Cole-Parmer Controlled-Humidity Environmental Chamber Model 03323-05

Overview

The Cole-Parmer Controlled-Humidity Environmental Chamber Model 03323-05 is an engineered enclosure designed for precise, reproducible regulation of relative humidity (RH) and temperature in laboratory-scale material conditioning, stability testing, and controlled-atmosphere experimentation. Operating on the principle of active moisture exchange—enabled by optional humidifier integration and a dedicated external desiccant/dry-pump system—the chamber maintains stable environmental conditions across its full operational range. Its sealed polypropylene construction ensures chemical resistance and structural integrity, while the semi-turn latch door with integrated gasket delivers consistent air-tightness critical for minimizing ambient infiltration. Unlike general-purpose incubators or ovens, this chamber is purpose-built for applications requiring defined RH setpoints from near-desiccated (5% RH) to near-saturation (98% RH), alongside concurrent temperature control from 5 °C to 55 °C. The system supports both passive equilibrium (via desiccant) and active dynamic control modes, making it suitable for ASTM D618, ISO 291, and USP compliant conditioning protocols.

Key Features

• Chemically inert 0.25-inch cast polypropylene chamber body—resistant to acids, bases, and organic solvents commonly encountered during long-term exposure studies.
• Digital hygrothermograph with simultaneous real-time display of temperature (±0.1 °F/°C resolution) and relative humidity (±0.1% RH resolution), calibrated traceable to NIST standards.
• Foldable neoprene glove sleeves enable hands-on manipulation of samples or instrumentation without breaking environmental integrity—ideal for handling hygroscopic materials or calibration standards.
• Integrated recirculating fan ensures uniform distribution of conditioned air, contributing to the specified ±3% RH spatial uniformity throughout the 9 ft³ working volume.
• Modular architecture: Base chamber (03323-00), dehumidification controller (03324-00), and reference-grade hygrometer/thermometer (37250-00) are separately orderable to support custom configuration and GLP audit readiness.
• External desiccant system includes self-indicating Drierite® (anhydrous calcium sulfate), providing visual confirmation of saturation status and enabling scheduled replacement per SOP-defined intervals.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The chamber accommodates a wide range of solid, powdered, and packaged samples—including polymers, pharmaceutical dosage forms, electronic components, and archival media—without risk of outgassing-induced contamination. Its non-metallic construction eliminates galvanic corrosion concerns and prevents catalytic degradation of sensitive organics. The system supports regulatory documentation requirements under ISO/IEC 17025, FDA 21 CFR Part 11 (when paired with validated data logging software), and ICH Q1A–Q1E stability testing guidelines. All temperature and humidity setpoints are independently adjustable and retainable after power interruption, supporting uninterrupted multi-day conditioning cycles required for accelerated aging protocols.

Software & Data Management

While the Model 03323-05 operates as a stand-alone analog-digital hybrid instrument, it is compatible with third-party data acquisition systems via analog voltage outputs (0–5 V DC) for both temperature and RH channels. When integrated with compliant logging platforms—such as those meeting ALCOA+ principles—the chamber supports full audit trails, user access controls, electronic signatures, and automated report generation aligned with GMP/GLP environments. Raw sensor outputs are linearized and compensated per manufacturer calibration curves, ensuring metrological traceability across the full operating envelope.

Applications

• Plastic and composite material conditioning per ASTM D618 prior to mechanical testing.
• Pharmaceutical packaging permeability assessment under defined climatic zones (Zone IVa, IVb).
• Stability testing of moisture-sensitive APIs and excipients at ICH-recommended storage conditions.
• Calibration and verification of handheld hygrometers and dew-point meters against primary references.
• Electrochemical cell preconditioning where electrolyte hydration state must be precisely managed.
• Archival storage simulation for paper, film, and magnetic media per ANSI/NISO Z39.48 and ISO 11799 standards.

FAQ

Is the humidity range of 5–98% RH achievable simultaneously across the entire temperature range?
Yes—within the specified operating band of 5–55 °C, the chamber maintains full RH adjustability; however, maximum achievable RH decreases slightly at elevated temperatures due to physical vapor pressure limits.
Can the chamber be operated in continuous dehumidification mode without a humidifier?
Yes—the included external desiccant/dry-pump system enables sustained low-RH operation down to 5% RH without auxiliary humidification equipment.
What is the recommended maintenance interval for the Drierite® desiccant?
Desiccant replacement frequency depends on usage intensity and ambient moisture load; typical service life ranges from 2–6 weeks under continuous 5% RH operation.
Does the unit comply with CE or UKCA marking requirements?
As a 230 V AC, 50 Hz device manufactured for the North American market, it carries UL/cULus certification; CE/UKCA compliance requires third-party assessment per EN 61000-6-3 and EN 61000-6-2.
Are calibration certificates provided with the unit?
A factory-issued calibration report covering temperature and RH sensors at three points (low/mid/high) is included; NIST-traceable calibration services are available upon request.