Looking after your test chamber

Not only is a test chamber a costly purchase, it may also be integral to the running of your business. It is therefore essential to properly care for and maintain the unit. This will help prolong its lifespan but also helps avoid any issues from arising that may prevent its correcting functioning. Here we list our general guidance to help care for your unit. We always recommend consulting your operating manual for full instructions.

Correct installation and set up of the chamber is straightforward, but there are a few points to consider regarding the set up environment before the unit is installed. 

• Chambers require a level of clear space around the exterior to allow for airflow around the unit. This will prevent overheating and keep it functioning correctly. Consult the product manuals for the relevant information.
• Chambers should not be set up in really dusty environments. Heavy dust in the vicinity of the unit can cause it to get inside the unit and depositing on electrical parts causing short circuits. It may also clog internal parts.

One easy way to keep your unit working at its best is by just sticking with a good operating practise and following the guidance listed in the manual. Here are some simple things you should follow:

Cleaning regularly inside and out

• The inside of your chamber should be regularly cleaned with an appropriate cleaner. In many cases a steel cleaner is suitable. Remove the shelves to ensure the chamber is thoroughly cleaned and no spots are missed. The walls of the climacells are removable and you should remove these when you clean it. After each use, be sure to wipe away any condensation or water that may have collected inside the chamber. Give the outside of the unit a regular wipe over.
• Many test chambers have features such as heated sides to help avoid the build-up of condensation. However, depending on the ambient conditions, moisture content of the chamber load and humidity and temperature being used inside the chamber, condensation may occur. When a chamber is used at the upper limits of its operating temperature or with a high moisture containing load, more steam is generated and this will condense at the coldest point inside the appliance and can lead to pooling of water.
• On the back of the chambers (especially those with peltier cooling) dust deposits can form in the heat sink at the rear. Clear this dust away regularly with a brush or vacuum cleaner, taking care not to damage the unit.

Do not overload the chamber

• Climate chambers require circulation of air to work correctly and efficiently. Do not overload your chamber and avoid having items pushed up against the walls as this may inhibit the airflow. Try and load the chamber as evenly as possible.

Ensure water levels are sufficient

• Chambers that produce humidity require a water source for steam generation. It is recommended to use demineralised water with a low conductivity value as this will stop calcification on the inner workings of the steam generation system. For exact water specifications, please consult the appropriate operating manuals. Make sure water levels are sufficient for your testing cycle before use.

Yearly preventative maintenance is much like a car service and is recommended to keep the unit functioning at its best. During a PME, the unit is checked over and inspected by a trained engineer and lifed parts such as door seals, filters and pumps are changed as per manufacturer recommended intervals. Calibration on test chambers is often recommended at an interval of once per year. Camlab offer PME and calibration on our climate chamber ranges. If you are looking for more information on this or require a quote for an existing unit please contact: sales@camlab.co.uk. 

Camlab can offer a number of services for your test chamber providing you with extra piece of mind when it comes to its operation. In highly regulated environments these sorts of checks may be required. 

9 point or 27 point temperature mapping

• Camlab are both trained and qualified to provide a full temperature mapping service typically covering 2 temperatures at 9 or 27 sensor points in your oven. For each temperature, 60 measurements (1 per minute) are taken at each sensor point.

Operational qualification (OQ)

• In addition to completing the 9 or 27 point temperature mapping process, we also complete a wide range of other checks to determine how your product is performing. This includes checking every process related alarm, switching and control function. A full report pack is completed during the tests for your records.

Performance qualification (PQ)

• This includes a 9 or 27 point temperature mapping of the performance of your oven when fully loaded. This PQ can either be carried out as a standalone activity or after the OQ activities.

On the rare occasion that there is a fault with your test chamber, our highly skilled technical specialists are on hand to quickly help determine what spares or repairs may be required. We can send out any spare parts or can have an engineer come to your site to fit them. Contact us on 01954 233110 or request a callback from our service department.

Camlab have a number of trained technical specialists on hand to help with any enquiry you may have. You can request more information or a call back using the button below. Please try and provide as much information as possible. 

The information provided is intended as a guide, please check exact product manuals and contact us if you are unsure on anything.