LabCompanion C-180-20-3 Temperature and Humidity Controlled Environmental Test Chamber

Overview

The LabCompanion C-180-20-3 is an upright, precision-engineered temperature and humidity controlled environmental test chamber designed for reliable, repeatable conditioning and accelerated aging tests in R&D laboratories, quality assurance departments, and materials testing facilities. It operates on the principle of dual-loop PID-controlled refrigeration, heating, and humidification systems—integrating a high-efficiency compressor-based cooling circuit, stainless-steel sheathed electric heaters, and a stainless-steel steam generator with ultrasonic pre-humidification support. This architecture enables stable maintenance of specified climatic profiles across its full operational envelope, supporting standardized thermal and hygrothermal stress protocols per ASTM D4332, ISO 22068, IEC 60068-2-1, IEC 60068-2-2, and IEC 60068-2-78. The chamber is engineered for long-term stability under continuous operation and meets structural requirements for GLP-compliant environmental simulation workflows.

Key Features

• Upright configuration optimized for floor-space efficiency and ergonomic access to the test compartment.
• Double-wall insulated construction with high-density polyurethane foam (≥100 mm thickness) and vacuum-sealed door gasket ensuring low thermal leakage and high energy efficiency.
• Microprocessor-based dual-channel PID controller with real-time digital display of setpoint, actual temperature, and relative humidity—capable of ramp-soak cycling and multi-step program storage (up to 100 segments).
• Independent humidity control system featuring a stainless-steel steam generator, condensate drainage management, and optional dehumidification via refrigerant coil bypass or desiccant module integration.
• Over-temperature, over-humidity, compressor overload, and phase-failure protection circuits compliant with IEC 61000-4 electromagnetic compatibility standards.
• RS485 interface standard; optional Ethernet or USB data logging with timestamped CSV export compatible with LabVIEW, MATLAB, and third-party SCADA platforms.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The C-180-20-3 accommodates a wide range of non-volatile, non-corrosive samples—including polymer films, electronic assemblies, pharmaceutical packaging, textiles, adhesives, and composite laminates—within its 196 L internal volume (580 × 750 × 450 mm). All internal surfaces are electropolished SUS304 stainless steel, minimizing outgassing and facilitating cleaning validation per ISO 14644 cleanroom protocols. The chamber conforms to safety requirements outlined in EN 61010-1 and carries CE marking for use within the European Economic Area. Optional IQ/OQ documentation packages are available to support GMP-regulated environments requiring validation against FDA 21 CFR Part 11 data integrity criteria and Annex 15 qualification standards.

Software & Data Management

The embedded controller supports local parameter configuration and real-time monitoring via front-panel keypad and LCD. For advanced traceability, LabCompanion’s optional *EnviroLog Pro* software enables remote supervision, alarm event logging with email/SMS notification, and audit-trail generation—including user login history, parameter change timestamps, and calibration record linkage. Data files include automatic metadata tagging (chamber ID, operator ID, test protocol version), supporting ALCOA+ principles (Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, Accurate, Complete, Consistent, Enduring, Available). Raw sensor outputs (Pt100 RTD for temperature; capacitive polymer sensor for RH) are sampled at 1 Hz and digitally filtered to suppress noise without phase lag.

Applications

• Accelerated shelf-life testing of medical device packaging under ISO 11607-1 climatic aging conditions.
• Thermal cycling validation of PCBAs per IPC-9701 and JEDEC JESD22-A104.
• Hygrothermal stress screening of lithium-ion battery cells prior to safety certification (UN 38.3, IEC 62133).
• Conditioning of reference standards for gravimetric moisture analysis (ASTM E1064, ISO 15512).
• Stability studies for cosmetic formulations aligned with ICH Q1A(R3) guidelines.
• Pre-test equilibration of specimens for tensile, impact, and dielectric property measurement per ASTM D638, D256, and D149.

FAQ

What is the maximum allowable sample load for thermal stability?
Maximum recommended thermal mass is 15 kg; exceeding this may extend stabilization time beyond specification limits and affect uniformity compliance.
Can the chamber operate continuously at -20 °C and 98 % RH simultaneously?
No—simultaneous extreme low-temperature and high-humidity operation is thermodynamically constrained; the achievable RH at -20 °C is limited to ≤40 % RH due to dew-point saturation limits.
Is external water supply required for humidification?
No—the integrated reservoir supports up to 48 hours of unattended operation at 60 % RH; optional continuous-feed connection is available for extended high-RH testing.
Does the unit support validation documentation (IQ/OQ/PQ)?
Yes—factory-verified calibration certificates (NIST-traceable Pt100 and RH sensors) and customizable IQ/OQ templates are provided upon request.
What is the expected service life of the compressor under rated duty cycle?
With scheduled preventive maintenance (oil replacement, filter inspection every 2,000 operating hours), the hermetic scroll compressor is rated for ≥30,000 hours MTBF.