OK-FH-90 Large-Volume Combined Salt Spray & Environmental Test Chamber

Overview

The OK-FH-90 Large-Volume Combined Salt Spray & Environmental Test Chamber is an engineered solution for accelerated corrosion testing under controlled climatic conditions. Designed in accordance with internationally referenced national standards—including GB/T 2423.17 (salt spray test method), GB/T 5170.8 (verification procedures for environmental test equipment), and GB/T 10587 (performance requirements for combined salt fog chambers)—this chamber integrates precise temperature regulation, adjustable humidity control, and standardized aerosol generation into a single robust platform. Its measurement principle relies on continuous or intermittent air-driven nebulization of conditioned saline solution, where compressed air—saturated, heated, and oil-free—is mixed with preheated 5% NaCl solution to produce uniform, gravity-fed salt fog deposition. The chamber’s large internal volume (900 × 600 × 500 mm) supports full-size components, assemblies, and multi-part test specimens commonly used in automotive, aerospace, marine, and electronics manufacturing validation workflows.

Key Features

• Integrated 40 L side-mounted PVC-lined salt solution reservoir with level-sensing feed tank ensuring uninterrupted operation during extended test cycles.
• High-fidelity climate control system: temperature range +10°C to 60°C ±1°C; humidity range 30–98% RH (display-only, non-controlled above 85% RH unless specified).
• Programmable logic controller supporting up to 120 user-defined test programs, each comprising up to 1200 executable segments with repeat counts up to 999 per command.
• Real-time graphical display of active program curves (temperature/humidity vs. time), with segment-by-segment status, remaining duration, loop counter, and cumulative runtime tracking.
• Touchscreen HMI interface with bilingual (English/Chinese) menu navigation, direct SV/PV parameter visualization, and dedicated editing mode for rapid program creation, insertion, deletion, and modification.
• Power-loss recovery function: retains program position and resumes execution automatically after interruption, preserving data integrity and test continuity.
• Dedicated saturated air conditioning system: includes heated humidification, coalescing filtration, and thermal equilibration to match chamber setpoint—ensuring stable fog droplet size distribution and deposition homogeneity.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The OK-FH-90 accommodates test specimens up to 900 mm wide, 600 mm deep, and 500 mm tall—making it suitable for printed circuit board assemblies, coated metal panels, fasteners, enclosures, and small subassemblies. Its design conforms to the physical and operational requirements of GB/T 2423.17–1993, which specifies free-fall (non-forced) salt fog deposition, controlled solution concentration (5.0 ±0.5% NaCl), and defined collection rate (1–2 mL/80 cm²·h). While not certified to ISO 9227 or ASTM B117 out-of-the-box, its core hardware architecture—including calibrated saturation temperature control, pressure-regulated air delivery, and traceable solution handling—enables straightforward qualification for those standards when paired with third-party verification and documented calibration protocols. The unit supports GLP-aligned documentation practices through timestamped event logging, programmable start/stop scheduling, and screen lock functionality to prevent unauthorized parameter changes.

Software & Data Management

The embedded controller provides local data visibility but does not include network connectivity or PC-based software. All operational parameters—including setpoints, real-time PV values, alarm states, and program progress—are stored internally with non-volatile memory retention. Timestamped logs capture start/stop events, fault codes (e.g., low solution level, over-temperature), and manual interventions. For regulatory environments requiring audit trails, users may integrate external USB data loggers or employ serial communication (RS-232/485, if enabled) to feed time-stamped process variables into validated laboratory information management systems (LIMS) compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11. Nine independent PID parameter sets allow fine-tuned response optimization for different load conditions or material-specific test profiles.

Applications

This chamber serves quality assurance laboratories conducting comparative corrosion resistance evaluation of metallic coatings (e.g., zinc-nickel, chromate conversion), organic finishes (epoxy, polyurethane), solder masks, and conformal coatings. It supports cyclic corrosion testing (CCT) when integrated with external temperature/humidity chambers via manual transfer or semi-automated staging. Common use cases include supplier qualification per OEM specifications (e.g., Ford CETP, GM W3177), R&D screening of new alloy substrates, and long-term reliability assessment of outdoor-rated electronic housings. Its flexibility in program structure and parameter resolution makes it especially valuable for developing custom multi-phase test sequences that combine salt exposure, drying, and high-humidity soak phases.

FAQ

Does the chamber include an integrated air compressor?

No. The OK-FH-90 requires an external oil-free air compressor capable of delivering clean, dry, and pressure-stabilized air at 1.5–2.5 bar (gauge), connected via standard quick-coupling fittings.

Is humidity actively controlled throughout the full 30–98% RH range?

Humidity is actively regulated between 30% and 85% RH. Above 85%, the system displays measured RH but does not maintain setpoint—consistent with GB/T 10587–2006 requirements for salt fog chambers.

Can the unit be validated to ISO 9227 or ASTM B117?

Yes—subject to installation qualification (IQ), operational qualification (OQ), and performance qualification (PQ) performed by a qualified third-party metrology provider using traceable reference instruments and documented procedures.

What maintenance is required for the salt solution delivery system?

Daily visual inspection of the reservoir level and nozzle integrity; weekly cleaning of the saturator chamber and air filter elements; quarterly verification of solution concentration and deposition rate using calibrated funnels and volumetric glassware.

Is remote monitoring or Ethernet connectivity supported?

Not natively. Optional RS-485 or analog 4–20 mA output modules may be added for integration into building management or centralized test fleet monitoring systems.