Determining product degradation rates using aging test chambers
After production, products inevitably show signs of degradation and quality changes over time. Manufacturers and scientific research institutions need to understand and control quality issues to provide optimal shelf-life recommendations. To conduct surveys and evaluations of product stability, the stability chamber is the supporting equipment for this process. Join us as we explore the procedure for determining product degradation rates using this chamber model to learn more about it!
What is an aging test chamber?
Aging test chambers are also known as climate chambers or environmental test chambers. These are specialized scientific instruments developed to simulate external environmental conditions according to the requirements of the experimenter. Climate chambers are widely recognized for their practical and useful applications; through the precise control of temperature, humidity, and day-night lighting cycles, this equipment significantly accelerates the evaluation of environmental impacts that cause specimens to age over time.
Simultaneously, with the ability to operate across wide temperature and humidity ranges, the aging chamber is suitable for a wide variety of products, helping provide accurate assessments of product aging rates.
In addition to determining degradation rates, climate chambers are also used to store specimens safely and easily under ideal conditions. Creating an environment with ideal factors will ensure optimal, long-term specimen preservation.
Which methods do aging chambers use to test degradation rates?
To conduct degradation rate testing experiments, modern climate chamber lines apply methods tailored to each specimen type.
Thermal accelerated aging method
Temperature is a factor that accelerates product degradation through denaturation during aging. The thermal acceleration method is also known as the Q method. In this method, samples are placed in a chamber and aged according to a specific Qn constant. Typically, for the aging rate determination to yield distinct results, the temperature step change is usually 10°C. By determining the degradation rate, the aging chamber helps estimate shelf life based on the formula:
ts = t0 .Q10n
Where:
- ts: shelf life of the product under normal storage conditions.
- t0: shelf life under thermal accelerated conditions.
- n: accelerated temperature (0C) minus normal storage temperature (0C) divided by 10(0)C.
In determining degradation rates, the higher the Q10, the longer the shelf life is calculated to be. Even so, determining degradation rates must be performed multiple times across various temperature ranges. Additionally, note that not all products can use the heating formula of the aging chamber.
Humidity accelerated aging method
Using the humidity factor to determine specimen degradation is also very common in laboratories. However, this method is considered less common than thermal acceleration.
This method can be understood through a specific experiment conducted at the FMBRA Research Association in the UK. Scientists developed formulas to determine the deterioration rate and shelf life of industrial sponge cake stored at 27°C and 21°C, with ERH ranging from 74 to 90%, as follows:
- At 27°C: Log10 A = 6,42 – (0,065 * ERH%)
- At 21°C: Log10 A = 7,91 – (0,081 * ERH%)
Where:
- A: number of shelf life days
- ERH: index representing the equilibrium relative humidity of the cake.
According to the above formula, the degradation time calculated using an aging chamber for sponge cake with an equilibrium relative humidity of 88% is 7 days at 21°C and 5 days at 27°C.
Buying aging chambers from reputable suppliers
Choosing a quality climate chamber is one of the most critical requirements in scientific experiments. Many seek to purchase aging chamber models of the highest quality. Therefore, our best recommendation for you is to come to Hoa Viet.
As a supplier specialized in climate chambers with quality proven across every product line, Hoa Viet will certainly satisfy you with our specimen aging chambers.
Contact Hoa Viet today for consultation and to select the best products.
Contact information:
Hoa Viet Co., Ltd.
Address: 229 – 231 Le Cao Lang, Phu Thanh Ward, Tan Phu District, HCMC
Hotline: 028 39 789 666
