AS ONE OH-3S Automatic Desiccator Cabinet

Overview

The AS ONE OH-3S Automatic Desiccator Cabinet is a precision-engineered, low-power desiccation system designed for long-term moisture-sensitive sample storage in analytical laboratories, semiconductor handling environments, and quality control facilities. Unlike conventional silica-gel or refrigerated desiccators, the OH-3S employs solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) membrane technology to electrochemically dissociate water vapor molecules from the internal atmosphere—converting H₂O into hydrogen and oxygen gases via controlled DC electrolysis. This closed-loop, non-condensing removal mechanism ensures continuous, maintenance-free dehumidification without consumables, condensate collection, or mechanical moving parts. The cabinet maintains stable relative humidity levels below 10% RH under typical ambient conditions (23 °C, 50% RH), making it suitable for storing hygroscopic standards, calibration reference materials, lithium battery components, optical filters, and thin-film deposition substrates where moisture-induced degradation must be strictly avoided.

Key Features

• Solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) membrane dehumidification module—no compressor, no desiccant replacement, no condensate drainage required
• Ultra-low power consumption: rated at only 3 W during continuous operation, minimizing energy cost and thermal load on the lab environment
• Passive, silent operation: zero mechanical vibration or audible noise due to absence of fans, pumps, or rotating components—ideal for vibration-sensitive metrology setups
• Robust stainless-steel interior chamber with smooth, non-porous surfaces for easy cleaning and resistance to chemical exposure
• Integrated humidity monitoring circuitry (calibration traceable to NIST-traceable hygrometers) with LED display for real-time RH readout
• RoHS 2-compliant construction (EU Directive 2015/863), including lead-free soldering, halogen-free PCBs, and cadmium-free plating on all metallic components

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The OH-3S is compatible with standard laboratory glassware (e.g., weighing bottles, Petri dishes, vials up to Ø90 mm × 120 mm height) and accommodates flat substrates up to 275 mm × 285 mm in footprint. Its sealed chamber design supports ISO 14644-1 Class 5 cleanroom-compatible workflows when used with pre-cleaned containers. While not certified for explosive atmospheres (ATEX) or medical device sterilization, the unit complies with IEC 61010-1:2010 for electrical safety in laboratory equipment and meets EN 60335-1 requirements for household and similar electrical appliances. For regulated environments, the absence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the SPE process eliminates risk of sample contamination—a critical advantage over activated carbon or zeolite-based systems that may outgas adsorbed organics.

Software & Data Management

The OH-3S operates as a standalone analog-controlled unit with no embedded microprocessor or digital interface. It does not feature data logging, USB connectivity, or remote monitoring capabilities. However, its passive architecture ensures electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) per EN 61326-1:2021, eliminating interference with adjacent sensitive instrumentation such as FTIR spectrometers or surface profilometers. For GLP/GMP-aligned labs requiring audit trails, external validation-grade hygrometers (e.g., Vaisala HMP7 series) may be deployed inside the chamber alongside routine periodic verification per ISO/IEC 17025 Clause 6.4.3. All materials contacting the internal environment are documented in AS ONE’s Declaration of Conformity (DoC), available upon request for regulatory submissions.

Applications

• Long-term storage of moisture-sensitive reference standards (e.g., USP hygrometric standards, ASTM E2217 calibration salts)
• Pre-conditioning of samples prior to gravimetric moisture analysis (ASTM D4457, ISO 15512)
• Protection of high-precision optical components (lenses, gratings, beam splitters) against humidity-induced film delamination
• Storage of lithium-ion cathode/anode materials during electrode fabrication R&D
• Holding pre-weighed samples for thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) to prevent ambient moisture uptake between weighing and run initiation
• Stabilization of humidity-sensitive electronic test fixtures and calibration shunts in metrology labs

FAQ

Does the OH-3S require desiccant replacement or maintenance?

No. The SPE membrane operates continuously without consumables and has a rated service life exceeding 10,000 hours under nominal conditions. No user-serviceable parts exist within the dehumidification module.
Can the OH-3S achieve vacuum conditions?

No. It is not a vacuum drying oven; it is a positive-pressure, ambient-atmosphere desiccator. The “Vacuum Oven” classification in some regional catalogs refers to its use case overlap—not functional capability.
Is the unit suitable for storing biological samples?

Not recommended. The SPE process generates trace hydrogen gas, and the sub-10% RH environment may induce desiccation damage to proteins, nucleic acids, or hydrated gels.
What is the temperature stability inside the chamber?

The OH-3S is not temperature-controlled. Internal temperature equilibrates with ambient lab conditions; it provides no active heating or cooling beyond passive thermal mass effects.
How is humidity uniformity verified across the chamber volume?

Per AS ONE’s factory verification protocol, three-point RH mapping (top/mid/bottom) is performed using traceable chilled-mirror hygrometers. Uniformity deviation is ≤ ±2% RH at steady state (23 °C ambient).