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.
Following on from our transition into Employee Ownership in 2024, we are keen to expand our service department and are now looking for an experienced engineer to join our talented team. If you have experience in servicing environmental test chambers, are happy to travel across the UK and occasionally to Ireland, this could be the role for you. Key Tasks To carry out preventative and scheduled maintenance of refrigeration, electrical and humidity systems on environmental test equipment Carry out annual calibrations of equipment Diagnose problems and carry out repairs, upgrades and retrofits on all refrigeration, electrical, humidity and software systems Work at customer premises, and in our workshop at Talgarth, Powys, as and when required Be part of our team for project installations To contribute to building customer relations and growing our servicing capabilities Managing your own work in conjunction with our office staff Managing service parts and equipment, and ensuring paperwork is complete Key Skills Experience with environmental test chambers Conversant with commercial and industrial electrical systems Knowledge of electronic controls/controllers Fgas qualification- City & Guilds Level 2 Fgas & ODS reg: cat1 500/5730/3 or equivalent Good working knowledge of refrigeration systems and refrigerants, including cascade systems Good pipework skills including brazing/silver soldering Capable of working alone on-site Competent with Microsoft Office and PC systems Scope This is seen as a key role within the company, and you will be an active contributor to the growth and successful future of the business. It is expected that as the business continues to grow you will contribute to the vision for the company, be forward thinking and open to change. Person Specification You will be a self-motivated engineer, with high integrity, able to work alone or as part of a team. An ability to use your own initiative is essential, as are excellent inter-personal skills and respect for customers. You must be able to organise and manage your work and be confident working independently, as well as part of a team when required. Weekend work is rarely required. Full clean driving licence essential. Expected start date - As soon as possible Location – can be based remote from Talgarth Hours – 40 hours / week Salary – negotiable depending on experience but between £40 - £45k + company van Full job description can be found on Indeed.com https://uk.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=a5ee79933e4cb0a9&from=shareddesktop_copy CV's being submitted to JG HR Solutions Limited - julie@jghrsolutions.co.uk
JTS were asked by local councillor William Powell to help out refreshing a storage container used by Talgarth Town FC juniors and ladies. After some initial discussions and a quick cad mock up to agree the paint scheme the JTS team began to work on the project. This happened with the help of the Black Mountains College (Power) and Talgarth Building Supplies (Paint) and the JTS workforce. As you can see the container has had a new lease of life and we hope the guys using the container like the paint work! ‘Good news TTFC under 10’s celebrated a home victory with the team having a photo and the container used as a back drop!’
James Technical Services Limited having been involved in electric car, battery development and testing over the past 7 years have now installed two 11kW charging points at the factory in Talgarth mid Wales. These points can be used by customers and employees 😊 JTS have always been following the progress of the battery development and have purchased their first electric vehicle which will be used by the employees to carry out sales / site visits. The container test chamber below is used by various car manufacturers for electric vehicle battery testing. This is just one example of a battery testing facility JTS can supply.
