Shellab SHC28R-2 User Manual

HUMIDITY CHAMBER

SHC10 SHC10-2

SHC10R SHC10R -2

SHC28 SHC28-2

SHC28R SHC28R-2

PREVIOUSLY DESIGNATED AS :
HC9 HC9-2/ HC9R HC9R-2

HC30 HC30-2 / HC30R HC30R-2

WITH MICRO PROCESSOR CONTROL

INSTALLATION AND OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS

Revised 01/2014

4861578

Sheldon Manufacturing Inc. P.O. Box 627 Cornelius, Oregon 97113

EMAIL: [e-mail] INTERNET: http://www.Shellab.com/~Shellab

1-800-322-4897 [phone] FAX [phone]

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION 1.0 RECEIVING AND INSPECTION
SECTION 2.0 GRAPHIC SYMBOLS
SECTION 3.0 INSTALLATION AND FACILITIES REQUIREMENTS
SECTION 4.0 CONTROL OVERVIEW
SECTION 5.0 THEORY OF OPERATION
SECTION 6.0 OPERATION
SECTION 7.0 CHART RECORDER INSTALLATION
SECTION 8.0 MAINTENANCE
SECTION 9.0 TROUBLESHOOTING
SECTION 10.0 PARTS LIST

UNIT SPECIFICATIONS
SCHEMATIC

These units are Humidity Testing Incubators for professional, industrial or educational use
where the preparation or testing of materials is done at approximately atmospheric
pressure and no flammable, volatile or combustible materials are being heated. These
units are not intended for hazardous or household locations or use.

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RECEIVING AND INSPECTION

Section

Your satisfaction and safety require a complete understanding of this unit, including
its proper function and operational characteristics. Read the instructions thoroughly
and be sure that all operators are given adequate training before attempting to put
the unit into service. NOTE: This equipment must be used only for its intended
application; any alterations or modifications will void your warranty.

1.1 Inspection: The carrier, when accepting shipment, also accepts the responsibility
for safe delivery and is liable for loss or damage claims. On delivery, inspect for
visible exterior damage, note and describe on the freight bill any damage found, and
enter your claim on the form supplied by the carrier.

1.2 Inspect for concealed loss or damage on the unit itself both interior and exterior. If
any, the carrier will arrange for official inspection to substantiate your claim.

1.3 Return Shipment: Save the shipping crate until you're sure all is well. If for any
reason you must return the unit, first contact your dealer for authorization and supply
nameplate data, including the serial number. For information on where to contact
Customer Service please see the manual cover.

1.4 Accessories: Make sure all of the equipment indicated on the packing slip is
included with the unit. Carefully check all packaging before discarding. The
SHC10 (HC9) and SHC10-2 (HC9-2) are equipped with 3 shelves, 12 shelf clips
and 4 leveling feet. The SHC10R (HC9R) and SHC10R-2 (HC9R-2) are
equipped with 3 shelves, 12 shelf clips and 4 leveling feet. The SHC28 (HC30)
and SHC28-2 (HC30-2) are equipped with 6 shelves, 24 shelf clips and 4
leveling feet. The SHC28R (HC30R) and SHC28R-2 (HC30R-2) are equipped
with 6 shelves, 24 shelf clips and 4 leveling feet.

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GRAPHIC SYMBOLS

Section

Your incubator has been provided with a display of graphic symbols which is designed to
help in identifying the use and function of the available user adjustable components.

2.1 Indicates that you should consult your manual for further description
or discussion of a control or user item.

2.2 Indicates "Temperature".

2.3 Indicates "Over-temperature safety".

2.4 C Indicates "Degrees Centigrade".

2.5 Indicates "AC power ON".

2.6 Indicates "Humidifier Water Low".

2.7 Indicates I/ON and O/OFF.

2.8 Indicates "Relative Humidity".

2.9 %RH Indicates "Percent Relative Humidity".

2.10 Indicates "Potential Shock Hazard" behind this protective partition.

2.11 Indicates "Protective Earth Ground".

2.12 Indicates “Unit should be recycled” (Not disposed of in land-fill)

5

INSTALLATION

Section

Local city, county or other ordinances may govern the use of this equipment. If you have any
questions about local requirements, please contact the appropriate local agency. Installation may
be performed by the end user. It is unnecessary for this unit to be installed by a technician.

Under normal circumstances this unit is intended for use inside, at room temperatures between 5°C
and 40°C, at no greater than 75% relative humidity (at 25°C) and with a supply voltage that does
not vary by more than 10%. Customer Service should be contacted for operating conditions outside
of these limits.

3.1 Power Source: See the unit's serial data plate for voltage, cycle, wattage and ampere

requirements. If matched to your power source, plug the power cord into a grounded outlet.
VOLTAGE SHOULD NOT VARY MORE THAN 10% FROM THE SERIAL PLATE RATING.
These units are intended for 50/60 Hz application. A separate circuit is recommended to
preclude loss of product due to overloading or circuit failure. Note that electrical supply to
the unit must conform to all local and national electrical codes.

3.2 Location: In selecting a site, consider all conditions which may affect performance, such as

extreme heat from steam radiators, stoves, ovens, autoclaves, etc. Avoid direct sun, fast
moving air currents, heating/cooling ducts and high-traffic areas. To ensure air circulation
around the unit, allow a minimum of 5cm between the unit and any walls or partitions which
might obstruct free air flow.

Caution: Position and level the apparatus before connecting to water supply.

3.3 Lifting and Handling: These units are heavy and care should be taken to use appropriate

3.4 Leveling: The unit must sit level and solidly. Leveling feet (supplied) are to be installed at

3.5 Cleaning: The incubator was cleaned at the factory, but not sterilized. It should be

lifting devices that are sufficiently rated for these loads. Units should only be lifted from their
bottom surfaces. Doors, handles and knobs are not adequate for lifting or stabilization. The
unit should be completely restrained from tipping during lifting or transport. All moving parts,
such as shelves and trays should be removed and doors need to be positively locked in the
closed position during transfer to prevent shifting and damage.

the holes in the base of the unit. Turn them counterclockwise to raise level. If the unit must
be moved, turn the leveling feet in all the way to prevent damage.

disinfected prior to use. Remove all interior parts including shelves and shelf assembles.
Clean the chamber with a disinfectant that is appropriate to your application. Similar periodic
cleaning is strongly recommended. DO NOT USE chlorine-based bleaches or abrasives
as this will damage the stainless steel interior. DO NOT USE spray cleaners that might
leak through openings and cracks and get on electrical parts or that may contain solvents
that will harm the coatings. A similar periodic cleaning is recommended.

WARNING: Never clean the unit with alcohol or flammable cleaners with the unit connected
to the electrical supply. Always disconnect the unit form the electrical service when cleaning

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and assure all volatile or flammable cleaners are evaporated and dry before reattaching the
unit to the power supply.

3.6 Humidification Water Supply: On the back of the body there is a 1/4" compression fitting

marked WATER IN. This fitting should only be plumbed to a DISTILLED WATER supply
source. Please note that when attaching the water supply line to the fitting on the unit, two
wrenches must be used: one to hold the fitting from turning in the panel, while using the
other to tighten the compression fitting. The supply source should be gravity fed or
pressure can be regulated to no more than 2 psi with a water pressure regulator valve.

Deionized or tap water should NOT be used. They will have a detrimental effect on the
unit causing corrosion or obstructions and premature failure of this assembly, and
VOID your warranty.

3.7 Fill the Vapor Generator: It takes approximately 880cc (.88 Liter) to initially fill the vapor

generator, after that a continuous supply is required to maintain the operating level. If the
supply is disconnected or in some other manner cut off from the vapor generator, the level
will drop and the float switch in the vapor generator will shut the vapor generator off.

3.8 Water Drain Line: On the external back of the test chamber, at the bottom, there is a

copper drain line for excess condensation to drain from the bottom of the chamber. Ideally,
this line would be run into a floor drain, but could be run to a shallow pan with an automatic
sump pump. Under no circumstances should this line be plugged. If the line is plugged the
condensation will pool on the floor of the test chamber and flow out when the door is
opened.

3.9 Vapor Trap: Located in the water drain line, this must be filled with approximately ½ cup of

DISTILLED WATER. This will prevent the chamber humidity from escaping and still allow
any condensation to drain away. If the unit is not used for a long period of time this trap
should be flushed and refilled with distilled water.

3.10 Pressure Relief Valve: Marked RELIEF, this valve is located just to the right of the

WATER IN fitting at the back of the unit. It provides pressure relief for the vapor generator
system. The cracking pressure is 5. psi. The protective shipping cap must be removed
before operation as this valve should never be plugged or covered.

7

CONTROL OVERVIEW

Section

4.1 Power Switch: The main power I/O (On/Off) switch controls all power to the unit, and must be in the

I/On position before any systems are operational.

4.2 High Limit Safety Thermostat: This control is marked SAFETY and is adjacent to the power switch.

It is completely independent of the Main Temperature Controller and guards against any failure which
would allow the temperature to rise past set point. If the temperature rises to the safety set point, the
Safety takes control of the heating element and allows continued use of the unit until the problem can
be resolved or service can be arranged. Please note that it is not recommended that the unit be
allowed to operate using only the Safety Thermostat as temperature uniformity will suffer.

4.3 High Limit Indicator: This pilot light, located on the Main Control Panel just above the word

SAFETY, comes ON when the High Limit Safety Thermostat is activated. Under normal operating
conditions this pilot light should never come on.

4.4 Main Temperature Controller: This control is marked C and consists of the digital display and

UP/DOWN arrow pads for inputting set point temperatures and calibration.

4.5 Heating Indicator: This pilot light is marked HEATING and is on when the heating elements have

been activated to reach and maintain set point.

4.6 Relative Humidity Controller: This control is marked % RH, and consists of the digital display and

UP/DOWN arrow pads for inputting set point percents and calibration. The Relative Humidity
Controller maintains internal humidity through a direct set point of 1% increments and the digital
display indicates in 1% increments. This control is solid state and proportional. The controller utilizes a
solid state thin film capacitive humidity sensor to sense the humidity within the chamber.

4.7 Injection Indicator: This pilot light is marked INJECTION and is on when water vapor is being

injected into the chamber from the vapor generator.

4.8 Water Low Indicator: This pilot light is marked WATER LOW and is on when the water level drops

in the vapor generator. The float switch is tripped, the vapor generator is turned off, and water is
released from the supply. When the vapor generator becomes full, the float switch is tripped again,
the vapor generator is turned on, and the WATER LOW pilot light turns off.

4.9 Chart Recorder: Adjacent to the control panel is a cover plate that can be removed if a chart

recorder is to be installed. Chart recorders are available from your dealer. For further information see
Section 7.0, Chart Recorder Installation.

8

THEORY OF OPERATION

Section

These humidity chambers are designed to maintain temperature and relative humidity at set
points controllable by the operator at the front panel. Air is constantly being circulated
through the chamber, monitored for comparison to set points and treated if necessary.

On all units, heating is done by electric resistance heaters that turn off and on for
temperature control. On the R units with cooling (SHC10R (HC9R), SHC10R -2 (HC9R-2),
SHC28R (HC30R), SHC28R-2 (HC30R-2)) the refrigeration compressor is continuously
active.

Chamber humidification is achieved by means of a low-pressure vapor generator injecting
water vapor into the chamber through a small orifice. The water vapor is introduced into the
chamber at the blower discharge.

It should be noted that even though the unit does incorporate an exhaust system to assist
in achieving humidity close to ambient, the unit has no way of achieving humidity lower than
that which the ambient environment will allow.

9

OPERATION

Section

It is recommended that your unit be allowed to reach operating temperature before engaging the humidifying
system. This requires setting the RH set point to 0 (zero) until the unit is at operating temperature. See
Section 6.6 for changing the RH set point.

6.1 Turn the power switch to the I/ON position. Turn the High Limit Safety thermostat to its maximum

position, clockwise and place the shelves in the chamber.

6.2 Place a reference thermometer in the chamber where it can be easily viewed, and so that it is not

touching any shelves or chamber walls. Taping the thermometer to a petri dish is a method that works
well.

6.3 Set Main Temperature Control: To enter the set point on the control, push and release either the UP

or DOWN arrow pad one time and the digital display will start to blink from bright to dim. While
blinking, the display is showing the set point, which can be changed to the desired temperature by
pushing the UP or DOWN arrow pads. If the arrow pads are not pushed within five (5) seconds, the
display will stop blinking and will read the temperature in the chamber. Allow at least twenty- four (24)
hours for the temperature to stabilize. It is recommended that set point adjustments are made again
after the calibration procedure is completed.

6.4 Calibrating Temperature Control: Compare the reading on the reference thermometer with the

digital display. If there is an unacceptable difference, put the display into calibrate mode by pressing
both the UP and DOWN arrow pads at the same time and holding them in until the two outside
decimal points start to flash. When the decimal points are flashing, the display can be calibrated to
match the reference thermometer by pressing the UP or DOWN arrow pad until the display reads the
correct value. Allow the unit to stabilize again until five (5) consecutive readings at five (5) minute
intervals read a constant value.

6.5 Set the High Limit Safety Thermostat: After the Main Temperature Control is set and calibrated the

6.6 Set Humidity Control: First, place a reference hygrometer in the chamber where it can be easily

6.7 Calibrating Humidity Control: Compare the reading on the reference hygrometer with the digital

High Limit needs to be set. First turn the control knob counterclockwise just until the Safety Indicator
light comes on. Then slowly turn the knob clockwise just until the Safety Indicator light goes off. The
Safety thermostat should now be set approximately ten (10) degrees above the Main Temperature
Control set point.

viewed. To enter set point mode on the Humidity Control push and release either the UP or DOWN
arrow pad and the digital display will start to blink from bright to dim. While blinking, the display is
showing the set point which can be changed using the UP or DOWN arrow pads. If the arrow pads
are not pressed within five (5) seconds, the display will revert to showing the process or actual
parameter within the chamber. Allow at least twenty four (24) hours for the unit to stabilize.

CAUTION: When opening the door there is a danger from the steam/high humidity escaping.
The door should be opened a small amount (2" - 3") then paused until the steam cloud
dissipates.

display. If there is an unacceptable difference, put the display into calibrate mode by pressing both the
UP and DOWN arrow pads at the same time until the display begins to blink. When the display is
blinking it can be calibrated to match the reference hygrometer by using the Up/Down arrow pads until
it reads the correct value. If the arrow pads are not pressed within five (5) seconds, the display will
revert to showing the process or actual parameter within the chamber. Allow the unit to stabilize
again.