LabCompanion P-Series Temperature and Humidity Environmental Test Chamber

Overview

The LabCompanion P-Series Temperature and Humidity Environmental Test Chamber is an engineered solution for accelerated environmental stress testing of materials, components, and finished products under precisely controlled thermal and hygrothermal conditions. Designed in accordance with IEC 60068-2, ISO 16750-4, and MIL-STD-810G methodologies, the chamber employs a balanced temperature and humidity control (BTHC) system—integrating independent PID-regulated heating, refrigeration, and steam-based humidification sub-systems—to maintain high reproducibility across dynamic and static test profiles. Its operational envelope spans -70 °C to +180 °C and 5–98 %RH, enabling qualification testing for automotive electronics, aerospace composites, medical device packaging, and battery cell modules subjected to extreme climatic exposure. The chamber’s structural integrity, thermal inertia management, and closed-loop feedback architecture ensure compliance with GLP/GMP documentation requirements when paired with optional data logging and audit-trail-enabled software.

Key Features

• Robust dual-stage or single-stage mechanical refrigeration system using environmentally compliant refrigerants R507 and R23, sourced from imported hermetic compressors (e.g., Embraco or Bitzer)
• Stainless steel (SUS304) interior chamber with mirror-finish surface and high-density polyurethane + fiberglass insulation for minimized thermal leakage and condensation risk
• UL-shaped stainless steel electric steam humidifier with dry-run protection and auto-refill via integrated 18 L internal stainless reservoir
• Touchscreen or keypad LCD controller supporting up to 140 programmable test segments across 10–140 user-defined profiles; resolution: ±0.1 °C / ±1 %RH
• Multi-safety architecture including independent overtemperature cutoff, low-water alarm, compressor overload protection, high-pressure refrigerant switch, and earth-leakage circuit breaker
• Front-access water inlet, Φ50 mm cable port with removable cap, and two adjustable SUS304 shelves as standard

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The P-Series accommodates diverse sample geometries through customizable internal dimensions (80–1000 L standard volumes; non-standard configurations available upon engineering review). It supports specimens ranging from PCB assemblies and polymer films to lithium-ion pouch cells and pharmaceutical blister packs. All models meet fundamental safety and electromagnetic compatibility requirements per EN 61000-6-2/6-4 and are constructed to align with ISO 17025 laboratory infrastructure standards. Optional RS-232/RS-485 interfaces enable integration into centralized facility monitoring systems compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when used with validated third-party data acquisition software.

Software & Data Management

While the base controller provides real-time display, segment-based scheduling, and curve recording on-screen, optional PC-based software extends functionality to include remote parameter setting, time-stamped event logging, automatic report generation (PDF/CSV), and electronic signature support for regulated environments. Audit trails capture operator ID, timestamp, setpoint changes, alarm triggers, and calibration interventions—fully traceable for ISO 9001, IATF 16949, or AS9100 internal audits. Data export adheres to ASTM E2911-13 guidelines for environmental test data integrity.

Applications

• Thermal cycling validation of automotive ECUs per ISO 16750-4 and AEC-Q200
• Accelerated aging of packaging materials under combined temperature/humidity stress (ASTM D4332, ISO 2233)
• Pre-conditioning of lithium-ion batteries prior to electrical performance testing (UN 38.3 Section 38.3.4)
• Reliability screening of avionics enclosures exposed to tropical high-humidity storage scenarios (MIL-STD-810H Method 507.6)
• Stability testing of sterile medical devices per ISO 11607-1 and ANSI/AAMI ST72
• Material coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) characterization via dimensional metrology under controlled ambient drift

FAQ

What is the typical temperature stabilization time after a rapid ramp?
Stabilization to ±0.5 °C is achieved within ≤15 minutes following a 20 °C step change at mid-range setpoints (e.g., 25 °C → 60 °C), assuming empty chamber and ambient lab conditions of 20–25 °C.
Can the chamber operate continuously at -70 °C and 5 %RH?
Yes—continuous operation at the full extremum of the specified range is supported, though extended low-temperature dry operation may require periodic defrost cycle scheduling to prevent ice accumulation on evaporator surfaces.
Is external dehumidified air supply required for low-RH operation?
No—the integrated steam humidifier and refrigerant-based dehumidification system operate autonomously without auxiliary air treatment.
Are calibration certificates provided with shipment?
A factory-as-tested certificate of conformance is included; NIST-traceable calibration reports (per ISO/IEC 17025) are available as a chargeable service with documented uncertainty budgets.
What power supply options are supported?
Standard configurations support either single-phase 220 V ±10 % 50 Hz or three-phase 380 V ±10 % 50 Hz, both with dedicated protective earth grounding—wiring diagrams and circuit breaker specifications are supplied in the technical manual.