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An environmental test chamber is a space to perform controlled tests on a subject and allow the user to change the environmental conditions of the enclosed space. A test chamber can re-create multiple environmental conditions: temperature and humidity conditions, temperature only conditions and corrosive conditions through the use of salt spray.<br>
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Introduction • An environmental test chamber is a space to perform controlled tests on a subject and allow the user to change the environmental conditions of the enclosed space. A test chamber can re-create multiple environmental conditions: temperature and humidity conditions, temperature only conditions and corrosive conditions through the use of salt spray.
Here are five things you must know about an Environmental Chamber:
Functionality • In the basis of the functionality, the test chambers use a refrigerator to build a cold environment or to remove the temperature hike from the environment, similarly it uses electric heaters to raise the temperature and tweak the temperature and temperature humidity conditions. The refrigeration system works on mechanism as well as a cooling liquid based system; both these methods have their particular pros and cons. Humidity is introduced in the system through steam generators and is taken away with the use of mechanical dehumidifiers. If there is a requirement for the chamber to reach an extensively low relative humidity an air dryer can be added to boost the humidity range. A salt solution is prepared and stored in the tank to create a salt spray environment. This solution is then forced through the nozzle with the help of compressed air and a mist is created in the test chamber.
Size range • The size range of an environmental chamber is very vast; it can run in a size from half a cubic foot and can go up to 12,000 cubic foot. The small size chambers are usually referred to as “bench-top” boxes and the larger ones that are computer controlled are “walk-in” rooms. These chambers are known to provide a variety of astounding capabilities, relying on the desired tests.
Types of tests • The tests undertaken in an environmental chamber are broadly segmented in two categories: • Climatic tests • Air pressure • Humidity • Temperature and light • Dynamic test • Shock • Vibration • Acceleration • Rotation
Test methods • There are multiple methodologies that are used for the stress testing of an environmental chamber: ESS (Environmental Stress Screening), HASS/ HAST (Highly Accelerated Stress Screening/Testing) and HALT (Highly Accelerated Lifetime Testing). ESS is the most used test system and is also referred to as the “original system”. It is the primary test method used to test a product within its operating specifications to ensure the product reaches the customer fault-free. ESS is an acceptance test as it is the most basic standard for testing. The basic assumption is that ESS is designed to protect the product from damages.
Standards for testing • There are multiple standards that apply to the testing that is undertaken in an environmental chamber, these standards are defined according to the type of test undertaken. ASTM standards apply for the cycling photovoltaic modules and JEDEC standards apply for the thermal cycling of microelectronics. If there is a thermal shock test that is undertaken for the products to be entered in the defence industry then military standards have to be followed for these products. • The five points mentioned above should suffice in giving you an idea of the functionality and pretty much all you need to know about an environmental chamber. For further inquiries, click here.
