IN SHORT
Climate chambers often operate for extended periods at high relative humidity. Under these conditions, residual cleaning agents can attract moisture and thus contribute to corrosion processes. In practice, it also frequently happens that feed water ends up on panel surfaces via couplings, fittings, or maintenance work. As a result, salts and other components can accumulate in critical areas such as seams, sheet metal work, and fastening points.
Many climate chambers are constructed from Sendzimir galvanized steel with a protective coating. This construction offers good protection under normal circumstances but does require a cleaning protocol that takes into account the material's properties.
Within the conducted test and based on practical experience, various types of cleaning agents were assessed for their impact on panel materials. The results suggest that insufficient rinsing can have a greater impact on corrosion formation than is often assumed.
Agents based on Accelerated Hydrogen Peroxide (AHP) and buffered hydrogen peroxide generally show good material compatibility. Chlorine-containing agents can also be used if required by hygiene or quality regulations, but require extra attention for correct rinsing. Strongly acidic products, depending on concentration, contact time, and material composition, can pose an increased risk of coating damage.
The final choice of a cleaning agent should always be aligned with the application, the manufacturer's instructions, and the requirements of the quality or HACCP system.
Both the limited test and practical experience show that the quality of rinsing can be a significant factor in reducing corrosion risks. Residues often concentrate in areas that are less accessible during cleaning, such as seams, screw connections, and the undersides of panels.
Therefore, it is recommended to rinse thoroughly after cleaning and allow the chamber to dry sufficiently before restarting the climate control. Demineralized or RO water is often used to minimize the amount of residual salts.
A cleaning protocol is most effective when combined with regular inspections. Early signs of degradation include discoloration, blistering, white deposits, or localized rust formation.
A practical guideline could be:
• Monthly: visual inspection during routine cleaning.
• Quarterly: extra attention to seams, fasteners, and high-risk areas.
• Annually: comprehensive technical inspection of coating and panel condition.
Documenting findings with photos provides insight into the development of any damage and allows for timely maintenance planning.
The most common forms of degradation are filiform corrosion and pitting. Filiform corrosion develops under the coating from a small defect. Pitting often manifests as localized pit formation with corrosion products around the affected area.
When such signs are observed, it is advisable to clean, dry, and, if necessary, repair the affected area with a suitable coating. For more extensive degradation, assessment by a specialist is recommended.
Climate chambers often represent a significant investment and are frequently business-critical for research, production, or storage processes. A robust cleaning and inspection protocol can help limit maintenance costs, prevent undesirable downtime, and extend the lifespan of the installation.
Nijssen regularly supports clients with inspections, material assessments, and the development of maintenance and cleaning protocols tailored to their specific application and operational conditions.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur.
Block quote
Ordered list
Bold text
Emphasis
Superscript
Subscript
Yes, but only with a strict rinsing protocol. Corrosion (pitting on S275GD+Z275) is caused by residual chloride, not by concentration or contact time itself. Rinse with demineralized or RO water and dry completely before restarting. A pH-neutral alternative poses less risk when used identically.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions, typically 5 to 10 minutes. Longer contact time offers no cleaning benefit but increases the risk of coating damage. Do not allow the agent to dry. Work in sections so you can rinse before drying occurs.
Brown spots with a white haze indicate pitting; blisters or spiderweb patterns indicate filiform corrosion beneath the coating. Clean the area, mechanically remove loose corrosion products, and apply a food-safe touch-up coating. Have larger or deeper spots assessed by a technician. Document the location and extent with photos.
The combination of high humidity, process water, and galvanized panel constructions makes cleaning in climate chambers a specialized concern. Based on the conducted trial and practical experience, the quality of rinsing appears to be a significant factor in mitigating corrosion risks. The results suggest that careful removal of residues can be at least as important as the choice of the cleaning agent itself. By combining an appropriate choice of agent with thorough rinsing, regular inspections, and timely repair of damage, the condition of climate chamber panels can be better managed.
Discover when an industrial heat pump is cost-effective. Includes a decision model, grant overview, and insights into the conditions for achieving a payback period of less than five years.
Discover what a climate chamber is, which climate conditions are regulated, and when terms like climate cell, test cell, or growth chamber are used.
Natural refrigerants are a future-proof alternative to R404A and R507F. This article compares ammonia, CO₂, and propane in terms of cost, safety, and application.
Receive our latest technical publications and project updates directly in your inbox every month.
Lorem ipsum by sit amet, consecteur adipising elite. Suspension tincture of sagittis eros. Quisque quis euismod lorem. Etiam sodales ac felis is interdum.
