Thermoline Scientific Equipment TCH-150, TCH-460 Operating Instructions Manual

Thermoline Scientific Equipment Pty. Ltd.

Email: [e-mail] Web: www.thermoline.com.au

TEMPERATURE AND HUMIDITY

CHAMBERS

MODELS INCLUDE:

TCH-150 TCH-460

WITH EUROTHERM 3216 CONTROL

T/A Thermoline Scientific ABN 80 000 859 129

10-12 Ross Place. Wetherill Park . N.S.W. 2164. Australia.

P.O. Box 6862, Wetherill Park Delivery Centre, N.S.W. 1851. Australia.

Phone: [phone] . International: 61 2 9604 3911.

Fax [phone]. International: 61 2 9725 1706.

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IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

This manual contains operating and safety information. The operator must read and understand
the contents of this manual prior to using the equipment. Incorrect operation may cause harm or
damage, the severity of which is classified by the following alert boxes. Ensure that this manual is
saved for future reference:

Warning alerts apply when there is a possibility of personal injury.

Caution alerts apply where there is a possibility of damage to the

equipment.
To maintain safe operation of this equipment be aware of the ALERT BOXES that appear
throughout these operating instructions

INDEX:

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Page 1
INDEX: Page 1 & 2
PRODUCT WARRANTY: Page 3
INTRODUCTION: Page 4
THE MANUAL: Page 4
UNPACKING: Page 4
LOCATION & SERVICES REQUIRED:

• GENERAL: Page 4

• LOCATION: Page 5

• ELECTRICAL: Page 5

• WATER: Pages 5 & 6

• DRAIN: Page 6

ASSEMBLY & INSTALLATION:

• ASSEMBLY: Page 6

• INSTALLATION: Pages 6, 7 & 8

FUNCTION: Page 8
PERFORMANCE: Page 8
C-TICK: Page 9
PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION:

• CONTROLS: Page 9

• AI R CIRCULATION: Page 9

• TEMPERATURE: Page 9

• HUMIDITY: Page 9

• SECT IO N OF SIDE VI EW (Figure 1): Page 10

EXPLANATION OF CONTROLS:

• CONT ROL PANEL LAYOUT (Figur e 2): Page 10

• MAIN SWITCH: Page 11

• T E MPERATURE CO NT ROL: Page 11

• HUMIDITY CONTROL: Page 11

• OVER TEMP LIGHT: Page 11

• HU MIDI TY SWITCH: Page 11

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OTHER CONTROLS:

• WATER PRESSURE REGULATOR: Page 11

• AIR HEATING ELEMENT SAFETY: Page 11

• HU MIDITY HEATING ELEMENT SAFETY: Page 11

ELECTRICAL – POWER LEAD: Page 12
OPERATING THE CABINET: Pages 12 to 16

• CHANGING THE SET VALUE: Pages 13

• ADJUSTING THE VENTS: Pages 14 & 15

SENSOR CORRECTION FOR CALIBRATION PURPOSES: Page 16
MEASURING EQUIPMENT: Page 16
ADJUSTING THE CALIBRATION OFFSET: Page 17
MAINTENANCE:

• CLEANING: Page 18

• CARING FOR STAINLESS STEEL: Pag e 18

• WATER TROUGH: Page 18

• WATER FLOW ADJUSTMENT: Page 19

SPARE PARTS LIST: Page 20
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: Page 20
OPTIONS:

• RETRANSMISSION: Page 21

• CHART RECORDER: Page 21

• ALARMS: Page 21

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PRODUCT WARRANTY:

1. This warranty is limited to goods purchased and installed in *Australia.

Twelve (12) Months full warranty on parts and labour by Thermoline Scientific through its
authorised dealers or service organisations, will repair or at its option replace any part found to
contain a manufacturing defect in material or workmanship without charg e to the purchaser for
parts, service labour or any necessary shipping or cartage costs for parts only. This warranty
does not apply to damage caused by accident, misuse, fire, flood, or acts of God. It does not
apply to damage caused from failure to properly install, operate or maintain the goods in
accordance with the printed instructions provided. To obtain prompt warranty and service,
simply contact Thermoline Scientific.

2. If warranty service is required, Thermoline Scientific will endeavour to have an authorised

service organisation carry out the work if there is an available ag ent, however if it is decided to
return the equipment to our main workshop then it is the customers responsibility to pay the
freight cost of this return, Thermoline Scientific, after the repair, will return the goods at our
cost, to the customer.

The customer should always contact Thermoline Scientific for approval to return and
seek advice as to the best and most cost effective method of return.

3. *Export Warranty: Limited to r eplacement of Part s O nly. Supplied Ex F actory, Australia. This

warranty does not apply to refrigeration compressor(s), that are not protected by Thermoline
Scientific factory installed (VFP) Voltage Fluctuation Protection unit.

4. Limitation of Liability: Except to the extent not permitted by law, Thermoline Scientific

excludes all warranties, conditions and terms implied by law. If any implied warranty, condition
or term does exist, Thermoline Scientific’s liability for breach of that implied term is limit ed, at
the option of Thermoline Scientific, to replacement or repair of goods or part thereof, or
payment of the cost of repairing or replacing the goods or any part of the goods.
The buyer does not have, under any circumstances, any cause of action or right to claim or
recover from Thermoline Scientific for, or in respect of, any loss or damage of any kind
whatsoever, caused directly or indirectly by:

• any defec t in mat erial or workm anship of, or any other defect whatsoever in, or unsuitability
for, any purpose of the goods or any part of the goods; or

• default or negligence on the part of Thermoline Scientific or of any employee,

contractor or agent of Thermoline Scientific or of any person for whom
Thermoline Scientific had legal responsibility relating to the supply, or otherwise
concerning the goods or any legal part of the goods.

5. The 12 month warranty period starts from the date the equipment is supplied.
When making a claim for repairs under warranty please state the model number
and serial number. These are printed on the compliance sticker, normally found
on the front of the cabinet. Our records will show when the cabinet was
despatched and if the warranty claim is valid.

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INTRODUCTION:

Thank you for selecting this product from the large range of products manufactured in Australia by
Thermoline Scientific.

The materials incorporated in this design have been carefully selected for their durability, technical
performance, and practicability, the resultant product is one that we are proud of.

THE MAN UAL:

Please take the time to read this manual, it contains information that will allow you to understand
how the equipment operates, what it can and cannot do, how to operate the controls, and how to
maintain the equipment.
Ensure that the manual is kept safe but accessible for current and future operators to refer to.

UNPACKING:

Remove the equipment from the packing material, and check that the delivery is complete. Delivery
should include the following:

• 1 x Temperature and humidity cabinet.

• Stainless st eel open wire type shelves (TCH-150 = 2 shelves, TCH-460 = 4 shelves).

• 1 x Hose connection fitting.

• 1 x Operating manual.

• 1 x Perspex holder.

Optional extras: These items could be included as part of the packing list if ordered:

• Water supply bottle (25 litre bottle complete with hose connection fittings).

• 1 x 4 pin plug for retransmission connection.

• Circular chart recorder (complete with chart paper and chart pens).

• Data loggers.

• Extra shelves.

Retain the packing materials until the equipment has been thoroughly tested.
Notify the detail of any damage without delay to your supplier, or Thermoline Scientific.

LOCATION AND SERVICES REQUIRED:

This section deals with the provision and connection of services that will be required for your
cabinet to function properly, and advice on where to locate the cabinet.

GENERAL:

The equipment is designed to operate under the following ambient conditions:

• Indoor use only.

• Ambient temperat ure range: 10ºC to 35ºC

• Ambient humidity range: Maximum relative humidity of 85%RH for temperatures up to 25ºC

• Opt imum performance of the chamber is achieved within ambient temperatures of 20ºC to

25ºC range, and 45%RH to 55%RH. The cabinet can be used outside these ranges but
performance levels will be affected. Eg: If ambient temperature levels are high (above
30ºC), the attainable temperature and humidity levels inside the cabinet will be limited.

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LOCATION:

The cabinet can operate at temperatures up to 80ºC with high humidity (see control envelope page

8). Therefore it should placed in a well ventilated area away from sensitive equipment that may be

affected by the local heat and humidity.
Since ambient air is usually drawn through the cabinet, the operating range of the cabinet will be
greatly affected by the ambient temperature and humidity. It is best located in a stable air
conditioned environment.
The cabinet is provided with castor wheels so that it can be easily moved around.
Allow sufficient space around the cabinet to provide adequate ventilation. We recommend a space
of 30cm on both sides and 10cm at the rear. In particular, make sure that the ventilation slots
around the top of the cabinet are not blocked off or restricted in any way.
Ensure that there is sufficient room in front of the cabinet to allow the door to open.

SERVICES:
ELECTRICAL:

Confirm that the power supply is suitable for this equipment.
Refer to the equipment rating plate for details:
TCH-150: 10 amps 240 volts 50Hz.
TCH-460: 15 amps 240 volts 50Hz
Note: Only the TCH-150 model plugs into a standard 10 amp power point (otherwise known as a
general purpose outlet or gpo). The TCH-460 requires a 15 amp power point. You will notice that
the plug has a large earth pin and will not plug into a standard 10 amp power point.

WARNING: Ensure that the electrical outlet is earthed, is the correct voltage, and

capable of carrying the stated current.

Model TCH-150 is suitable for bench top or floor use, whereas the TCH-460 is

suitable for floor standing only. These cabinets are not suitable for stacking.

WATER:

A water supply is required for the humidity trough inside the cabinet. The connection for the water
supply is found on the right hand side of the cabinet.
Since the water level is automatically regulated, the water supply can come from either town water
or from a gravity fed water reservoir.
If the water supply is town water, we recommend that it should be filtered to prevent the build up of
mineral salts frequently found in town water. The water in the humidity trough is constantly being
heated, and therefore evaporation will leave mineral deposits behind.
An alternative method, and one that we recommend, is to use a water supply from a gravity fed
tank. Thermoline supply an optional 25 litre water tank complete with hoses and connection fittings.
This tank should be elevated by at least 1 metre and filled with water, the 25 litres would last at
least 2 to 3 days even under the worst operating conditions.
The gravity fed water supply has a number of advantages over a town water supply:

• First ly, the water in the tank can be “treated water”: such as distilled water or deionised

water. The deionised water does have the potential under certain conditions to corrode
stainless steel (refer to “caring for stainless steel” on page 18). Using distilled water will not

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leave behind the mineral deposits that town water does, this will keep the water trough
cleaner and reduce maintenance.

• Secondly, if the automatic water level controls were to fail or if there was a water leak, the

worst spillage would be 25 litres instead of a potential flood.

DRAIN:

Because we are controlling humidity levels inside the cabinet, there may be water coming out of
the drain located inside the cabinet. There is also a drain valve and an overflow pipe in case of a
malfunction.
Therefore it is essential that the location for the cabinet has a floor drain for the water to flow into.
Water from the cabinet will exit through a 19mm drain pipe on the left hand side of the cabinet, you
will need to connect this drain pipe to the floor drain (see note below).

IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THE CABINET DRAIN PIPE IS CONNECTED TO A

SUITABLE WASTE OUTLET (DRAIN) AT ALL TIMES. MAKE SURE THAT THERE
ARE NO RESTRICTIONS IN THE DRAIN PIPE, IT WILL NEED TO COPE WITH AN
OVERFLOW OF 3 LITRES PER MINUTE IN THE CASE OF A FAULT.

WE ADVISE THAT THE WATER SUPPLY AND DRAIN PIPES SHOULD BE

FLEXIBLE. THIS WILL ALLOW THE CABINET TO BE MOVED AWAY FROM THE

WALL FOR ACCESS TO THE REAR OF THE CABINET DURING SERVI CE.
ASSEMBLY & INSTALLATION:
ASSEMBLY:

SHELVES: Place the shelves at the required level. The shelf runners are fixed at 100mm centres.
PERSPEX HOLDER: This holder is provided so that the operating manual can be kept with the

equipment. Use the 2 x cross-head screws mounted on the left side of the cabinet above the cable
port to fix the Perspex holder to the cabinet. See photo 2.

INSTALLATION:

• Locate the cabinet in a well ventilated area on a firm level surface as described earlier. The
cabinet is fitted with castor wheels so that it can easily be moved during installation.

• Leave sufficient room at the rear and sides for air flow around the cabinet as previously
described (30cm each side 10cm at the rear).

• Leave enough room in front of the door to allow it to open fully when loading the cabinet.

• Connect the drain pipe at the left side of the cabinet (see photo 1 & 2 for location), to a

suitable floor drain with flexible hose (drain pipe is 19mm diameter).

• Connect the water supply to the cabinet, either mains water or gravity fed, to the snap on
connector located at the right side of the cabinet (photo 1).

• Note: Gravity fed water tank should be at least 1 metre above the ground, to provide a
suitable head for the water to flow properly.

• Once the cabinet is in position with all of the services connected, use the lock-down levers
on the castor wheels to prevent the cabinet from moving.

18-5-10 TCH-150 & 460