DRETOP ZHS-100HC Temperature and Humidity Controlled Chamber

Overview

The DRETOP ZHS-100HC Temperature and Humidity Controlled Chamber is an upright environmental test chamber engineered for precise, long-term simulation of controlled thermal and hygroscopic conditions. It operates on a dual-loop microprocessor-based control architecture integrating independent PID algorithms for temperature and humidity regulation—enabling stable setpoint maintenance across the full operational range (0–65 °C; 40–95 %RH). Designed for compliance-critical applications in pharmaceutical stability testing (ICH Q1–Q5), material aging studies, textile conditioning per ISO 139, food packaging validation, and microbiological cultivation, the chamber meets foundational requirements for GLP-compliant laboratories. Its air-cooled refrigeration system employs R134a-free, environmentally compliant refrigerant, while the integrated heating and humidification subsystems utilize nickel-chromium alloy heaters and ultrasonic humidifiers to minimize thermal lag and condensation artifacts.

Key Features

• Microprocessor-controlled P.I.D. temperature/humidity regulation with 0.1 °C/0.1 %RH resolution and real-time deviation compensation
• 30-segment programmable controller supporting time-scheduled ramp-soak profiles, cycle repetition, and automatic power recovery after interruption
• Double-door observation window: outer magnetic door seal + inner tempered glass panel, minimizing thermal leakage and enabling non-intrusive monitoring
• Corrosion-resistant 304 stainless-steel interior chamber with fully removable, height-adjustable shelves (2 standard units); no dead zones for cleaning or sterilization
• Optimized airflow design using axial贯流 (cross-flow) fans and baffled internal ducting to ensure ≤±1 °C temperature uniformity and ≤±3 %RH humidity uniformity across the 100 L working volume
• Modular refrigeration unit with compressor delay-on-start, interlock protection, and thermal overload safeguards—extending service life under continuous operation
• Intuitive 5.7-inch TFT LCD interface with touch-sensitive keys, multilingual menu support (English default), and on-screen alarm history logging

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The ZHS-100HC accommodates standard petri dishes, vials, stability chambers trays (e.g., USP ), textile swatches (ASTM D1776), polymer film specimens, and packaged consumer goods. Its chamber geometry (450×380×590 mm) supports ICH-aligned storage configurations—including vertical stacking of 20 mL amber vials or ISO 188 rubber aging racks. The system complies with key regulatory expectations for environmental chambers: temperature/humidity uniformity and stability meet ASTM E2874-22 Class II tolerances; control system firmware supports audit trail generation (user login, parameter changes, alarm events) required under FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when paired with optional RS485 interface and external data logger. Optional accessories—including calibrated PT100 probe ports, independent overtemperature cut-off controllers, and GMP-grade validation kits—facilitate IQ/OQ/PQ documentation.

Software & Data Management

While the base unit operates via embedded firmware, optional RS485 serial interface enables integration with third-party SCADA platforms (e.g., LabVIEW, WinCC) or LIMS systems using Modbus RTU protocol. Data logging intervals are configurable from 1 second to 60 minutes; all recorded values (chamber setpoints, actual readings, alarm status, runtime hours) are timestamped and stored in non-volatile memory with ≥30-day retention. Firmware supports CSV export via USB flash drive (not included), compatible with Excel-based trending analysis. For regulated environments, the optional color touchscreen upgrade includes electronic signature capability, user role-based access control (admin/operator), and encrypted event logs meeting ALCOA+ principles.

Applications

• Pharmaceutical stability testing per ICH Q1A(R3) guidelines: long-term (25 °C/60 %RH), accelerated (40 °C/75 %RH), and intermediate condition studies
• Textile moisture regain evaluation (ISO 139), dye fastness conditioning (ISO 105-A02), and dimensional stability assessment (ISO 6330)
• Food packaging permeability testing (ASTM F1249), shelf-life modeling, and microbial challenge studies under controlled water activity
• Polymer aging per ISO 188 (heat aging) and ASTM D573 (rubber degradation), including oxidation induction time correlation
• Biological incubation for fungal growth assays (USP ), mycotoxin production studies, and controlled sporulation protocols
• Electronics component preconditioning prior to thermal shock or humidity soak testing (JEDEC JESD22-A101)

FAQ

What is the maximum allowable ambient temperature for continuous operation?
The chamber is rated for ambient temperatures up to 30 °C. Operation above this requires derating of humidity performance and may affect compressor duty cycle.
Can the ZHS-100HC be validated for GMP use?
Yes—when equipped with NIST-traceable calibration certificates (optional), independent limit controller, and RS485 data logging, it supports full IQ/OQ/PQ execution per Annex 15 and EU GMP Annex 15 requirements.
Is the humidification system resistant to mineral scaling?
The ultrasonic humidifier includes auto-drain and periodic descaling prompts; distilled or deionized water is recommended to prevent calcium deposit formation on transducers.
How is temperature uniformity verified during factory calibration?
Nine-point mapping per ASTM E2874-22 is performed using traceable Class A PT100 probes; uniformity data is provided in the Certificate of Conformance shipped with each unit.
Does the controller support remote monitoring via Ethernet or Wi-Fi?
No native Ethernet/Wi-Fi module is included; however, RS485-to-Ethernet gateways (e.g., Moxa NPort) enable secure network integration with existing lab infrastructure.