LabCompanion PU Series High-Low Temperature Environmental Test Chamber

Overview

The LabCompanion PU Series High-Low Temperature Environmental Test Chamber is an engineered precision system designed for controlled thermal stress testing of materials, components, and finished products under stable and repeatable climatic conditions. Based on forced-air convection with dual independent refrigeration and heating circuits, the chamber maintains precise temperature profiles across its working volume using a PID-controlled microprocessor system with real-time feedback from multiple platinum resistance thermometers (PT100). It operates within a standard temperature range of –40 °C to +150 °C, supporting both steady-state conditioning and dynamic thermal cycling protocols required in reliability engineering, quality assurance, and product validation workflows.

Key Features

• Robust stainless-steel interior chamber (SUS304) with seamless welding and electrostatically applied epoxy-coated exterior housing for corrosion resistance and long-term structural integrity.
• Dual-stage cascade refrigeration system employing environmentally compliant R404A/R23 mixed refrigerants, enabling stable sub-zero operation down to –40 °C without liquid nitrogen assistance.
• High-efficiency tubular heating elements integrated into the air circulation ductwork ensure uniform thermal distribution and rapid response during ramp phases.
• Intelligent airflow management via adjustable multi-directional centrifugal fans and optimized baffle design achieves ≤±2 °C temperature uniformity across the full working volume (per IEC 60068-3-5).
• Real-time monitoring and control via a 7-inch color touchscreen HMI with embedded Ethernet port, supporting Modbus TCP and optional RS485/RS232 interfaces for SCADA integration.
• Comprehensive safety architecture including over-temperature cut-off, compressor high-pressure protection, phase failure detection, and door interlock switch with automatic power cutoff.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The PU chamber accommodates samples up to 150 L internal volume (500 × 600 × 500 mm usable space), compatible with standard test fixtures, PCB carriers, automotive modules, polymer specimens, and electronic enclosures. Its thermal performance complies with key international test standards including IEC 60068-2-1 (Cold), IEC 60068-2-2 (Dry Heat), MIL-STD-810G Method 502.5, and GB/T 2423.1–2022 / GB/T 2423.2–2022 (China National Standards). The system supports GLP/GMP-aligned validation documentation packages—including IQ/OQ protocols—and is configurable for FDA 21 CFR Part 11-compliant audit trails when paired with LabCompanion’s optional Traceable Data Logger software suite.

Software & Data Management

Equipped with LabCompanion’s proprietary ECO-View™ control software (v4.2+), the PU chamber enables remote setup, real-time graphing, multi-segment programmable profiles (up to 99 cycles, 999 steps), and automated data logging at user-defined intervals (1s–3600s). All recorded parameters—including chamber setpoint, actual temperature, ramp rate, and alarm status—are time-stamped and exportable in CSV or PDF format. Optional cloud-based telemetry (via MQTT or HTTPS) allows centralized fleet monitoring across distributed lab environments. Data integrity safeguards include password-protected user roles, electronic signatures, and encrypted local storage compliant with ISO/IEC 17025 traceability requirements.

Applications

• Thermal aging evaluation of elastomers, adhesives, and composite laminates per ASTM D573 and ISO 188.
• Pre-conditioning of lithium-ion battery cells prior to electrical performance testing (UN 38.3 Section 38.3.4.1).
• Environmental screening of aerospace avionics per DO-160G Section 4 (Temperature Variation).
• Stress testing of medical device housings and sterilization packaging under accelerated thermal cycles (ISO 11607-1).
• Qualification of industrial sensors and IoT edge devices operating in extended ambient ranges.
• Support for JEDEC JESD22-A104 (Temperature Cycling) and A119 (Highly Accelerated Temperature/Humidity Stress Test) protocols.

FAQ

What is the standard calibration interval recommended for the PU chamber?
LabCompanion recommends annual calibration using NIST-traceable reference thermometers, with intermediate verification checks performed quarterly per ISO/IEC 17025 guidelines.

Can the PU model be upgraded to support humidity control?
No—the PU series is strictly dry-temperature-only. For combined temperature/humidity testing, refer to the PL or PS series models, which integrate steam-based humidification and refrigerant dehumidification systems.

Is custom chamber dimensioning available?
Yes—LabCompanion offers non-standard internal volumes ranging from 20 L to 8,000 L, subject to structural feasibility review and lead-time adjustment. Engineering drawings and thermal simulation reports are provided pre-manufacture.

Does the system meet CE marking requirements?
Yes—the PU chamber conforms to EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC, EMC Directive 2014/30/EU, and Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU, and carries the CE mark with full Declaration of Conformity supplied.

What maintenance is required for long-term operational stability?
Routine tasks include monthly condenser coil cleaning, quarterly refrigerant pressure verification, biannual fan bearing inspection, and annual replacement of air intake filters. Full preventive maintenance kits and service contracts are available directly from LabCompanion Technical Support.