Choosing a Photostability Chamber

Environmental Specialties manufactures quality photostability chambers meeting ICH Q1B guidelines. Our time proven technology has served the pharmaceutical industry for over 15 years as well as assisting other industries in developing photostability guidelines for their products. Our knowledgeable team can assist in choosing a photostability chamber to meet your specific needs.

The following items should be considered when choosing a photostability chamber.

Chamber Size

ES offers a 12 cubic foot (benchtop) chamber with a single light bank, or a 33 cubic foot (upright) chamber with three individual light banks.

Temperature Control / Humidity Control

Chambers are available with temperature only control or temperature and humidity control. The standard chamber temperature range is 20°C to 40°C. Low temperature operation at 4°C can also be provided.

ICH Q1B Options

Option 1: ES offers a custom-made full spectrum fluorescent lamp which combines visible and ultraviolet-A outputs.

Option 2: ES offers custom-made cool white and ultraviolet-A lamps to meet the specific emission guidelines.

Light Bank Configuration

ES offers both single source light banks and dual source light banks. Our 12 cu ft chamber is standard with one dual source light bank combing both cool white (CW) and ultraviolet (UV) lights. Our 33 cu ft chamber provides three individual light banks. The standard configuration is two light banks with CW bulbs and one light bank with UV bulbs. Dual source lights can be provided for any or all light banks.

Chamber Monitoring

Local display of chamber temperature/humidity and light is provided. High/low temperature/humidity/light levels are both audible and visual. Dry contacts are provided for remote monitoring of alarms. Continuous chamber monitoring can be provided via chart recorders. A 6-channel strip chart recorder can be provided to monitor temperature, humidity and light intensities. When more than 6 channels are required (multiple dual source banks), a 6-channel strip recorder can be utilized for monitoring light intensities in combination with a circular chart recorder for recording temperature/humidity.

Remote monitoring capabilities can be provided via 4-20mA output signals or RS-485 for continuous monitoring.  One signal is required for each channel.

Chamber Utilities

The chambers require 208-230 V/1ø electrical supply. RO water or low grade DI water is required for humidity controlled chambers. Condensate removal is required for humidity chambers via floor drain, condensate pump or heated condensate pan.

ES is devoted to ensuring you are completely satisfied with your photostability chamber purchase. Your questions are important and we welcome the opportunity to speak with you concerning your specific interests and lighting requirements. Feel free to call our 800 number or email our Sales associates. We will be happy to assist.