturing, it validates conformal coating integrity on flex circuits and solder joint reliability in humid-chloride environments. Electroplating service providers use it for comparative evaluation of trivalent chromium versus hexavalent chromium passivation layers. Additional applications include corrosion testing of stainless steel fasteners (per ASTM F1112), evaluation of marine-grade aluminum alloys, and accelerated aging of polymer seals exposed to cyclic salt-moisture-thermal stress.

FAQ

Does the chamber include an integrated air compressor?

No. The unit requires external compressed air supply (clean, oil-free, 2–5 bar) connected via standard 8 mm PU tubing. A dedicated solenoid valve isolates the air path during standby or fault conditions.

Can humidity be maintained independently during salt spray operation?

Yes. The saturated air delivery system ensures consistent relative humidity within the test chamber during active fogging; however, precise RH control (<±3% tolerance) is only guaranteed in non-spray phases due to dynamic vapor mass loading during atomization.

Is calibration traceability provided with the unit?

A factory-issued calibration certificate (traceable to NIM China) is included for temperature and humidity sensors. Users are responsible for periodic re-calibration per ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratories.

What maintenance intervals are recommended?

Daily: visual inspection of solution level and nozzle clearance. Weekly: cleaning of saturator chamber and drain lines. Quarterly: verification of P.I.D. tuning stability and sensor drift. Annual: full system metrological verification.

Can the chamber be configured for continuous salt fog without dry/humidity cycling?

Yes. The control logic supports fixed-mode operation—e.g., uninterrupted salt fog at 35°C and 5% NaCl—for direct compliance with traditional ASTM B117-style tests.