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.
At JTS, being an employee-owned company means looking after one another isn't just a value – it's part of who we are. June 21st was 💙MND Awareness Day🧡 and we shared the story of our colleague, Jordan, whose resilience, determination and positivity continue to inspire us every day. Many of our customers across the UK will know Jordan. For years, he was a familiar face on the road, visiting customer sites, carrying out service work and calibrations, responding to breakdowns and helping to find practical solutions whenever challenges arose. His professionalism, knowledge and willingness to help made him a valued member of both the JTS team and the wider community we serve. When Jordan was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND), life changed significantly. Together, we adapted his role so he could continue contributing in a way that worked for him. Today, Jordan works remotely, providing technical support to our field service engineers and contributing to our health and safety processes through risk assessments. While his role has changed, his expertise and experience remain just as valuable as ever. Alongside work, Jordan attends Sandville Self Help Foundation where he takes part in therapies, including hydrotherapy and physiotherapy, that help make day-to-day life more manageable for him which he says he is really enjoying and it’s having a positive impact. Jordan's journey is a reminder that, with the right support, understanding and flexibility, people can continue to make a meaningful impact. It's about recognising the value people bring and ensuring they have the opportunity to keep doing what they do best. We are incredibly proud to have Jordan as part of the JTS team and grateful for everything he continues to do. We stand with Jordan and everyone affected by MND, together we can raise awareness, encourage understanding and support those living with this condition. 💙🧡
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 👍
