The Q-SUN Xe-2 Xenon Test Chamber is a sophisticated instrument designed for accelerated weathering and light stability testing of various materials. It simulates the damaging effects of sunlight, rain, and dew to predict the long-term durability of products in real-world outdoor environments. This quick setup guide, LX-5085-QS, provides essential information for the safe and effective operation of the device.
Function Description:
The Q-SUN Xe-2 chamber utilizes a xenon arc lamp to reproduce the full spectrum of sunlight, including ultraviolet (UV), visible, and infrared (IR) radiation. This allows for accurate simulation of outdoor exposure conditions. The chamber can be configured with different optical filters to achieve various spectral distributions, mimicking different outdoor environments or specific end-use conditions. The device also incorporates features for controlling temperature, humidity, and water spray, enabling the simulation of rain and dew cycles. This comprehensive environmental control allows users to conduct a wide range of standardized and custom test methods to evaluate material degradation such as color change, gloss loss, cracking, and embrittlement. The Xe-2 model is available in several configurations, including Xe-2-HE (Humidity Control), Xe-2-HSE (Humidity and Front Spray), and Xe-2-HBSE (Humidity, Back Spray, and Front Spray), offering flexibility to meet diverse testing requirements.
Important Technical Specifications:
General Operating Environment:
- Ambient Operating Temperature and Relative Humidity (RH): 23 ± 5 °C and 50 ± 25% RH.
- Maximum Ambient Operating Temperature and Humidity: 40 °C and 80% relative humidity.
- Temperature Range: The recommended ambient range may cause chamber temperature and/or humidity faults.
- Transportation and Storage Temperature: -40 °C to 80 °C.
- Installation Category: Category II for transient over-voltages.
- Pollution Control: Pollution Degree 2.
- Sound Pressure Level: Does not exceed 75 dBA.
- Altitude: 2000 meters or less.
- Operation: Continuous Rating.
- Supply Connection: Permanently connected or plug/socket connection (industrial type per IEC 6309 or twist lock type in North America).
- External Disconnect: Required for all connections.
- External Over-Current Protection: Must be rated for not more than 40 A (USA, Canada) or 64 A (Europe).
- Short Circuit Current Rating (SCCR): 1000 A.
Electrical Specifications (Jun 2022):
- Voltage: 230 V or 208 V ± 10% - single phase.
- Current: 23 A @ 230 V, 24 A @ 208 V.
- Frequency: 50 or 60 Hz.
- Installation: Rated as Installation (Over voltage) Category II for transient over voltages.
- SCCR: 1000 A (Short Circuit Current Rating).
- Power Cord: The power cord is NOT supplied. The user must supply and attach a properly-sized plug.
- Wiring: Xe-2 testers are provided with a 3 conductor, 10 AWG, ≈ 4.5 m (15') long power cord without plug.
- Electrical Connections: A qualified electrician should make all electrical connections.
Water Specifications (Mar 2022):
- Purified Water: Must be supplied to all Q-SUN Xe-2 testers.
- Humidifier Water: Water is used by the humidifier to produce humidity.
- Spray Water: Water is also used to spray on the test specimens in Xe-2 models with water spray.
- Humidifier and Water Spray Requirements: Q-SUN models with water spray require much higher water purity than those with a humidifier and no water spray.
- Reverse Osmosis / Deionized (RO/DI) Water: Required for water spray in Xe-2 testers.
- Water Purity Conditions: The Q-SUN tester warranty is voided if water purity conditions are not met.
Water Supply Specifications:
- System (Model): Front Spray (Xe-2-HSE)
- Inlet Pressure: 30-80 psi (207-522 kPa)
- Flow Setting: 0.5L/min
- Resistivity: > 5 M Ω•cm
- Conductivity: < 0.2 µS/cm
- Silica: < 0.1 ppm
- Total Dissolved Solids: < 0.1 ppm
- pH: 6-8
- System (Model): Front and Back Spray (Xe-2-HBSE)
- Inlet Pressure: 30-80 psi (207-522 kPa)
- Flow Setting: 0.5L/min
- Resistivity: > 5 M Ω•cm
- Conductivity: < 0.2 µS/cm
- Silica: < 0.1 ppm
- Total Dissolved Solids: < 0.1 ppm
- pH: 6-8
- System (Model): Humidifier (Xe-2-HE)
- Inlet Pressure: 3-80 psi (21-552 kPa)
- Flow Setting: 1.0 L/hr
- Resistivity: > 200 k Ω•cm
- Conductivity: < 5.0 µS/cm
- Silica: Not Important
- Total Dissolved Solids: < 2.5 ppm
- pH: 6-8
- NOTE: Average Daily Volume is dependent on individual test cycles.
Dimensions and Space Requirements (Mar 2022):
- Room Air: The Q-SUN Xe-2 uses room air for cooling.
- Vent Hood/Ducting: The tester does not require its own vent hood or ducting. Do not attach to a powered vent.
- Exhausts: The Q-SUN Xe-2 exhausts about 1800 W (6141 BTU/hr) of heat into the room.
- Clearance: Allow adequate space around the tester for air flow and to access tester components.
- Front: 52 cm
- Left Side: 61 cm
- Right Side: 61 cm
- Back: 8 cm
- Top: 50 cm (left), 91 cm (middle), 50 cm (right)
Usage Features:
- User-Friendly Interface: The Q-SUN Xe-2 features a dual, full-color touch-screen display for easy programming and monitoring of test parameters. The main controller continuously displays all test status conditions and monitors for errors.
- Pre-programmed Test Cycles: The device comes with one or more common test cycles pre-programmed, simplifying setup for standard tests.
- Custom Test Cycles: Users can create and save custom test cycles to meet specific research or industry requirements.
- Automatic Shut-off: The main controller automatically stops a test if an error is detected, ensuring safety and protecting samples.
- Software Updates: New software revisions can be easily downloaded and installed, keeping the device up-to-date with the latest features and improvements.
- Data Export: System configuration and performance data can be exported to assist in troubleshooting and record-keeping.
- Specimen Holders: The Q-SUN Xe-2 has 16 specimen holders mounted on a turntable, allowing for uniform exposure of multiple samples. The turntable can be rotated by hand or through the status screen. Specimen holders slide down into the specimen holder keepers on the turntable. All 16 specimen holders must be mounted during a test for optimal air flow.
- Safety Interlocks: The chamber door and lamp door are equipped with interlock switches that shut off power to the lamp when opened, preventing exposure to harmful UV radiation and hot surfaces.
- Warning Labels: Clear warning labels are strategically placed on the tester to indicate potential hazards such as electrical shock and hot surfaces.
- Lamp Door Access: The lamp door is located on top of the Xe-2 cabinet. It is crucial to shut off the Xe-2 power switch and wait 15 minutes before opening the lamp door to allow the lamp to cool down.
- Chamber Door Access: Items located in the test chamber, including specimens and holders, can be very hot. The test chamber must be cooled before opening the chamber door.
- Side Doors: For safety, a tool (slotted screw driver) must be used to open these doors. Electrical and heat generating components and safety labels are located throughout.
- Water Supply Connection: The water supply connection is made at the lower rear of the tester. The Xe-2 is supplied with 3/8" (9.5 mm) and 10 mm water supply fittings in kit XR-11358-K. A water supply tube is not supplied with the tester.
- Drain Connections: A water drain connection must be made on all Xe-2 testers at the lower rear of the unit. The Xe-2 is supplied with 3/4" (19 mm) connector fittings and 16.5 feet (5 m) of 3/4" (19 mm) drain hose in kit XR-11358-K. The tester drain hose must rise no more than 100 mm (4.0") above the floor at any point before reaching a drain, a pump is needed or the tester must be elevated. An optional drain pump kit is available (part number X-6955-K 120 V and X-6956-K 230 V) to pump drain water over obstacles or to an elevated drain. An optional lift kit can be used to raise the entire tester up off of the floor (part number X-15416-K). Do not use concrete blocks, pallets, bricks, or other means to raise the tester to achieve proper drainage.
Maintenance Features:
- Lamp Replacement: The quick setup guide provides detailed instructions for safely replacing the xenon lamp and UV filter lantern. This includes steps for disconnecting power, removing old components, and installing new ones.
- Water System Maintenance: The manual outlines the requirements for purified water and provides diagrams for water supply and drain connections, emphasizing the importance of proper water quality for optimal performance and longevity of the tester.
- Cleaning: The touch-screens should be cleaned with a soft cloth and alcohol. Do not use water to clean the screens.
- Troubleshooting: The system configuration and performance data can be exported to assist in troubleshooting.
- Support: Q-Lab Repair and Tester Support is available Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5 PM (international office time). Contact Q-Lab support for additional troubleshooting guides, operating manuals, and technical information.
- Warranty: All Q-SUN Xenon Test Chambers are guaranteed against defects in workmanship or materials for one year. Liability is limited to replacing or repairing any part or parts that are defective in materials or workmanship and that are returned to our factory, shipping costs prepaid. Liability in all events is limited to the purchase price paid. Damage due to accident or abuse is not covered. Labor cost is not covered. Q-Lab Corporation makes no other warranties, including implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose, except as may be expressly provided by the Q-Lab Corporation in writing. Q-Lab Corporation shall not be liable for any incidental, consequential, special or contingent damages arising out of the sale or use of any product. Q-SUN Xenon Test Chambers are made in the USA.
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