Memmert Climate Chamber ICH260, 256 l, -10 to +60 °C, 10 to 80 % rh

The Memmert Climate Chamber ICH260 has 256 litres of interior and is the middle one of the three ICH sizes. It cools with a compressor, controls temperature from -10 to +60 °C and actively controls humidity from 10 to 80 % rh, with humidification and dehumidification. Operation is via the ControlCOCKPIT TwinDISPLAY. The unit stands mobile on castors, and the external dimensions are 824 x 1,552 x 685 mm (W x H x D).

Compressor cooling and air jacket temperature control

Cooling and heating is by a compressor system that works with the refrigerant R290 (propane) and is CFC-free. An automatic defrost is included. The interior is temperature-controlled via an air jacket system, and the thermal jacket is separated from the interior, so that no evaporator-related drying out of the material occurs. An electronically controllable air turbine can be set in 10 % steps.

Temperature and humidity

Without humidity, the working range extends from -10 °C to +60 °C, with humidity from +10 °C to +60 °C. At sub-zero temperatures the chamber is not suitable for permanent storage, and in continuous operation the glass door can ice up. Humidity is displayed with a resolution of 0.1 % and can be set to an accuracy of 0.5 %, temperature to 0.1 °C. A hot steam generator humidifies, and humidity is supplied with distilled water from an external container via a self-priming pump, with a water canister with connection hose included. Alternatively there is a central water supply for the domestic water connection, with filter cartridges (ZWVR6) or without (ZWVR7). Without filter cartridges, only demineralised, fully deionised water with 5 to 10 μS/cm conductivity and a pH value between 5 and 7 is to be used.

Interior, loading and installation

The stainless steel interior measures 640 x 800 x 500 mm (W x H x D), and the depth is reduced by 33 mm for the fan. Two stainless steel grid shelves are included, and up to 9 shelves are possible, with 20 kg each and 200 kg total load. The housing outside is made of textured stainless steel, the rear wall is fully galvanised, and the net weight is approx. 160 kg. The chamber is connected with 230 V, 50/60 Hz and draws approx. 1,350 W. The environment may be 15 to 28 °C warm, with a restricted temperature range up to 34 °C, at a maximum of 70 % rel. humidity, non-condensing. Installation height up to 2,000 m above sea level.

Control and safety

The TwinDISPLAY works with two Pt100 sensors of DIN class A in 4-wire measurement, which monitor each other and take over the function of the other in the event of a fault. SetpointWAIT starts the process time only when the setpoint temperature is reached, and the countdown clock runs from 1 minute to 99 days. Programs are transferred via Ethernet or USB with the AtmoCONTROL software, and the program sequence remains saved in the event of a power failure. A mechanical temperature limiter of protection class 1 to DIN 12880 switches the heating off at approx. 10 °C above the maximum chamber temperature. On the display, an adjustable temperature monitor of protection class 3.3 or an adjustable temperature limiter of protection class 2 can also be selected. AutoSAFETY switches the heating off when exceeded and the cooling unit when fallen below, and a self-diagnosis system as well as visual and acoustic alarm are added.

Selection guide: ICH260, other ICH sizes and the HPPeco

The ICH110 has 108 l at the same temperature and humidity ranges, and the ICH750 749 l with up to 14 shelves and 30 kg per shelf. The ICH260 sits in between with up to 9 shelves (ICH110: 5), and 20 kg per shelf are permitted as on the ICH110. Compared with the Peltier chamber HPP260eco, which also has 256 l, the ranges differ: the HPP260eco sets 0 to +70 °C without humidity, and with humidity +5 to +70 °C at up to 90 % rh. The ICH260 sets -10 to +60 °C, and with humidity it works from +10 to +60 °C at up to 80 % rh.

Typical applications

The ICH260 is a climate chamber for stability testing, including within these frameworks:

• Stability testing according to ICH and GMP
• Stability testing according to WHO, EMA, ASEAN, GLP and GCCP

Technical details

Other sizes in the series

The ICH climate chamber is available in three sizes from 108 to 749 litres, all with TwinDISPLAY:

Scope of delivery

• 1x Memmert Climate Chamber ICH260
• Factory calibration certificate (+10 °C and +37 °C, 60 % rh at +30 °C)
• Inner glass doors and fully insulated stainless steel doors with 2-point locking (compression door closure)
• Humidity-tight silicone feedthrough at the back, inner diameter 40 mm, with silicone sealing plug
• 2x stainless steel grid shelf, electropolished
• Water canister with connection hose

Regulatory information

The unit is an electrical device within the meaning of the German Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act (ElektroG). The WEEE registration number of the manufacturer Memmert GmbH + Co. KG is DE 66812464. Notes on returning old devices can be found on our page Environment and disposal. The climate chamber cools with the refrigerant R290 (propane).

Individual requirements and procurement service

Available as factory options for the ICH260 are, among others, an interior socket, lateral feedthroughs with 23 mm and a silicone feedthrough with 40 mm inner diameter, 4-20 mA current interfaces for temperature, humidity and up to three Pt100 sensors, a fan speed monitoring with heating shutdown, a compressed air drying, a lockable door, a potential-free contact for fault messages, a door-open detection and MobileALERT by SMS. Accessories include stainless steel grid shelves, perforated sheets and drip trays, a USB-Ethernet adapter, an Ethernet cable, the USB user ID stick, the FDA basic licence for AtmoCONTROL FDA and an external measuring device for temperature and humidity. Calibrations, IQ/OQ documents, on-site qualifications and maintenance contracts can be requested. For individual requirements, LT Laborhandel will advise you personally.