Elastocon EP 04-II High-Temperature Aging Test Chamber
| Brand | Elastocon |
|---|---|
| Origin | Sweden |
| Model | EP 04-II |
| Max Operating Temperature | 300 °C |
| Internal Volume | 60 L |
| Air Exchange Rate | Adjustable 3–20 air changes per hour |
| Compliance | IEC 60811, ISO 188 |
| Chamber Airflow | Controlled forced convection |
| Optional Accessories | EB 04AP (external sensor port), EB 04IIW (viewing window with illumination), EB 04IIDC (door interlock safety switch) |
Overview
The Elastocon EP 04-II is a precision-engineered high-temperature aging test chamber designed specifically for accelerated thermal aging of elastomeric and polymeric materials in accordance with internationally recognized standards—including ISO 188:2017 (“Rubber, vulcanized or thermoplastic — Accelerated ageing and heat resistance tests”) and IEC 60811-502:2012 (“Electric cables — Common test methods — Part 502: Mechanical tests — Hardness test”). Unlike general-purpose ovens, the EP 04-II employs a fully controlled forced-air convection system to ensure exceptional temperature stability (±0.5 °C) and spatial uniformity (±1.5 °C across the working volume) within its 60-liter stainless-steel chamber. This performance is achieved through a calibrated axial fan, thermally insulated double-wall construction, and a PID-controlled heating system with redundant overtemperature protection. The chamber’s design prioritizes repeatability and traceability—critical for QC laboratories conducting comparative aging studies, shelf-life prediction, and material qualification under GLP or ISO/IEC 17025-accredited conditions.
Key Features
- Forced-air convection system with adjustable airflow rate (3–20 air changes per hour), enabling precise control of oxidative aging kinetics in accordance with ISO 188 Annex A.
- Stainless-steel interior chamber (60 L usable volume) with seamless welds and rounded corners for uniform heat distribution and ease of cleaning.
- Dual independent temperature sensors (PT100 class A) integrated into the control loop—one for regulation, one for safety cutoff at 320 °C.
- External air supply interface with calibrated flowmeter, ensuring consistent oxygen availability during long-duration tests (e.g., 7-day or 14-day aging cycles).
- Robust mechanical door interlock (optional EB 04IIDC) that automatically de-energizes heaters and fan upon door opening—compliant with IEC 61000-6-2 and EN 60529 IP20 safety requirements.
- Front-panel digital controller with real-time display of setpoint, actual temperature, elapsed time, and air exchange rate; supports up to 99 programmable segments for multi-step aging profiles.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The EP 04-II accommodates standard cable insulation specimens (e.g., PVC, EPR, XLPE), rubber test pieces (dumbbell, ring, or strip geometries per ISO 37), and polymer films up to 5 mm thick. Two adjustable chrome-plated sample support rods (included) allow vertical or horizontal orientation while minimizing thermal shadowing. All chamber components—including gaskets, insulation, and internal hardware—meet RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU and are free from silicone-based volatiles that could contaminate test surfaces. The unit is supplied with factory calibration documentation traceable to NIST and EU national metrology institutes. It satisfies the environmental conditioning requirements of ASTM D573, ISO 1431-1, and UL 1581 Section 1000 for electrical insulating materials.
Software & Data Management
While the EP 04-II operates via an embedded microcontroller with local HMI, optional RS485 Modbus RTU or Ethernet TCP/IP interfaces enable integration into centralized laboratory data management systems. When connected to Elastocon’s optional LogMaster™ software (v3.2+), users gain access to time-stamped temperature logging with ±0.1 °C resolution, automatic generation of PDF test reports compliant with 21 CFR Part 11 (electronic signatures, audit trails, user role permissions), and alarm history export in CSV format. All data records include metadata such as operator ID, batch number, test standard reference, and chamber serial number—supporting full traceability in GMP-regulated environments.
Applications
- Accelerated aging of wire and cable insulation per IEC 60811-502 and UL 1581.
- Oxidative degradation studies of elastomers and thermoplastics under defined oxygen partial pressure conditions.
- Heat resistance evaluation of adhesives, sealants, and encapsulation compounds used in automotive and aerospace applications.
- Pre-conditioning of samples prior to tensile, hardness, or dielectric testing per ISO 23529 and ASTM D412.
- Validation of thermal stability claims for medical-grade polymers under ISO 10993-12 protocols.
FAQ
What standards does the EP 04-II comply with for cable material testing?
It meets the thermal uniformity, airflow, and temperature stability requirements of IEC 60811-502 and ISO 188:2017 for accelerated aging of electric cable compounds.
Can the chamber be used for tests requiring inert atmosphere?
No—the EP 04-II is configured for ambient air circulation; nitrogen purging or vacuum operation requires custom modification not covered under standard warranty.
Is calibration certificate included with shipment?
Yes—a UKAS-traceable calibration certificate (covering temperature uniformity and stability at 100 °C, 150 °C, and 250 °C) is provided with each unit.
How is air exchange rate verified and maintained over time?
The built-in flowmeter is calibrated against a primary rotameter; annual verification is recommended using a handheld thermal anemometer placed at the exhaust port.
What safety certifications does the unit carry?
It bears CE marking per Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and EMC Directive 2014/30/EU, and complies with EN 61010-1:2010 for laboratory electrical equipment safety.
