C Series Size 20 Salt Spray Chamber
The Auto Technology C Series Size 20 is an industrial salt spray chamber providing ~20 ft³ (594 L) of usable test volume. Engineered for repeatable ASTM B117, ISO 9227, and related accelerated corrosion test protocols.
- Capacity: Accommodates up to 160 standard test panels on slotted racks
- Solution Storage: Integrated 60-gallon internal reservoir
- Controls: 6-inch color touchscreen interface with stored method profiles
- Utility Requirements: 208V–480V electrical, compressed air, pressurized DI water, and direct exterior exhaust
Chambers are customized to order. Contact us to configure dimensions, utilities, and sample handling fixtures.
Description
The Auto Technology C Series Size 20 is a salt spray test chamber engineered for
ASTM B117, ISO 9227 NSS / AASS / CASS,
JIS Z 2371, ISO 7253, IEC 60068-2-11,
EIA-364-31, and MIL-STD-810 Method 509.7 testing.
It provides approximately 20 ft³ (594 L) of usable specimen volume, an integrated
60-gallon solution reservoir, a baffled fog-delivery tower, and 6-inch touchscreen controls.
Usable Volume: ~20 ft³ / 594 L
Excludes lid volume; holds up to 160 standard panels.
Solution Reservoir: 60 Gallons
Internal heated reservoir maintains solution temperature.
Fog Delivery: Baffled Tower
Separates atomization from workspace to reduce droplet fallout.
Chamber Overview
The C Series Size 20 exposes metal substrates, coatings, plated finishes, and fasteners to a controlled corrosive salt fog environment. Operating via standardized test methods, the unit maintains temperature, atomization rate, and collection fallout within specified tolerances.
The molded non-corrosive cabinet houses an internal 60-gallon solution tank positioned within the heated zone, ensuring test solution is pre-conditioned to chamber temperature prior to atomization.
Fog Delivery & Operation
Atomization is isolated from the specimen exposure zone to prevent direct fluid spraying onto test parts:
- Air Conditioning: Compressed air is filtered, regulated, and humidified through the heated bubble tower.
- Solution Draw: A venturi atomizer draws 5% sodium chloride solution from the internal reservoir.
- Baffled Dispersion: The aerosol passes through an internal tower baffle to eliminate oversized droplets before entering the workspace.
- Collection: Funnels monitor fallout rates to verify compliance with standard collection targets (e.g., 1.0 to 2.0 mL/hr per 80 cm²).
Applicable Test Standards
- ASTM B117 — Salt Spray (Fog) Testing
- ISO 9227 — NSS, AASS, and CASS Testing
- JIS Z 2371 — Methods of Salt Spray Testing
- IEC 60068-2-11 — Test Ka: Salt Mist
- MIL-STD-810 — Method 509.7 (Salt Fog)
- EIA-364-31 — Salt Spraying for Electrical Connectors
Size 20 Dimensions & Capacity
Published dimensions reflect usable workspace. Lid volume is excluded from capacity calculations.
Configured with standard slotted racks holding up to 160 test panels.
Options, Racking, and Consumables
Chamber Upgrades
- Data Logging (Part #701350): Records performance data to internal memory card.
- Wet Bulb Option (Part #710675): Adds humidity verification capability.
- Mixing Tank Package (Part #700825): Includes push-button DI fill, level indicators, and air sparging.
- Power Exhaust Vent Kit (Part #701000): Required for exhaust runs exceeding 15 feet.
Sample Handling & Racks (Size 20)
- Support Angles (Part #700400): Structural fiberglass angles for shelf and rack mounting.
- Support Rods (Part #700420): 1/2 in diameter rods for sample suspension.
- 15° Slotted Support Bar (Part #700410): Holds 3×6 in and 4×12 in panels at 15° from vertical.
- Slotted Support Rack (Part #C100324): 8.5×23 in tray with 40-panel capacity.
Consumables
- 5% Salt Solution (Part #C173300): 55-gallon drum, ready-to-use ASTM B117 solution.
- Certified Salt (Part #C173273-C): 99.9% pure sodium chloride (50 lb bag).
- pH Meter Kit (Part #C264000): Digital meter for testing solution and condensate pH.
Touchscreen Controller
The 6-inch color touchscreen manages test setpoints, stored method execution, alarm states, and manual functions.
The interface is designed for straightforward daily operation without complex software dependencies.
Facility & Utility Requirements
Electrical
Requires a lockable fused disconnect switch installed within operator view. Available in 208V (1Ø/3Ø), 240V (1Ø/3Ø), and 480V (3Ø) configurations (14A to 30A max draw depending on configuration).
Plumbing
Chamber drain: 1 in hose barb (discharge to open drain; do not hard-plumb). DI water supply: 3/8 in O.D. poly tubing from a pressurized source (25–100 psi) required for bubble tower operation.
Air & Ventilation
Compressed air: 30–50 psi (clean, dry source). Exhaust: 1.25 in PVC piping vented directly to building exterior. Power exhaust vent kit required if runs exceed 15 ft.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the usable volume of the Size 20 chamber?
The Size 20 provides ~20 ft³ (594 L) of usable specimen exposure space. Lid volume is excluded from published capacity.
How many test panels fit in the chamber?
Using standard 23×8.5 in slotted racks, the Size 20 accommodates up to 160 test panels.
Is pressurized DI water required?
Yes. The bubble tower relies on a continuous, pressurized DI water supply (25–100 psi) for atomization and humidification.
Can the chamber run CASS testing?
Yes. The C Series supports NSS, AASS, and CASS. Due to corrosive residues from acetic acid and copper chloride, many laboratories utilize a dedicated chamber for CASS work.
