Types of Test Chamber Cooling System
There are two major types of chamber cooling systems, expendable refrigerants and mechanically cooled.
Expendable Refrigerants
Expendable refrigerants are liquid/gases that can be injected directly into the space being cooled or into heat
exchangers, similar to mechanical systems. As the liquid enters the chamber (directly or through a fin coil) it
absorbs heat and flashes to a gas. The gas is then vented out of the chamber and should be ducted outdoors.
The two most popular refrigerants are liquid nitrogen (LN2) and liquid carbon dioxide (CO2). Cryogenic
temperatures down to - 184˚C can be achieved with LN2. CO2 on the other hand can only achieve
temperature down to -68˚C. Both of these gases are environmental safe and
can be vented to the atmosphere. Note: it is imperative that the gases be vented
outdoors. These gases displace oxygen and asphyxia can occur if the chamber is not
properly vented.
Mechanically cooled
Mechanically-cooled refrigeration systems are fundamentally the same as those used
in home refrigerators. They utilize a compressor and circulate a refrigerant around a
closed loop system. The ultimate low temperature required by your testing
determines the type of refrigeration system needed.
Single Stage
Single-stage refrigeration systems typically can pull the temperature in the chamber down to - 34˚C.
Some manufacturers rate their single stage systems down to -40˚C. However, due to the refrigerant used
there is very little cooling capacity available at -40˚C and can be difficult to achieve. For continuous operation at
-40˚C and below most manufacturers recommend a cascade refrigeration system.
Cascade
Cascade refrigeration systems have two separate refrigeration systems working to cool the chamber down to an
ultimate low of -73˚C and -85˚C on industrial freezer models. The first stage refrigeration system cools
and condenses the refrigerant in the second stage. The second stage refrigerant flows through an evaporator
located in the chamber which cools the air. These systems can become very complex depending on your
application.
