Our client required a package testing for military & defense solution in the form of an ASTM D6653 vacuum system. The unit was engineered to simulate high-altitude pressure differential conditions as found in cargo holds of aircraft, with controlled pump-down and return rates to guarantee packaging integrity under extreme transport environments.
When altitude testing, a typical test cycle pumps a chamber down to a specified pressure level and vents back to atmosphere as rapidly as possible so each test cycle can be accomplished as quickly as possible. Our client, however, required a strict regulation of pump down and rate of return.
We engineered a custom package testing system with a custom Series CI carbon steel vacuum chamber and a VC-2500 Vacuum Controller. This controller enables custom software programming that operated like a PID (Proportional-Integral-Derivative) type controller and ramped pressure within the chamber up and down according to the ASTM-specified rate using a butterfly valve and a choke.
| Chamber Dimensions (inside): | 45″ W x 45″ L x 45″ H |
| Chamber: | Series CI Cube Industrial Vacuum Chamber |
| Vacuum Rating: | 10-3 Torr |
| Chamber Material: | Powder coated Carbon Steel |
| Door Material: | Powder coated Carbon Steel |
| Door Configuration: | H-hinge |
| Seal: | O-ring |
| Controller: | VC-2500 Vacuum Controller |
| Pumping System: | Two stage rotary vane pump |
| Custom Options: | Port size, port location |
The VC-2500 Vacuum Controller is a cost-effective vacuum system automation solution for applications such as vacuum degassing, altitude simulation and product testing. Featuring software that enables unique test recipes for your application requirements, the VC-2500 provides flexible control of single pump vacuum systems. The VC-2500 integrates the vacuum transducer with the vacuum and vent valves for automated operation.
The 45″ Cube Industrial (CI) vacuum chamber provides an extra-large internal workspace for degassing, drying, component evaluation, and other vacuum processes. Because the chamber uses a carbon steel body with a hinged aluminum door, it offers high structural strength while also reducing door weight for easier operation.
The system reaches vacuum levels down to 1 Torr when paired with an appropriate pump package. It also includes a vacuum port with a manual ball valve, a vent port with a manual ball valve, and a 0–30 inHg vacuum gauge for direct system monitoring. Additionally, the 45″ cube configuration supports shelves, feedthroughs, viewports, and other optional components, allowing you to configure the chamber for a wide range of large-scale test requirements.
