LabCompanion PR-800 Large-Scale Temperature and Humidity Controlled Environmental Test Chamber

Overview

The LabCompanion PR-800 is a large-scale, upright environmental test chamber engineered for precise, reproducible simulation of temperature and humidity stress conditions across industrial R&D, quality assurance, and compliance validation workflows. It operates on the principle of balanced P.I.D. + P.W.M. + S.S.R. control architecture—where proportional-integral-derivative algorithms dynamically modulate heating, refrigeration, and humidification outputs in real time to maintain setpoint fidelity under variable thermal loads. Designed to meet the stringent demands of automotive component qualification (e.g., ISO 16750-4), aerospace electronics testing (MIL-STD-810H Method 507.6), and medical device accelerated aging (ISO 11607-1 Annex B), the PR-800 delivers stable operation across its full specification envelope: −70 °C to +150 °C and 20–98 % RH. Its 1000 L internal volume (1000 × 1000 × 800 mm) accommodates full-size assemblies—including EV battery modules, avionics enclosures, and multi-board PCB stacks—while maintaining ≤±2.0 °C temperature uniformity and ±2.5 % RH stability per IEC 60068-3-5.

Key Features

• Robust dual-stage refrigeration system with Tecumseh (France) hermetic compressors and optimized cascade design for reliable low-temperature performance down to −70 °C.
• High-efficiency steam humidification system with stainless-steel boiler and PID-controlled water level management; optional low-humidity capability (5–98 % RH) available via desiccant or refrigerated drying module.
• EYECOM (Japan) programmable controller with 10.4″ color touchscreen, USB data export, Ethernet interface, and built-in alarm logging compliant with GLP/GMP audit trail requirements.
• Structural integrity assured by 100 mm composite insulation—comprising fire-retardant polyurethane foam and high-density glass wool—minimizing thermal bridging and energy consumption.
• Comprehensive safety architecture: dual independent over-temperature cutoffs, compressor high-pressure/overcurrent/overheat protection, phase-sequence monitoring, leakage circuit breaker, and dedicated dry-run protection for humidification circuits.
• Standard configurations include two adjustable 304 stainless steel shelves and dual Φ50 mm cable ports with silicone gaskets for external signal/power feedthrough without compromising chamber integrity.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The PR-800 supports heterogeneous sample geometries and thermal masses—from compact semiconductor packages to full-scale automotive ECUs—without requiring reconfiguration. Its internal chamber (SUS#304) resists corrosion from saline mist, organic solvents, and condensate exposure. The system complies with core international standards for environmental testing infrastructure, including IEC 60068-2-1 (cold), IEC 60068-2-2 (dry heat), IEC 60068-2-30 (damp heat cyclic), and ASTM D4332 (conditioning of plastics). Optional validation packages support IQ/OQ/PQ documentation aligned with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 electronic record requirements and ISO/IEC 17025 laboratory accreditation criteria.

Software & Data Management

The embedded EYECOM controller enables up to 100 programmable test profiles, each supporting 99 segments with ramp/soak/humidity modulation logic. Real-time trend graphs display temperature, humidity, and alarm status with timestamped event logging. Data export (CSV format) is supported via USB or Ethernet, enabling integration with LIMS platforms such as LabVantage or Thermo Fisher SampleManager. Remote monitoring and control are possible through secure HTTPS-based web interface (TLS 1.2), with configurable user roles and password-protected parameter modification—meeting traceability mandates for regulated industries.

Applications

• Automotive: Validation of infotainment systems, ADAS sensors, and powertrain controllers per AEC-Q200 and ISO 16750-4 thermal shock protocols.
• Aerospace: Environmental stress screening (ESS) of flight-critical avionics per DO-160G Section 4 (temperature) and Section 5 (humidity).
• Electronics Manufacturing: Reliability assessment of PCBAs undergoing JEDEC JESD22-A104 (temperature cycling) and JESD22-A108 (biased humidity testing).
• Medical Devices: Accelerated aging studies for sterile barrier systems (ISO 11607-1), implant packaging, and diagnostic analyzers under controlled hygrothermal conditions.
• Materials Science: Polymer degradation kinetics, adhesive bond strength evaluation, and coating delamination analysis under sustained thermal-hygrometric load.

FAQ

What is the standard temperature and humidity calibration method used for factory verification?
Factory calibration follows ISO/IEC 17025 procedures using NIST-traceable reference sensors (Rotronic HC2A-S, Fluke 1523) at nine spatial points per IEC 60068-3-5.
Can the PR-800 be integrated into an existing facility’s Building Management System (BMS)?
Yes—Modbus TCP and analog 4–20 mA output interfaces are available as optional field-installable modules for BMS interoperability.
Is remote firmware update supported?
Firmware updates are performed via encrypted USB drive with digital signature verification; over-the-air updates are not enabled for security and regulatory compliance reasons.
What is the typical lead time for non-standard configurations (e.g., extended low-temperature range or custom port layout)?
Standard delivery is 8–10 weeks; custom engineering variants require 14–18 weeks following final mechanical and electrical design approval.
Does the system include validation documentation for GxP environments?
IQ/OQ documentation templates are provided; PQ execution and site-specific qualification must be conducted by the end-user or authorized third-party service provider per local regulatory expectations.