m be certain. Series 651 Environmental Chambers Product Information Model 651.04 Model 651.05 Model 651.06 Model 651.10 015-200-501 F Copyright information Trademark information © 2015 MTS Systems Corporation. All rights reserved. MTS is a registered trademark of MTS Systems Corporation within the United States. This trademark may be protected in other countries. Eurotherm is a registered trademark of Eurotherm Controls Ltd. Partlow is a registered trademark of Partlow Corporation. Teflon is a registered trademark of Du Point Company. Publication information 2 Manual Part Number Publication Date 015-200-501 B January 1999 015-200-501 C September 1999 015-200-501 D March 2008 015-200-501 E December 2014 015-200-501 F April 2015 Manual Template 4.3 Contents Technical Support 5 How to Get Technical Support 5 Before You Contact MTS 5 If You Contact MTS by Phone 6 Problem Submittal Form in MTS Manuals 7 Preface 9 Before You Begin 9 Conventions 10 Documentation Conventions 10 Introduction 13 Safety 17 General Safety Practices: Environmental Components 17 Safety Practices: Environmental Chamber 22 Installation 25 Environmental Chamber Mobile Cart, Stand, and Legs 27 Install the Environmental Chamber 27 Connecting Liquid Nitrogen to the Chamber 30 Special Consideration for Acumen Installation 34 Parts List for Acumen Installation (refer to previous illustration) 38 Operation 39 Environmental Chamber 39 Operating Controls 39 Control Thermocouple Positioning 40 Specimen Removal Considerations 40 Temperature Controller 41 Series 651 Environmental Chamber Contents 3 Maintenance 45 General Chamber Maintenance 45 General Control Cabinet Maintenance 45 Replacement Parts 46 Heating Elements 46 4 Contents Series 651 Environmental Chamber Technical Support How to Get Technical Support Start with your manuals The manuals supplied by MTS provide most of the information you need to use and maintain your equipment. If your equipment includes MTS software, look for online help and README files that contain additional product information. If you cannot find answers to your technical questions from these sources, you can use the internet, e-mail, telephone, or fax to contact MTS for assistance. Technical support methods MTS web site www.mts.com MTS provides a full range of support services after your system is installed. If you have any questions about a system or product, contact MTS in one of the following ways. The MTS web site gives you access to our technical support staff by means of a Technical Support link: www.mts.com > Contact Us > Service & Technical Support E-mail Telephone techsupport@mts.com MTS Call Center 800-328-2255 Weekdays 7:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., Central Time Fax 952-937-4515 Please include “Technical Support” in the subject line. Before You Contact MTS MTS can help you more efficiently if you have the following information available when you contact us for support. Know your site number and system number The site number contains your company number and identifies your equipment type (material testing, simulation, and so forth). The number is usually written on a label on your MTS equipment before the system leaves MTS. If you do not have or do not know your MTS site number, contact your MTS sales engineer. Example site number: 571167 When you have more than one MTS system, the system job number identifies which system you are calling about. You can find your job number in the papers sent to you when you ordered your system. Example system number: US1.42460 Series 651 Environmental Chamber 5 Know information from prior technical assistance Identify the problem Know relevant computer information Know relevant software information If you have contacted MTS about this problem before, we can recall your file. You will need to tell us the: • MTS notification number • Name of the person who helped you Describe the problem you are experiencing and know the answers to the following questions: • How long and how often has the problem been occurring? • Can you reproduce the problem? • Were any hardware or software changes made to the system before the problem started? • What are the model numbers of the suspect equipment? • What model controller are you using (if applicable)? • What test configuration are you using? If you are experiencing a computer problem, have the following information available: • Manufacturer’s name and model number • Operating software type and service patch information • Amount of system memory • Amount of free space on the hard drive in which the application resides • Current status of hard-drive fragmentation • Connection status to a corporate network For software application problems, have the following information available: • The software application’s name, version number, build number, and if available, software patch number. This information is displayed briefly when you launch the application, and can typically be found in the “About” selection in the “Help” menu. • It is also helpful if the names of other non-MTS applications that are running on your computer, such as anti-virus software, screen savers, keyboard enhancers, print spoolers, and so forth are known and available. If You Contact MTS by Phone Your call will be registered by a Call Center agent if you are calling within the United States or Canada. Before connecting you with a technical support specialist, the agent will ask you for your site number, name, company, company address, and the phone number where you can normally be reached. If you are calling about an issue that has already been assigned a notification number, please provide that number. You will be assigned a unique notification number about any new issue. 6 Series 651 Environmental Chamber Identify system type Be prepared to troubleshoot Write down relevant information After you call To assist the Call Center agent with connecting you to the most qualified technical support specialist available, identify your system as one of the following types: • Electromechanical materials test system • Hydromechanical materials test system • Vehicle test system • Vehicle component test system • Aero test system Prepare yourself for troubleshooting while on the phone: • Call from a telephone when you are close to the system so that you can try implementing suggestions made over the phone. • Have the original operating and application software media available. • If you are not familiar with all aspects of the equipment operation, have an experienced user nearby to assist you. Prepare yourself in case we need to call you back: • Remember to ask for the notification number. • Record the name of the person who helped you. • Write down any specific instructions to be followed, such as data recording or performance monitoring. MTS logs and tracks all calls to ensure that you receive assistance and that action is taken regarding your problem or request. If you have questions about the status of your problem or have additional information to report, please contact MTS again and provide your original notification number. Problem Submittal Form in MTS Manuals Use the Problem Submittal Form to communicate problems you are experiencing with your MTS software, hardware, manuals, or service which have not been resolved to your satisfaction through the technical support process. This form includes check boxes that allow you to indicate the urgency of your problem and your expectation of an acceptable response time. We guarantee a timely response—your feedback is important to us. The Problem Submittal Form can be accessed: • In the back of many MTS manuals (postage paid form to be mailed to MTS) • www.mts.com > Contact Us > Problem Submittal Form (electronic form to be e-mailed to MTS) Series 651 Environmental Chamber 7 8 Series 651 Environmental Chamber Preface Before You Begin Safety first! Before you attempt to use your MTS product or system, read and understand any safety information provided with your system. Improper installation, operation, or maintenance of MTS equipment in your test facility can result in hazardous conditions that can cause severe personal injury or death and damage to your equipment and specimen. Again, read and understand the safety information provided with your system before you continue. It is very important that you remain aware of hazards that apply to your system. Other MTS manuals In addition to this manual, you might receive additional MTS manuals in paper or electronic form. If you have purchased a test system, it can include an MTS System Documentation CD. This CD contains an electronic copy of the MTS manuals that pertain to your test system, including hydraulic and mechanical component manuals, assembly drawings and parts lists, and operation and preventive maintenance manuals. Controller and application software manuals are typically included on the software CD distribution disc(s). Series 651 Environmental Chamber 9 Conventions Conventions Documentation Conventions The following paragraphs describe some of the conventions that are used in your MTS manuals. Hazard conventions As necessary, hazard notices are embedded in this manual. These notices contain safety information that is specific to the task to be performed. Hazard notices immediately precede the step or procedure that can lead to an associated hazard. Read all hazard notices carefully and follow the directions that are given. Three different levels of hazard notices can appear in your manuals. Following are examples of all three levels. Note For general safety information, see the safety information provided with your system. DANGER Danger notices indicate the presence of a hazard with a high level of risk which, if ignored, will result in death, severe personal injury, or substantial property damage. WARNING Warning notices indicate the presence of a hazard with a medium level of risk which, if ignored, can result in death, severe personal injury, or substantial property damage. CAUTION Caution notices indicate the presence of a hazard with a low level of risk which, if ignored, could cause moderate or minor personal injury, equipment damage, or endanger test integrity. Notes Notes provide additional information about operating your system or highlight easily overlooked items. For example: Note Special terms Illustrations Electronic manual conventions 10 Resources that are put back on the hardware lists show up at the end of the list. The first occurrence of special terms is shown in italics. Illustrations appear in this manual to clarify text. It is important for you to be aware that these illustrations are examples only and do not necessarily represent your actual system configuration, test application, or software. This manual is available as an electronic document in the Portable Document File (PDF) format. It can be viewed on any computer that has Adobe Acrobat Reader installed. Series 651 Environmental Chamber Conventions Hypertext links The electronic document has many hypertext links displayed in a blue font. All blue words in the body text, along with all contents entries and index page numbers, are hypertext links. When you click a hypertext link, the application jumps to the corresponding topic. Series 651 Environmental Chamber 11 Conventions 12 Series 651 Environmental Chamber Introduction This manual describes the Series 651 Environmental Chambers and how to work with liquid nitrogen (LN2). Make sure the chamber is installed in accordance with national electric and fire protection codes. Do not exceed the electrical and temperature rating printed on the chamber rating plate. Important Pay particular attention to regulations that are applicable to the specific governing operations entities including, but not limited to legislated and accredited national and local industry standards and the type of facility in which the chamber will be employed, including zoning requirements, local building codes, and local electrical codes. The MTS Series 651 Environmental Chambers let you test materials and components within a range of temperatures; refer to the specifications table for temperature ranges associated with the individual chambers. Cooling is accomplished with the use of gases introduced to the chamber. Heating is accomplished with two electrical heating elements. An electric fan and baffle diffuse the heat for uniform temperatures. The temperature controller (Eurotherm or Partlow) is mounted in the electrical box. Electrical Box Instrumentation Port Upper Access Hole Window Temperature Controller Lifting Eyes Door Latch Hinges What you need to know Fan Motor Lower Access Hole Baffle Fan MTS Systems Corporation assumes that you know how to use your controller. See the appropriate manual for information about performing any controllerrelated step in this manual’s procedures. You are expected to know how to perform the following procedures. • Series 651 Environmental Chamber Position the crosshead. 13 • Install instrumentation. • Use your grips and fixtures. • Install a specimen. • Set up limit detectors. • Run a test. Note Clean any debris produced from testing away from the environmental chamber. For example, carbon fibers can short the heater elements which causes them to stop working. WARNING The environmental chamber is not rated for combustible liquids or gasses. When heated, flammable and combustible liquids can explode and cause personal injury, or equipment damage. Documentation • Do not use flammable or combustible liquids in the environmental chamber. • Always operate the chamber with the door closed. • Do not override any safety features. • Do not modify the chamber without consulting MTS Systems Corporation. The Series 651 Environmental Chambers include a temperature controller. Both the environmental chamber and temperature controller have manuals provided by their original manufacturers (along with this manual). The following documentation should be included with the chamber: • The vendor’s product manual for the environmental chamber • The vendor’s product manual for the temperature controller If you did not receive a temperature controller manual, contact the vendor: Eurotherm http://www.eurotherm.com/downloads/ West Corporation http://www.west-cs.com/resources/ 14 • A schematic of the environmental chamber • A configuration drawing listing the original configuration of the temperature controller • A dimensional drawing of the general layout of the environmental chamber Series 651 Environmental Chamber Chamber models The following table lists the differences between the environmental chamber models. Each environmental chamber can be used with any load unit but is recommended for specific load units. Model Number Temperature Range Interior Dimensions* Weight† Load Unit‡ Cart Part Number§ 651.04E-01 -129 to 200°C (-200 to 400°F) 305 x 305 x 305 mm (12 x 12 x 12 in) 86 kg (190 lb) 331.05 042-478-002 651.05F-01 -150 to 350°C (-238 to 662°F) 216 x 228 x 228 mm (8.5 x 9 x 9 in) 82 kg (180 lb) Acumen 100-294-319# 100-297-346 651.05F-02 -150 to 350°C (-238 to 662°F) 286 x 305 x 453 mm (11.25 x 12 x 17.8 in) 114 kg (250 lb) Landmark** Acumen 100-294-319# 100-297-346 Legs (optional) 651.06E-03 -129 to 315°C (-200 to 600°F) 356 x 432 x 559 mm (14 x 17 x 22 in) 146 kg (320 lb) Landmark†† 100-160-646 100-213-156‡‡ 651.06E-04 -129 to 315°C (-200 to 600°F) 356 x 432 x 813 mm (14 x 17 x 32 in) 191 kg (420 lb) Landmark†† 100-160-646 100-213-156‡‡ 651.10E-04 -129 to 540°C (-200 to 1000°F) 356 x 432 x 660 mm (14 x 17 x 26 in) 220 kg (485 lb) Landmark†† 100-160-646 100-213-156‡‡ * † ‡ § # ** †† ‡‡ The dimensions are specified as width x depth x height. The weights are approximate. These are typical uses; some load units can accommodate any chamber. Contact MTS for cart information specific to your configuration. Cart stand for table top load units. Landmark tabletop model. Landmark floor-standing model. For Landmark 370.50 Load Unit only. Series 651 Environmental Chamber 15 16 Series 651 Environmental Chamber General Safety Practices: Environmental Components Safety General Safety Practices: Environmental Components Environmental components such as a high temperature furnace or environmental chamber and its associated temperature controller can be part of equipment used in MTS testing systems. This section provides general information about safety issues that pertain to systems that use environmental components. These issues include statements to the intended use and foreseeable misuse of the system and definition for the graphical hazard labeling that is affixed to your product, and other (more general) safety information that relates to the high-pressure and highperformance characteristics of MTS servohydraulic and electromechanical systems. When you prepare to operate a system that includes environmental components, ensure the following: • Do not use or allow personnel to operate the system who are not experienced, trained, or educated in the inherent dangers associated with high-performance servo hydraulics and who are not experienced, trained, or educated with regard to the intended operation as it applies to this test system. • Do not disable safety components or features (including limit detectors, light curtains, or proximity switches/detectors). • Do not attempt to operate the system without appropriate personal safety gear (for example, hearing, hand, and eye protection). • Do not modify the system or replace system components using parts that are not MTS component parts or effect repairs using parts or components that are not manufactured to MTS specifications. • Do not operate the grips or fixtures in an explosive atmosphere. • Do not use the system in a test area where uncontrolled access to the test system is allowed when the system is in operation. • For servohydraulic systems, do not operate the system unless an interlock is installed to monitor supply pressure into the HSM and initiate a system interlock if a low or no pressure event occurs. If you have system related responsibilities (that is, if you are an operator, service engineer, or maintenance person), you should study safety information carefully before you attempt to perform any test system procedure. You should receive training on this system or a similar system to ensure a thorough knowledge of your equipment and the safety issues that are associated with its use. In addition, you should gain an understanding of system functions Series 651 Environmental Chamber 17 General Safety Practices: Environmental Components by studying the other manuals supplied with your test system. Contact MTS for information about the content and dates of training classes that are offered. It is very important that you study the following safety information to ensure that your facility procedures and the system’s operating environment do not contribute to or result in a hazardous situation. Remember, you cannot eliminate all the hazards associated with this system, so you must learn and remain aware of the hazards that apply to your system at all times. Use these safety guidelines to help learn and identify hazards so that you can establish appropriate training and operating procedures and acquire appropriate safety equipment (such as gloves, goggles, and hearing protection). Each test system operates within a unique environment which includes the following known variables: • Facility variables (facility variables include the structure, atmosphere, and utilities) • Unauthorized customer modifications to the equipment • Operator experience and specialization • Test specimens Because of these variables (and the possibility of others), your system can operate under unforeseen circumstances that can result in an operating environment with unknown hazards. Improper installation, operation, or maintenance of your system can result in hazardous conditions that can cause death, personal injury, or damage to the equipment or to the specimen. Common sense and a thorough knowledge of the system’s operating capabilities can help to determine an appropriate and safe approach to its operation. Read all manuals Study the contents of this manual and the other manuals provided with your system before attempting to perform any system function for the first time. Procedures that seem relatively simple or intuitively obvious can require a complete understanding of system operation to avoid unsafe or dangerous situations. Locate and read hazard placards/labels Find, read, and follow the hazard placard instructions located on the equipment. These placards are placed strategically on the equipment to call attention to areas such as known crush points, electrical voltage, and high pressure hazards. Specimen temperature changes During environmental testing, the specimen temperature can become hot enough to cause burns. Wear personal protection equipment (gloves) when handling specimens. Know facility safe procedures Most facilities have internal procedures and rules regarding safe practices within the facility. Be aware of these safe practices and incorporate them into your daily operation of the system. 18 Series 651 Environmental Chamber General Safety Practices: Environmental Components Know controls Before you operate the system for the first time, make a trial run through the operating procedures with the power off. Locate all hardware and software controls and know what their functions are and what adjustments they require. If any control function or operating adjustment is not clear, review the applicable information until you understand it thoroughly. Have first aid available Accidents can happen even when you are careful. Arrange your operator schedules so that a properly trained person is always close by to render first aid. In addition, ensure that local emergency contact information is posted clearly and in sight of the system operator. Be aware of component movement with hydraulics off The actuator rod can also drift down when hydraulics are turned off hitting anything in its path. This uncommanded movement is because of oil movement between the pressure/return ports and oil blowby across the piston hub. Be aware that this can happen and clear the area around the actuator rod when hydraulics are turned off. Know electrical hazards When the system electrical power is turned on, minimize the potential for electrical shock hazards. Wear clothing and use tools that are properly insulated for electrical work. Avoid contact with exposed wiring or switch contacts. Whenever possible, turn off electrical power when you work on or in proximity to any electrical system component. Observe the same precautions as those given for any other high-voltage machinery. Make sure that all electrical components are adequately grounded. Grounds must remain connected and undisturbed at all times. Keep bystanders safely away Wear proper clothing Keep bystanders at a safe distance from all equipment. Never allow bystanders to touch specimens or equipment while the test is running. Do not wear neckties, shop aprons, loose clothing or jewelry, or long hair that could get caught in equipment and result in an injury. Remove loose clothing or jewelry and restrain long hair. Remove flammable fluids Remove flammable fluids from their containers or from components before you install the container or component. If desired, you can replace the flammable fluid with a non-flammable fluid to maintain the proper proportion of weight and balance. Check bolt ratings and torques To ensure a reliable product, fasteners (such as bolts and tie rods) used in MTSmanufactured systems are torqued to specific requirements. If a fastener is loosened or the configuration of a component within the system is modified, refer to information in this product manual to determine the correct fastener, fastener rating, and torque. Overtorquing or undertorquing a fastener can create a hazardous situation due to the high forces and pressures present in MTS test systems. On rare occasions, a fastener can fail even when it is correctly installed. Failure usually occurs during torquing, but it can occur several days later. Failure of a fastener can result in a high velocity projectile. Therefore, it is a good practice to avoid stationing personnel in line with or below assemblies that contain large or long fasteners. Series 651 Environmental Chamber 19 General Safety Practices: Environmental Components Practice good housekeeping Keep the floors in the work area clean. Hydraulic fluid that is spilled on any type of floor can result in a dangerous, slippery surface. Do not leave tools, fixtures, or other items not specific to the test, lying about on the floor, system, or decking. Do not exceed the Maximum Supply Pressure For hydraulic grips and fixtures. make sure that the hydraulic supply pressure is limited to the maximum pressure defined by the grip or fixture identification (ID) tag. Do not disable safety devices Your system can have active or passive safety devices installed to prevent system operation if the device indicates an unsafe condition. Do not disable such devices as it can result in unexpected system motion. Provide adequate lighting Ensure adequate lighting to minimize the chance of operation errors, equipment damage, and personal injury. You need to see what you are doing. Provide means to access out-of-reach components Make sure you can access system components that might be out of reach while standing on the floor. For example, ladders or scaffolding might be required to reach load cell connectors on tall load units. Wear appropriate personal protection Wear eye protection when you work with high-pressure hydraulic fluid, breakable specimens, or when anything characteristic to the specimen could break apart. Wear ear protection when you work near electric motors, pumps, or other devices that generate high noise levels. Some systems can create sound pressure levels that exceed 70 dbA during operation. Wear appropriate personal protection equipment (gloves, boots, suits, respirators) whenever you work with fluids, chemicals, or powders that can irritate or harm the skin, respiratory system, or eyes. Handle chemicals safely Whenever you use or handle chemicals (for example, cleaning fluids, hydraulic fluid, batteries, contaminated parts, electrical fluids, and maintenance waste), refer to the appropriate manufacturer’s safety data sheets for that material and determine the appropriate measures and equipment required to handle and use the chemical safely. Ensure that the chemical is disposed of appropriately. Know system interlocks Interlock devices should always be used and properly adjusted. Interlock devices are designed to minimize the chance of accidental damage to the test specimen or the equipment. Test all interlock devices for proper operation immediately before a test. Do not disable or bypass any interlock devices as doing so could allow hydraulic pressure to be applied regardless of the true interlock condition. The Reset/Override button is a software function that can be used to temporarily override an interlock while attempting to gain control of the system. Know system limits Never rely on system limits such as mechanical limits or software limits to protect you or any personnel. System limits are designed to minimize the chance of accidental damage to test specimens or to equipment. Test all limits for proper operation immediately before a test. Always use these limits and adjust them properly. Do not disturb sensors 20 Do not bump, wiggle, adjust, disconnect, or otherwise disturb a sensor (such as an accelerometer or extensometer) or its connecting cable when hydraulic pressure is applied. Series 651 Environmental Chamber General Safety Practices: Environmental Components Ensure secure cables Do not change any cable connections when electrical power or hydraulic pressure is applied. If you attempt to change a cable connection while the system is in operation, an open control loop condition can result. An open control loop condition can cause a rapid, unexpected system response which can result in severe personal injury, death, or damage to equipment. Also, ensure that all cables are connected after you make any changes in the system configuration. Stay alert Avoid long periods of work without adequate rest. In addition, avoid long periods of repetitious, unvarying, or monotonous work because these conditions can contribute to accidents and hazardous situations. If you are too familiar with the work environment, it is easy to overlook potential hazards that exist in that environment. Contain small leaks Do not use your fingers or hands to stop small leaks in hydraulic or pneumatic hoses. Substantial pressures can build up, especially if the hole is small. These high pressures can cause the oil or gas to penetrate your skin, causing painful and dangerously infected wounds. Turn off the hydraulic supply and allow the hydraulic pressure to dissipate before you remove and replace the hose or any pressurized component. Stay clear of moving equipment/avoid crush points Stay clear of mechanical linkages, connecting cables, and hoses that move because you can get pinched, crushed, tangled, or dragged along with the equipment. High forces generated by the system can pinch, cut, or crush anything in the path of the equipment and cause serious injury. Stay clear of any potential crush points. Most test systems can produce sudden, high-force motion. Never assume that your reactions are fast enough to allow you to escape injury when a system fails. Know the causes of unexpected actuator motions The high force and velocity capabilities of MTS actuators can be destructive and dangerous (especially if actuator motion is unexpected). The most likely causes of unexpected actuator response are operator error and equipment failure due to damage or abuse (such as broken, cut, or crushed cables and hoses; shorted wires; overstressed feedback devices; and damaged components within the servocontrol loop). Eliminate any condition that could cause unexpected actuator motion. Know compressed gas hazards Some environmental chambers use liquid nitrogen or some inert gas to achieve a required test atmosphere. Typically these gasses are supplied in pressurized tanks. Observe the following safety practices when you work with high-pressure air or gas: • Always follow the recommended bleeding procedures before you remove or disassemble components that contain pressurized gas. When you bleed a gas or remove a fitting, hose, or component that contains a gas, remember that many gases cannot support life. Therefore, as the ratio of released gas to oxygen increases, so does the potential for suffocation. • Wear appropriate safety devices to protect your hearing. Escaping air or gas can create a noise level that can damage your hearing. • Ensure that all pressurized air or gas is bled out of the device before you start to disassemble or open it. A thorough understanding of the device and its pressurized area is necessary before you undertake any maintenance. Refer to the appropriate product information for the correct bleeding procedure. Series 651 Environmental Chamber 21 Safety Practices: Environmental Chamber Consult MTS when in doubt about the safety or reliability of any system-related procedure or modification that involves devices that contain any type of compressed gas. Liquid Nitrogen considerations Outside chamber temperature considerations Use of LN2 gas in the chamber will result in a lack of oxygen in and around the chamber. A lack of oxygen can cause dizziness or blackouts. • Review lab safety procedures and review any safety data furnished by the LN2 supplier. • Ensure that the area around the chamber is well ventilated. • Ensure that the vent line is large enough. Do not put the outlet end of the vent line near a fresh air intake for the building. • Use the circulator fan to replace the atmosphere in the chamber with room air before opening the chamber after a test. • Consult the manufacturer’s safety data sheets and your local codes for additional venting and monitoring requirements. Be aware that the outside chamber temperature and get extremely cold or hot depending on the environment used for testing. The outside of the chamber can get to temperatures that can cause personal injury. Wear appropriate protective clothing. It is recommended to allow the outside chamber temperature to return close to room temperature before touching the chamber. Safety Practices: Environmental Chamber The potential for electric shock is always present when electrically operated equipment is in use. The following suggestions are recommended for your protection: 1. Before beginning service/maintenance procedures on your chamber, the power source must be locked out and tagged out per Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations. 2. Insure the chamber is properly grounded and electrically protected. Grounding lugs and ground wires have been installed prior to shipment. The ground wire will terminate within the external terminal box and is visible to the installer/operator. If unsure of the grounding status of the equipment, consult the NEC (National Electric Code) or a licensed professional. If this equipment is used in a manner other than described in this manual, protection provided by the equipment can be compromised or impaired. To preclude hazard and minimize risk, follow all instructions and operate within the design limits noted on the rating plate. Do not use components or materials not specifically designed for this equipment. Failure to comply with this precaution could result in damage to the equipment used or the chamber and can create an overheat situation. Also, do not use anything other than OEM exact replacement parts. Not using OEM replacement parts could cause faulty instrumentation readings, inoperative equipment, or a temperature overshoot. 22 Series 651 Environmental Chamber Safety Practices: Environmental Chamber Avoid combustible product which generate toxic or hazardous vapor or fumes. Work should be done in a properly vented environment. Observe the following precautions: • Never stand in front of an open hot chamber. • Wear protective eye wear. • Wear protective gloves. Do not use combustible gases directly in this chamber. Process gasses must always be contained in a separate tube. Modification of equipment for use other than that for which it is explicitly designed for could cause severe injury or death. Any customer after market retrofit violates the warranty. Do not modify or disconnect any safety features provided. Disconnection of the units safety features could allow the unit to become overheated and start on fire, causing personal injury or death, product and property damage. Periodically disconnect power from the equipment and allow it to cool completely. Once cool, inspect for loose or broken heaters and for worn wire coils on the inside of the heated chamber. Heaters might have to be replaced if damage is severe. Avoid contact with any exposed heater coils / elements. Do not touch elements with bare hands or oily gloves. Contact MTS. if unsure of the safety of the heating elements in the conditions you have observed. Only qualified electrical professionals should remove the upper and lower terminal covers of the terminal boxes. Keep all guards (guide-tabs, backstops, upper and lower terminal covers) provided with the equipment in place while the chamber is in operation. Observe all safety labels. Series 651 Environmental Chamber 23 Safety Practices: Environmental Chamber 24 Series 651 Environmental Chamber Installation Environmental chambers are installed in load units using a mobile cart, cart stand, or legs designed for the chamber. The chamber is installed from the rear of the load unit. Most of the environmental chambers have U-plugs. Removable sections (Uplugs) in the top and bottom walls of the chamber allow the cart-mounted chamber to be placed in position around the pullrods with the specimen and grips installed. Each U-plug consists of two pieces, one stationary and the other removable. The front piece is removed to install the environmental chamber after the specimen and all of its instrumentation are installed in the load unit. When the specimen is ready to be tested, the U-plugs are replaced. Note Series 651 Environmental Chamber The Model 651.05-01 and Model 651.05-02 Environmental Chambers have no U-plugs. These units must be installed before the grips and specimen are installed. 25 Component Identification 26 Item Description 1 Load Unit Crosshead 2 Force Transduce 3 Extension Rod 4 Load Unit Column 5 Upper Grip 6 Environmental Chamber 7 Lower Grip 8 Extension Rod 9 Chamber Cart 10 Hydraulic Actuator Rod 11 Load Unit Baseplate 12 25.4 mm (1in) minimum Series 651 Environmental Chamber Environmental Chamber Mobile Cart, Stand, and Legs The environmental chamber is typically installed into an MTS load unit. A mobile cart, cart stand, or legs provide a stable, easy-to-move platform for the environmental chamber and allows the chamber to be quickly and easily installed into, or removed from, a load unit. The mobile cart has casters to move the cart and adjustable feet to stabilize the cart when the environmental chamber is stationary. It also has a hand-operated lever for raising and lowering the chamber. The cart stand is similar to the mobile cart but without casters and is typically used with tabletop load units; for example the MTS Acumen electrodynamic test system. The cart stand is usually placed into the testing position and the chamber moved onto the cart stand using an overhead lifting device. Legs attached to the chamber are used in tabletop load unit configurations where obstructions prevent use of the cart stand. The chamber height is adjusted by inserting pins in various holes in the legs. 1 2 3 Item Configuration 1 Mobile cart. Typically used for floor standard Landmark load units. 2 Cart stand. Typically used for Acumen or tabletop Landmark load units 3 Legs (shown mounted to chamber). An alternate for the cart stand for tabletop Landmark load units. Install the Environmental Chamber The following procedure applies to installation of the chamber into a load unit using the mobile cart. If the installation is using the cart stand or legs, the procedure would be similar except where noted. To install the environmental chamber onto an MTS load unit: Series 651 Environmental Chamber 27 1. If you have an environmental chamber with U-plugs, you can install the grips and specimen before installing the chamber. See your grip manual. 2. Set the environmental chamber onto the mobile cart. 3. Arrange the cables and hoses so that they do not interfere with cart movement. WARNING When moving the chamber and cart assembly it is possible to damage cables or hoses. Damage to the cables or hoses can cause unpredictable system operation which can result in personal injury or equipment damage. Do not allow the casters to run over cables or hoses when positioning the cart. Note The protruding hardware on some environmental chambers and the limited clearance between the columns of some load units require the chamber door to be removed to pass the chamber between the load unit columns. Chamber doors have “lift-off” hinges. 4. If present, remove the U-plug assemblies from the chamber. 5. Use the hand-operated lever to adjust the height of the chamber so that the cart’s lift arms are slightly higher than the top surface of the load unit’s baseplate. 6. Move the cart into position so that the actuator’s piston rod is centered with respect to the access ports of the chamber. Note For chambers configured with legs, adjust the height of the legs based on the load unit configuration. For chambers using the cart stand, position the cart stand into the load unit in the final testing position. 7. If you have an environmental chamber without U-plugs (Models 651.04 and 651.05), install the grips now. See your grip manual. after the chamber is in position, the grip/pull rod assemblies will be inserted through the chamber openings for final installation. CAUTION Do not change the position of the chamber after the crosshead has been adjusted and the displacement limits have been set. Damage to the chamber or fixtures can result. After the environmental chamber is installed, see your test controller and grip manuals for information about installing a specimen. 8. Install the specimen. 9. If desired, install extensometers, 28 Series 651 Environmental Chamber 10. Thermocouple wiring, and any other specimen instrumentation on the specimen at this time. 11. Push the chamber into position. Note For chambers configured with legs, use an overhead lifting device and move the chamber into position. For chambers using the cart stand, use an overhead lifting device and move the chamber onto the cart stand. 12. Reinstall the U-plugs in the chamber removed in Step 4. 13. Route cables and wires for the thermocouple, extensometers, and so forth out through the small access ports provided in the walls of the chamber, and then plug the ports with insulation or port plugs. 14. Pack mineral insulation (MTS part number 011-335-202) around the grip extension rods in the access ports. Note Optional inserts are available from MTS Systems Corporation. They can also be custom made. Teflon can be used for applications up to 204° C (400° F). Machinable ceramics are used for higher temperatures. Item Description 1 Actuator piston 2 Stud 3 Flange adapter (flat end) 4 Flange clamp Series 651 Environmental Chamber 29 Item Description 5 Extension rod 6 Environmental chamber - top 7 Insulation 8 Upper insert (optional) 9 Grips, plates, or other specimen fixture 10 Lower insert (optional) 11 Environmental chamber - bottom 12 Load cell Connecting Liquid Nitrogen to the Chamber Prerequisites 30 • Review lab safety procedures and review any safety data furnished by the LN2 supplier. • Ensure that the area around the chamber is well ventilated. • Ensure that the vent line is large enough. Do not put the outlet end of the vent line near a fresh air intake for the building. • Use the circulator fan to replace the atmosphere in the chamber with room air before opening the chamber after a test. Series 651 Environmental Chamber WARNING The environmental chamber is not rated for combustible liquids or gasses. When heated, flammable and combustible liquids can explode and cause personal injury and equipment damage. • Do not use flammable or combustible liquids in the environmental chamber. • Always operate the chamber with the door closed. • Do not override any safety features. • Do not modify the chamber without consulting MTS Systems Corporation. Male, 1/2 inch, 45° Flare Connector To connect an LN2 supply tank to the chamber: 1. Connect a supply of clean, water-free liquid nitrogen to the coolant input connector. The cooling gas supply tank should be pressurized to 0.15 MPa (22 psi) for LN2 cooling. If the supply tank pressure is greater than the recommended pressure, install a pressure regulator between the supply tank and the coolant solenoid. WARNING Use of LN2 gas in the chamber will result in a lack of oxygen in and around the chamber. A lack of oxygen can cause dizziness or blackouts. Ensure that the area around the chamber is well ventilated. Series 651 Environmental Chamber 31 2. Connect a coolant gas exhaust line to the vent on the rear of the chamber to carry exhausted cooling gases away from the test site. The exhaust line must have an inside diameter at least as great as the diameter of the vent, and should be as short as possible, with as few bends as possible to prevent back pressure in the chamber. 3. Turn the liquid withdrawal valve on the supply tank on before beginning a test. Note When cooling is not being used, the liquid withdrawal valve on the supply tank should be kept closed to prevent leakage of the coolant. WARNING Check the operating temperature range of each component in the environmental chamber. All components must be able to operate at the temperature of the test. Damage to equipment can occur. Do not set a testing temperature that is higher or lower than the temperature rating of any component (grips, fixtures, and so forth.) inside the chamber. Setting the testing temperature Set the desired chamber temperature or temperature range with the temperature controller. See the temperature controller manual. Note Do not set a testing temperature colder than the design operating range (see specifications). Loss of temperature control to the chamber will cause nitrogen “snow” to fill the chamber, invalidating test results. Do not set a testing temperature higher than the design operating range (see specifications). If the temperature in the chamber exceeds the design operating range by approximately 28°C (50°F), the high temperature limit switch will disconnect power from the heater elements. 32 Series 651 Environmental Chamber Venting the LN2 after use After using LN2 cooling, complete the following steps to prevent coolant from becoming trapped in the line between the supply tank gas valve and the coolant solenoid valve. This procedure must be performed after each test if another test will not be started within a few minutes. CAUTION Do not leave LN2 coolant in the line after use. LN2 left in the line could rupture the line or damage the solenoid when the liquid warms up and expands. Always bleed off any LN2 that can remain in the supply line after testing. 1. When testing is completed, close the liquid withdrawal valve on the supply tank. 2. Use the controls on the temperature controller to open the solenoid valve. This allows the coolant in the line to bleed off into the chamber. Series 651 Environmental Chamber 33 Special Consideration for Acumen Installation Special Consideration for Acumen Installation 34 Series 651 Environmental Chamber Special Consideration for Acumen Installation Series 651 Environmental Chamber 35 Special Consideration for Acumen Installation 36 Series 651 Environmental Chamber Special Consideration for Acumen Installation Series 651 Environmental Chamber 37 Special Consideration for Acumen Installation Parts List for Acumen Installation (refer to previous illustration) 38 Series 651 Environmental Chamber Environmental Chamber Operation Environmental Chamber Operating Controls 1. The main circuit breaker is located at the rear of the control cabinet. When the circuit breaker is in the off position, all power is removed from the chamber. The control cabinet should not be positioned such that it is difficult to operate the disconnecting device. 2. The control power switch is located on the front of the control cabinet. This switch must be in the on position for the chamber to operate. 3. If the optional light is included, the light switch is located on the front of the control cabinet and is used to control the interior light. 4. The reset switch is located on the front of the control cabinet. It is used to reset the high limit controller should the chamber temperature exceed the limit setting. 5. The high limit controller is located on the front of the control cabinet and is used to protect the chamber from excess temperature. The high limit backs up the main temperature controller. If the set point is exceeded, an alarm message will be flashed on the display. After the temperature has returned to normal, push the reset switch. Series 651 Environmental Chamber 39 Environmental Chamber Control Thermocouple Positioning The final position of the control thermocouple is determined by your requirements. This can be determined by a trial and error process. It is recommended to have an additional thermocouple and recorder for the test. A flexible thermocouple has been provided for the control sensor. 1. Position the monitoring thermocouple on the specimen or in the air near the specimen. Thermocouple response time is dependent on the location and load. 2. Position the control thermocouple in the air exhaust, mark this location A. This will provide the slowest response in the system and the specimen may never see the control temperature. This initial test will ensure that the exhaust temperature will never be above the maximum for the chamber. 3. If the specimen does not reach operating temperature, save the information. Now reposition the control thermocouple between the exhaust and inlet, mark this location B. 4. Conduct the test again and compare the results with the first run. If the specimen reached temperature and the tuning for the controller is satisfactory, you may either stop or reposition the thermocouple at another location of your choice to see if any further improvement can be made. You might have to repeat the test several times before the results meet your specifications. It is difficult to position the control thermocouple at the factory due to the limited information on the exact load being used. Specimen Removal Considerations To remove a specimen from the environmental chamber following a test: WARNING The chamber interior and the specimen can be very hot or very cold following a test. Working in the chamber before it has returned to room temperature can cause burns or freezing injuries. Take precautions to avoid touching hot or cold surfaces with bare skin. Use appropriate tools and personal protection equipment. Consult your lab’s safety guidelines and procedures. 1. Stop the test and turn the chamber switch off. 2. Open the chamber door. Allow the specimen to return to room temperature, if possible. 3. Remove the specimen from the grips following the instructions in the appropriate grip manual. 40 Series 651 Environmental Chamber Temperature Controller Temperature Controller Temperature control of the chamber is via a Eurotherm controller. The controller is typically set up for proper operation and no customer interaction is required. The following is provided as an overview for reference. Refer to the Eurotherm manual for detailed operation. Item Description 1 Output 1 2 Output 2 3 Upper readout 4 Lower readout 5 Remote setpoint/comms (flashing) 6 Program running 7 Run/Hold 8 Program in Hold 9 Up button 10 Down button 11 Scroll button 12 Page button Series 651 Environmental Chamber 41 Temperature Controller Item Description 13 manual mode 14 Auto/Run button 15 Auto mode 16 Setpoint 2 Button or Indicator Name Explanation OP1 Output 1 When lit, indicated that the output installed in module position 1 is on. This is normally the heating output on the temperature controller. OP2 Output 2 When lit, indicated that the output installed in module position 2 is on. This is normally the cooling output on the temperature controller. SP2 Setpoint 2 When lit, this indicated the Setpoint 2 (or a setpoint 3-16) has been selected REM Remote setpoint When lit, this indicates that a remote setpoint input has been selected. REM will also flash when communication is active. Auto/Manual button When pressed, this toggles between automatic and manual mode. • If the controller is in automatic mode, the AUTO indicator is lit. • If the controller is in the manual mode, the MAN indicator is lit. The Auto/Manual button can be disabled in the configuration level. Run/Hold button • Press once to start a program (RUN indicator lit). • Press again to hold a program (HOLD indicator lit). • Press again to cancel hold and continue running the program (RUN and HOLD indicators off. The RUN indicator flashes at the end of a program. The HOLD indicator flashes during holdback or when a PDS retransmission output is open circuit. Page button 42 Press to select a new list of parameters. Series 651 Environmental Chamber Temperature Controller Button or Indicator Name Explanation Scroll button Press to select a new parameter list. Down button Press to decrease a value in the lower readout. Up button Press to increase a value in the lower readout. Series 651 Environmental Chamber 43 Temperature Controller 44 Series 651 Environmental Chamber General Chamber Maintenance Maintenance Maintenance should only be performed by trained personnel. WARNING Prior to performing maintenance to the chamber or the controls, the main power must be disconnected. Failure to disconnect main power can cause electrical shock resulting in injury or death. Ensure main power is disconnected before performing maintenance. General Chamber Maintenance 1. Inspect and verify all electrical connections for tightness. Due to thermal expansion during the heat- up/cool-down cycles electrical connection can become loosened. 2. Inspect the heating elements. Do not allow build up of foreign material on the element. Oil should be cleaned off of any part of the chamber prior to heating. Use caution not to displace the heating elements as the wire can be brittle and break easily. 3. If chamber has a door, verify that the door safety switch is operating and cutting the power to the heaters once the door is opened. 4. If your chamber is equipped with a blower motor, or has moving parts, lubricate grease fittings as required. 5. Check all hardware fasteners to ensure that they are tight. 6. Inspect the tip of the thermocouple for excessive heat deterioration. General Control Cabinet Maintenance 1. Verify that all electrical connections are tight. 2. If applicable, clean the cabinet cooling fan filter. 3. Check all cabinet to chamber interconnection wiring. 4. If applicable, check to ensure that all signal lamps light. Series 651 Environmental Chamber 45 Replacement Parts Replacement Parts It is recommended that you obtain replacement parts from MTS to insure that system safeguards are not compromised. Variations in component specifications could cause the equipment to be unsafe. Heating Elements The elements should last more than three (3) years unless overheated due to restricted air flow or a malfunction of the control system. No other maintenance is required. 46 Series 651 Environmental Chamber m MTS Systems Corporation 14000 Technology Drive Eden Prairie, Minnesota 55344-2290 USA Toll Free Phone: 800-328-2255 (within the U.S. or Canada) Phone: 952-937-4000 (outside the U.S. or Canada) Fax: 952-937-4515 E-mail: info@mts.com Internet: www.mts.com ISO 9001 Certified QMS