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Facility 232 is a medium-sized chamber used for thermal and humidity cycling of medium-sized test items. A full-opening, hinged front door with a window allows for access and viewing.

Mode of Operation

The test item is installed in the chamber and connected to an external power source and data acquisition equipment via an access port. After ambient functional checks are completed, electrical heaters warm, and a cascade refrigeration system cools the air stream. A separate cooling unit provides dehumidification, and an electrically heated vapor generator provides humidification. The preferred procedure is to operate the chamber with a hot cycled before decreasing the temperature below +4°C (+39°F). A dry nitrogen purge system regulates humidity in the chamber to prevent frost build-up on the test item. Five integral gloves are provided in the front of the chamber for "glovebox" type testing of mechanisms, etc.


Parameters

Temperature Range: -80°C to +150°C
Humidity Range: 15% to 95% (between +85°C max and +4°C min dewpoint)
Heating Capacity: 18 kW
Cooling Capacity: 22 kW


Physical Characteristics

Test Volume: 48" x 48" x 48" (W x D x H)
Viewport Size: 24" x 24"
Access Port Size: 6"


Integral Instrumentation

Payload Temperature:18 thermocouple channels