Environmental test chambers
Dan Romanchik, Contributing Technical Editor -- Test & Measurement World, 6/1/2003
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To help you choose the right equipment, we surveyed manufacturers of environmental test chambers. Below are some of the products they manufacture for automotive and aerospace environmental testing.
Ci4000 Xenon Weather-Ometer tests to global specs
The Weather-Ometer is an accelerated weathering device for testing to most global test specifications. It features a 6500-W water-cooled xenon arc lamp and a total exposure area of 6500 cm2. The temperature range is 40ºC to 120ºC, and the humidity range is 10% RH to 100% RH. Other features include a water spray, controlled irradiance up to 2 sun levels, and filtering for tailoring the spectral output of the xenon arc lamp.Atlas Material Testing Technology, Chicago, IL. 773-327-4520. http://www.atlas-mts.com
REAL-30 provides high thermal change rates
The REAL-30 series of stress test chambers provides temperature change rates up to 60°C/min from -100°C to +200°C. A 30x30-in. table provides tri-axial vibration up to 60 Grms for accelerated reliability testing. Optional software allows users to control the chamber and log data with a personal computer.Cryogenic Systems Chart, Burnsville, MN. 888-877-3093. http://www.chartchambers.com
MicroClimate fits on a benchtop
The MicroClimate 1.2-ft3 benchtop chamber simulates a full range of temperature conditions. This chamber is designed to provide users with a compact chamber for testing small components and systems. Features include a programmable controller, serial computer interface, and a 2-in. access port. The chambers run on a standard 115-VAC, 15-amp circuit and are stackable.Cincinnati Sub-Zero, Cincinnati, OH. 800-989-7373. http://www.cszinc.com
EV Series chambers accommodate shakers for vibration test
The EV Series chambers are available in sizes ranging from 12 ft3 to 110 ft3 and accommodate electrodynamic and mechanical vibration systems for combined temperature/vibration testing. Standard features include a 2x6-in. cable slot, 4-in. stainless-steel access port with plug, dual air-circulation system with solid stainless-steel jack shafts, nichrome wire heating elements with fail safe fusible link, solid-state heat switching, and adjustable door latches. LN2 cooling systems are optional. Envirotronics, Grand Rapids, MI. 800-368-4768. http://www.envirotronics.com
Phoenix chambers come in benchtop, freestanding models
The Phoenix series of environmental test chambers includes both benchtop and freestanding models. The smallest capacity is 27 liters, while the largest has a chamber size of 1500 liters. The temperature range is -70°C to +180°C, and the humidity range is +10% to +98% RH. Configuration options include compressor cooling with water or remote air-cooled condensers.Reltech Environmental Test, Blackburn, Lanc., UK. +44-01254-682194. http://www.reltech.co.uk
SCCH series chambers provide salt fog for corrosion tests
Available in sizes from 9.3 ft3 to 2508 ft3, the SCCH series of chambers perform salt fog, water fog, and other corrosion tests. Features include a seamless vinyl lining, a see-through acrylic cover for test observation, a microprocessor-based controller, and extensive controls for controlling test conditions. The standard operating temperature is 120°F, but higher temperatures are also available.Singleton, Cleveland, OH. 888-456-0643. http://www.singletoncorp.com
Thermal Vacuum Chambers create low internal vacuum
The Tenney Thermal Vacuum Chambers can create internal vacuums as low as 10-7 torr; have overall thermal capabilities from liquid nitrogen temperature to +150°C, and chamber sizes ranging from 2 to 8 ft in diameter. Options include temperature and vacuum recording, viewing windows, and power and thermocouple feedthroughs.Tenney Environmental, Williamsport, VA. 570-326-1770. http://www.lunaire.com/tenney.htm
Conditioned Air Supply Systems control temperature and humidity
Conditioned Air Supply Systems provide air at precisely controlled temperature, humidity, and pressure conditions for use in environmental testing. The system consists of an air conditioning unit (ACU) and a pressure control unit (PCU). The ACU draws in outdoor air, cools and dehumidifies the air and then re-heats and injects steam to regulate temperature and humidity levels. The PCU uses a receiving chamber and linear control valves to feed the correct amount of air to the test unit while maintaining a constant flow of air through the ACU to maintain maximum stability.Tescor, Warminster, PA. 215-957-9112. http://www.tescor-inc.com
D-27 chamber performs sand and dust test
The Model D-27 tests an automotive component's resistance to a dust-filled atmosphere. It meets SAE Dust Test specification SAE J-575, sub-paragraph G. The chamber intermittently blows compressed air up through finely powdered dust, then lets the dust settle, covering the product. The chamber size is 36x36x36-in. and the temperature and humidity are uncontrolled.Thermotron Industries, Holland, MI. 616-392-1491. http://www.thermotron.com
