OK Walk-in Environmental Test Chamber OK-STH-12.22m²

Overview

The OK Walk-in Environmental Test Chamber OK-STH-12.22m² is a fully enclosed, human-accessible climate simulation system engineered for long-duration, high-fidelity environmental stress testing of industrial products, materials, and subsystems. Based on the principles of forced-air convection, dual-stage cascade refrigeration, resistive heating, and precision vapor-phase humidification, this chamber replicates defined thermal and hygrothermal profiles under controlled, repeatable conditions. Its 12.22 m² internal volume (2000 × 3000 × 2000 mm W×D×H) enables full-scale evaluation of large-format assemblies—including automotive battery packs, aerospace avionics enclosures, medical imaging systems, and energy storage modules—without disassembly or spatial compromise. Unlike benchtop chambers, its walk-in architecture supports in-situ instrumentation placement, real-time visual monitoring through multi-layer anti-fog viewing windows, and manual intervention during extended test cycles—critical for validation protocols requiring physical access, sensor repositioning, or failure mode observation.

Key Features

• Modular polyurethane-insulated chamber structure with stainless steel interior and pre-painted galvanized steel exterior; fire-rated core material compliant with ASTM E84 Class A surface burning characteristics
• Cascade refrigeration system utilizing R404A (high-temp stage) and R23 (low-temp stage), enabling stable operation down to −70°C with integrated oil management and refrigerant monitoring
• High-efficiency axial flow air circulation system with variable-frequency drive (VFD) fans and optimized duct geometry to maintain ≤ ±3°C temperature uniformity across the full working volume
• Dual-mode humidification: electrode-type steam generator (for rapid RH response between 40–98% RH) paired with optional desiccant rotor dehumidification module (for sub-5% RH capability at elevated temperatures)
• Intelligent programmable controller (OYO 8225 or TEMI 300 equivalent) supporting up to 1000-step temperature/humidity profiles, 999-cycle repetition, and real-time deviation alarms
• Comprehensive safety architecture including compressor overheat protection, PT100-based overtemperature cut-off, water-level interlock for humidifier, phase-loss detection, and emergency power-off via external dry-contact interface

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

This chamber accommodates heterogeneous sample configurations—including stacked pallets, vehicle subframes, and rack-mounted electronics—within its unobstructed interior. The standard configuration includes two 400 mm diameter cable ports with silicone gaskets, reinforced floor loading capacity of 800 kg/m², and IP54-rated internal LED lighting. All critical control and measurement components are calibrated per ISO/IEC 17025 requirements and traceable to NIM (National Institute of Metrology, China). The system is designed to facilitate execution of internationally recognized environmental test standards, including but not limited to: IEC 60068-2-1 (cold), IEC 60068-2-2 (dry heat), IEC 60068-2-30 (damp heat, cyclic), GB/T 2423.1–2423.4 (Chinese national equivalents), and MIL-STD-810G Method 502.6 (low temperature) and Method 507.6 (humidity). Optional validation packages support IQ/OQ documentation aligned with GLP and GMP quality systems.

Software & Data Management

Data acquisition and remote supervision are enabled via embedded Ethernet (TCP/IP) and RS-485 interfaces. The native controller logs timestamped temperature and humidity values at user-defined intervals (1 s to 60 min), storing ≥ 30 days of continuous data internally. Export formats include CSV and PDF reports with digital signatures. For enterprise integration, optional PC-based software provides centralized fleet monitoring, alarm forwarding via SMTP/SNMP, audit trail generation (supporting FDA 21 CFR Part 11 electronic record requirements), and automated report scheduling. All firmware updates are delivered via secure HTTPS download with SHA-256 signature verification. Historical data integrity is preserved through non-volatile memory with battery-backed clock and cyclic redundancy check (CRC) validation on every stored record.

Applications

• Automotive: Battery thermal runaway propagation studies, HVAC system validation under extreme ambient conditions, and ADAS sensor performance mapping across −40°C to +85°C
• Renewable Energy: Grid-scale inverter derating analysis, photovoltaic inverter humidity soak testing, and wind turbine pitch controller environmental qualification
• Aerospace: Avionics box thermal cycling per DO-160 Section 4, composite material outgassing characterization, and cabin pressure system leak testing under combined thermal/hygric stress
• Electronics Manufacturing: Burn-in screening of server racks, solder joint reliability assessment using JEDEC JESD22-A104 temperature cycling, and conformal coating adhesion validation
• Biomedical: Stability testing of diagnostic imaging equipment per ISO 13485 Annex C, sterile packaging permeability assessment, and cold chain logistics simulation for transport validation

FAQ

What is the minimum achievable humidity at −40°C?
At −40°C, the practical lower limit is approximately 10–15% RH due to condensation dynamics and sensor accuracy constraints; sub-5% RH requires optional desiccant rotor integration and is only validated above 0°C.
Can the chamber be configured for rapid thermal cycling (e.g., 10°C/min)?
The standard OK-STH-12.22m² achieves 1.0–4.0°C/min heating rates; accelerated ramp profiles require upgraded compressor capacity, enhanced airflow design, and custom thermal mass optimization—available as a factory-engineered variant (OK-STH-RC series).
Is third-party calibration certification included with delivery?
Yes—each unit ships with a NIST-traceable calibration certificate for temperature (Pt100) and humidity (capacitive sensor) at three points across the operational range, valid for 12 months from commissioning.
What electrical infrastructure is required for installation?
Three-phase 380 V ±10%, 50 Hz supply with dedicated 125 A circuit breaker; cooling water connection (for water-cooled condenser option) requires 20–30°C inlet at 3–5 bar pressure and ≥2.5 m³/h flow rate.
How is condensate managed during dehumidification cycles?
Condensate is collected in a stainless steel reservoir with level sensing and automatically drained via gravity or optional pneumatic pump; all drain lines are insulated and heated to prevent freezing below 0°C.