Altitude Test Rooms

Darwin Chambers Company has teamed up with Colorado Altitude Training (CAT), located in Boulder, Colorado, to offer a unique chamber for altitude simulation. CAT advances altitude simulation technology by maintaining the largest research and development division in the industry. CAT has invested heavily in technology and research to maximize comfort.

A CAT system can reduce the oxygen content from 20.9% to 15.2% to simulate 9,000 feet at sea level, while keeping the pressure unchanged. Whether at real altitude, in a hypobaric chamber, or in an environmental room/CAT system, the amount of inspired oxygen and physiological effects are the same.

CAT clients include the U.S Olympic Committee, U.S. Speed Skating Team, Harvard University, Doha Sports Hospital, U.A.E., College of William and Mary, Mayo Clinic, Tour de France winners, Ironman World Champions, Pro cycling Team and many more. We are pleased to be building a working relationship with CAT to bring you many possibilities for your research needs.

CAT's simulated altitude systems have four main components:

CAT 12^TM high performance air units are the state-of-the-art in altitude simulation technology. This device is designed to provide the maximum air flow possible, making their system the most comfortable on the market. With 121 digitally-adjusted and stabilized levels, the CAT 12^TM provides the incremental altitude adjustment required for optimum performance.
The Enclosure: Darwin Chambers installs the modified environmental room to fit your needs, specifications, and space.
Oxygen Monitor or CAT Digital Controller^TM: The oxygen monitor is highly recommended with every tent system and is simple to use. The devise shows the oxygen content inside the system and it can determine your exact altitude inside the tent when used with the Altitude Conversion Chart. The CAT Digital Controller^TM is the ultimate in high altitude technology and can be used to control any CAT system with the touch of a button.
Altitude Air Generator: CAT 9, CAT 12, or CAT 23 high performance air units are the state-of-the-art in altitude simulation technology. Your desired altitude is achieved quickly and maintained comfortably with a stream of fresh low-oxygen air. The CAT 12 Air Unit simulates up to 12,000 feet, while the less expensive CAT 9 Air Unit achieves 9,000 feet at sea level, the new CAT 23 is for research and aviation systems.
Optional 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 accuracies. These reports are three-point verifications, traceable calibration documents.

CSA certified control panel (UL equivalent)

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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Altitude Test Rooms

What Are Altitude Test Rooms?

Altitude test chambers, also known as altitude simulation chambers or altitude chambers, are specialized controlled environment rooms used to simulate high-altitude conditions for testing various products and materials. These chambers are primarily employed in industries such as aerospace, automotive, electronics, and defense to assess the performance, durability, and reliability of equipment and components under low-pressure and reduced-oxygen environments.

Manufacturers and labs are able to:

Create Low-Pressure Environments
Control Temperature
Evaluate Electronics in Various Pressure Systems

An altitude chamber is a specialized testing enclosure engineered to replicate the atmospheric conditions, including altitude, vacuum, and temperature, experienced at various flight levels encountered by aircraft, spanning from commercial to military applications. These chambers are often used to test medical devices (and other delicate equipment) and how they perform at certain pressure levels.

How Do Altitude Test Chambers Work?

Altitude (Low Pressure) Testing involves the utilization of a vacuum chamber to replicate high altitude conditions. Within the altitude chamber, the pressure can be decreased to match the air pressure at a designated altitude. Items are placed inside this chamber and subjected to testing to assess their functionality following exposure to predetermined altitudes for specified durations. Our controlled environment rooms have multiple testing applications that help manufacturers emulate conditions above 15,000 feet.

What Are the Use-Cases for Altitude Test Chambers?

With the ability to simulate altitudes between 9-15,000 feet, altitude test chambers simulate real-life conditions with various pressure. As a testing device, these are usually used for electronics, automotive, military, aerospace, and other industrial applications.

How Are Altitude Test Chambers Used for Research and Development?

Climatic chambers for altitude tests provide a controlled environment for replicating the operating conditions of products and components at different altitudes. By subjecting equipment to simulated high-altitude environments, industries can ensure the reliability, safety, and performance of their products under challenging atmospheric conditions.

This includes a number of controlled testing environments, including:

Rapid decompression
Temperature
Air pressure
Vibration

Altitude test rooms are also used in avionics to test airplanes.