I. Introduction
With the development of industrial technology, rubber, plastic, and other polymer materials have been widely used in automotive, electronics, construction, and other fields. However, these materials are prone to environmental influences during actual use, especially ozone erosion, which can cause aging, hardening, cracking, and significantly impact their service life and safety. To scientifically and accurately evaluate the ozone aging resistance of materials, ozone aging test chambers have been developed. This article takes the SDQ-300 Series Ozone Aging Test Chamber as an example to explore its working principle, key components, and application fields.
II. Functions of the SDQ-300 Series Ozone Aging Test Chamber
1. Simulating Ozone Environment for Aging Tests
The core function of the SDQ-300 series ozone aging test chamber is to simulate ozone-containing atmospheric environments for accelerated aging tests of rubber, plastics, coatings, and other materials. By controlling the ozone concentration, temperature, and humidity within the chamber, it can reproduce the aging process of materials under different environmental conditions, helping enterprises and research institutions evaluate the durability of materials.
2. Providing Standardized Aging Performance Testing
This series of test chambers can conduct tests according to international standards such as GB/T 7762, ISO 1431-1, ASTM D1149. By analyzing the aging speed, crack generation, and changes in physical properties of materials under specific ozone concentrations and temperature and humidity conditions, it provides scientific data for material selection and process improvement.
3. Wide Range of Applications
The SDQ-300 series is widely used in automotive manufacturing (such as seals, tires), cable sheaths, plastic pipes, and coating materials. Its accurate environmental simulation function makes it an indispensable tool in quality inspection, scientific research, and third-party testing organizations.
III. Working Principle of SDQ-300 Ozone Aging Test Chamber
1. Ozone Generation and Control
The SDQ-300 series mainly generates ozone through the corona discharge method, which ionizes oxygen molecules into ozone using high-voltage discharge tubes. The ozone concentration can be adjusted in the range of 0~200 ppm. The built-in UV photometer or electrochemical ozone sensor monitors the ozone concentration in real-time and adjusts the operating status of the ozone generator through a PID control algorithm, ensuring the stability of the ozone concentration.
2. Temperature and Humidity Control
- Temperature Control: Uses an electric heater to provide heat, with real-time temperature monitoring by PT100 thermocouples. Some models are also equipped with compressor cooling systems for low-temperature tests.
- Humidity Control: Uses an ultrasonic humidifier or steam humidifier to provide humidity, combined with a cooling and dehumidification system to precisely maintain the humidity within the set range.
3. Gas Circulation and Uniformity Assurance
The built-in circulation fan ensures uniform ozone gas flow inside the chamber. With a well-designed air duct system, it ensures that the surface of the sample is exposed to a consistent ozone concentration, minimizing test errors.
IV. Key Components of the SDQ-300 Test Chamber
1. Ozone Generator
Adopts the corona discharge method, characterized by high efficiency and controllable concentration. By adjusting the input voltage and frequency, the ozone output can be modified to suit different test requirements.
2. Ozone Sensor
- UV Photometer Sensor: Based on the absorption characteristics of ozone for ultraviolet light, offering high accuracy and fast response.
- Electrochemical Sensor: Cost-effective, suitable for routine testing requirements.
3. Temperature and Humidity Control System
- Electric Heater + Solid State Relay (SSR): Provides fast response and long service life for heating control.
- Cooling System (Compressor + Condenser + Evaporator): Uses refrigerant circulation for high-efficiency low-temperature conditions.
- Humidity Sensor: Typically uses capacitive humidity probes for minimal error.
4. Control System (PLC + HMI Touch Screen)
- PLC (e.g., Siemens S7-1200 or Omron CP1H): Controls real-time ozone concentration, temperature, and humidity.
- HMI Touch Screen (e.g., Weintek / Siemens 7-inch screen): For parameter settings, data monitoring, and alarm information display.
V. How to Design a Control System? Required Materials
1. Sensor Section
| Name | Specification | Quantity | Reference Price (CNY) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ozone Sensor | UV Photometer / Electrochemical Sensor | 1 | 3000 |
| Temperature Sensor | PT100 / K-type Thermocouple | 1 | 200 |
| Humidity Sensor | Capacitive Humidity Sensor | 1 | 150 |
2. Actuators
| Name | Specification | Quantity | Reference Price (CNY) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ozone Generator | Corona Discharge 0-200ppm | 1 | 5000 |
| Heater | Electric Heater 2KW | 2 | 300 |
| Humidifier | Ultrasonic Humidifier | 1 | 1000 |
3. Controller and Software
- PLC Controller (Siemens S7-1200 / Omron CP1H): 1 unit
- HMI Touch Screen (Weintek 7-inch): 1 unit
- Power Module (24V DC 5A): 1 unit
- Data Acquisition and Analysis Software: 1 set
VI. Application Cases and Advantages of SDQ-300 Test Chamber
1. Application in the Automotive Industry
Used to test rubber seals and tires for aging resistance under high temperature, high humidity, and high ozone environments, ensuring their reliability in actual applications.
2. Application in Cable and Wire Industry
Tests cable sheath materials for cracking and strength changes in ozone environments, preventing safety risks during long-term use.
3. Summary of Advantages
- High-Precision Control: Utilizes PLC and HMI systems for precise control of ozone concentration, temperature, and humidity.
- Comprehensive Test Standards: Capable of executing multiple international test standards with wide applicability.
- High Safety Performance: Equipped with over-temperature protection, ozone leakage alarm, and exhaust system for multiple safety guarantees.
VII. Conclusion
The SDQ-300 series ozone aging test chamber, with its high-precision control capabilities and wide application range, has become an essential tool for testing the ozone resistance of industrial materials. By reasonably configuring sensors, actuators, and control systems, it ensures not only the accuracy of the test but also improves testing efficiency. In the future, with the advancement of material technology, ozone aging test chambers will play an increasingly important role in a broader range of fields.