Shellab SCO31 - Manual (Page 36)

36 | P a g e
MAINTENANCE (CONTINUED)
C ONDENSATION AND THE D EW P OINT
Relative humidity inside the incubation chamber should never be allowed to exceed 80% at
25°C. Exceeding this thresholds will likely result in condensation, possible leaks around the
incubator, and may cause corrosion damage if allowed to continue for any significant length of time
Condensation will appear wherever the humidity level in the incubator chamber reaches the dew
point. The dew point is the level of humidity at which the chamber atmosphere cannot hold more
water vapor. The warmer the air, the more water vapor it can hold.
As the level of humidity rises in an incubation chamber, condensation will first appear on surfaces
that are cooler than the air temperature. Near the dew point, condensation will form on any item or
exposed surface that is even slightly cooler than the air. When the dew point is reached,
condensation forms on nearly all exposed surfaces.
Managing condensation primarily depends on either lowering the humidity level in the incubator or
increasing the air temperature. Intrusions of cool air into the incubator chamber, or cold air blowing
on the exterior of the incubator may also help cause condensation in the chamber.
Note: Rising or falling air pressure from weather will adjust the dew point up and down in small
increments. If the relative humidity in the incubation chamber is already near the dew point,
barometric fluctuations may push it across the dew point threshold.
If condensation is forming in the incubation chamber, check the following:
 Is the door closing and latching properly? Is the door gasket leaking? Check the gasket for
damage, wear, or signs of brittleness or dryness. Replace the gasket if needed.
 Are frequent or lengthy chamber door openings causing significant temperature
disruptions? If so, reduce the number of openings.
 Is the incubator exposed to an external flow of cold air such as, an air-conditioning vent or
a door to a cooler hallway or adjacent room? Block or divert the air, or move the incubator.
 Does the ambient humidity in the room exceed the incubator’s stated operating range of
80% relative humidity? If so, lower the room’s humidity.
 Are there are too many open containers of evaporating sample media in the chamber? If
so, reduce the number of sample containers. Remove humidity pans or other open
containers of water.
 SCO58 only: Is the access port stopper in place and properly seated? Reinsert the stopper,
or replace if damaged or worn.