Summary Darwin Chambers Company designs, manufactures, installs, and services custom chambers of all types and sizes, for a wide array of applications, including: GMP Shelf-Life Testing and Storage, Dry/Moist and Cold Storage for Seed and Agricultural Products, Nutritional Supplements, General Materials Testing, Mold and Fungal Incubation, Photography Storage, Concrete Curing, Roll-In Bottle Incubation Chambers and Compliant Vivariums (NIH, ALAAC, OLAW, USDA, etc.), more. We have pioneered a number of innovative, resource-saving technologies, from thermoelectric and liquid-circuited cooling systems to ultrasonic humidification. When custom solutions are required, our engineers have the training and experience to ensure that optimal performance does not sacrifice energy efficiency. Temperatures available down to -30° C and up to +60° C, as well as humidity as low as 5% RH and up 95% RH. Benefits Optional on-site validation services that have included multi-point temperature and humidity mapping have repeatedly proven nearly unbelievable uniformity and control results that far surpass FDA/ICH/GMP guidelines. Customizable plans, in addition to extensive warranty coverage. All rooms are produced with microprocessor controls, high/low alarms, and exception- ally accurate temperature/humidity control. No steam boilers used to avoid corrosion over time. ADA compliance available with no additional cost to the customer. Supplied with LED lights which emit significantly more light per unit of input energy than fluorescent bulbs. They also produce less radiant heat, and with less heat used, the cooling requirement for the controlled environment is diminished and the total energy used by an LED-equipped chamber is substantially reduced. Personnel emergency alarm: illuminated pull to reset push-button (inside room), control panel mounted visual and audible alarm. Includes glow in the dark label and a glow in the dark antimicrobial pull cord that can trigger alarm when pulled, a life saving feature for injured personnel lying on the floor. Plug and Play Most conditioning systems can be replaced very quickly in the future due to simple water-type connections. This ease of installation/removal also allows for greatly simplified future relocation. Reliable & Low Down Time On many of our systems, our cooling and heating package can be swapped out with a new unit, if ever needed, in minutes rather than the days (or weeks) needed to fix a conventional system. In addition to the time benefits, non-certified technicians can perform the above equipment swap, in contrast to conventional systems that require certified refrigeration technicians. Easy Redundancy Our rooms that include an optional redundant refrigeration system allow uninterrupted operation upon a refrigeration failure. The room does not need to be taken out of service during repair, as the failed system can be isolated and serviced with no impact upon the chamber operation. Features Standard Features 4” to 6” Polyurethane Foam Insulated Panels, R- Value 31+ or Higher Embossed White Aluminum Interior Surface Finish Embossed White Galvanized Steel Exterior Surface Finish Exceptional Temperature Uniformity Temperature Control At Sensor / Set-Point: ±0.2° C High / Low Alarms Flexible Configurations Complies With LEED Standards Energy Efficient Offering Lowered Maintenance Costs Pre-tested, Pre-charged Refrigeration Systems Non-proprietary Controls Corrosive Resistant Equipment Precision Sizing Diurnal Cycling Temperature CSA certified control panel (UL equivalent) Optional Features Added Dehumidification and/or Ultrasonic Humidification Extended Temperature And Humidity Ranges Stainless Steel / Special Surfaces Ethernet / Remote Monitoring / Alarming Corrosive Resistant Equipment Added Redundancy in Controls and/or Conditioning system Data Logging Water-Cooled Or Air-Cooled Condensers Custom Lighting Systems High Density Shelving Unlimited Door / View Window Sizing Insulated Glass View ports High Weight Capacity Flooring Calibration / Validation / Maintenance Services Touchscreen Control Interface Antimicrobial Coating on door handle to reduce the spread of bacteria and pathogens. The Darwin Advantage All installed instrumentation is calibrated to NIST traceable standards and provided with a calibration form. In-house, factory calibrations are performed using state-of-the-art equipment with great accuracy. These reports are three-point verifications, and traceable calibration documents. Downloads Download Brochure Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Environmental Rooms What are Environmental Rooms Used For? Custom environmental rooms are available for a wide range of applications, including GMP shelf-life testing and storage, nutritional supplements, dry/moist and cold storage for seed and agricultural products, general materials testing, photography storage, mold/fungal incubation, concrete curing, roll-in bottle incubation chambers and compliant vivariums (NIH, ALAAC, OLAW, USDA, etc.), and more. Environmental rooms offer the ultimate temp/humidity controlled storage spaces. What are the Requirements For a Controlled Environment? Environmental rooms require preventive maintenance to protect your investment and provide peace of mind. This can include: Temperature Control: Maintaining a consistent temperature range is essential for controlled environments. This could include heating or cooling systems – or both – to maintain the desired temperature range and the sensitivity of the processes involved. Humidity Control: Controlling humidity levels is vital in environments where moisture can impact your testing quality or stability. Humidity control systems, such as humidifiers and dehumidifiers, may be employed to maintain optimal humidity levels. Air Quality: Ensuring clean, contaminant-free air is essential in controlled environments, especially in laboratories. Air filtration systems and ventilation solutions help remove any particles, pollutants, and airborne contaminants to maintain air quality standards. Pressure Differentials: Some controlled environments require specific pressure differentials to prevent contaminants from adjacent areas. Positive or negative air pressure systems may be used to achieve the desired pressure differentials. Sterility: In laboratory environments, maintaining sterility is paramount to prevent contamination. Strict protocols for cleanliness, sterilization procedures, and protective equipment can be implemented to ensure a sterile environment. Lighting: Controlled environments may require specific lighting conditions to optimize visibility or support biological processes. Adjustable lighting systems or specialized lighting features may be employed to meet these requirements. Environmental Monitoring: Regular monitoring and control of environmental parameters are vital to make sure that conditions remain within the desired range. Automated monitoring systems equipped with sensors – like Virtual Touchscreens-VTS – for temperature, humidity, pressure, and other settings provide real-time data and alerts. Regulatory Compliance: Many controlled environments are subject to regulatory standards and guidelines that govern their operation and maintenance. This is essential to ensure the quality, safety, and integrity of testing and processes. What is the Difference Between a Controlled Environment and a Cleanroom? Controlled environments place an emphasis on atmospheric considerations, like air temperature, air pressure, and relative humidity levels. Controlled environmental rooms have temperatures available between -30° C and +60° C, along with humidity as low as 5% relative humidity (RH) and up to 95% RH. Cleanrooms are specifically designed to maintain extremely low levels of airborne particles, contaminants, and pollutants with specified limits. They are primarily used in industries where even small particles or contaminants can adversely affect product quality, performance, or safety.