ETAC HIFLEX NEO S Series Temperature and Humidity Controlled Chamber SXN403

Overview

The ETAC HIFLEX NEO S Series Temperature and Humidity Controlled Chamber SXN403 is an upright environmental test chamber engineered for precise, long-term simulation of climatic conditions in R&D laboratories, quality assurance departments, and materials testing facilities. It operates on a dual-control principle: refrigeration-based cooling combined with resistive heating and steam-based humidification, enabling stable regulation across a wide operational envelope. The chamber maintains traceable thermal and hygrometric stability through PID-controlled feedback loops, high-resolution platinum resistance thermometers (Pt100), and capacitive relative humidity sensors calibrated per ISO 17025–accredited procedures. Designed for compliance-critical applications—including accelerated aging, stability testing per ICH Q1 guidelines, and material conditioning prior to mechanical or electrical evaluation—the SXN403 delivers reproducible environmental profiles essential for GLP- and GMP-aligned workflows.

Key Features

• Modular multi-chamber stacking architecture: Supports up to three independently controlled SXN403 units vertically stacked—enabling concurrent execution of distinct temperature/humidity protocols without cross-contamination or thermal interference.
• Front-access intuitive control interface: Dedicated tactile keypad and LCD display located on the front panel allow direct manual setpoint entry, real-time parameter monitoring, and immediate access to alarm history and system diagnostics.
• Optional Smart Manager module: Adds touchscreen operation, built-in data logging (up to 10,000 records), and configurable alarm thresholds with relay outputs for integration into facility-wide monitoring systems.
• Low-consumption humidification system: Utilizes a sealed, auto-refill water reservoir with level sensing and anti-scale treatment compatibility; average water consumption during continuous 20–98 %RH operation remains below 1.2 L/h, minimizing maintenance frequency.
• Energy-optimized refrigeration circuit: Incorporates variable-speed compressors and heat recovery logic to reduce peak power draw by up to 28 % compared to conventional single-stage systems—validated per JIS C 60068-2-1/2 and IEC 60068-2-78 standards.
• Robust stainless-steel interior with rounded corners: Facilitates cleaning validation and prevents condensate pooling; door gasket seals meet ISO 10648-2 Class 3 integrity requirements for minimal air leakage.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The SXN403 accommodates diverse sample types—including polymer specimens, electronic assemblies, pharmaceutical packaging, and biological reference standards—within its 61.25 L internal volume. Its uniformity performance meets ±0.5 °C temperature deviation and ±2.0 %RH spatial variation across the working zone (per ASTM E145–22 Annex A3). The chamber supports qualification protocols aligned with IQ/OQ/PQ documentation frameworks and provides audit-ready calibration certificates traceable to NMIJ (National Metrology Institute of Japan). All firmware and control logic comply with IEC 61508 SIL1 functional safety requirements. Optional validation packages include mapping reports compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 electronic record provisions.

Software & Data Management

Data acquisition is supported via standard Ethernet (TCP/IP) and USB 2.0 interfaces, enabling seamless integration with third-party SCADA platforms or LIMS environments. The native ETAC DataLink software (Windows-compatible) offers real-time graphing, CSV export, and automated report generation—including trend analysis, deviation alerts, and pass/fail status against user-defined specification limits. When equipped with the Smart Manager, the system logs timestamped environmental data at configurable intervals (1 s to 60 min), stores it in encrypted non-volatile memory, and supports remote configuration via HTTPS-secured web interface. Audit trails retain operator ID, parameter changes, and system events for ≥12 months—fully satisfying ALCOA+ data integrity principles.

Applications

• Accelerated stability testing of drug substances and products under ICH Q1A(R3) conditions (e.g., 40 °C/75 %RH, 25 °C/60 %RH).
• Environmental stress screening (ESS) of printed circuit boards and automotive electronics per MIL-STD-810H Method 507.6.
• Conditioning of composite materials prior to tensile, flexural, or impact testing per ASTM D618.
• Long-term reliability assessment of lithium-ion battery cells under thermal cycling and humidity soak protocols.
• Calibration and verification of portable hygrometers and thermometers in metrology labs.

FAQ

What is the maximum allowable ambient temperature for continuous operation?
The SXN403 is rated for installation in rooms maintained between 15 °C and 32 °C, with relative humidity ≤80 %RH non-condensing.
Can the chamber be validated for GxP environments?
Yes—ETAC provides IQ/OQ protocol templates, calibration documentation, and on-site PQ support services performed by ISO/IEC 17025-accredited engineers.
Is remote monitoring possible without the Smart Manager add-on?
Basic telemetry (temperature/humidity setpoints and readings) is available via Modbus TCP over Ethernet; full functionality requires Smart Manager firmware.
What water purity is recommended for the humidifier?
Deionized water with conductivity <5 µS/cm is required to prevent scaling and sensor drift; distilled water may be used if DI is unavailable.
Does the unit support ramp-soak programming?
Yes—the controller supports up to 16 segments per program, with adjustable ramp rates (0.1–10.0 °C/min) and dwell times from 1 minute to 999 hours.