ERICHSEN 618 Cyclic Corrosion Test Chamber
| Brand | ERICHSEN (Germany) |
|---|---|
| Origin | Germany |
| Model | ERICHSEN 618 |
| Temperature Range | –40 °C to +60 °C |
| Chamber Volumes | 400 L, 1000 L, 2000 L |
| Test Modes | Neutral Salt Spray (NSS), Humid Conditioning, Dry-off Cycle, Low-Temperature Storage (–20 °C / –40 °C) |
| Compliance | ASTM B117, ISO 9227, ISO 11997-1/-2, VDA 621-415, GMW 14872, Ford CETP 00.00-L-467 |
Overview
The ERICHSEN 618 Cyclic Corrosion Test Chamber is a precision-engineered environmental simulation system designed for accelerated corrosion evaluation of coated and metallic components under rigorously controlled, multi-phase exposure conditions. Unlike static salt spray chambers, the 618 implements programmable cyclic sequences—integrating neutral salt fog (NSS), high-humidity condensation, controlled-dry stages, and sub-zero temperature storage—to replicate real-world service environments encountered by automotive, aerospace, and industrial hardware. Its thermodynamic architecture enables seamless transitions between phases with minimal thermal overshoot or humidity lag, ensuring high reproducibility across test runs. The chamber operates on the principle of electrochemical degradation acceleration through synergistic stress factors: chloride ion penetration during fog exposure, galvanic activity enhancement under condensation, oxide layer disruption during dry-down, and microstructural embrittlement induced by cryogenic hold phases.
Key Features
- Triple-zone climate control system with independent regulation of fog generation, chamber humidity, and low-temperature compartment (–20 °C or –40 °C options)
- Corrosion-resistant stainless-steel interior (AISI 316L) with integrated fog collection and recirculation management to maintain consistent NaCl concentration (5 ± 1 wt%) per ASTM B117
- Precision PID-controlled saturation tower with pre-heated compressed air and tempered brine supply for stable fog droplet size distribution (median diameter ≈ 1–3 µm)
- Automated sequence programming via touchscreen HMI with up to 99 user-defined cycles, each comprising configurable durations for NSS, RH ≥95% condensation, ≤30% RH dry-off, and low-temp storage
- Integrated temperature uniformity validation ports (per ISO 11997-1 Annex A) and traceable NIST-calibrated sensors for audit-ready temperature/humidity logging
- Modular chamber design supporting 400 L, 1000 L, and 2000 L working volumes—each validated for ±2 °C temperature uniformity and ±3% RH accuracy across full load
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The ERICHSEN 618 accommodates geometrically diverse specimens—including full-size automotive trim parts, stamped chassis components, fasteners, and multi-material assemblies—via adjustable sample racks and optional rotating turntables (for uniform exposure). It meets the stringent requirements of international corrosion testing standards including ISO 11997-1 (cyclic corrosion testing—part 1: general principles) and ISO 11997-2 (laboratory performance criteria), as well as OEM-specific protocols such as VDA 621-415 (German Automotive Industry), GMW 14872 (General Motors), and Ford CETP 00.00-L-467. All firmware and data handling comply with GLP and GMP documentation expectations, supporting 21 CFR Part 11–compatible electronic signatures and audit trails when paired with ERICHSEN’s optional DataMaster software suite.
Software & Data Management
Control and monitoring are executed via ERICHSEN’s proprietary WinTest 618 software, running on an embedded industrial PC with dual Ethernet interfaces. The platform supports real-time graphing of chamber parameters (temperature, RH, fog pressure, compressor status), automatic event-triggered data snapshots, and export in CSV, PDF, and XML formats compliant with LIMS integration. All test logs include timestamped metadata (operator ID, cycle version, calibration certificate IDs, sensor drift compensation values) to satisfy internal quality audits and external accreditation bodies (e.g., ISO/IEC 17025). Optional cloud synchronization enables remote supervision and cross-site method harmonization for global R&D teams.
Applications
- Qualification of cathodic electrodeposition (e-coat), powder coatings, zinc-nickel plating, and chromate conversion layers on steel and aluminum substrates
- Validation of corrosion inhibitors in automotive under-hood and under-body applications exposed to road salts and thermal cycling
- Failure mode analysis of adhesion loss, blistering, filiform corrosion, and crevice attack in multi-layer coating systems
- Pre-compliance screening for regulatory submissions requiring ISO 11997-2 pass/fail thresholds (e.g., mass loss ≤ 0.5 g/m² after 60 cycles)
- Material selection support for EV battery enclosures, power electronics housings, and lightweight structural alloys operating in coastal or de-icing environments
FAQ
What standards does the ERICHSEN 618 fully support out-of-the-box?
ASTM B117, ISO 9227, ISO 11997-1/-2, VDA 621-415, GMW 14872, and Ford CETP 00.00-L-467—all verified via factory-installed test templates and calibration reports.
Can the –40 °C low-temperature module be retrofitted to an existing 618 unit?
No—low-temperature capability is configured at time of manufacture; –20 °C and –40 °C variants use distinct refrigeration circuits and insulation specifications.
Is fog droplet size distribution independently certifiable?
Yes—optional ISO 11997-1 Annex B fog characterization kit includes cascade impactor and gravimetric collection for third-party verification of particle size and deposition rate.
How is brine concentration maintained during extended NSS phases?
Automated conductivity feedback loop continuously monitors and adjusts brine dilution via proportional solenoid valves, maintaining 5.0 ± 0.2 wt% NaCl throughout multi-day cycles.
Does the system support automated specimen weighing integration?
Yes—RS-232 and Modbus TCP interfaces enable direct communication with METTLER TOLEDO or SARTORIUS analytical balances for in-situ mass loss tracking without manual intervention.
