LabCompanion SH Series Constant Temperature and Humidity Chamber

Overview

The LabCompanion SH Series Constant Temperature and Humidity Chamber is a precision-engineered environmental test chamber designed for stable, long-term exposure testing under controlled thermal and hygrometric conditions. Built upon the Balanced Temperature and Humidity Control (BTHC) system, it maintains rigorous environmental stability through integrated feedback loops between microprocessor-based PID control, industrial-grade PT100 platinum resistance sensors, and coordinated actuation of heating, humidification, and air circulation subsystems. Unlike thermal shock or cycling chambers, the SH Series operates in steady-state mode—optimized for applications requiring sustained exposure at fixed temperature-humidity setpoints, such as accelerated aging, reliability screening, and compliance verification per IEC 60068-2-3 (constant damp heat) and GB/T 2423.3. Its architecture prioritizes thermal inertia management, uniform airflow distribution via multi-wing centrifugal fans, and minimized thermal bridging through high-density polyurethane foam and glass wool composite insulation.

Key Features

• Microcomputer fuzzy logic PID controller with intuitive Δ/▽ key navigation and dual-channel LED digital display (temperature & humidity), enabling real-time monitoring and precise parameter adjustment without menu nesting.
• Four-digit high-brightness LED display ensures legibility under laboratory lighting; panel calibration functions for both temperature and humidity channels correct minor sensor drift without requiring external recalibration equipment.
• Large rectangular double-glazed observation window—engineered with vacuum-sealed insulating glass—provides unobstructed visual access while preserving internal thermal integrity and minimizing condensation.
• Stainless steel SUS304 interior chamber and epoxy-coated cold-rolled steel exterior ensure corrosion resistance, cleanability, and structural longevity in high-humidity operational environments.
• Integrated safety architecture includes redundant protections: humidifier dry-run cutoff, independent overtemperature limit switch, automatic water-level shutdown, compressor overcurrent and high-pressure refrigerant interlock, and residual-current circuit breaker (RCCB).
• Modular design supports field-installable accessories—including RS232/RS485 communication interfaces, data logging software, and analog chart recorders—enabling integration into centralized lab monitoring networks compliant with GLP/GMP documentation requirements.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The SH Series accommodates a broad range of sample types—from printed circuit boards and polymer encapsulants to pharmaceutical packaging materials and automotive electronic modules—within its three standard internal volumes (100 L, 200 L, 500 L). All models meet the performance criteria specified in GB/T 10586–1989 (Technical Requirements for Damp Heat Test Chambers) and GB/T 2423.3–1993 (identical to IEC 60068-2-3), ensuring validity for regulatory submissions in China and internationally recognized conformity assessments. The chamber’s temperature uniformity (±2 °C) and humidity deviation (±2 / −3% RH) are validated under no-load, ambient reference conditions (23 °C ±2 °C), aligning with ISO/IEC 17025 calibration traceability expectations for accredited test laboratories. Optional data logging and audit-trail-enabled software support adherence to FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for electronic records and signatures.

Software & Data Management

Standard operation requires no external software—parameters are set and monitored directly via the front-panel interface. For advanced data handling, optional RS232/RS485 interfaces enable bidirectional communication with host PCs running LabCompanion’s proprietary chamber management software. This application supports scheduled test profiles, real-time graphing of temperature/humidity trajectories, automatic export of CSV-formatted time-series logs, and configurable alarm notifications. When configured with the optional chart recorder or third-party SCADA systems, the chamber satisfies traceability mandates under GLP and GMP frameworks—including timestamped event logging, user-access authentication, and immutable audit trails for all setpoint changes and system status transitions.

Applications

• Accelerated stress testing of electronic components and assemblies per JEDEC JESD22-A101 (damp heat life test) and MIL-STD-810G Method 507.5.
• Stability assessment of medical device packaging under ISO 11607-1 environmental conditioning protocols.
• Material property evaluation—including dimensional stability, moisture absorption kinetics, and dielectric degradation—of polymers, composites, and adhesives.
• Pre-conditioning of samples prior to mechanical, electrical, or optical characterization per ASTM D618 and IEC 60068-1.
• Quality assurance verification for incoming raw materials and finished goods in automotive, aerospace, and consumer electronics supply chains.

FAQ

What standards does the SH Series comply with?
It conforms to GB/T 10586–1989, GB/T 2423.3–1993 (equivalent to IEC 60068-2-3), and supports validation against ISO 11607-1, ASTM D618, and JEDEC JESD22-A101 when operated within published specifications.
Is distilled water mandatory for humidification?
Yes—only distilled or deionized water is permitted to prevent mineral scaling in the stainless steel surface-evaporation humidifier and ensure long-term reliability of the humidification system.
Can the chamber operate continuously for extended durations?
Yes—the robust refrigeration circuit, nickel-chromium heating elements, and sealed bearing centrifugal fans are rated for uninterrupted operation up to 9999 hours, subject to routine maintenance and ambient cooling conditions.
What is the maximum allowable load volume inside the chamber?
For optimal uniformity and control accuracy, total sample volume should not exceed 1/3 of the internal chamber volume; full-load validation data is available upon request for qualification studies.
Does the controller support ramp-and-soak programming?
No—the SH Series is configured for constant-setpoint (steady-state) operation only; for programmable thermal/humidity cycling, consider LabCompanion’s TH Series or TC Series environmental chambers.