Chamber Maintenance Tips

Comprehensive chamber maintenance helps ensure the performance and longevity of your testing chamber. This article outlines an environmental test chamber maintenance plan to keep your chamber in utmost condition for years to come.

Chamber Interior and Exterior:

• Wipe or vacuum out all debris.
• Clean interior surfaces with a damp cloth, mild detergent or stainless steel cleaner. Avoid cleaners that are abrasive or leave a residue. DO NOT use steel wool.
• Clean the chamber exterior and door gaskets with a damp cloth or a mild detergent. If a detergent is used, test a small area to make sure it does not damage the finish.

Refrigeration System:

• Check system pressures on gauges and compare to factory specifications or unit dataplate.
• If system one is lower than 100 PSIG, contact the manufacturer’s service department.
• If system two is lower than specified static pressure by 30 PSIG or more, contact the manufacturer’s service department.
• Inspect all copper refrigeration lines for signs of abrasion damage caused by excessive vibration. If abrasion damage is found, locate the cause of vibration and secure lines to eliminate further damage.
• Check lines when system is not running.
• Inspect all insulation on refrigeration lines. Replace any missing or damaged insulation.
• Look for any signs of oil on or around compressors and/or refrigeration components. If any oil is found, this may be an early sign of a leak and a service call should be considered.
• Check the sightglass for bubbles every 7 to 14 days on chambers with R-404A or Tundra units. If bubbles are present on a continuous basis, the unit may be low on refrigerant. Call a qualified service technician to check the system.
• Visually inspect wiring at compressor terminals for signs of overheating or discolored wires.
• Inspect air-cooled condenser and clean if necessary using compressed air or vacuum w/brush attachment. Power must be off and locked out. A dirty, clogged condenser can lead to excessive head pressure in the R-404A system or Tundra units and can result in a loss of system efficiency and premature failure.
• Inspect air-cooled condenser fan and clean if necessary. Power must be off and locked out.
• On chambers equipped with water-cooled condensers, annually check the condenser for buildup of scale on the condensing surface. This interval may need to be shortened if the buildup is of a substantial amount.

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