Drick DRK641 1000L Programmable Temperature and Humidity Environmental Test Chamber

Overview

The Drick DRK641 1000L Programmable Temperature and Humidity Environmental Test Chamber is an upright, single-stage refrigerated chamber engineered for precise, repeatable simulation of climatic conditions in industrial quality assurance, electronics reliability testing, automotive component validation, and materials science laboratories. It operates on a dual-control principle—using independent PID-regulated heating and refrigeration circuits—to maintain stable thermal and hygroscopic environments across wide operational ranges. The chamber’s 1 m³ internal volume (1000 × 1000 × 1000 mm) supports large-scale test specimens, including assembled PCBs, battery modules, packaging prototypes, and composite panels. Its structural design adheres to IEC 60068-2 environmental testing fundamentals and aligns with the functional requirements of GB/T 2423 series standards—widely referenced in ISO/IEC 17025-accredited labs for environmental stress screening.

Key Features

• Robust dual-wall construction: outer cold-rolled steel with electrostatic powder coating and inner SUS304 stainless steel chamber for corrosion resistance and long-term stability.
• High-efficiency thermal management: 316 stainless steel finned heaters combined with a single-stage refrigeration system using a Tecumseh (France) hermetic compressor, Danfoss thermostatic expansion valve, and R-404A eco-friendly refrigerant.
• Precision climate control: Shanghai Songhua SH-1800 programmable controller offering 30 user-defined programs and up to 100 total segments, supporting ramp-soak-hold profiles with real-time data logging capability.
• Uniform air distribution: forced convection via stainless steel centrifugal fan and optimized duct geometry ensures temperature uniformity ≤ ±2°C and humidity deviation ≤ ±2% RH across the entire working volume.
• Operator-centric ergonomics: double-layer tempered glass observation window with anti-fog heating, Philips LED interior lighting, adjustable stainless steel sample shelves, Φ50 mm cable port with silicone gasket, and lockable casters for safe repositioning.
• Comprehensive safety architecture: integrated protections include over-temperature/over-humidity alarms, compressor high/low pressure cutoffs, thermal overload relays, leakage current detection, and redundant fuse-based circuit isolation.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The DRK641 is explicitly designed for non-hazardous, non-biological, and non-corrosive test samples. It is unsuitable for flammable, explosive, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), or strongly electromagnetic-emitting devices due to intrinsic chamber sealing and electrical safety limitations. Per manufacturer specifications, biological specimens, live organisms, and aggressive chemical agents (e.g., halogenated solvents, strong acids/bases) must not be introduced into the chamber. The unit conforms to national standard GB/T 2423.1 (cold testing), GB/T 2423.2 (dry heat), GB/T 2423.3 (damp heat, steady state), and GB/T 2423.4 (damp heat, cyclic)—all harmonized with IEC 60068-2 clauses. While not certified to UL, CSA, or CE for direct EU/NA market placement, its mechanical and control architecture supports third-party verification for GLP-compliant validation protocols when paired with external calibration documentation.

Software & Data Management

The SH-1800 controller provides local touchscreen operation with intuitive menu navigation and real-time graphical display of temperature/humidity trajectories. It stores up to 100 segment programs internally and supports manual parameter override during active cycles. Data export is limited to USB flash drive transfer in CSV format—no native Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or cloud connectivity is included. For regulated environments requiring audit trails, users must integrate external data loggers compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 (e.g., validated USB-based recorders with electronic signature support) and implement procedural controls for versioning, backup, and retention per organizational SOPs. Firmware updates are performed manually via supplied utility software; no remote OTA capability exists.

Applications

• Accelerated aging of polymer films, adhesives, and coated substrates under controlled thermal-hygrometric stress.
• Pre-conditioning of lithium-ion battery packs prior to cycle life testing per UN 38.3 and IEC 62133 requirements.
• Stability assessment of pharmaceutical packaging (blister cards, HDPE bottles) under ICH Q1A(R2) recommended storage conditions.
• Functional verification of automotive ECUs and infotainment modules at extreme operating points (e.g., 85°C/85% RH soak).
• Qualification testing of printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs) per IPC-J-STD-004 and J-STD-020 moisture sensitivity level (MSL) protocols.
• Environmental screening of aerospace composites and sealants per MIL-STD-810G Method 507.6 (humidity).

FAQ

What is the maximum allowable ambient temperature for continuous operation?
The chamber is rated for installation in rooms maintained at 5–35°C ambient temperature with ≤ 80% RH non-condensing. Operation above 35°C ambient may impair cooling capacity and trigger compressor protection shutdowns.
Can the DRK641 be used for thermal shock testing?
No. This is a single-zone, steady-state chamber with no rapid transition capability. Thermal shock applications require dual-chamber or multi-zone systems with mechanical transfer mechanisms.
Is the SH-1800 controller compatible with SCADA or LabVIEW integration?
Not natively. The controller lacks RS-485 Modbus RTU or Ethernet/IP interfaces. Integration requires third-party protocol converters or analog signal emulation via optional 4–20 mA output modules (sold separately).
Does the unit include NIST-traceable calibration certificates?
No. Factory calibration is performed using internal reference sensors. Users must arrange third-party calibration against ISO/IEC 17025-accredited standards prior to first use and at defined intervals (typically annually) per internal quality system requirements.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for the refrigeration system?
Compressor oil and refrigerant levels should be verified every 24 months; filter-drier replacement is advised every 36 months. Condenser coil cleaning with non-corrosive solvent is required quarterly in dusty environments.