The Environmental Chamber: Testing Category Beyond Heat and Humidity

While hearing about the concept of “environmental chamber,” one assumes that it is nothing but just another name for a device capable of heating and cooling depending on the demands made by the user. However, the reality is much different since there is a number of issues which fall under this testing category, and getting acquainted with these nuances will prevent the person from purchasing inappropriate equipment. Thermal shock testing and altitude simulation are just two examples of many testing issues addressed by an environmental chamber.

Scope of Application of Environmental Chamber

According to its definition, environmental chamber is a device which helps to replicate certain environmental stresses which can arise when the product operates in actual environmental conditions. Some examples of such stresses are high and low temperature stresses, thermal cycling, low pressure altitude stress, vibration and climatic stress combination. The difference between this device and some other single-purpose devices like ovens and freezers is that precise controlling and airflow systems are used for replication of multiple stresses rather than just one.

Types Within Environmental Chamber Variety

In the environmental chambers, we have different types of environmental chambers based on what they can do. The thermal shock chamber is considered one of the most difficult ones among all types. This type of chamber uses quick movement of samples into the zones of extremely high and low temperatures and checks whether the material withstands sharp temperature variations without cracking and delamination. The second type of environmental chamber is altitude simulation chamber, which simulates low-pressure environment and is needed for aerospace industry products and electronics that should work in such an environment.

Environmental Simulation Industries

The aerospace and defense sector requires numerous environmental chamber tests so that they meet the MIL-STD-810 guidelines that necessitate reliability in rapidly changing or harsh environments. Thermal cycling chamber testing in the electronics industry helps identify solder joint and component weaknesses when doing mass production. In the automotive industry, vibration and climate chamber testing is done for the same purposes as above whereas renewable energy does solar panel and battery system tests in extreme climate conditions.

Important Things to Consider Before Buying

It starts with identifying what kind of testing requirement you have; MIL-STD-810, IEC 60068 or your own unique procedure in your company. This will help determine the exact temperature, ramp rate and cycles you want. It is very important for the temperature in the test volume to be stable since any difference in the chamber may give you inaccurate results. Ramp rate, which is the time required to attain extreme temperatures, is significant when doing thermal shock tests. Also, it is important for the payload and internal test volume to match your test specimen size.

Testing Methods that Ensure the Accuracy of Test Results

The environmental chambers suffer wear and tear in different ways depending on the type of work that they perform. Thermal shock testers are usually exposed to heavy mechanical stress due to continuous changes in temperatures, hence regular checking of transfer mechanisms and door seals is highly recommended. The compressor of an extreme cold environment chamber requires regular checking for any leaking of the refrigerant whereas temperature and humidity sensors should undergo calibration to ensure the accuracy of test results.

Conclusion

An environmental chamber is not generic equipment at all, hence it is important for you to know which group you fall into.