ESPEC Platinous Series User manual

PLATINOUS CHAMBER SERIES
USER’S MANUAL

Table of Contents
iPlatinous User’s Manual
Chapter 1: Introduction 1
Safety Symbols 2
How to Read Chamber Model Number 3
Platinous Standard Chamber Description 3
Accessories and Spare Parts 4
Chapter 2: Precautions in Usage 5
Substances Which Should Not Be Placed Inside the Equipment 6
Specimen Protection (Safety Devices) 8
Safety Device Setting Example 10
Disposing of the Chamber 12
Other Precautions 13
Warning Labels 14
For Additional Labels 14
Global Warming Potential of Refrigerants 15
Chapter 3: Overview 17
About the Platinous Series 18
Temperature (& Humidity) Control and Instrumentation 19
Temperature (& Humidity) Control 19
SCP-220 Instrumentation 20
Chapter 4: Names and Functions of Parts 21
Chamber 22
Front and Right 22
Left, Rear, and Top 24
Test Area (1) 26
Test Area (2) 27
Instrumentation Panel 29
Operating Panel 30
Electrical Compartment 32
Water Circuit Compartment 33
Chapter 5: Installation 35
Installation Site Check 36
How to Install 38
Power Supply Work 39
Primary Power Supply Requirements 39
Primary Power Supply Connections 40
Compressor Shipping Bracket Removal 41
Cooling Water Connection (Water-Cooled chambers only) 42
Drainage 44
Water Level Check (ESL, ESX models only) 46
Remove Protection Material 46

ii Platinous User’s Manual
Water Supply Installation 47
To Supply Water to the Humidifying Tray 48
Checking Water Level in the Humidifying Tray 49
To Check Water Level in the Humidifying Tray Water Level Regulator 49
To Check Water Level in the Wick Pan 50
Chapter 6: Operation 53
Test Preparation 54
How to Arrange Specimens 54
How to Power Specimens 55
Wet-Bulb Wick Check (ESL, ESX models only) 57
Specimen Safety Device Setup 59
Overheat Protector 59
Absolute High/Low Limit and Upper Deviation Limit Temperature (& Humidity)
Alarms 59
Constant Temperature (& Humidity) Setup 62
Test Startup/End 64
Test Startup 64
Preventing Dew on Test Specimens 64
Test End 67
Useful Features 68
Auto/Manual Refrigeration Control 68
How to Use Time Signals 70
External Alarm Terminal 72
Chapter 7: Checks and Maintenance 75
Check and Maintenance Lists 76
Checks 77
Main Power Switch Trip Test 77
Overheat Protector Trip Test 77
Maintenance 77
Condenser Cleaning 77
Water Filter Cleaning (ESL, ESX models only) 78
Humidifying Tray Cleaning 78
Humidifier Atomizing Nozzle Maintenance (Option) 79
Test Area Cleaning 80
Electrical Compartment and Water Circuit Compartment Cleaning 80
Take-Down Before Long Periods of Disuse 80
Consumable Parts and Replacement Interval 82
Chapter 8: Troubleshooting 83
Troubleshooting Using Alarm Codes 84
When an Alarm Occurs 84
Alarm Table 86
Operator Error and Additional Troubleshooting 95
User-level Servicing 97
Replacing Fuses 97
Changing the Chamber Lamp Bulb 97

Platinous User’s Manual iii
Changing the Chamber Lamp Starter 98
Defrosting 99
Chapter 9: Appendix 101
Major Specifications 102
ESL Series: Cold Temperature and Humidity Chambers 102
ESU Series: Cold Temperature Chambers 105
ESX Series: Ultra-Cold Temperature and Humidity Chambers 108
ESZ Series: Ultra-Cold Temperature Chambers 111
Glossary 114
Espec Warranty Procedure 117

iv Platinous User’s Manual

Platinous User’s Manual 1
Chapter 1: Introduction
This manual has been written for users of the Platinous Sterling Series Chambers
and particularly for technicians. Read it thoroughly to obtain the maximum
performance from the chamber.

Introduction
2 Platinous User’s Manual
1.1 Safety Symbols
The following safety symbols are used throughout this manual.
Note: Provides information necessary for gaining full performance from the chamber or
to prevent damage to equipment.
Procedure: Explains how to operate on a step-by-step basis. Offers supplementary informa-
tion.
TABLE 1.1. DEGREES OF DANGER
This mark means extremely dangerous
consequences may arise, with the possi-
bility of death or serious injury to the user,
if the equipment is handled incorrectly.
This mark means dangerous conse-
quences may arise, with the possibility of
death or serious injury to the user, if the
equipment is handled incorrectly.
This mark means dangerous conse-
quences may arise, with the possibility of
somewhat serious injury to the user and/
or damage to equipment and facilities, if
the equipment is handled incorrectly.
!
VERY
DANGEROU
S
!
DANGER
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!
CAUTION

Platinous User’s Manual 3
Introduction
1.2 How to Read Chamber Model Number
Chambers of the Platinous Sterling Series are available in various configurations which differ according to
temperature and humidity range, loading capacity, and the type of instrumentation. Check for your model
number on the data plate on the rear of the chamber.
This manual has been written to cover a wide range of chamber models. You should only be concerned
with sections that relate to your chamber.
1.2.1 Platinous Standard Chamber Description
PLATINOUS STANDARD CHAMBER DESCRIPTION
ES L -2C A
CONDENSER TYPE
A: Air Cooled
W: Water Cooled
INSTRUMENTATION
C: SCP-220
CHAMBER SIZE
2: 8 cu. ft.
3: 14 cu. ft.
4: 32 cu. ft.
MODEL
L: -35 to 180°C/10 to 98% RH
U: -35 to 180°C
X: -70 to 180°C/10 to 98% RH
Z: -70 to 180°C
STERLING VERSION
ESPEC

Introduction
4 Platinous User’s Manual
1.3 Accessories and Spare Parts
Confirm that the following accessories and spare parts have been included with your chamber:
Accessory Use Quantity
Cable Port Rubber Plug Seals cable port 2
Shelf and Shelf Brackets Hold specimens inside the chamber 1 Set
Fluorescent Bulb In-chamber illumination 1
Wet-Bulb Wick Box of 24 wet-bulb and 1 filler (not
included with temperature-only chambers) 1 Box
Fuses For electric part protection. Set of 3,5,10,
and 20A. 1 Each

Platinous User’s Manual 5
Chapter 2: Precautions in Usage
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.

Precautions in Usage
6 Platinous User’s Manual
2.1 Substances Which Should Not Be Placed Inside the
Equipment
DO NOT introduce the following explosives, combustibles, or
substances which contain them, into the equipment. Moreover,
keep these substances away from the equipment and immediate
area. When exposed to excessive heat, these substances may
cause fires and/or explosions.
Explosive Substances:
•Nitro glycol, nitroglycerine, nitrocellulose and other explosive ester nitrates.
•Trinitro-benzine, trinitrotoluene, picric acid and other explosive nitro compounds
•Peracetic acid, methyl ethyl ketone peroxides, benzoyl peroxide and other organic
peroxides.
Inflammable Substances:
•Combustible Substances:
- Metal lithium, metal potassium, metal sodium, yellow phosphor, phosphor
sulfide, red phosphor, celluloids, calcium carbonate (also called carbide),
calcium phosphate, magnesium powder, aluminum powder, metal powders
other than magnesium powder and aluminum powder, hydrosulfite.
•Oxides:
- Potassium chlorate, sodium chlorate, ammonium chlorate and other chlorates.
- Potassium perchlorate, sodium perchlorate, ammonium-perchlorate and other
percholorates.
- Potassium peroxide, sodium peroxide, barium peroxide and other inorganic
peroxides.
- Potassium nitrate, sodium nitrate, ammonium nitrate and other nitrates.
- Sodium chlorite and other chlorites.
- Calcium hypochlorite and other hypochlorites.
•Ignitable Substances:
- Ethyl ether, gasoline, acetaldehyde, propylene oxide, carbon disulfide and
other substances with an ignition point of -30°C (-22°F).
- Normal hexane, ethylene oxide, acetone, benzene, methyl ethyl ketone and
other substances with and ignition point above -30°C (-22°F) and below 0°C
(32°F)
- Methanol, ethanol, xylene, pentyl acetate amylacetate and other substances
with an ignition point above 0°C and below 30°C (85°F).
- Kerosene, light oil, turpentine oil, isopentyl alcohol (also called isoamyl
alcohol), acetic acid and other substances with an ignition point above 30°C
(85°F) and below 65°C (150°F).
•Combustible Gases
- Hydrogen, acetylene, ethylene, methane, ethane, propane, butane and other
combustible substances that are in a gaseous state at a temperature of 15°C
(60°F) and at a pressure of 1 atmosphere.
Spark-Resistant Interior Precautions (Option):
If chamber interior is spark-resistant, it is 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.
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DANGER

Platinous User’s Manual 7
Precautions in Usage
DO NOT introduce corrosive substances into the equipment.
Humidifying water or specimens which generate substances that
corrode stainless steel or silicone rubber can drastically shorten
service-life of internal parts, including the refrigerator and packing.
Corrosive Substances:
- Corrosive substances include, but are not limited to, chlorine, chlorides and
acids. Though apparently harmless at ambient temperature, these substances
can readily corrode circuit boards and other parts when the equipment is run at
high temperature and high humidity.
- Even trace amounts of corrosives in the humidity water supply or released by
the test items will become concentrated in the humidifying tray during
extended periods of humidity operation. If corrosion is observed in the
humidifying tray during extended high humidity testing, it should be drained
and refilled daily to flush out the corrosive contaminants. This can be done by
programming the humidity control OFF for at least 30 seconds in the humidity
control program which will drain the humidifying tray and refill it when humidity
mode is resumed (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.
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!
CAUTION

Precautions in Usage
8 Platinous User’s Manual
Keep Out of the Chamber
RISK OF BEING TRAPPED! NEVER climb inside the chamber. The
door cannot be opened from the inside.
2.2 Specimen Protection (Safety Devices)
Set safety devices according to test conditions and the type of
specimens. Unless properly set, specimens could be damaged if
something goes wrong during testing.
The chamber is controlled to a target constant temperature and humidity* by the controller. Nonetheless,
temperature and humidity can get out of control for various reasons. In such cases, to protect specimens
against thermal damage, the chamber has an independent overheat protector and various other safety
devices built into the software of the controller.
* Humidity is not set with temperature only chambers.
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DANGER
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CAUTION

Platinous User’s Manual 9
Precautions in Usage
* Can be turned ON/OFF
** In some cases, refrigeration is shut OFF instead of capacity being reduced.
Absolute high/low limit temperature (& humidity) alarms and upper deviation limit temperature
alarm.
The absolute high/low limit alarms are completely independent of the target temperature and humidity.
They do not change when target temperature or humidity are changed.
Conversely, the upper deviation limit alarm is relative to the target temperature. If the target temperature is
changed, the deviation alarm temperature changes in proportion.
TABLE 2.2. HARDWARE/SOFTWARE SAFETY DEVICES
Safety Device Trip Point
Equipment
Response when
Tripped Remarks
Overheat Protector
- Set approximately 20°C
higher than target tempera-
ture.
- Set below specimen’s max-
imum allowed temperature. - Alarm displayed
- Buzzer sounded
- Heater shut OFF
- Humidifier shut OFF
(Temperature only
chambers excluded)
- Refrigerator shut OFF
- Air circulator shut OFF
- Specimen power sup-
ply control terminal
interrupted
N/A
Built into temperature & humidity controller
Temperature
Alarms
Absolute
High Limit
- Set approximately 15°C
higher than target tempera-
ture.
- Set below specimen’s max-
imum allowed temperature
- Max. 160°C
Absolute
Low Limit
- Set above following low
limit temperatures:
ESL/ESU: -40°C
ESX/ESZ: -75°C
- Set a minimum 5°C lower
than target temperature
- Set above specimen’s mini-
mum allowed temperature.
Upper
Deviation
Limit
- Set approximately 10°C
higher than target tempera-
ture.
- Alarm displayed
- Buzzer sounded*
- Heater shut OFF
When
tempera-
ture &
humidity
returns
within
range lim-
its, alarms
are auto-
matically
cleared.
Humidity
Alarms (Not
included on
temperature
only cham-
bers)
Absolute
High Limit
- Set approximately 10% RH
higher than target humidity.
- Set below specimen’s max-
imum allowed humidity.
- Alarm displayed
- Buzzer sounded*
- Humidifier shut OFF
Absolute
Low Limit
- Set approximately 10% RH
lower than target humidity.
- Set above specimen’s mini-
mum allowed humidity.
- Alarm displayed
- Buzzer sounded*
- Humidifier shut OFF
- Refrigeration capacity
lowered**

Precautions in Usage
10 Platinous User’s Manual
FIGURE 2.1. TEMPERATURE ALARM SETTINGS
2.2.1 Safety Device Setting Example
High Limit Temperature
In the following example, the target temperature is 60°C and the maximum allowed temperature of the
specimens is 80°C. Safety devices are set as follows:
With the settings in Table 2.2, the safety devices will trip in the succession shown in Figure 2.2 as
temperature inside the chamber rises beyond the target temperature. The first to trip will be the upper
deviation limit alarm, followed by the absolute high limit alarm, and then the overheat protector. Due to the
fact that the chamber is equipped with multiple safety devices, abnormal temperatures cannot escape
detection even if one of the devices is not working properly.
TABLE 2.3. SETTING EXAMPLE FOR OVERHEAT PROTECTOR AND HIGH LIMIT TEMPERATURE ALARMS
Overheat Protector +80°C
- Set 20°C higher than target temperature
- Set to specimen’s maximum allowed temper-
ature
Temperature
(&Humidity)
Controller
Absolute High Limit +75°C
- Set 15°C higher than target temperature
- Set 5°C lower than specimen’s maximum
allowed temperature
Upper Deviation Limit +10°C - Set 10°C higher than target temperature (will
trip at 70°C)

Platinous User’s Manual 11
Precautions in Usage
FIGURE 2.2. TEMPERATURE ALARM TRIGGER CONDITIONS
80
60
75
70
Chamber Temperature (°C)
Time
Abnormal temp erature
detected here. (If 1
is not working)
Abnormal
temperatu re
detected here.
Alarm cleared here
3. Ov erheat protector
2. Absolute high limit
temperature alarm
1. Upper dev iation limit
temperature alarm
Target tempera ture
Abnormal temperatu re detected here
(If 1 and 2 are not working)

Precautions in Usage
12 Platinous User’s Manual
2.3 Disposing of the Chamber
TRAPPED INSIDE! Before disposing of the chamber, take the door
off its hinges.
The door cannot be opened from the inside, so there is danger of
someone becoming trapped inside.
HEAVY DOOR! Have someone hold the door when detaching it
from the hinges. Use a hand winch or other means to support the door.
You will need nippers, a slotted head screwdriver, and 7/16” socket box wrench to detach the door.
Procedure:
1. Cut the cable between the door and chamber. Use the nippers.
2. Pry off the hinge cover on the door side part of the hinge. Use the slotted head screwdriver.
FIGURE 2.3. PRYING OFF THE HINGE
3. Open the door slightly and prop it up with the hand winch. Then remove the bolts (4), which lock the
hinge to the door. Use the box wrench.
FIGURE 2.4. HINGE BOLTS TO REMOVE
4. Detach the door.
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!
DANGER
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Hinge cove
r
Bolts

Platinous User’s Manual 13
Precautions in Usage
2.4 Other Precautions
Observe the following precautions when using the chamber.
Ground the equipment WITHOUT FAIL.
For details on grounding, See “Power Supply Work” on page 39.
Use only the specimen power supply control terminals to apply
voltage to specimens.
Specimens generate heat as they are charged. The specimen power supply control terminals are
interlocked with the chamber control circuit, so power to specimens is turned OFF when the
chamber is not running. Using other means to charge specimens leaves the specimens charged in
the event of chamber trouble. This can drive up temperature inside the chamber, which can
damage specimens and in worse cases result in fire. See “How to Power Specimens” on page 55.
FIGURE 2.5. TEMPERATURE AND SPECIMEN POWER SUPPLY CONTROL TERMINALS
HOT AIR BLAST WHEN OPEN! Use caution when opening the door
during and shortly after operation at high temperature or high
humidity.
Hot (wet) air is blown from inside the chamber when opened.
HOT ON THE INSIDE! During and shortly after operation above
55°C, the chamber is HOT on the inside (including specimens, shelves, door gasket, and
test area walls).
Direct contact may result in burns. Wear heat resistant gloves.
COLD ON THE INSIDE! During and shortly after operation below
0°C, the chamber is COLD on the inside (including specimens,
shelves, door gasket, and test area walls).
Direct contact may result in cold burns. Wear cold resistant gloves.
DO NOT introduce electrically conductive specimens which might
easily be thrown about by air currents inside the chamber.
Specimens of this sort can cause leaks in the heater if they infiltrate the air conditioner.
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!
DANGER
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!
CAUTION
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!
CAUTION

Precautions in Usage
14 Platinous User’s Manual
2.5 Warning Labels
For safe chamber operation, read and comply with all Warning, Cautionary, and Information Labels posted
on the chamber.
FIGURE 2.6. WARNING LABELS
2.5.1 For Additional Labels
If labels are damaged, lost, or become illegible, contact the place of purchase or Espec North America for
replacements. (Replacements subject to billing.)