OKO OK-TH-150 Temperature and Humidity Controlled Chamber

Overview

The OKO OK-TH-150 Temperature and Humidity Controlled Chamber is a benchtop environmental test system engineered for precision simulation and stable maintenance of defined thermal and hygrometric conditions over extended durations. It operates on the fundamental principle of closed-loop, dual-parameter (temperature and relative humidity) control using independent yet coordinated refrigeration, heating, humidification, and air circulation subsystems. Unlike general-purpose incubators or storage cabinets, the OK-TH-150 implements active psychrometric regulation—where temperature and humidity are dynamically coupled via feedback-controlled vapor pressure management—to ensure thermodynamic consistency across the working volume. This capability enables standardized compliance testing per IEC 60068-2-3 (constant damp heat), IEC 60068-2-78 (damp heat, cyclic), and GB/T 2423.3–2016, supporting reliability validation in R&D, QC, and regulatory submission workflows.

Key Features

• Benchtop footprint with 150 L internal volume (500 × 600 × 500 mm), optimized for small-to-medium samples including PCB assemblies, polymer specimens, pharmaceutical packaging, and sensor modules.
• Air-cooled refrigeration system utilizing environmentally compliant R404A refrigerant, integrated with PID-regulated NiCr heating elements to achieve controlled ramp rates of 1.0–3.0 °C/min across the operational range (15–45 °C).
• Steam-based humidification via shallow-water tank with electric boiler—ensuring uniform moisture distribution and minimizing particulate generation, unlike ultrasonic or spray methods.
• Double-layer insulated chamber: inner 304 stainless steel liner + outer powder-coated steel housing, with high-density polyurethane foam insulation (≥80 mm thickness) for thermal stability and energy efficiency.
• Triple-pane heated observation window with anti-fog film and integrated silicone-sealed test port (Φ50 mm) for real-time monitoring and external signal routing without compromising chamber integrity.
• Embedded programmable controller supporting multi-step profiles (up to 99 segments), time-based transitions, and data logging at user-defined intervals (minimum 1 min resolution).

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The OK-TH-150 accommodates non-hazardous, non-corrosive solid and packaged samples up to 30 L total volume (≤20 % of chamber capacity) to preserve airflow uniformity and parameter homogeneity. It complies with structural and performance requirements outlined in GB/T 10586–2014 (Environmental Testing Equipment General Technical Conditions) and aligns with the functional specifications of IEC 60068-3-5 for humidity control accuracy and stability. While not certified to UL/CSA safety standards out-of-the-box, its design supports integration into GLP/GMP environments when paired with external audit-ready documentation packages—including calibration certificates traceable to NIM (National Institute of Metrology, China) and optional 21 CFR Part 11-compliant software add-ons for electronic signatures and audit trails.

Software & Data Management

The standard OKO-TCM v3.2 controller firmware provides local profile programming, real-time parameter display, alarm history (with timestamped event logs), and USB export of CSV-formatted temperature/humidity datasets. Optional Ethernet/WiFi connectivity enables remote monitoring via OKO’s web-based SCADA interface (OKO-CloudLink), supporting role-based access control, automated report generation (PDF/Excel), and synchronization with LIMS platforms. All logged data includes metadata such as operator ID, chamber serial number, test ID, and environmental timestamps—facilitating traceability in regulated quality systems. Sensor drift compensation algorithms are embedded to maintain long-term measurement fidelity, with recalibration intervals recommended every 12 months per ISO/IEC 17025 guidelines.

Applications

• Electronics Reliability: Accelerated aging of printed circuit boards under 40 °C/93 % RH per IPC-J-STD-006B; solder joint fatigue assessment during thermal-hygrometric cycling.
• Automotive Component Validation: Sealing integrity testing of connectors and housings per ISO 16750-4; polymer gasket compression set evaluation at elevated humidity.
• Pharmaceutical Stability: ICH Q1A(R2)-aligned long-term and accelerated stability studies for solid oral dosage forms, conducted under controlled 25 °C/60 % RH and 40 °C/75 % RH conditions.
• Polymer & Coating Performance: Dimensional stability analysis of thermoplastics; blistering and adhesion loss testing of automotive coatings per ASTM D714 and ISO 2813.
• Academic Research: Microbial growth kinetics under modulated humidity regimes; hygroscopic expansion behavior of bio-based composites.

FAQ

What is the maximum sample load recommended for optimal uniformity?
For guaranteed temperature/humidity uniformity (±2 °C / ±3 % RH), total sample volume must not exceed 30 L—approximately 20 % of the internal chamber volume.
Can distilled water be used exclusively for humidification?
Yes. Use of deionized or distilled water is mandatory to prevent mineral deposition on the boiler element and capacitive humidity sensor, which would otherwise degrade long-term accuracy.
Is the OK-TH-150 suitable for sub-zero temperature testing?
No. The operational temperature range is strictly limited to 15–45 °C; it does not support freezing or low-temperature dew point control.
How often should sensor calibration be performed?
Annual calibration against NIST-traceable reference standards is recommended. OKO provides certified calibration services with full uncertainty budgets per ISO/IEC 17025.
Does the chamber support compliance with FDA 21 CFR Part 11?
The base unit does not include Part 11 features, but the optional OKO-CloudLink Enterprise Edition adds electronic signatures, audit trails, and role-based permissions required for regulated submissions.