ConstaCon® TR – Condensation Humidity Test Chamber

ConstaCon® TR is a chest-type corrosion test chamber developed for testing large and bulky samples in a controlled condensation humidity atmosphere.

The chamber generates approximately 100% relative humidity by heating demineralised water at the bottom of the test chamber. The resulting water vapour condenses on the cooler surfaces of the samples, allowing the behaviour of paints, coatings, and materials under prolonged exposure to humidity to be examined.

ConstaCon TR can be configured with the K process without ventilation or the KB process with automatic ventilation. This enables both constant condensation humidity tests and alternating tests comprising humidity, ventilation, and ambient-atmosphere stages.

Condensation humidity tests are used to evaluate the behaviour of materials and protective coatings under high humidity and continuous surface condensation.

ConstaCon TR is particularly suitable for:

• Paints and organic coatings,
• Metals and metal alloys,
• Galvanised surfaces,
• Metallic and conversion coatings,
• Automotive and automotive supplier components,
• Large machinery components,
• Building and exterior façade elements,
• Enclosures for electrical and electronic equipment,
• Heavy or bulky test samples.

After testing, surface changes such as rust formation, blistering, colour change, loss of gloss, coating delamination, and loss of adhesion can be evaluated according to the relevant product standard.

A condensation humidity test does not directly determine a product’s actual service life. Its primary purpose is to evaluate the behaviour of different materials and coatings under the common test conditions defined by the standard.

Demineralised water is added to the bottom of the test chamber to a specified level. When heated, the water evaporates and creates high relative humidity within the enclosed test volume.

When the surface temperature of the test samples is lower than that of the saturated air inside the chamber, water vapour condenses on the samples. The sample surfaces are thus exposed to intense humidity under continuous or alternating conditions.

During the test:

• The samples are placed in the test chamber.
• The required quantity of demineralised water is added to the bottom of the chamber.
• The test temperature is set according to the relevant standard.
• The water at the bottom is heated to generate water vapour.
• Condensation forms on the sample surfaces.
• Ventilation and cooling stages are performed on models equipped for these processes.
• The test continues for the specified duration or number of cycles.

To ensure comparable test results, water quality, test temperature, sample positioning, test duration, and ventilation stages must be maintained in accordance with the relevant standard.

ConstaCon TR can be configured with either the K or KB system according to the condensation humidity method to be performed.

The K model is the basic condensation humidity system without automatic ventilation.

It is particularly suitable for:

• Constant condensation humidity tests,
• The CH atmosphere specified in TS EN ISO 6270-2,
• The former test method known as DIN 50017 KK,
• Long-duration, continuous humidity tests.

K models continuously maintain the condensation atmosphere within the test chamber. For tests involving alternating temperature stages, the chamber can be equipped with an optional timer.

Stages requiring ventilation can be performed manually by opening the chamber. However, the KB model is more suitable for conducting such tests regularly and repeatably.

In addition to the K condensation humidity system, the KB model includes automatic ventilation.

When the programmed humidity stage is complete, ambient air is passed through the test chamber. This allows a transition from the condensation atmosphere to ventilation or ambient-atmosphere conditions without requiring the operator to open the chamber lid.

The KB system is particularly suitable for applications requiring:

• The AHT atmosphere specified in TS EN ISO 6270-2,
• Alternating humidity and ventilation stages,
• Repeated test cycles,
• Reduced operator intervention,
• More consistent transitions between cycles.

Here, “manual control” refers to the chamber’s basic control level. In the KB model, the ventilation stage can be performed automatically using the timing and control equipment installed on the chamber.

For detailed information about Liebisch system codes and other process combinations, please visit the Liebisch Process Systems page.

TS EN ISO 6270-2 defines methods for exposing coated test samples to constant or alternating condensation atmospheres inside a chamber equipped with a heated water reservoir.

The test chamber remains closed, creating a high-humidity environment that produces continuous condensation.

The CH atmosphere can be generated using both ConstaCon K and ConstaCon KB models.

The condensation stage alternates with ventilation and ambient-atmosphere stages.

For the AHT method, the KB model with automatic ventilation allows the cycles to be repeated without operator intervention.

The samples are exposed to different temperature and condensation stages within the closed test chamber.

The temperature changes and exposure periods required for AT cycles should be set according to the relevant standard. The K model can be configured for such cycles with suitable timing equipment.

TS EN ISO 6270-2 – Paints and Varnishes — Determination of Resistance to Humidity — Part 2: Condensation
Specifies the conditions for exposing coated test samples to constant or alternating condensation atmospheres in test chambers equipped with a heated water reservoir.

This is the primary standard for ConstaCon TR. A suitable chamber configuration should be selected for CH, AT, and AHT atmospheres.

DIN 50017 – Testing in Condensation Water Atmospheres
A German standard historically used for condensation humidity testing.

DIN 50017 has now largely been replaced by DIN EN ISO 6270-2. If DIN 50017 is specified in an older technical specification, its equivalent under the current ISO method should be checked before testing.

DIN 50958 – Evaluation of Coatings in a Condensation Humidity Atmosphere
A test method for evaluating the behaviour of metals and coated surfaces under condensation humidity conditions.

The test temperature, duration, and evaluation criteria should be verified against the current version of the standard or the version specified by the customer.

TS EN ISO 6270-1 – Single-Sided Condensation
A method for determining the resistance of coated test samples to humidity under single-sided condensation conditions.

Applying this standard may require special sample positioning or optional equipment. Chamber suitability should be assessed together with the sample geometry and support system to be used.

Institutional and Manufacturer Standards

The applicability of the following institutional and manufacturer standards should be assessed separately according to the current revision of the relevant standard, required test temperature, solution composition, and chamber options:

• FIAT 50184 Method B
• Volvo STD 423-0018

ConstaCon TR can be configured with the following options according to the application:

The suitability of each option should be evaluated together with the chamber volume, applicable standard, and laboratory infrastructure.

If continuous or constant condensation humidity tests are to be performed, ConstaCon K M-TR may be a suitable solution.

If tests require the humidity and ventilation stages to be repeated automatically, ConstaCon KB M-TR should be selected.

Share your intended test standard, test cycle, sample dimensions, and required capacity with us so we can assess the necessary process systems and a suitable chamber configuration together.

Contact us for assistance with selecting the appropriate Liebisch process system and chamber, and for a technical quotation