LabCompanion UP-80A Temperature and Humidity Controlled Chamber

Overview

The LabCompanion UP-80A Temperature and Humidity Controlled Chamber is an engineered environmental test system designed for precise, repeatable simulation of climatic conditions in laboratory and industrial quality assurance environments. Based on forced-air convection thermodynamics and vapor compression humidification/dehumidification principles, the chamber maintains stable temperature and relative humidity profiles across its 80 L internal volume (400 × 500 × 400 mm). Its dual-loop PID control architecture—separately regulating refrigeration, heating, and steam/humidifier output—enables high-fidelity replication of standardized test profiles including steady-state conditioning, cyclic humidity exposure, and combined temperature-humidity stress sequences per IEC 60068-2-30 and MIL-STD-810H methodologies.

Key Features

• Stainless steel SUS304 interior chamber with seamless welded construction and mirror-polished surface for corrosion resistance and ease of cleaning.
• Dual-stage refrigeration system with hermetically sealed compressors and environmentally compliant R404A/R23 cascade refrigerant configuration for extended low-temperature capability down to –60°C.
• Steam-type humidification system with stainless steel boiler and PID-controlled water level management ensures stable RH generation between 20% and 98% RH without condensation carryover.
• Korean-manufactured microprocessor-based controller with full English LCD interface, supporting both constant (setpoint) and programmable (up to 120 segments) operation modes.
• Integrated diagnostic suite including over-temperature cutoff, door-open alarm, compressor overload protection, and power-fail recovery with data retention.
• Standard features include two adjustable stainless steel shelves, Ø50 mm cable/port access port, LED interior lighting, and triple-layer insulated observation window with anti-fog heater.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The UP-80A accommodates a broad range of non-volatile, non-explosive test specimens—including polymer components, printed circuit boards, pharmaceutical packaging, optical lenses, and coated metallic substrates—within its validated operational envelope. It conforms to national and international environmental testing standards including GB/T 10586–2014 (General Requirements for Environmental Test Chambers), GB/T 2423.3–2016 (damp heat, steady state), and GB/T 2423.4–2016 (damp heat, cyclic). While not certified to ISO/IEC 17025 or accredited for regulatory submission, its performance traceability supports internal QC protocols aligned with ISO 9001:2015 and IATF 16949 requirements. Optional LAN interface enables integration into centralized lab monitoring systems compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when paired with validated third-party software.

Software & Data Management

The embedded controller logs real-time temperature and humidity values at user-defined intervals (1–600 sec), storing up to 100 hours of data internally. Export is supported via USB flash drive in CSV format for post-processing in Excel or statistical analysis platforms. An optional Ethernet module enables remote monitoring, alarm notification via SMTP, and synchronized time-stamping using NTP protocol. Audit trail functionality records operator actions (e.g., setpoint changes, program starts/stops), supporting GLP-aligned documentation practices. No proprietary cloud platform is required; raw data files are vendor-neutral and compatible with LIMS or ELN systems.

Applications

• Accelerated aging studies of adhesives, sealants, and elastomeric materials under controlled hygrothermal stress.
• Pre-conditioning of electronic assemblies prior to thermal shock or vibration testing per JEDEC JESD22-A110.
• Stability assessment of medical device packaging per ISO 11607-1 for barrier integrity validation.
• Material coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) characterization via dimensional metrology under stabilized ambient conditions.
• Calibration verification of handheld hygrometers and thermometers against NIST-traceable reference sensors.
• Process validation support for cleanroom gowning protocols requiring defined humidity thresholds.

FAQ

What is the maximum allowable load mass inside the UP-80A chamber without compromising temperature uniformity?
LabCompanion recommends limiting total sample mass to ≤15 kg to maintain specified uniformity (±0.5°C) and avoid thermal inertia-induced lag during ramp transitions.
Can the UP-80A perform freeze-thaw cycling with humidity control below 0°C?
Yes—the chamber supports simultaneous sub-zero temperature and controlled humidity (down to 20% RH at –40°C); however, condensation risk increases below dew point, and users must ensure specimen moisture content remains within safe limits to prevent ice nucleation damage.
Is the controller firmware upgradeable in the field?
Firmware updates are available via USB and require authorized service technician intervention; version history and release notes are provided upon request for compliance documentation.
Does the unit include validation documentation (IQ/OQ/PQ protocols)?
Factory-supplied calibration certificates (temperature and humidity sensors) are included; IQ/OQ templates are available as optional add-ons, but final PQ execution requires user-defined acceptance criteria and site-specific environmental verification.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for optimal long-term performance?
Compressor oil inspection every 24 months, refrigerant leak check annually, humidifier tank descaling every 3 months (or per usage frequency), and sensor recalibration every 12 months using traceable references.