LabCompanion SH Series Salt Spray Test Chamber
| Brand | LabCompanion |
|---|---|
| Model | SH Series |
| Origin | Guangdong, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Direct Manufacturer |
| Application | Corrosion Resistance Testing of Coated & Surface-Treated Materials |
| Compliance | ASTM B117, ISO 9227 (formerly ISO 3768/3769/3770), JIS Z 2371, JIS D 0201, K 5400, HB 8610 |
| Chamber Volume | 480 L / 270 L / 108 L (SH-120 / SH-90 / SH-60) |
| Test Temperature | 35 °C ±1 °C (Neutral Salt Spray) or 50 °C ±1 °C (Acidified Salt Spray) |
| Saturated Air Temperature | 47 °C ±1 °C or 63 °C ±1 °C |
| pH Range | 6.5–7.2 (NSS) or 3.0–3.2 (ASS/CASS) |
| NaCl Solution Concentration | 5.0 wt% ±0.1 wt% |
| Fog Deposition Rate | 1.0–2.0 mL/h/80 cm² |
| Relative Humidity in Chamber | >85% RH |
| Salt Solution Reservoir Capacity | 40 L / 25 L / 15 L |
| Power Supply | AC 220 V, 1-phase, 20 A / 15 A / 10 A |
Overview
The LabCompanion SH Series Salt Spray Test Chamber is an engineered environmental test system designed for standardized accelerated corrosion evaluation of metallic substrates and protective surface treatments—including electroplated coatings, anodized layers, organic paints, conversion coatings, and rust-inhibiting oils. It operates on the principle of continuous atomization of a precisely formulated sodium chloride (NaCl) solution under controlled thermal and humidity conditions to generate a corrosive fog environment that simulates aggressive marine or industrial atmospheric exposure. The chamber conforms to internationally recognized test protocols including ASTM B117 (Standard Practice for Operating Salt Spray (Fog) Apparatus), ISO 9227 (Corrosion tests in artificial atmospheres — Salt spray tests), JIS Z 2371, and related specifications for neutral salt spray (NSS), acetic acid salt spray (AASS), and copper-accelerated acetic acid salt spray (CASS) testing. Its robust stainless steel construction, calibrated temperature and saturation systems, and traceable fog deposition control ensure high reproducibility across laboratories and production QA/QC workflows.
Key Features
- Triple-layer chamber design: Inner chamber of PP (polypropylene) or SUS316 stainless steel (model-dependent), middle insulation layer, and outer casing of powder-coated cold-rolled steel for thermal stability and chemical resistance
- Precisely regulated dual-zone temperature control: Independent PID-controlled heating for test chamber (±1 °C accuracy) and saturated air chamber (±1 °C accuracy), enabling strict adherence to NSS (35 °C) or ASS/CASS (50 °C) operational modes
- Automated salt solution delivery system with adjustable nozzle pressure and calibrated glass fog collectors to verify and maintain compliant fog deposition rates of 1.0–2.0 mL/h per 80 cm² surface area
- Digital pH monitoring interface compatible with standard pH electrodes; supports real-time verification of solution acidity (6.5–7.2 for NSS; 3.0–3.2 for ASS/CASS) prior to and during test cycles
- Integrated safety interlocks including low-level salt solution alarm, overtemperature cutoff, and door-open interruption to prevent uncontrolled exposure or equipment damage
- Modular footprint options: SH-60 (108 L), SH-90 (270 L), and SH-120 (480 L) configurations accommodate diverse sample sizes—from small fasteners and electronic connectors to full automotive components and aerospace hardware
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The SH Series accommodates flat, irregular, and three-dimensional specimens up to maximum dimensions of 1200 × 1000 × 500 mm (SH-120 model), with non-corrosive specimen racks and adjustable angle holders (15°–30° tilt) to optimize droplet impingement per ASTM B117 requirements. All models are validated for compliance with ISO/IEC 17025-aligned laboratory practices and support audit-ready documentation for GLP and GMP environments. The system meets the physical and procedural criteria of ISO 9227 Annex A (fog uniformity mapping), ASTM B117 Section 7 (solution preparation and maintenance), and JIS Z 2371 Clause 5 (chamber calibration). Optional accessories—including digital data loggers with NIST-traceable temperature/humidity sensors, automated solution replenishment modules, and integrated video monitoring—enable full 21 CFR Part 11-compliant electronic records when paired with validated LabCompanion TestSuite software.
Software & Data Management
LabCompanion TestSuite v4.2 (optional) provides centralized control, real-time parameter visualization, and automated report generation in PDF/CSV formats. The software logs timestamped entries for chamber temperature, saturation temperature, solution pH, fog deposition rate, and runtime duration—each with user ID, instrument ID, and calibration certificate references. Audit trail functionality complies with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements, including electronic signatures, role-based access control, and immutable record retention. Exported datasets are structured for direct import into LIMS platforms or statistical process control (SPC) tools such as Minitab or JMP. Firmware updates and calibration templates are distributed via secure HTTPS portal with version-controlled release notes.
Applications
- Quality assurance of zinc, nickel, chromium, and tin electroplated parts in automotive and electronics manufacturing
- Validation of epoxy, polyester, and polyurethane coating systems for architectural metal cladding and infrastructure projects
- Comparative assessment of corrosion inhibitors used in hydraulic fluids and coolant formulations
- Regulatory submission testing for medical device housing materials (ISO 10993-15) and implant-grade alloys
- R&D screening of novel passivation treatments for stainless steels and aluminum alloys in aerospace applications
- Third-party certification testing per UL 2750 (Electric Vehicle Battery Enclosures) and MIL-STD-810 Method 509.6 (Salt Fog)
FAQ
What standards does the SH Series fully support out-of-the-box?
ASTM B117, ISO 9227 (NSS/AASS/CASS), JIS Z 2371, JIS D 0201, K 5400, and HB 8610—with factory-installed calibration certificates and fog uniformity validation reports included.
Can the chamber operate continuously for extended durations (e.g., 1,000+ hours)?
Yes. All SH models feature redundant heating elements, dual-level liquid level detection, and auto-refill-capable reservoirs (with optional upgrade) to support uninterrupted operation across multi-day and multi-week test cycles.
Is third-party ISO 17025 calibration available?
Yes. LabCompanion partners with ILAC-accredited calibration laboratories to provide on-site or return-to-factory traceable calibration services with uncertainty budgets aligned to ISO/IEC 17025:2017.
How is fog deposition rate verified and maintained during long-term tests?
Via four standardized glass fog collectors placed at defined locations per ASTM B117 Figure 1, with volumetric measurement every 24 hours; the system includes collector mounting fixtures and a certified graduated cylinder.
Does the SH Series support CASS testing with copper chloride addition?
Yes. The SH platform allows manual or automated dosing of CuCl₂·2H₂O into the salt solution reservoir, with dedicated mixing and filtration stages to prevent nozzle clogging and ensure homogeneous aerosol generation.
