LabCompanion PL-150 Temperature and Humidity Environmental Test Chamber
| Brand | LabCompanion |
|---|---|
| Origin | Guangdong, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Direct Manufacturer |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Model | PL-150 |
| Instrument Type | Vertical Chamber |
| Temperature Range | 15–45 °C |
| Humidity Range | 20–98 % RH |
| Temperature Uniformity | ≤±2 °C |
| Temperature Fluctuation | ±0.5 °C |
| Humidity Uniformity | ±2.5 % RH |
| Humidity Fluctuation | ±3 % RH |
| Heating Rate (non-linear, no-load) | ~3.5 °C/min (20 °C to +150 °C) |
| Internal Dimensions (W×D×H) | 500×600×500 mm |
Overview
The LabCompanion PL-150 is a vertically configured temperature and humidity environmental test chamber engineered for precise, repeatable simulation of controlled climatic conditions in laboratory and quality assurance environments. It operates on the principle of forced-air convection with independent PID-controlled heating and refrigeration circuits, coupled with a steam-based humidification system and a condensation-type dehumidification mechanism. Designed to meet the functional requirements of accelerated aging, reliability validation, and environmental stress screening (ESS), the PL-150 supports standardized testing protocols aligned with IEC 60068-2, MIL-STD-810, and GB/T 2423 series specifications. Its operational envelope—spanning 15 °C to 45 °C and 20–98 % RH—is optimized for long-term stability testing of electronic components, packaging materials, pharmaceutical primary containers, and polymer-based consumer goods under non-extreme but highly reproducible ambient stress conditions.
Key Features
- Robust stainless-steel inner chamber construction with seamless welding and electropolished finish for corrosion resistance and ease of cleaning.
- Dual-sensor feedback loop: high-accuracy capacitive RH sensor and PT100 Class A temperature probe, both traceably calibrated and field-replaceable.
- Intelligent microprocessor controller with 32-segment programmable ramp-soak profiles, real-time trend logging, and password-protected parameter locking.
- Energy-efficient refrigeration system using environmentally compliant R134a refrigerant, integrated with overheat and high-pressure safety cutoffs.
- Insulated double-wall structure with 100 mm thick polyurethane foam (thermal conductivity < 0.022 W/m·K) and vacuum-sealed viewing window with anti-fogging heater.
- Standard RS485 interface supporting Modbus RTU protocol; optional Ethernet or USB data export for external SCADA integration.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The PL-150 accommodates samples up to 500 mm (W) × 600 mm (D) × 500 mm (H), with a maximum load mass of 50 kg distributed evenly on the standard perforated stainless-steel shelf. The chamber supports passive sample monitoring via optional thermocouple feedthroughs (up to 4 channels) and configurable internal power outlets (AC 220 V / 10 A). All electrical and mechanical safety designs comply with IEC 61010-1 (Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use). Humidity control performance meets ISO 17025 calibration traceability requirements when operated within specified ambient room conditions (15–30 °C, ≤70 % RH). The unit is suitable for GLP-compliant stability studies when paired with validated software and audit-trail-enabled data recording.
Software & Data Management
The embedded controller provides local data storage (≥10,000 records) with timestamped temperature and humidity readings at user-defined intervals (1–60 min). Optional PC-based LabCompanion EnviroLog™ software enables remote monitoring, multi-chamber synchronization, automated report generation (PDF/CSV), and compliance with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 through electronic signature support, role-based access control, and immutable audit trails. Raw data files include metadata such as operator ID, test ID, calibration certificate numbers, and environmental chamber status flags (e.g., door open, alarm active). Exported datasets are structured to align with LIMS ingestion standards (ASTM E1482, ISO/IEC 17025 Annex A.3).
Applications
- Stability testing of medical device packaging per ISO 11607-1 for seal integrity under cyclic humidity exposure.
- Pre-conditioning of lithium-ion battery cells prior to electrical performance evaluation (IEC 62660-1).
- Validation of moisture barrier properties of flexible food packaging films (ASTM F1249).
- Environmental stress screening of printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs) during incoming QC.
- Accelerated hygrothermal aging of epoxy encapsulants used in aerospace avionics housings.
- Material compatibility assessment of adhesives and coatings under prolonged 40 °C / 93 % RH exposure (IPC-TM-650 2.6.25).
FAQ
What is the recommended ambient installation environment for the PL-150?
The chamber must be installed in a well-ventilated room maintained between 15–30 °C and ≤70 % RH, with ≥600 mm clearance behind for heat dissipation and unobstructed airflow around condenser coils.
Can the PL-150 perform temperature-only cycling without humidity control?
Yes—humidity can be disabled independently via the controller menu, enabling pure thermal cycling tests within the 15–45 °C range while maintaining full temperature accuracy and stability.
Is third-party IQ/OQ/PQ validation support available?
LabCompanion provides standardized qualification templates (IQ/OQ checklists, PQ test protocols) and on-site commissioning services upon request; all documentation conforms to GAMP 5 principles and includes instrument-specific risk assessments.
How often does the humidity sensor require recalibration?
Capacitive RH sensors are factory-calibrated and retain accuracy for 12 months under normal use; annual recalibration against NIST-traceable reference standards is recommended for regulated applications.
Does the PL-150 support external data acquisition via analog outputs?
Yes—two isolated 4–20 mA analog outputs are provided (one for temperature, one for humidity), configurable for direct connection to PLCs or centralized building management systems (BMS).
