The Fully Automatic Intelligent Water Immersion Conditioning Test Chamber for Wood-Based Panels is a highly integrated and fully automated testing system, specifically designed for water resistance testing of wood-based panels.It provides reliable support for evaluating the water absorption performance, dimensional stability, and durability of wood-based panels.

Wood-based panel water immersion test chamber

Model:TD17657-SJ3

I. Product Overview

The equipment is capable of independently performing four standardized preconditioning methods (a–d) in a single unit. It strictly complies with relevant testing standards such as GB/T 17657, ensuring high precision and repeatability of specimen conditioning under different temperature, humidity, and immersion conditions.Referenced or applicable standards: EN 317, EN 321, ASTM D1037, ISO 16983.

II. Core Functional Features

1. Fully Automatic Multi-Mode Pre-treatment

• Integrates four functional modules: cold water, hot water, boiling water, and drying. Through intelligent program control, it can start four standard pre-treatment processes (a), b), c), and d) with one click, without the need for manual equipment switching or manual intervention of key parameters (such as temperature, time, and immersion/drying status).

2. High-Precision Environmental Control

• Temperature Control:

The system adopts PID control technology to achieve high-precision temperature regulation with an accuracy of ±1°C.

It supports multiple test conditions, including cold water (20±3°C), hot water (63±3°C), boiling water (slightly boiling state), and drying condition (60±3°C), ensuring that immersion and drying environments fully comply with standard requirements.

• Time Management:

Built-in high-precision timer enables minute-level time setting (e.g., cooling for 10 min, drying for 16–20 h), with an error of ≤±1 min, effectively eliminating deviations caused by manual timing.

3. Intelligent Process Switching

• The system automatically performs seamless transitions between complex test procedures such as immersion – removal – cooling – drying – re-immersion. It supports cyclic processes such as the “boil–dry–boil” sequence specified in Method C.

Built-in sensors continuously monitor temperature, liquid level, and specimen status in real time, and automatically trigger the next step (e.g., after drying is completed, the system automatically returns the specimens to the boiling water tank).

4. Safety Protection Design

• The system is equipped with multiple safety protection functions, including over-temperature protection (automatic power-off when abnormal temperature is detected in the boiling water tank), liquid level monitoring (water shortage alarm with automatic heating pause), and specimen fixing racks to prevent floating or tilting during immersion. These features ensure safe and stable long-term operation of the equipment.

IV. Execution Procedures of Four Standard Preconditioning Methods

The equipment can be started with a single button via preset programs and automatically completes the following procedures. The operation details are refined based on standard requirements and system functions.

a) 24-hour Cold Water Immersion

Parameter Setting:

Select the preset program “a – Cold Water Immersion” and set the temperature to (20 ± 3)°C and the duration to 24 hours.

Execution Process:

• The system automatically fills the immersion tank with ambient water and regulates the temperature to (20 ± 3)°C through the cooling/heating module.

• After the specimens are fixed on the dedicated racks, they are immersed in water and the timer is activated for continuous 24-hour immersion.

• Upon completion, the system issues an alarm signal, and the operator manually removes the specimens for subsequent testing.

b) Hot Water Immersion

1. Parameter Setting:

Select the preset program “b – Hot Water Immersion” and set the temperature to (63 ± 3)°C and the duration to 3 hours.

2. Execution Process:

• The system heats the water to (63 ± 3)°C, and the specimens are immersed in the hot water tank for 3 hours.

• Upon completion, the specimens are automatically lifted to the cooling zone and cooled for 10 minutes at room temperature (20–25°C), assisted by a built-in cooling fan.

• After cooling is completed, the system issues an alarm signal, and the operator manually removes the specimens.

c) Boiling Water Immersion – Drying – Boiling Water Immersion (Boil–Dry–Boil)

1. Parameter Setting:

Select the preset program “c – Boil–Dry–Boil”, and set the boiling water condition (gentle boiling), drying temperature to (60 ± 3)°C, and drying time to 16–20 hours.

2. Execution Process:

• First Boiling Water Immersion: The system heats the water to a gentle boiling state (approximately 98–100°C), and the specimens are immersed for 4 hours.

• Drying Stage: The specimens are automatically lifted into the forced-air drying chamber and dried at (60 ± 3)°C for 16–20 hours. A built-in humidity sensor continuously monitors the drying process.

• Second Boiling Water Immersion: After drying is completed, the specimens are automatically returned to the boiling water tank for a second 4-hour immersion.

• Cooling Stage: Upon completion of the second immersion, the specimens are automatically transferred to the cold-water tank (≤30°C) and immersed for at least 1 hour.

• Fully Automatic Operation: The entire boil–dry–boil cycle is completed automatically without manual intervention, ensuring accurate, consistent, and repeatable test procedures.

d) 72-Hour Boiling Water Immersion

1. Parameter Setting:

Select the preset program “d – 72-Hour Boiling Water Immersion”, and set the water temperature to a gentle boiling state with a test duration of (72 ± 1) hours.

2. Process:

• The system continuously heats the water to maintain a gentle boiling condition, while the specimens remain immersed for 72 hours. The built-in timer provides a timing accuracy of ±1 minute.

• Upon completion of the immersion period, the specimens are automatically transferred to the cold-water tank (≤30°C) and immersed for at least 1 hour, completing the preconditioning process.

V. Operational Precautions

1. Specimen Preparation: The size and quantity of specimens must meet the standard requirements (such as those specified in GB/T 17657). Specimens should be fixed to the dedicated support bracket on the equipment, ensuring complete immersion and preventing contact between specimens during immersion.

2. Environmental Requirements: The equipment should be placed in a well-ventilated and stable laboratory environment, avoiding direct sunlight or strong airflow that could interfere with the temperature control system.

3. Maintenance Requirements

• Clean the immersion tank and drying chamber after each test to prevent equipment corrosion caused by residue. The use of a neutral cleaning agent is recommended.

• Regularly inspect the heating elements, temperature sensors, and liquid level switches to ensure accurate temperature and liquid level control. Routine maintenance should be carried out in accordance with the Annual Equipment Maintenance Manual.

4. Safety Warnings

• Do not open the immersion tank or the drying chamber door while the equipment is in operation, as this may result in exposure to high temperatures and other potential hazards.

• In the event of an abnormal alarm (such as over-temperature or low water level), immediately switch off the power supply and contact qualified service personnel for inspection and troubleshooting.

VI. Technical Specifications (Partial)

1. Operating Temperature Range: Cold water: (20 ± 3)°C; Hot water: (63 ± 3)°C; Boiling water: gentle boiling state; Drying: (60 ± 3)°C

2. Immersion Tank Capacity: ≥ 50 L (capable of accommodating multiple standard test specimens simultaneously)

3. Drying Chamber Capacity: ≥ 30 L (suitable for standard specimen dimensions)

4. Temperature Control Accuracy: ±1°C

5. Time Control Accuracy: ±1 minute

6. Power Supply: AC 220 V, 50 Hz; Power Consumption: ≤5 kW