Why is preventative maintenance important for environmental test chambers, and what does it involve?
Preventative maintenance keeps environmental test chambers reliable and accurate. It includes inspecting and servicing refrigeration, heating, air circulation, humidification, electrical components, and seals.
The Necessity of Preventative Maintenance (PM)
While calibration addresses accuracy, preventative maintenance addresses reliability and longevity. Environmental chambers are complex systems incorporating mechanical, electrical, and fluid components that operate under extreme stress. Regular PM minimizes the risk of catastrophic failures and extends the life of the unit.
Key PM Areas for Chambers
|
System Component |
Preventative Maintenance (PM) Focus |
Consequence of Failure |
|
Refrigeration System |
Analysis of compressor current draw, verification of refrigerant pressures, leak detection procedures, and cleaning of coils. |
Complete loss of low-temperature capability, potential for compressor burnout, and system contamination. |
|
Air Circulation System |
Inspection and cleaning of squirrel cage blower wheels and motor bearings, and verification of belt condition (if applicable). |
Suboptimal temperature uniformity, localized thermal gradients, and potential overheating of test specimens. |
|
Humidification System |
Cleaning and descaling of the boiler unit, and comprehensive inspection of water level sensors and heating elements. |
Inaccurate humidity regulation, excessive chamber moisture, and failure of heating elements. |
|
Heating System |
Measurement of heating element resistance and verification of safety limit circuit functionality. |
Over-temperature excursions, potential damage to test samples, and total heating system failure. |
|
Electrical Components |
Inspection of contactors, relays, wiring insulation, and verification of terminal block torque specifications. |
Intermittent operational performance, heightened fire hazard, and electrical system faults. |
|
Gaskets and Seals |
Detailed inspection of door gaskets and cable port plugs for evidence of damage and wear. |
Refrigerant leakage, diminished temperature control efficiency, and elevated power consumption. |
Recommended PM Interval
A standard PM schedule is typically annual (every 12 months). However, this frequency may need to be adjusted based on the chamber's usage intensity and operating environment.
PM Interval = 𝑓(Usage Intensity, Operating Range, Compliance Requirements)
Consistent documentation of PM activities creates an equipment history, making troubleshooting faster and providing the necessary records for quality audits.
AES can perform services on all chamber models, regardless of the manufacturer. Reach out to AES at 978-772-0022 to get on our schedule!