What is an environmental test chamber?
Sue James • May 6, 2020
For an environmental test chamber engineer, the answer to an opening line of “What do you do?” can provoke one of two outcomes: curiosity - or a slightly glazed look and a wish of having never asked!
So, what is an environmental test chamber? In this short series we’ll introduce you to the how’s and why’s.
The simplest way to explain what a test chamber is, is to describe it as a highly insulated cupboard, fitted with various systems to simulate environmental conditions eg refrigeration for cold and humidity for damp. It can be small enough to fit on a bench – or big enough to hold a car or two. They are used to research, develop and manufacture many of the products in everyday use.
The chamber has a controller and can be programmed to give different cycles through hot and cold, dry and humid, even rain or dust or salt spray, according to requirements and specifications. The tests can also ensure adherence to certain Standards for products.
The test results help predict the potential lifespan of a product or material, and how well it will stand up to the conditions it will be expected to operate in. Test chambers can also be used to evaluate product quality and reliability, and to identify manufacturing weaknesses.
Examples of the products our test chambers have been used for:
• Deep sea pipeline valves (operation at cold temperatures);
• Traffic light sensors (need to be operational in all weathers);
• Office equipment (testing laminated materials);
• Electronic devices (how well will your phone operate in the rain…?);
• Smoke detectors, fire alarms & toxic gas detectors;
• Aerospace components (taking off in a hot desert, going up into cold atmosphere).
Click here to find out more about our test chambers, or call us if you have a requirement you’d like to discuss.
Next up: Inside a Test Chamber: how it works...
What does “Made in Britain” mean to us? It means engineering expertise, quality, innovation and pride in what we do. Based in Wales, JTS designs and manufactures environmental test chambers, providing engineered test solutions that are designed and built right here in Britain. π We’re proud to be an employee-owned company, meaning the people who design, engineer, build and support our products have a genuine stake in the business and its future. We’re also proud members of @MadeinBritain the registered trademark supporting and promoting British manufacturing excellence. For us, buying British isn’t simply about where a product is made. It’s about supporting the people, skills, businesses and communities behind it. It helps strengthen UK manufacturing, supports local employment, preserves valuable engineering expertise and encourages the continued development of British innovation. ο»Ώ So, this Buy British Day, we’re celebrating the people who make it happen — from the engineers and designers to the skilled hands on the shop floor. Designed in Wales. Engineered in Britain. Built for the world. π Here’s to British manufacturing — and to keeping great engineering skills, innovation and jobs right here in the UK. π¬π§
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 πMND Awareness Day𧑠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. ππ§‘
With EO Day on Friday 19th June, we're proud to be putting JTS on 'The UK is Owning It Map' . π 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
