MEMMERT CTC256 Temperature and Humidity Controlled Environmental Test Chamber

Overview

The MEMMERT CTC256 is a high-performance, upright environmental test chamber engineered for precise, reproducible simulation of temperature and humidity stress conditions across industrial R&D, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance laboratories. Operating on a dual-mode thermal architecture—capable of both humidified operation (+10 °C to +95 °C) and wide-range dry thermal cycling (−42 °C to +190 °C)—the CTC256 delivers exceptional thermal agility without compromising stability or uniformity. Its core design integrates forced-air convection with adaptive fan speed control (10–100 %), enabling rapid ramp rates unmatched in its class while maintaining chamber-wide temperature uniformity within ±0.5 K to ±2 K per DIN EN 60068-3-5. The chamber employs two Class A Pt100 four-wire resistance thermometers operating in alternating monitoring mode, ensuring continuous validation of setpoint fidelity and traceable measurement integrity. All operational parameters—including real-time temperature (±0.1 °C resolution), relative humidity (±0.5 %RH display accuracy), time, date, and program status—are presented via high-contrast LED displays with configurable language support.

Key Features

• Adaptive convection system with digitally controlled axial fans (10–100 % speed range) for optimized airflow distribution and minimized thermal gradients
• Dual-mode operation: full humidity control (10–98 %RH) integrated with ultra-low and high-temperature capability (−42 °C to +190 °C dry; +10 °C to +95 °C humidified)
• Advanced PID controller with fuzzy logic adaptation, self-diagnostic error reporting, and automatic fault logging
• 40-segment programmable temperature/humidity profiles, each segment adjustable from 1 minute to 999 hours; 7-day weekly scheduling supported
• GLP-compliant data recording: 1024 kB internal memory retains all programs and event logs during power interruption; timestamped entries meet ALCOA+ principles
• Factory-issued calibration certificates traceable to national standards (−20 °C to +160 °C; +30 °C/60 %RH); optional IQ/OQ documentation packages (Q1/Q2) available
• Stainless steel interior (1.4301 / ASTM 304), fully insulated double-wall construction, and quadruple-point door sealing ensure long-term corrosion resistance and energy efficiency
• Integrated USB interface with MEMMERT Celsius software suite (standard); optional RS485 multi-chamber networking (up to 16 units) and FDA 21 CFR Part 11–enabled Celsius FDA-Edition available

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The CTC256 accommodates diverse sample geometries and material classes—including printed circuit boards, polymer composites, coated metal substrates, aerospace alloys, and pharmaceutical packaging—within its 256 L stainless steel chamber. Its ISO 17025-aligned thermal performance, combined with dual Pt100 sensor redundancy and automated diagnostic routines, supports validation requirements under ICH Q1, ASTM D4329, ISO 4892-2, and MIL-STD-810G. Humidity control utilizes dual 10 L condensate recovery tanks and auto-switching distilled water reservoirs to ensure uninterrupted operation over extended aging cycles. The chamber meets CE, RoHS, and WEEE (DE 66812464) directives and is classified under HS code 8419 3990. Optional IQ/OQ protocols (Q1/Q2), user-ID access cards (V1), and audit-trail-enabled Celsius FDA-Edition software satisfy GMP/GLP and FDA 21 CFR Part 11 data integrity mandates.

Software & Data Management

The standard Celsius software provides intuitive PC-based programming, real-time monitoring, and export-ready data logging (CSV, PDF). Each CTC256 ships with a 32 kB MEMoryCard XL (V2) supporting up to 40 stored programs and a dedicated mini-notebook bundle (B0) for field deployment. For regulated environments, the optional Celsius FDA-Edition implements electronic signatures, role-based access control, and immutable audit trails compliant with 21 CFR Part 11 Annex 11. All data records include timestamps, operator IDs, parameter changes, and system event flags—fully compatible with LIMS integration via standardized export formats. Internal memory retains full program history and error logs during mains failure, preserving continuity for GLP audits.

Applications

• Accelerated aging and shelf-life prediction of polymers, adhesives, and elastomers under cyclic temperature–humidity stress
• Corrosion testing of light metals (e.g., aluminum alloys) per ASTM B117 and ISO 9227 in controlled RH environments
• Thermal shock evaluation of automotive ECUs and avionics components across −40 °C to +150 °C transitions
• Paint and coating durability assessment including blistering, cracking, and adhesion loss under UV-free thermal–hygric cycling
• Stability testing of medical device packaging per ISO 11607 and ICH guidelines
• Pre-conditioning of sensors, batteries, and optoelectronic assemblies prior to functional verification

FAQ

What is the minimum and maximum operating temperature with humidity control enabled?
The CTC256 maintains humidity control between +10 °C and +95 °C. Below +10 °C, condensation risk necessitates dehumidified operation only.
Does the chamber support remote monitoring and control over a network?
Yes—via optional RS485 interface (V1), up to 16 CTC256 units can be daisy-chained and managed centrally using Celsius software.
Is calibration documentation included with shipment?
Each unit ships with two factory calibration certificates: one covering the full dry temperature range (−20 °C to +160 °C) and another at +30 °C / 60 %RH reference point.
Can the CTC256 be validated for GxP environments?
Yes—optional IQ/OQ documentation packages (Q1/Q2), user-ID cards (V1), and Celsius FDA-Edition software provide full 21 CFR Part 11 compliance, including electronic signatures and audit trails.
What safety features prevent uncontrolled thermal excursions?
Independent mechanical overtemperature cut-off (TÜV-certified), redundant digital limit monitoring, door-open detection, and real-time deviation alerts are embedded in the controller firmware.