Apkem AP-HX-150D3 Programmable Temperature and Humidity Environmental Test Chamber

Overview

The Apkem AP-HX-150D3 Programmable Temperature and Humidity Environmental Test Chamber is an engineered solution for controlled thermal and hygrometric stress testing of materials, components, and finished products across electronics, automotive, aerospace, instrumentation, and industrial R&D sectors. It operates on the principle of precise thermodynamic regulation—employing dual-stage cascade refrigeration and PID-controlled resistive heating—to deliver stable, repeatable environmental profiles across a wide operational envelope (−70°C to +150°C; 20–98% RH). Designed in accordance with international environmental test standards—including IEC 60068-2 series and GB/T 2423—this benchtop chamber supports qualification protocols for storage, transportation, and operational life-cycle validation under accelerated climatic conditions. Its compact footprint (internal volume: 150 L), robust mechanical architecture, and calibrated control system make it suitable for laboratory-scale reliability screening, pre-compliance verification, and iterative design validation where traceable, reproducible environmental exposure is required.

Key Features

• Wide temperature range (−70°C to +150°C) and humidity range (20–98% RH) enabled by air-cooled dual-stage cascade refrigeration using Tecumseh hermetic compressors and multi-stage finned evaporators
• TEMI360 programmable touchscreen controller with 30 programmable segments, 99 cycles, and real-time data logging; supports ramp-soak-hold profiles with adjustable heating/cooling rates (1.0–3.0°C/min heating; 0.7–1.0°C/min cooling)
• Precision temperature control accuracy of ±0.1°C and humidity control accuracy of ±3% RH, verified via PT100 platinum resistance sensors and capacitive RH transducers
• Forced-air circulation system with stainless-steel centrifugal blower and optimized duct geometry ensures temperature uniformity ≤2°C and fluctuation ≤±0.5°C within the working zone
• Double-layer silicone door gasket, SUS304 interior chamber, and high-density polyurethane + ultra-fine glass fiber composite insulation minimize thermal leakage and condensation risk
• Standard safety protections include over-temperature cut-off, compressor high-pressure shutdown, phase failure detection, ground fault interruption, and audible alarm with LED status indicators
• Built-in 220×180 mm tempered double-glazed observation window, two adjustable stainless-steel sample shelves, one Φ50 mm cable port, and castor-mounted base for mobility and leveling

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The AP-HX-150D3 accommodates samples up to 40 kg total load, including PCB assemblies, sensor modules, polymer housings, battery cells, optical components, and small mechanical subassemblies. Its internal dimensions (500×600×500 mm) support standard test fixtures and accommodate common MIL-STD-810G, JEDEC JESD22-A104, and IPC-9701 compliant mounting configurations. The chamber meets mandatory requirements for GB/T 2423.1 (cold testing), GB/T 2423.2 (dry heat), GB/T 2423.4 (damp heat, cyclic), and aligns with the environmental stress screening (ESS) framework defined in IEC 60068-2-14. While not inherently 21 CFR Part 11 compliant, audit-ready operation can be achieved through optional configuration with TEMI360’s GLP/GMP mode (including user access levels, electronic signature, and tamper-proof event logs).

Software & Data Management

The TEMI360 controller features embedded 16 MB non-volatile memory for storing up to 100 test programs and 30 days of minute-interval temperature/humidity data. Export is supported via USB 2.0 interface in CSV format for post-processing in MATLAB, Excel, or statistical analysis platforms such as Minitab. Optional RS485 Modbus RTU or Ethernet TCP/IP communication enables integration into centralized lab management systems (LIMS) or SCADA environments. Firmware updates are performed locally via USB; no cloud dependency or proprietary software installation is required. All calibration parameters—including sensor offset compensation and PID tuning coefficients—are field-adjustable and password-protected to maintain metrological integrity during routine maintenance.

Applications

• Accelerated aging of elastomers, adhesives, and conformal coatings under thermal cycling and humidity soak conditions
• Functional validation of automotive ECUs and infotainment modules per ISO 16750-4 temperature shock specifications
• Pre-screening of lithium-ion battery cells for thermal runaway initiation thresholds at extreme low/high temperatures
• Stability assessment of pharmaceutical packaging materials under ICH Q1A(R2) long-term and accelerated stability protocols
• Qualification of MEMS accelerometers and pressure sensors per AEC-Q200 stress test requirements
• Verification of solder joint reliability in high-density PCBs subjected to repeated thermal gradients
• Environmental stress screening (ESS) of avionics connectors prior to HALT/HASS deployment

FAQ

What is the maximum allowable sample mass inside the chamber?
The recommended maximum static load is 40 kg, distributed evenly across both shelves to preserve airflow symmetry and thermal uniformity.
Can the chamber perform temperature-only tests without humidity control?
Yes—the humidity subsystem can be disabled independently while maintaining full temperature profile programming capability.
Is external water supply required for humidification?
No—integrated ultrasonic humidifier with built-in deionized water reservoir eliminates need for plumbing; refill interval is ~48 hours at 98% RH continuous operation.
Does the unit support remote monitoring via network?
With optional Ethernet module, real-time setpoint/actual values and alarm status can be polled via Modbus TCP; no proprietary client software needed.
What documentation is provided for IQ/OQ validation?
Factory calibration certificates (temperature/humidity), as-built drawings, electrical schematics, and TEMI360 firmware version logs are included; SAT protocol templates available upon request.