ESPEC CRITERION CHAMBER Series User manual

CRITERION CHAMBER SERIES
BENCH TOP
INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Criterion Series Benchtop User’s Manual
1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction ...................................................................................................................................................1
1. Precautions in Usage...............................................................................................................................3
1. Precautions in Usage...............................................................................................................................3
1.1. Substances Which Should Not Be Placed Inside the Equipment ....................................................3
1.2. KEEP OUT of the Chamber..............................................................................................................4
1.3. Specimen Protection (Safety Devices).............................................................................................5
1.3.1. Safety Device Setting Example.................................................................................................6
1.4. Disposing of the Chamber................................................................................................................8
1.5. Other Precautions.............................................................................................................................9
1.6. Global Warming Potential of Refrigerants......................................................................................10
2. Overview ................................................................................................................................................11
2.1. About the Criterion Series ..............................................................................................................11
2.2. Temperature (& Humidity) Control and Instrumentation.................................................................12
2.2.1. Temperature (& Humidity) Control ..........................................................................................12
2.2.2. Watlow Instrumentation...........................................................................................................13
3. Names and Functions of Parts...............................................................................................................15
3.1. Chamber.........................................................................................................................................15
3.1.1. Front........................................................................................................................................15
3.1.2. Left Side ..................................................................................................................................16
3.1.3. Right Side................................................................................................................................17
Table 3.3 Right Side Parts..................................................................................................................17
3.1.4. Test Area (Size 1 chamber) ....................................................................................................18
3.2. Instrumentation Panel.....................................................................................................................19
3.2.1. Instrumentation Panel ..............................................................................................................19
4.1. Installation.......................................................................................................................................21
4.1.1. Installation Site Check..............................................................................................................21
4.2. Power Supply Work........................................................................................................................22
4.2.1. Primary Power Supply Requirements ......................................................................................22
4.2.2. Primary Power Supply Connections.........................................................................................23
4.3. Drainage.........................................................................................................................................24
4.4. Humidity Water Supply (BTL and BTX models only)......................................................................25
Removal of the Water Level Regulator Protection Material...............................................................25
4.4.1. Water Supply Installation..........................................................................................................25
4.4.2. Water Consumption Rate.........................................................................................................26
4.4.3. Water Level Setting..................................................................................................................26
4.4.3.1. Checking Water Level in the Wick Pan.................................................................................26

Criterion Series Benchtop User’s Manual
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5. Operation ...............................................................................................................................................29
5.1. Test Preparations ...........................................................................................................................29
5.1.1. How to Arrange Specimens......................................................................................................29
5.1.2. Door operation..........................................................................................................................29
5.2. Digital Communications...................................................................................................................30
5.3. Controller Operation ........................................................................................................................30
5.4. Specimen Safety Device Setup.......................................................................................................31
Overheat Protector.............................................................................................................................31
Absolute High/Low Limit Temperature (Humidity) Alarms .................................................................31
5.5. Operating at a Setpoint (Static Mode) ......................................................................................32
5.6. Running a Ramp/Soak Profile (Profile Mode)...........................................................................32
5.7. Monitoring the Operation ..........................................................................................................32
Chapter 6 Checks and Maintenance..........................................................................................................33
6.1. Check and Maintenance Lists .........................................................................................................33
6.2 Checks.............................................................................................................................................34
Overheat Protector Trip Test..............................................................................................................34
6.3 Maintenance....................................................................................................................................35
Condenser Cleaning...........................................................................................................................35
Humidifier Cleaning............................................................................................................................36
Test Area Cleaning.............................................................................................................................36
Take-Down Before Long Periods of Disuse.......................................................................................37
Chapter 7 Troubleshooting.........................................................................................................................39
7.1 Detectable Troubles..........................................................................................................................39
1st and 2nd Degree Alarms................................................................................................................39
Clearing Alarms..................................................................................................................................40
7.2 Other Troubles..................................................................................................................................40
7.3. User Practical Servicing .................................................................................................................43
7.3.1. Resetting Circuit Protector .......................................................................................................43
7.3.2. Changing the Chamber Lamp Bulb..........................................................................................44
8. Appendix.............................................................................................................................................44
8.1. Specifications...................................................................................................................................45
8.2. Consumable Parts and Replacement Interval................................................................................46
8.3. Glossary..........................................................................................................................................46
9. Warranty.............................................................................................................................................50

Criterion Series Benchtop User’s Manual
1
Introduction
This manual has been written for users of the Criterion Series Chambers and particularly for technicians.
Read it thoroughly to obtain the maximum performance from the chamber.
Safety Symbols
The following safety symbols are used throughout this manual.
Degrees of Danger
!
VERY
DANGEROUS
This mark means extremely dangerous
consequences may arise, with the possibility of
death or serious injury to the user, if the
equipment is handled incorrectly.
!
DANGER
This mark means dangerous consequences
may arise, with the possibility of death or
serious injury to the user, if the equipment is
handled incorrectly.
!
CAUTION
This mark means dangerous consequences
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.
Key Words
The following keywords are used in this manual.
Note : Provides information necessary for gaining full performance from the
chamber or to prevent damage to equipment
Procedure : Explains how to operate the chamber on a step-by-step basis.
Reference : Offers supplementary information.

Precautions
Accessories & Spare Parts
Confirm that the following accessories and spare parts have been included with your chamber.
Accessory / Part Use Quantity
Power Cord To provide power to the chamber from an
outlet. Details of plug type are in the
installation section (4) of the manual
1 Set
Wicks For humidity detection in humidity models,
BTX or BTL models only 1 Box

Precautions
1. 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.
1.1. Substances Which Should Not Be Placed Inside the Equipment
!
DANGER
•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.
A. Explosive Substances
1. Nitroglycol, nitroglycerine, nitrocellulose and other explosive ester nitrates.
2. Trinitro-benzene, trinitrotoluene, picric acid and other explosive nitrocompounds.
3. Peracetic acid, methyl ethyl ketone peroxides, benzoyl peroxide and other organic
peroxides.
B. Inflammable Substances
1. 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.
2. Oxides
•Potassium chlorate, sodium chlorate, ammonium chlorate and other chlorates.
•Potassium perchlorate, sodium perchlorate, ammonium-perchlorate and other
perchlorates.
•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.

Precautions
3. 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 an 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 (32°F) 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).
4. 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.
!
CAUTION
•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 evaporator
and packing.
5. 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, stainless steel and other parts when the equipment is run at high temperature and
high humidity.
Damage to the equipment by prohibited substances is not covered by the Espec warranty.
1.2. KEEP OUT of the Chamber
!
DANGER
•TRAPPED! NEVER climb inside the chamber.
The door cannot be opened from the inside, if locked from the outside.

Precautions
1.3. Specimen Protection (Safety Devices)
!
CAUTION
•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 temperature (&
humidity) 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.
Table 1.1. Hardware/Software Safety Devices
Safety Device Trip Point Equipment Response
when tripped Remarks
Overheat Protector •Set approximately 20°C higher
than target temperature.
•Set below specimen’s
maximum allowed temperature.
Absolute
high limit
•Set approximately 15°C higher
than target temperature.
•Set below specimen’s
maximum allowed temperature.
•Max. 160°C.
N/A
Absolute
low limit
Set a minimum 5°C lower than
target temperature.
Set above specimen’s minimum
allowed temperature.
•Alarm Displayed
•Buzzer sounded
•Heater shut OFF
•Humidifier shut OFF
(Temperature-only
chambers excluded)
•Refrigerator shut OFF
•Air circulator shut OFF
Temperature
alarms Upper
deviation
limit
Set approximately 10°C higher
than target temperature. •Alarm displayed
•Buzzer sounded *1
•Heater shut OFF
Absolute
high limit
•Set approximately 10% RH
higher than target humidity.
•Set below specimen’s
maximum allowed humidity.
•Alarm displayed
•Buzzer sounded *1
•Humidifier shut OFF
Built into temperature & humidity controller
Humidity
alarms (Not
included on
temperature-
only
chambers)
Absolute
low limit
•Set approximately 10% RH
lower than target humidity.
•Set above specimen’s
minimum allowed humidity.
•Alarm displayed
•Buzzer sounded *1
•Humidifier shut OFF
•Refrigeration shut off
When
temperature &
humidity
returns within
range limits,
alarms are
automatically
cleared.
*1 : Can be turned ON/OFF.

Precautions
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.
Fig. 1.1. Temperature Alarm Settings
1.3.1. Safety Device Setting Example
High Limit Temperature
In the following example, the target temperature is 40°C and the maximum allowed
temperature of the specimens is 60°C. Safety devices are set as follows:
Table 1.2. Setting Example for Overheat Protector and
High Limit Temperature Alarms
Overheat Protector
+60°C •Set 20°C higher than target
temperature.
•Set to specimen’s maximum
allowed temperature.
Temperature
(& Humidity)
Controller
Absolute
high limit
+55°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 50°C.)
Constant Mode
Start Constant Mode
End
Absolute low limit temperature alarm
Target Temperature
Upper deviation limit temperature alarm
(Target temperature +10°C)
Absolute high limit temperature alarm
5
25
35
45
Temperature (°C)

Precautions
With the settings in Table 1.2., the safety devices will trip in the succession shown in
Figure 1.2. 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.
80
60
75
70
Chamber Temperature (°C)
Time
Abnormal temperature
detected here. (If 1
is not working)
Abnormal
temperature
detected here.
Alarm cleared here
3. Overheat protector
2. Absolute high limit
tempeature alarm
1. Upper deviation limit
temperature alarm
Target temperature
Abnormal temperature detected here
(If 1 and 2 are not working)
Fig. 1.2 Temperature Alarm Trigger Conditions

Precautions
1.4. Disposing of the Chamber
!
DANGER
•TRAPPED INSIDE! Before disposing of the chamber, take the door off its hinges.
The door cannot be opened from the inside, so there is the danger of someone becoming
trapped inside.
You will need a Phillips-head screwdriver to detach the door.
Procedure
1. Open the door.
2. Remove the hinges from the door.
3. Store or dispose of the door separately from the chamber

Precautions
1.5. Other Precautions
Observe the following precautions when using the chamber.
!
DANGER
•DO NOT use or leave equipment outdoors.
Not only can outdoor environments adversely affect performance and functioning, but also
electrical part contact with water can lead to short-circuit, fire, electrical shock and
breakdown.
•DO NOT turn the refrigeration ON within 5 minutes of turning it OFF.
Failure to observe the above precaution can seriously shorten the life of the refrigeration
system.
!
CAUTION
•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 (specimens, shelves, door gasket, test area walls).
Direct contact may result in burns. Wear heat 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 short circuits in the heater if they infiltrate the plenum
area.

Precautions
1.6. Global Warming Potential of Refrigerants
Refrigeration circuit contains fluorinated greenhouse gases covered by the Kyoto Protocol. See
chart below for global warming potential of refrigerants used by ESPEC. See chamber serial tag for
refrigerant and quantity used in this chamber.
Substance GWP
R-23 12,000
R-134a 1,300
R-404a 3,800
R-508b 12,000
Insulation material is made of foam blown with fluorinated greenhouse gases.

Precautions
2. Overview
This chapter gives an overview of the Criterion Series and temperature & humidity control.
2.1. About the Criterion Series
Equipment, parts and the materials from which they are made are used and stored in places where
temperature and humidity are much higher or lower than usual. A harsh environment can damage
them.
Chambers of the Criterion 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 of equipment and parts across the entire product life-cycle from
development, production, shipping and use to when the said equipment or part is discarded. With the
Criterion Series, you can test the following, depending on the model chosen:
•Heat resistance
•Cold resistance
•Temperature cycling
•Maximum humidity resistance – Not possible with temperature-only chambers
•Minimum humidity resistance – Not possible with temperature-only chambers
•Storability
•Service-life
•Serious deterioration or aging

Precautions
2.2. Temperature (& Humidity) Control and Instrumentation
2.2.1. Temperature (& Humidity) Control
The Criterion Series employs a BTHC system to control temperature and humidity. “BTHC”
stands for Balanced Temperature and Humidity Control.
The BTHC system balances temperature and humidity inside the chamber to reproduce the
desired conditions. This is done by continuously controlling the capacity of a cooler
(dehumidifier) of high heat load, and a heater and humidifying heater * of low heat load, in real-
time.
The central unit, which controls everything, is the temperature (& humidity) controller. The
instrumentation acts as the user interface.
*Not provided on Temperature-Only chambers
Fig. 2.1. Principle of BTHC System
Temp/Humid
Sensor
Heater
Motor
Cooler
Humidifier

Criterion Series Benchtop User’s Manual
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2.2.2. Watlow Instrumentation
The Watlow 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, thus the
name.
Fig. 2.2. Test Conditions in Constant Mode
Program Mode
The program mode changes chamber temperature and humidity according to a user-set
program.
This program is created before testing starts. It contains multiple steps. Each step contains
temperature, humidity and other settings as with the constant mode. Moreover, settings can be
maintained throughout an entire step or changed at the constant rate.
Fig. 2.3. Test Conditions in Program Mode
Time
Constant
Mode End
Constant
Mode Start
30°C
Temperature
Step
No. 5
Step
No. 4
Step
No. 3
Step
No. 2
Temperature (°C)
Step
No. 1
100
50
20
Time

Criterion Series Benchtop User’s Manual
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Criterion Series Benchtop User’s Manual
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3. Names and Functions of 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.
3.1. Chamber
3.1.1. Front
Table 3.1. Chamber Front Parts
Name Function/Use
(1) Instrumentation Panel User-interface panel for controlling the temperature (&
humidity) controller.
(2) Electrical Compartment Door Open to access the electric parts compartment.
(3) Door Handle Use to open/close the chamber door.
(4) Chamber Door Open to access the test area.
(1) & (2)
(3)
(4)

Criterion Series Benchtop User’s Manual
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3.1.2. Left Side
Table 3.2. Chamber Left Side Parts
Name Function/Use
(1) Chamber Drain Drain for condensate water from workspace and
humidifier water on BTL and BTX models
(2) Chamber Light Switch Controls interior chamber lamp
(3) Overheat Protector Stops chamber operation before the temperature can
damage the specimens.
(4) Option Panel Installation location for communications, recorder
sensors and other electrically controlled options.
(5) Water Supply Port For humidity water. BTL and BTX models only.
(5)
(4)
(3)
(2)
(1)

Criterion Series Benchtop User’s Manual
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3.1.3. Right Side
Table 3.3 Right Side Parts
Name Function/Use
(1) Power Connection Connection point for power cord.
(2) Refrigeration Room Access For maintaining refrigeration system.
(3) Circuit Breaker Access Access to electrical circuit protectors. Always unplug
power before opening this access.
(1)
(2)
(3)