Inside an Environmental test chamber
April 15, 2021
An environmental test chamber, often referred to as a climatic chamber, is an enclosure used to test the effects of specific environmental conditions. These tests are carried out on industrial products, materials, electronic devices, biological items and many other components.
The chambers operate by controlling the parameters of temperature and humidity, with a good airflow being an important part in achieving even distribution and uniformity.
Temperature Control
To achieve a set level of temperature the chamber must be able to both heat and cool to achieve and control at the desired level.
Heating
– this is done using electrical heating elements sized accordingly to the chamber specification and positioned in the airflow to give even distribution and uniformity.
Cooling
– this is done using a mechanical cooling system with close loop control. The main parts of a single stage cooling system are compressor, condenser, expansion valve, solenoid valves and cooling coil (Evaporator). Evaporators are sized to achieve a specific cooling duty and are generally located in a conditioning plenum to give even distribution into the test area. A single stage system will achieve temperatures down to -40°C.
A cascade system is a two stage cooling system and has the addition of a second compressor. The system uses two refrigerants, one type for the first stage and another for the second stage. A cascade system will achieve temperatures down to -65°C.
Humidity Control
To achieve a set level of humidity the chamber must be able to both humidify and dehumidify in order to achieve and control at the desired level.
Humidity
– this is done by introducing steam into the test area, the steam is generated outside the test area and is pulsed into the conditioning plenum in a controlled manner.
Dehumidity
– this is done by creating a controlled cold surface using the main refrigeration cooling system, moisture from the turbulent airflow is then condensed on to this cold surface.
All test chamber utilise these basic components and it is the expertise at JTS that pulls together the right combinations to ensure that the chambers we supply meet the customer specification.
Please get in contact to discuss your test chamber requirements, if one of our standard machines doesn’t meet the test specification we will be able to size a bespoke build that definitely will.
With EO Day on Friday 19th June, we're proud to be putting JTS on 'The UK is Owning It Map' . 📍 The I-COM team have created this interactive map, where each pin represents a business that has chosen a different way of doing things. Every pin is a statement: we're here, we're employee-owned, and we're proud of it. We're delighted to stand alongside so many other employee-owned businesses across the UK, celebrating the power of shared ownership and the people who make it possible. At JTS, we're proud to be part of a growing movement that's putting people at the heart of business success. #EODay #EmployeeOwnership #TheUKIsOwningIt #ProudlyEmployeeOwned #JTS
At JTS, Health and Safety is a responsibility shared by everyone across our employee owned business here in Wales. As manufacturers of environmental test chambers, we regularly handle large and heavy equipment, making safe manual handling practices and properly trained forklift personnel an essential part of our day to day operations. National Forklift Safety Day is an important reminder of the role trained operators play in keeping our workplace safe, efficient, and compliant - helping reduce risk, prevent injury, and ensure materials are moved safely and correctly. A huge thank you to our forklift drivers and wider team for continuing to put safety first every day. Because good safety culture protects people, products and productivity. We’re also pleased to share that two of our workshop engineers are currently completing forklift operator training this week, further expanding our team of qualified forklift drivers 👍
Taking ACTION for Mental Health. At JTS, we believe that building high-quality environmental test chambers starts with something even more important—supporting the people behind them. As an employee-owned company, our people are at the heart of everything we do. This Mental Health Awareness Week (11–18 May), we’re embracing this year’s theme: ACTION. For us, ACTION means: Checking in with colleagues—not just about work, but how they’re really doing Creating a culture where it’s okay to talk openly about mental health and how we are feeling. Taking breaks, setting boundaries, and supporting wellbeing every day Encouraging each other to reach out—because no one should feel alone. Small actions can make a big difference. Together, we can create a workplace where everyone feels supported, valued, and heard. Let’s take ACTION—this week and every week. #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek #MentalHealthMatters #TakeAction #EmployeeOwned #WorkplaceWellbeing #MHAW26 #MentalHealthFirstAid
