Posted to News on 9th Jul 2010, 12:41
Ovens test long-term performance of thermostatic controllers
Carbolite has supplied Kohler Mira with three ovens for long-term testing of thermostatic controllers and related products.
Kohler Mira, one of the UK's leading manufacturers of shower equipment, has upgraded the facilities in its development and quality control laboratories with the installation of three Carbolite ovens for long-term testing of thermostatic controllers and related products.
Established over 80 years ago, Mira showers and Rada controls are market leaders in their fields and are at the forefront of technological developments for domestic and commercial markets. Shower controllers, in particular, have become far more sophisticated, with recent innovations seeing increasing use of electrical and electronic components, including wireless digital controls.
The automatic control systems have to comply with certain parts of BS EN 60730 Automatic electrical controls for household and similar use, which requires the products to be tested by heating to 95degC while pressurised with water at 25bar for 900 hours. This procedure identifies any failures or leakages that might be caused by creep of plastics or other degradations in the materials used in the controllers. In order to carry out this test, two of the ovens have been mounted in a vertical frame beside a pressure intensifier that provides a high-pressure water supply. Flexible tubes from the intensifier pass through a 50mm diameter porthole in the side of the ovens and are attached to each item to be tested.
Oven features
Carbolite's ovens feature fully welded 430-grade polished stainless steel interiors that measure 610mm high x 610mm wide x 610mm deep and have three heavy-duty shelves. Maximum operating temperature is 300degC, with temperature uniformity of +/-degC throughout the chamber achieved by a powerful horizontal airflow. Chamber ventilation is adjustable.
Oven heating is provided by mineral-insulated, metal-sheathed elements that are controlled by a Carbolite 301 controller with a single ramp-to-set-point capability, located beside the door. Temperature stability is +/-0.5degC. Low thermal mass insulation minimises heat losses and energy consumption.
