What it is

The Espec EWS solid-construction walk-in is the widest-range, most customizable walk-in Espec builds, a rigid, hermetically welded environmental room for extreme temperature and high-humidity testing of large loads. Solid construction uses fiberglass insulation and a welded stainless-steel interior in an angle-iron frame, so the chamber can run higher temperatures, faster temperature changes, and high humidity that panelized rooms cannot. Espec engineers each EWS to the client's temperature range, load, and interface requirements; this configuration is set up for an extended range.

• Solid construction — welded stainless-steel interior, fiberglass insulation, rigid angle-iron frame
• Standard high-temperature range to +150 °C (custom high-temperature range to +300 °C)
• Extended humidity range to 85 / 95% RH
• Temperature change rates of 15 °C/min or more (reinforced walls, pressure-relief port)
• Full-opening doors for large loads; stronger standard floor
• Custom low-temperature ranges available (cascade MAP conditioning to −65 °C standard)
• P-300 touch-screen controller with USB and event relays
• Standard solid models from 183 to 499 cu ft; sizes customizable

What it is used for

Solid walk-ins handle the conditions and loads panelized rooms cannot:

• Extreme-temperature testing — high-temperature work to +150 °C, or to +300 °C with the custom range
• High-humidity testing — extended humidity to 85 / 95% RH, with welded seams that keep moisture out of the insulation
• Fast temperature cycling — reinforced construction for change rates of 15 °C/min or more
• Structural and combined-stress setups — placement over a shaker, road simulator, or with special interface ports
• Large-load testing — full-opening doors and a stronger floor for large test articles

How it is built

Solid construction. An angle-iron outer frame supports the inner chamber and insulation space; walls are reinforced with hat-channels, and metal-to-metal connection between the frame and chamber is minimized so temperature extremes are not transmitted to the exterior. The stainless-steel interior is hermetically welded.

Expanded performance. Fiberglass insulation allows operation to 150 °C or more without damage; welded seams prevent moisture leakage into the insulation during high-humidity testing; heavier-gauge walls and reinforcement withstand 15 °C/min changes, and a pressure-relief port stabilizes chamber pressure during fast changes.

Modular Air Plenum (MAP). The conditioning system rolls up to the solid chamber to complete installation. Solid construction supports −35 to 150 °C (MAPL/MAPU) or −65 to 150 °C (MAPX/MAPZ cascade) conditioning.

P-300 control. Espec's P-300 touch-screen controller with three levels of overheat protection, running-time meter, audible alarm, USB profile and data transfer, event relays, and a specimen-power interlock.

Why engineers pick it

The widest test envelope. High temperatures to 150 °C (custom to 300 °C), high humidity to 85/95%, and fast cycling in one room.

Built for structural duty. A rigid welded chamber suited to mounting over shakers or road simulators and to special interface ports.

Ships assembled, installs fast. Solid walk-ins usually ship in one piece, so installation needs only the MAP conditioner attached.

Engineered to the application. Range, size, floor, and interfaces are all designed to the client's test.

Configuring and ordering

Standard solid models run from EWS183 (183 cu ft) to EWS499 (499 cu ft); interior sizes are customizable. Conditioning, floor rating, humidity range, and interface ports are configured to the application. Options include additional windows, 2 in / 4 in / 6 in cable ports, air-flow distribution, low-humidity control, variable airflow, product-temperature control, chart and paperless recorders, and an emergency-stop system.

Note on the extended range. This page is configured for an extended −180 °C to +200 °C envelope. The standard solid catalog documents +150 °C (custom to +300 °C) and cascade cooling to −65 °C, so the extended low and high ends are engineered as a custom system rather than drawn from the standard range.

Because every EWS is a custom system, the Specifications tab shows general reference data. Tell us your target range, load, and space, and W5 Engineering will design and quote the EWS system with you.