Apeike AP-HX-13 Benchtop Low-Temperature Circulating Chiller with Temperature and Humidity Control

Overview

The Apeike AP-HX-13 is a precision-engineered benchtop environmental test chamber designed for controlled temperature and humidity cycling in laboratory and quality assurance environments. Unlike standard chillers or water baths, this unit integrates dual-mode thermal regulation—capable of both active cooling down to −70°C and precise heating up to 150°C—alongside programmable relative humidity control (20–98% RH within the 25–80°C operational band). Its core architecture employs a cascade refrigeration system with hermetically sealed French Tecumseh compressors, combined with independent high-efficiency nickel-chromium far-infrared heating elements and a steam-based humidification subsystem featuring auto water-level compensation. The chamber operates on a closed-loop P.I.D. + S.S.R. control algorithm, delivering stable thermal profiles with ≤±0.5°C temperature fluctuation and ≤±2% RH deviation—meeting the repeatability and traceability requirements of ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratories. It is not a simple circulating bath; rather, it functions as a compact, fully compliant environmental stress screening (ESS) platform suitable for pre-compliance testing per IEC 60068-2 series standards.

Key Features

• Stainless steel 304 inner chamber and outer casing with 100–120 mm high-density fiberglass insulation for thermal integrity and long-term corrosion resistance
• Multi-layer tempered safety glass observation window with conductive film defrosting and integrated LED lighting for real-time sample monitoring
• Programmable time setting from 0 to 9999 hours, supporting complex multi-step thermal/humidity cycles including ramp-hold-soak profiles
• Imported PT100 platinum resistance temperature sensors and high-resolution digital controllers (0.1°C resolution, ±0.1°C accuracy) with on-screen real-time curve display
• Dual independent systems: refrigeration and humidification operate without cross-interference, minimizing condensation risk during low-temperature high-RH transitions
• Comprehensive safety suite including over-temperature cutoff, compressor high-pressure/overload protection, phase failure detection, water shortage alarm, and automatic shutdown on fault condition
• Standard 50 mm diameter test port on left side wall (with silicone gasket), configurable for external sensor feedthrough or power signal routing

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The AP-HX-13 accommodates a broad spectrum of non-volatile, non-explosive test specimens—including printed circuit boards, polymer films, lithium-ion battery cells, optical lenses, pharmaceutical packaging, and automotive electronic modules—within its internal workspace (customizable variants range from 80 L to 1000 L volume). Its performance conforms to national and international environmental test standards: GB/T 2423.1 (cold testing), GB/T 2423.2 (dry heat), GB/T 2423.3 (damp heat, cyclic), IEC 60068-2-1 (cold), IEC 60068-2-2 (dry heat), and MIL-STD-810H Method 502.7 (low temperature) and Method 507.6 (humidity). While not certified for Class I Div 1 hazardous locations, it supports GLP-aligned test documentation when paired with optional data logging and audit trail modules compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements.

Software & Data Management

The embedded controller supports RS485/RS232 communication interfaces for integration into centralized lab management systems. Optional PC-based software enables remote parameter configuration, real-time data streaming (temperature, humidity, cycle stage, elapsed time), and automated report generation in PDF or CSV format. All logged data includes timestamp, operator ID (if authenticated), and system status flags—enabling full traceability for internal QA audits or third-party certification reviews. Firmware updates are delivered via USB flash drive with version-controlled checksum verification to ensure system integrity.

Applications

This instrument serves critical roles across R&D, manufacturing QC, and regulatory validation workflows. In electronics reliability labs, it performs thermal cycling per JEDEC JESD22-A104 to assess solder joint fatigue. In materials science, it evaluates dimensional stability of composites under combined thermo-hygrometric stress. For medical device manufacturers, it supports accelerated aging studies of sterile barrier systems per ISO 11607-1. In battery development, it facilitates low-temperature discharge characterization at −40°C under controlled humidity to simulate arctic field conditions. Its benchtop footprint and rapid thermal response make it especially suited for iterative design-of-experiments (DOE) protocols where multiple environmental setpoints must be evaluated within a single workday.

FAQ

What is the minimum operating ambient temperature for stable performance?

The unit requires an ambient environment between 5°C and 30°C with ≤85% RH; operation outside this range may impair compressor efficiency and humidity control accuracy.

Can the AP-HX-13 perform temperature-only cycles without humidity control?

Yes—humidity generation can be disabled independently while maintaining full temperature programming capability across the full −70°C to 150°C range.

Is calibration certificate included with shipment?

A factory calibration report (traceable to NIM, China) is provided; ISO/IEC 17025-accredited third-party calibration is available as an optional add-on.

What maintenance intervals are recommended?

Scheduled preventive maintenance—including refrigerant pressure verification, condenser coil cleaning, and humidity system descaling—is advised every six months under continuous operation.

Does the system support Ethernet or Wi-Fi connectivity?

Standard configuration includes RS485/RS232 only; Ethernet module integration is available upon request for SCADA or LabVantage compatibility.