The UV weathering tester uses fluorescent UV lamps as a light source to perform accelerated weathering tests on materials by simulating UV radiation and condensation in natural sunlight, in order to obtain the results of material weathering resistance. It can simulate environmental conditions such as UV, rain, high temperature, high humidity, condensation and darkness in the natural climate, and by reproducing these conditions, merge them into one cycle and let it perform automatically to complete the number of cycles.
UV aging test chamber properly control the temperature so that the sample last week sex produce condensation, to comprehensively obtain the results of sunlight, humidity and temperature on the destruction of polymer materials, the impact of the results (material aging, including fading, loss of light, strength reduction, cracking, peeling, chalking and oxidation, etc.). Fluorescent UV light from UV lamps etc. reproduces the effects of sunlight, and condensation and water spray systems reproduce the effects of rain and dew. We control the irradiation energy and temperature throughout the test cycle. Typical test cycles are usually UV irradiation at high temperatures and a dark, humid condensation cycle with a relative humidity of 100%; applications include paints and coatings, plastics, wood products, glues, and more.
To ensure the normal use of the UV aging test chamber, we must not ignore routine maintenance and cleaning of the environmental chamber.
UV weathering tester role and principle:
The UV aging tester uses a fluorescent UV lamp to accelerate a weathering test. It simulates the UV radiation and condensation in sunlight. This tests the materials’ resistance to weathering. It can simulate natural climate conditions, like UV, rain, heat, and humidity. And it can also simulate darkness and condensation. It does this by merging them into one cycle and running it automatically.
Environmental Requirements for UV Aging Tester Installation in the Laboratory
We recommend installing the UV weathering tester in an area with an ambient temperature of 23 ± 5 °C and a relative humidity of 50 ± 25% RH, as exceeding these limits may cause chamber temperature or humidity failure problems with the UV weathering tester. Do not operate the unit in a laboratory where the temperature exceeds 40 °C or the relative humidity exceeds 80%.
The laboratory must remain dry, clean, free of dust, particles, exhaust fumes, and salt spray, equipped with an HVAC system, and you should install the QUV away from windows or HVAC vents.
You cannot install the UV aging tester in the following places:
(1) Laboratories where corrosive equipment is installed
(2) Laboratories where equipment/processes that generate dust, particles, exhaust fumes, etc. are installed
(3) Temperature and relative humidity is not controllable laboratory
(4) Laboratory installed near hot and cold air sources
When you install a UV weathering tester, consider the following environmental issues:
Outdoor: Rain and dust can cause corrosion or short-circuit electrical components.
Metal Dust/Metal Chips: Do not place the unit near metal cutters or metal grinders. Conductive metal dust or metal shavings in the air can damage electronic components.
Carbon Fibre: Do not use the device where carbon fibre or carbon reinforced plastic is being cut. Conductive carbon fibre can damage the electronics.
Conductive pigments: Do not use the device where carbon black or other conductive Pigment dust is present in the air. And conductive dust can damage electronic components.
Other corrosive gases: Do not expose the device to acid mist, sulphur dioxide gas, or other corrosive gases.
Excessive voltage: Do not supply the equipment with a voltage higher than 10% of the voltage listed on the nameplate.
Low Voltage: Repeated power failures or voltages less than 90% of rated voltage can damage electrical components.
UV aging test chamber calibration methods mainly include the following aspects:
Temperature calibration:
Use a standard thermometer to measure the temperature of each place inside the test chamber and compare it with the temperature displayed by the control system of the test chamber. If a difference exists, the control system must adjust to accurately control the temperature.
Humidity Calibration:
Measure the humidity inside the chamber using a standard hygrometer and compare it to the humidity displayed by the chamber control system. If there is a difference, we should make adjustments to ensure accurate humidity control.
UV Radiation Calibration:
Measure the UV radiation inside the test chamber using a professional UV radiometer and compare it to the standard values provided by the manufacturer. If a discrepancy occurs, someone needs to adjust or replace the UV radiation lamp.
Time Calibration:
We perform time calibration by comparing the time inside the test chamber with the standard time. If there is a discrepancy, we will need to adjust or repair the time control system to ensure the accuracy of the time.
A professional technician should perform calibration, and the use of the test chamber along with the manufacturer’s requirements should determine the frequency of calibration. Experts generally recommend performing calibration once a year. After calibration, the team should record information such as the calibration date, calibration personnel, calibration data, etc., and they can use these records as the basis for subsequent inspection and tracking of test results.
UV aging test chamber precautions:
Precautions: ultraviolet aging test chamber daily use process, should pay attention to do the following points:
1. Non-dedicated operators shall not operate at will.
2.Minimise the time of opening the chamber door during the test phase.
3. Strong impact should not subject the sensing device inside the chamber.
4. Do not touch the UV lamp inside the box.
5.During the operation of the equipment, be sure to maintain sufficient water supply.
6.When the equipment is not able to solve the problem by itself, please contact with us.
7.After a long time stop using, if you need to use it again, you should carefully check the water source, power supply and all parts to make sure that there is no error before starting the equipment.
8.Because the ultraviolet radiation has strong harm to the personnel (especially the eyes), so the operator should minimise the contact with the ultraviolet radiation (the contact time should be <1min). The recommendation is for the operator to wear protective goggles and sheaths.
Operational safety:
Ensure that the test chamber is clean and dry to avoid the influence of impurities on the test results. Non-dedicated operators should not operate at will.
Light source protection:
UV light source is harmful to the human body, the test should wear protective glasses, avoid looking directly at the lamp.
Temperature control:
Keep the indoor temperature constant to avoid temperature fluctuations affecting the experimental results.
Regular maintenance:
Regularly check the operation status of the test chamber to ensure that the test runs smoothly. After the test, the team should clean up the residues in the test chamber in time and switch off the power and water sources.
UV light source has high irradiance, which is harmful to human body. In the test staff should try to avoid UV light, look at the light source, should wear protective glasses, never look directly at the lamp.
When the naked eye cannot determine the colour change of the test sample, a colour difference meter can determine the colour change.
Choose the wavelength 313nm lamp and wavelength 340nm lamp.
When the water level of the tank drops to the alarm line, you should add pure water in time to avoid running the pump in a waterless state.
Non-specialised personnel do not touch the instrument and operation, to prevent burns, abrasions.
After a long time out of use, such as the need to use again, must carefully check the water, power supply and various components, to determine the correctness of the equipment before starting.
Please do not open the door of the UV aging tester during the test to avoid UV radiation injury.
You cannot determine the UV aging tester by the naked eye; you can use the colour difference meter to determine the colour change.
UV aging test chamber can choose the wavelength of 313nm lamps and wavelength 340nm lamps.
The UV aging test chamber tests the surface against the light source.
UV UV aging test chamber for a long time after stopping the use, such as the need to use again, must carefully check the water supply, power supply and various components, to determine the correctness of the equipment before starting.
UV aging tester maintenance and repair
In order to make the UV aging tester have a long service life, work better and keep good condition for a long time, the following are some key maintenance steps and precautions:
Power supply and power management:
Disconnect the power supply in non-operating condition and keep the equipment dry.
Configure air or power switches of appropriate capacity at the installation site to ensure the stability of the power supply.
Check the circuit control system before each start-up of the UV tester;
Whether the power cord is properly connected and grounded according to specifications;
Cut off the power supply of the whole machine after finishing the test.
Environmental conditions:
Maintain the ambient temperature between 5℃ and 30℃, and the ambient humidity not more than 85%.
Place the equipment on a level surface, keep it out of direct sunlight, and position it away from flammable and explosive materials and dust.
Maintain a dry environment in the laboratory;
After use, cover the plastic outer cover to avoid dust intrusion. Remove dust, if any.
Water quality management:
Use purified, distilled or deionised water to ensure that the water resistivity is ≥500Ω.m.
Regularly check the wastewater discharge system to ensure that it works properly.
When the equipment is in non-working condition, keep it dry, discharge the water after running, and dry the studio and box.
Equipment operation and protection:
Operators should wear protective goggles and sheaths to avoid direct contact with UV light.
Prohibit chemicals from touching the equipment and ensure that the equipment is far away from combustible and explosive materials.
Avoid external impact on the box; prohibit the setting of temperature exceeding the maximum temperature specified in this equipment;
Check the over-temperature protector to see whether the factory has set it (the factory has adjusted it and generally does not need further adjustment);
Install air-exchange fans in the laboratory to keep the room ventilated.
Pay attention to the water level of the water tank during the spray test, and replenish pure water in time;
The team must install the wastewater discharge system of the UV aging tester in place.
Non-professionals are strictly prohibited from operating this equipment.
Regular maintenance and cleaning:
Keep the appearance of the box neat and clean; avoid dust intrusion into the box;
After each test, take out the samples and clean the inner liner of the equipment;
And after each test, clean the equipment liner and the workshop to ensure that the appearance of the equipment is neat.
After use, promptly cover the plastic outer cover to prevent dust intrusion.
By following these steps, you can ensure the long-term stable operation of the UV aging test chamber, and minimise equipment failure and prolong service life.
Water source management:
ensure that the water level of the water tank is not lower than the alarm line, add pure water in a timely manner to avoid running the pump in a waterless state.
Equipment protection:
Avoid strong impacts on the equipment, especially the internal UV lamps and sensing devices.
Environmental control:
Keep the equipment dry when it is not in working condition, drain off the water after running, and dry the workshop and cabinet.
By following these precautions, you can ensure the effective use and long-term stability of the UV aging tester, so as to obtain reliable test results.
Because the UV light source its irradiation intensity is very high, it is very harmful to the human body. The operator should wear protective goggles during the test to minimise unnecessary contact with ultraviolet light and avoid burns.
If the equipment is not used for a long time, such as the need to use again, you should carefully check the water supply, power supply and various components, to determine the correctness of the equipment before starting.
Place the equipment in an easily ventilated area (install ventilation fans to maintain indoor ventilation as recommended), and avoid installing it in dusty places.
If you find the equipment faulty and cannot eliminate the issue yourself, please contact the relevant personnel for confirmation, and do not disassemble it privately.
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