Table of Contents Introduction 1 Chapter 1: Safety Symbols 2 Accessories and Spare Parts 3 Precautions in Usage 5 Chapter 2: Substances Which Should Not Be Placed Inside the Equipment 6 Keep Out of the Chamber 8 Specimen Protection (Safety Devices) 8 Safety Device Setting Example 8 Disposing of the Chamber 9 Other Precautions 10...
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BTL North America Specification 58 BTU North America Specification 60 BTZ North America Specification 61 BTZ Export Specification 63 BTX North America Specification 65 BT Detail Specification 67 Consumable Parts and Replacement Interval 71 Glossary 72 Espec Warranty Procedure 75 Bench Top User’s Manual...
Introduction Chapter 1: This manual has been written for users of the Bench Top Series Chambers and particularly for technicians. Read it thoroughly to obtain the maximum performance from the chamber. Bench Top User’s Manual...
Introduction 1.1 Safety Symbols The following safety symbols are used throughout this manual. DEGREES OF DANGER TABLE 1.1. VERY This mark means extremely dangerous consequences may arise, with the possi- DANGEROUS bility of death or serious injury to the user, if the equipment is handled incorrectly.
Introduction 1.2 Accessories and Spare Parts Confirm that the following accessories and spare parts have been included with your chamber: Accessory/Part Quantity To provide power to the chamber from an Table 5.1 Power Cord outlet. Details of plug type are in 1 Set on page 24 of the manual.
Precautions in Usage Chapter 2: This chapter explains safety precautions that should be observed to operate the equipment safely. Be sure to read carefully and follow instructions so as to prevent harm to yourself, anyone else, specimens, or the equipment. Bench Top User’s Manual...
(60°F) and at a pressure of 1 atmosphere. Spark-Resistant Interior Precautions (Option): If chamber interior is spark-resistant, equipped with safety devices configured for specific substances. Refer to chamber specification for minimum allowable auto- ignition temperature (AIT). Consult Espec for use with other substances. Bench Top User’s Manual...
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(see “Program Mode Setup” in the SCP-220 Controller Instruction Manual.) Damage to the equipment by prohibited substances is not covered by the Espec warranty. Bench Top User’s Manual...
Precautions in Usage 2.2 Keep Out of the Chamber DANGER RISK OF BEING TRAPPED! NEVER climb inside the chamber. The door cannot be opened from the inside. 2.3 Specimen Protection (Safety Devices) Set safety devices according to test conditions and the type of CAUTION specimens.
Precautions in Usage 2.4 Disposing of the Chamber TRAPPED INSIDE! Before disposing of the chamber, take the door off its hinges. DANGER The door cannot be opened from the inside, so there is danger of someone becoming trapped inside. You will need a Phillips-head screwdriver to detach the door. Procedure: Open the door.
Precautions in Usage 2.5 Other Precautions Observe the following precautions when using the chamber. DO NOT use or leave equipment outdoors. Not only can outdoor environments adversely affect performance and DANGER functioning, but also electrical part contact with water can lead to short- circuit, fire, electrical shock, and breakdown.
Overview 3.1 About the Bench Top Series Chambers of the Bench Top Series are built for testing functionality, operation, durability, and other specifications under various environmental conditions. They are used to evaluate the effects that temperature and humidity can have on equipment and parts across the entire product life-cycle from development, production, shipping, and use;...
Overview 3.2 Temperature (& Humidity) Control and Instrumentation 3.2.1 Temperature (& Humidity) Control The Bench Top Series employs a Bi-Modal PID system to control temperature and humidity. The Bi-Modal PID system balances temperature and humidity inside the chamber to reproduce the desired conditions. This is done by alternately controlling the capacity of a cooler and dehumidifier* of high heat load, and a heater and humidifying heater* of low heat load, in real time.
Overview 3.2.2 Watlow F4 Programmer/Controller The Watlow F4 Instrumentation enables environmental testing under both constant conditions and programmed conditions, referred to as the “constant mode” and the “program mode” respectively. Constant Mode The constant mode maintains the user-set target temperature (& humidity) constant. TEST CONDITIONS IN CONSTANT MODE FIGURE 3.2.
Names and Functions of Chapter 4: Parts This chapter identifies parts found on the chamber, instrumentation panel, electric parts compartment, and water circuit compartment by name and function. Return to this chapter any time that you are unsure where a part is located. Bench Top User’s Manual...
Names and Functions of Parts 4.1 Chamber 4.1.1 Front CHAMBER FRONT FIGURE 4.1. Chamber Door (4) Optional Window Door Handle (3) Chamber Fault Indicator Instrumentation Panel (1) Chamber Run Switch Electrical Compart- ment Door (2) Fault Reset Switch TABLE 4.1. CHAMBER FRONT PARTS Name Function/Use...
Names and Functions of Parts 4.1.2 Left Side LEFT SIDE WITH OPTION PANEL FIGURE 4.2. Cable Port (1) Water Supply Port (2) Option RS-232 Panel (7) Humidity Overheat Chamber Protector (4) Drain (3) Overcool Protector (5) Specimen Chamber Light Power Switch (6) Time Signal CHAMBER LEFT SIDE PARTS...
Names and Functions of Parts 4.1.3 Right Side RIGHT SIDE FIGURE 4.3. Refrigeration Room Access (2) Power Connection (1) Circuit Breaker Access (3) Name Function/Use Power Connection Connection point for power cord. Refrigeration Room Access For maintaining refrigeration system. Circuit Breaker Access Access to electrical circuit protectors.
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Names and Functions of Parts TEST AREA PARTS SIZE CHAMBER FIGURE 4.5. Dry Temperature Sensor (6) Chamber Lamp (4) Wet Sensor/Wick Arm or Air Circulator (5) Solid State Sensor (7) Shelf Support (2) Return Air (3) Test Area (1) Name Function/Use Test Area Area where specimens are located for temperature (&...
Names and Functions of Parts 4.2 Instrumentation Panel INSTRUMENTATION PANEL FIGURE 4.6. Upper Display Active Output WATLOW Indicator Lights 7 6 . 0 F Lower Display Main Page Alarm Output Cursor Go to Profiles Indicator Lights Go to Setup Go To Factory Communications Indicator Light Scroll Bar...
This chapter explains how to install the chamber and prepare for tests. Be sure to read the sections on installation even if having the chamber installed by the place of purchase or ESPEC. Also refer to this chapter when relocating the chamber. Bench Top User’s Manual...
Installation 5.1 Installation Site Check This section describes installation site and space requirements. Installation Site Install the chamber in a place which satisfies the following conditions: • On a flat, level bench which is strong enough to bear the weight of the equipment. •...
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Installation INSTALLATION SPACE FIGURE 5.1. A: Min. 7” (10cm)* B: Min. 24” (61cm) A : Min. 11.18 ins (30 C: Min. 36” (91.8 cm) cm)* D: Min. 0” (0 cm)* B : Min. 23.62 ins. (60 *These dimensions are the operating space required. Maintenance space required is 24”...
The following table gives the plug type provided with the chamber so you may provide the proper receptacle.: TABLE 5.1. PLUG TYPES Chamber Model Plug Type BTL-433 NEMA 5-20 BTX-475 NEMA 6-15 BTZ-133 NEMA 5-20 BTZ-175...
Installation 5.2.2 Primary Power Supply Connections The chamber is connected to the primary power supply via the power cable. It is also grounded to prevent noise from infiltrating electronic circuits and to protect users against electric shock which can result from leakage current.
Installation 5.3 Drainage If collecting drainage in container, check water level to make sure it CAUTION does not overflow. Drainage is needed to remove water from the humidifier (BTX and BTL models only) and dew formed in the test area out of the chamber. Procedure: Connect the supplied 1/2”...
Installation 5.4 Humidity Water Supply (BTL and BTX models only) For proper chamber operation, water level in the humidity tray must be checked. 5.4.1 Removal of the Water Level Regulator Protection Material The wick pan water level regulator is contained inside the machine section, located on the rear of the chamber.
TABLE 5.2. WATER CONSUMPTION RATE Chamber Model Water Consumption Rate BTL-433, BTX-475 Peak* 5 GPH/Typical 0.3 GPH *Peak flow rates are for the initial filling of the humidifier or for filling after a temperature only set point. Bench Top User’s Manual...
Installation 5.4.4 Checking Water Level in the Wick Pan Procedure: The standard water level in the wick pan arm should be set so that water does not overflow to the cham- ber or is not extremely low. The wick pan arm should be level. FIGURE 5.3.
Installation 5.4.5 Humidifier Level Check (Size 4 chamber only) The chamber will need to have power applied, water supplied, and the controller power ON. The chamber should not be running when checking the water level. Procedure: While the chamber is not running, observe the water level in the humidifier level control cup. The water level in the cup should be regulated at 1”...
Operation Chapter 6: This chapter explains test preparations and preliminary checks, test startup and editing, and some of the handy features of the Bench Top Series. Perform the work described in this chapter before every test. Bench Top User’s Manual...
Operation 6.1 Test Preparation 6.1.1 How to Arrange Specimens Space specimens apart and away from walls so as not to block air circulation inside the test area. Temperature (& humidity) uniformity drops if air cannot flow freely, which will throw off test results. HOW TO ARRANGE SPECIMENS FIGURE 6.1.
Operation 6.1.2 Door Operation The chamber door is designed with a 2 step latching process: In this position the door is not fully sealed and will cause the chamber to leak water, and frost to accumulate in the workspace and on the gasket. Apply pressure to the door handle to completely seal the gasket.
Operation 6.2 Specimen Safety Device Setup 6.2.1 Overheat Protector Always set the overheat protector BEFORE beginning tests. Set it according to the type of specimens and test conditions. CAUTION Unless properly set, the overheat protector will not trip in the event of chamber trouble, which could lead to specimen damage.
Operation 6.3 Preparation of Operation 6.3.1 How to Use the Controlled Specimen Power Terminal and the Time Signal Output Terminals. All the external terminals are equipped on the left side of the chamber. Specimen Power The controlled specimen power terminal should be used when testing heat generating specimens.
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Operation SPECIMEN POWER CIRCUIT EXAMPLE FIGURE 6.4. Specimen Specimen Power Switch Fuse Power source Connector In this case, power to the specimen is shut off when the chamber stops. TIME SIGNAL CIRCUIT EXAMPLE FIGURE 6.5. Customer Circuit Control Time Device Signal Power Switch...
Consideration in changing this password or changing the factory set-up configurations of the controller will require calling the ESPEC field service department. 6.4.1 Fault Indicator Light When power is first applied to the chamber, this indicator will be on and the fault reset switch must be pressed to reset it.
Operation 6.5 Operating the Controller Upper Display Active Output WATLOW Indicator Lights 7 6 . 0 F Lower Display Main Page Alarm Output Cursor Go to Profiles Indicator Lights Go to Setup Go To Factory Communications Indicator Light Scroll Bar Up and Down Keys Profile (Move Up/Increase and...
Operation 6.5.1 Operating at a Setpoint (Static Mode) When not in the profile mode (the Profile Indicator Light is off), the controller may be operated in static mode by using the navigation keys to select and adjust the set points. The set points are displayed in the Lower Display.
Checks and Maintenance Chapter 7: This chapter explains equipment checks and maintenance. To keep the chamber in good working condition, perform checks and maintenance periodically. Bench Top User’s Manual...
Check List For an explanation on each check item, See “Checks” on page 43. If any of the following checks result in problems, contact the place of purchase or Espec North America. CHECK LIST TABLE 7.1. Check Item When to Check...
If the Fault Indicator Light does not turn on, something is wrong with the equipment. Contact the place of purchase or Espec North Amer- ica. The Overheat Protector will automatically reset when the temperature inside the chamber falls below the trip setting.
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Checks and Maintenance Procedure: Remove the wet-bulb wick from its bag. Drape the wet-bulb wick over the wet-bulb temperature sensor. It is easier to drape the wick over the sensor by folding it in half. Note: Make sure the tail end of the wet-bulb wick is aligned with the tip of the wet-bulb temperature sensor.
Checks and Maintenance 7.3 Maintenance 7.3.1 Condenser Cleaning (Not required on BT-1LN models) Clean the condenser to remove dust. Procedure: Unplug the cabinet from its electrical outlet or turn off power supply to chamber. Clean the condenser filter of dust with a vacuum cleaner or by rinsing. 7.3.2 Humidifier Cleaning SHARP EDGES! Be careful of projections or sharp edges inside the CAUTION...
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Checks and Maintenance Procedure: Unplug chamber power cord. Turn off humidity water supply to the chamber. Remove chamber rear access panel. Humidifier is inside on left hand side. FIGURE 7.7. HUMIDIFIER CLEANING Humidifier Body Level Control Thumbscrew Clamp Humidifier Bottom Open humidifier drain valve.
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Checks and Maintenance Remove lid from level control. Level Control Lid Level Control Cup Level Control Float Clean debris from float cup, and level control float. Replace Level Control Lid on Level Control Cup. Close humidifier drain valve. Turn humidity water supply on. Check for leaks.
Checks and Maintenance 7.3.3 Test Area Cleaning Dirt and foreign matter inside the test area can throw test results off. Clean the test area before every test. Procedure: Open the chamber door. Wipe walls and parts clean with a soft cloth. Close the door.
Troubleshooting Chapter 8: This chapter explains equipment problems and how to remedy them. When a problem is detected by the fault circuit, chamber operation is stopped and the Alarm Indicator Light will be illuminated. For a list of various faults or alarms and possible causes and remedies, See “Alarm Indicator Light”...
After trouble has been corrected alarms can be cleared by pressing fault reset switch. For problems not found with self-checks, See “Operator Error and Additional Troubleshooting” on page 52. If the issue is not resolved after taking the prescribed action, contact the place of purchase or Espec North America. Bench Top User’s Manual...
Troubleshooting 8.1.1 Alarm Indicator Light The following faults will cause the Alarm Indicator Light to be illuminated and the chamber to be shut down: TABLE 8.3. ALARM TABLE Type Device Trouble Cause Remedial Action Test area tem- Temperature was Turn OFF Chamber Run Switch. Remove heat perature driven up by heat sources from the test area and set the overheat...
This section explains problems not found with chamber self-checks and cases of operator error. If the issue is not resolved after taking the prescribed action, contact the place of purchase or Espec North America. TABLE 8.4. OPERATOR ERROR AND ADDITIONAL TROUBLESHOOTING...
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Troubleshooting OPERATOR ERROR AND ADDITIONAL TROUBLESHOOTING TABLE 8.4. Trouble Cause Remedial Action Frost has formed on the dehumidi- There is nothing wrong with the Temperature stops rising or fier-cooler. equipment. Proceed as planned. Or, begins to drop during heat- defrost the chamber. See “Defrost- ing”...
8.3.1 Resetting Circuit Protector When a circuit protector trips it can be reset manually. Note: If a circuit protector trips soon after being reset, contact the place of purchase or Espec North America. Procedure: Unplug chamber from the power source...
Note: It is very important that the lamp base material is the same material as the socket to avoid corrosion of the light system. Please call Espec North America or your local distributor for proper parts. Replace glass shield to protect light bulb from damage.
Troubleshooting 8.3.3 Defrosting Frost may form on the cooler in temperature operations below 40°C. Defrost the chamber in the following cases. • If temperature inside the chamber is uncontrollable or rises slowly. • If air blowing from the chamber is weak (when the door is opened). •...
Heating Cooling Live Load Heaters Average Rate Average Rate 20°C 0°C 500 W / BTL-433 1/3 h.p. 1.5 °C/min 1.2 °C/min 240 watts 160 watts 500 W 1.5. Air Circulation 4.0 cu.ft. chamber - 200 cu. ft./min. 1.6 Humidity Range 10 –...
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Maximum 2 mg/L free chlorine & filtered to 5 micron or less. Initial fill of an empty steam generator. See detailed specification document for actual humidity usage rate. ISSUED BY ESPEC NORTH AMERICA, INC. Chamber Spec. Form Bench Top User’s Manual 5/10/99 Rev.
Appendix 9.1.2 BTU North America Specification PREPARED BY 02/28/2011 TJE Model Drawing No. Spc. No. ECSP11000 7/10/12 NKD BENCHTOP SERIES TEMPERATURE REVISION CHAMBER SPECIFICATION 1. Performance 1.1. Temperature Range -20 to 180°C 1.2. Temperature Fluctuation ± 0.5°C 1.3. Temperature Gradient ±...
Appendix 9.1.3 BTZ North America Specification PREPARED BY 2/12/2007 KCW Model Drawing No. Spc. No. ECSP07009 4/9/10 TJE BENCHTOP SERIES 6/4/10 DPA LOW TEMPERATURE REVISION 11/12/10 JIL CHAMBER 4/18/11 TJE SPECIFICATION 6/28/12 NKD 1. Performance 1.1. Temperature Range -70 to 180°C 1.2.
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Appendix Spc. No. ECSP07009 3.3. Refrigeration Cooling 3.3.2 Air Cooled (Integral) Model Heat Rejection to Ambient Noise Level** BTZ-133 4,700 BTU/Hr 65 dBA BTZ-175 13,500 BTU/Hr 65 dBA BTZ-475 13,500 BTU/Hr 65 dBA ** Noise level measured 1 meter from front and at mid-point of door 3.4.
Appendix 9.1.4 BTZ Export Specification PREPARED BY 2/12/2007 KCW Model Drawing No. Spc. No. ECSP07008 9/14/07 KCW BENCHTOP SERIES 01/08/08 KCW LOW TEMPERATURE 50 Hz EXPORT REVISION 11/17/08 BTP CHAMBER 11/12/10 JIL SPECIFICATION 7/10/12 NKD 1. Performance 1.1. Temperature Range -70 to 180°C 1.2.
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Appendix PREPARED BY 9/14/07 KCW Model Drawing No. Spc. No. ECSP07014 11/17/08 BTP BENCHTOP SERIES 7/10/12 NKD LOW TEMPERATURE 60 Hz EXPORT REVISION CHAMBER SPECIFICATION 1. Performance 1.1. Temperature Range -70 to 180°C 1.2. Temperature Fluctuation ± 0.5°C 1.3. Temperature Gradient ±...
Appendix 9.1.5 BTX North America Specification PREPARED BY 12/04/09 TJE Model Drawing No. Spc. No. ECSP09018 6/4/10 DPA BENCHTOP SERIES 11/12/10 JIL LOW TEMPERATURE AND HUMIDITY REVISION 7/10/12 NKD CHAMBER SPECIFICATION 1. Performance 1.1. Temperature Range -70 to 180°C 1.2. Temperature Fluctuation ±...
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Appendix Spc. No. ECSP09018 3. Site requirements 3.1. Ambient Temperature Allowable range of operation: 5 to 35°C (41 to 95°F) Range of assured performance: 18 to 27°C (65 to 80°F) 3.2. Power (Full Load Current) 208/230 V 1 ph 60 Hz Model 3 wire grounding BTX-475...
Water used for humidification must be of high quality. Micro-Seamens (abbreviated µS on our specification) is a rating of conductivity for water. The lower the conductivity, the higher the quality of the water will be. ESPEC offers a “de-ionizing” filter option installed in-line to meet the minimum quality required, assuming low mineral content in the supply water.
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(impervious to water), which can be used to seal the port. The exterior comes equipped with a screw on cap for sealing the port when it is not in use. Additional ports can be added as an option on left, right, or top. ESPEC uses a non-metallic sleeve as a thermal break between the interior and exterior with all cable ports.
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Appendix Spc. No. ECSP07011 Safety features: Two levels of overheat protection, one settable by the user: 1. Independent overheat sensor and setting by the user. 2. Thermal fuse in the plenum to protect the chamber The failure of the blower motor is integrated with system shutdown to avoid risk of damage due to overheating. System power circuits are protected with circuit breakers allowing for easy reset if an overload occurs 5.
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Appendix Spc. No. ECSP07011 7. Optional Equipment Communications hardware and software IEEE-488 (with 3 party serial-to-GPIB converter) RS-485 Ethernet (with 3 party serial-to-ethernet converter) Access ports (available on the right or left side walls) 2” (50 mm) port 4” (100 mm) port Custom feed-through per customer requirements Safety related Emergency stop palm button to de-energize all hazardous voltages leaving the electrical box.
9.2 Consumable Parts and Replacement Interval The below parts must be replaced periodically. Promptly replace them at the specified interval if not sooner. Maintenance service is also provided by ESPEC North America. For spare parts and servicing, contact the place of purchase or Espec North America..
Appendix 9.3 Glossary Air-Cooled Specifications The condenser in the refrigeration circuit is cooled by air. Boil-Dry Protector A device which prevents the humidifying heater from overheating when humidifying water is low or empty. Constant Control A control method which keeps temperature and humidity inside the chamber constant.
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Appendix Temperature Heat-up Rate TEMPERATURE HEAT UP RATE FIGURE 9.9. T emperature heat-up rate Time Temperature-Humidity Con- The range in which temperature and humidity can be reproduced inside trol Range the chamber. It is normally expressed as a graph with temperature as the x-axis and humidity as the y-axis.
Any other means of shipment will result in an additional charge to the customer. Any failed part, replaced under terms of the warranty, and not returned to ESPEC when an RMA is issued, will be invoiced at the current price.
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DELIVERY/RISK OR LOSS: The risk of loss with respect to the goods to be Buyer shall repay ESPEC all attorney’s fees ESPEC incurs collecting late sold will pass to the Buyer at ESPEC’s plant upon the delivery of the goods payments or unpaid accounts.
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Bench Top Series Standard Chamber User’s Manual Original 1.00: December 28, 2007 Edited and Published by: Rev. 1.01: November 21, 2008 Rev. 1.02: December 16, 2008 ESPEC NORTH AMERICA Rev. 1.03: December 8, 2009 4141 Central Parkway Rev 1.04: December 18, 2009 Hudsonville, MI 49426 Rev 1.05: May 21, 2010...
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