Thermal Shock Environmental Chambers

Thermal shock testing that subjects a product to alternating extremes of high and low temperatures in order to observe changes in product characteristics and failure occurrence caused by different materials and their thermal expansion coefficients. Using powerful air-to-air thermal shock chambers, such as those offered by Thermotron, manufactuers are able to place their product inside the product carrier and observe as the product automatically is transferred between two or three separately controlled temperature zones, depending on the configuration of chamber chosen.

Thermotron offers several configurations of thermal shock chambers capable of meeting a wide variety of testing needs.

The vertical, two zone chamber has hot and cold zones that can be controlled independently. A single basket product carrier moves between the hot and cold zones, subjecting the product to dramatic changes in temperature. Available with 1.0 cu ft (28 L), 3.2 cu ft (91 L) and 9.0 cu ft (255 L) basket sizes Thermotron's vertical thermal shock chambers have the capacity to test a variety of products.

Thermotron's horizontal, three zone thermal shock chamber utilizes controlled areas for hot, ambient and cold temperatures. The product is moved from ambient to hot or ambient to cold zones. The chamber can be programmed to include a dwell period in the ambient zone if desired. Standard models for this chamber are available with 3.2 cu ft (91 L) and 9.0 cu ft (255 L) basket sizes. Horizontal thermal shock chambers can be used to perform 3 zone or traditional 2 zone tests for added versatility.

Double duty thermal shock chambers from Thermotron are designed with hot zones above and below the cold zone and a two compartment product carrier that simultaneously moves products between the hot and cold zones. This configuration makes better use of the chamber's refrigeration system, increases machine efficiency and allows for more products to be tested in the same amount of time. Basket sizes are available in 3.2 cu ft (91 L), 10.4 cu ft (294 L) and 12.7 cu ft (360 L) capacities.

Thermotron's thermal shock chambers are capable of a maximum temperature range from -73°C to +200°C (-99.4°F to +392°F). Most thermal shock chambers feature cascade refrigeration systems for full cooling using only mechanical refrigeration. All mechanically cooled models can also be equipped with a liquid nitrogen (LN₂) or liquid carbon dioxide (CO ₂) boost system. Models cooled entirely by LN₂ or CO₂ are also available in certain configurations.

Thermal shock chambers are automatically controlled by Thermotron's 8825 Programmer/Controller. With a brilliant 12-inch color touch screen display, the 8825 Programmer/Controller makes operation and data collection easier and more reliable than ever before. Featuring a Windows look and feel, the 8825 is able to support familiar and robust operations. The 8825 is Ethernet-compatible and web-enabled with an Internet ready front end for virtual anytime/anywhere access.

Chamber flexibility and versatility are enhanced as the powerful 8825 allows chambers to operate thermal shock and temperature cycling profiles. Thermal shock tests consist of programmed test cycles that configure each box and involve a complete series of transfers and soak times in a set number of cycles. Four soak methods can be used for this type of testing: time only, time and temperature, temperature and time and now G-soak (a test profile that insures that product temperature reaches a certain point for a specified period, before carriage transfer from one compartment to another). The 8825 also allows temperature programs which utilize the chamber's cold box to operate as a standard temperature chamber. These programs use intervals to cycle the box toward a final temperature in a specified amount of time. Temperature/humidity programs are available in the hot box on some models. The 8825 also controls Thermotron's automatic defrost feature that allows the user to set the number of cycles to perform before the chamber will automatically defrost and recondition its refrigeration system.

The program status indicator allows the test name, cycle count, elapsed time and time remaining to be displayed on the main screen of the controller. The 8825 also provides built-in system status, monitor and alarm functions. Easy-to-use wizards make calibration, exporting test data and programming nearly effortless.

A unique transfer basket graphical display illustrates where the transfer basket is when a transfer is made and shows which zone the basket is in. This box also indicates the process variable temperature of the transfer basket.

Thermal shock chambers can be designed to incorporate several options to further be customized to fit your unique testing requirements. Optional dry air purge for reduced moisture and injection systems utilizing carbon dioxide and liquid nitrogen boosts or nitrogen purge allow for custom chamber performance. Remote, air-cooled condensers options are available on some models and a refrigeration quiet package creates a chamber to fit your test lab.

Thermotron has taken great care in ensuring our thermal shock chambers as safe as possible. Relief valves and inherent overload protection has been included on refrigeration system compressors. There are circulator-interlocks on the heaters and refrigeration. The ThermAlarm, the most advanced temperature alarm/limit device available for temperature test chambers, is an option that provides audible, visual, relay and contact indication of a temperature exceeding a predetermined high or low limit. A transfer jam safety sends error messages to the controller and will not allow the transfer basket to move until the jam has been cleared. Door limits prevent the chamber from working if hot or cold box doors or electrical panels are open. Limit switches prevent user injury.

 

Vertical
Model Number	Product Carrier Size	Maximum Product Load
ATS-100-V	12"w x 12"d x 12"h (30cmx30cmx30cm)	40 Pounds
ATS-195-V	15"w x 15"d x 15"h (38cmx38cmx38cm)	80 Pounds
ATS-320-V	25"w x 15"d x 15"h (64cmx38cmx38cm)	80 Pounds
ATS-900-V	25"w x 25"d x 25"h (64cmx64cmx64cm)	120 Pounds

Horizontal
Model Number	Product Carrier Size	Maximum Product Load
ATS-320-H	15"w x 25"d x 15"h (38cmx64cmx38cm)	80 Pounds
ATS-900-H	25"w x 25"d x 25"h (64cmx64cmx64cm)	120 Pounds

Double Duty Vertical
Model Number	Product Carrier Size	Maximum Product Load
ATS-320-DD	25"w x 15"d x 15"h (64cmx38cmx38cm)	120 Pounds
ATS-1040-DD	30"w x 25"d x 24"h (76cmx64cmx61cm)	240 Pounds