Rain & Spray Test Chambers

ESPEC is making it easier to do rain and spray testing by offering a standard design chamber, based on published and proprietary test methods. A standardized design, based on specific test methods helps eliminate much of the guesswork in buying a chamber.

ESPEC has looked at the JIS specification D 0203 as a reference point, and we have also considered individual auto maker’s tests. The specification from SAE is modeled after the JIS and doesn’t differ greatly. Details about the nozzle types and the rotating nature of the spray arms and product table are also included in the specifications. Drip and car wash tests are also specified.

Heavy splash/shower

• S1 Spray room temperature water with 40 nozzles at 14.2 psi (1 kgf/cm2) for 30 minutes. The flow rate of the water shall be 6.5 gallons/min. (24.5 L/m).
• S2 Spray room temperature water with 40 nozzles at 42.7 psi (3 kgf/cm2) for 60 minutes. The flow rate of the water shall be 10.3 gallons/min. (39.2 L/m).

Light Spray/Rain

• R1 Spray room temperature water with two nozzles at 4.3 psi (0.3 kgf/cm2) for 10 minutes. The flow rate of the water shall be 0.8 gallons/min. (3.2 L/m).
• R2 Spray room temperature water with two nozzles at 1.4 psi (0.1 kgf/cm2) for 10 minutes. The flow rate of the water shall be 0.5 gallons/min. (1.9 L/m).

Examples of Automotive Manufacturer’s Specifications

• Heat the sample to a temperature above boiling, then spray with cold water for about two minutes. Repeat cycle.
• Heat the sample to boiling temperature, then spray with room temperature water for about fifteen minutes. Repeat cycle.
• Simulate a car wash by using high pressure spray.

Our Design

ESPEC has created a modular design, allowing you to add on additional features, depending on the number and type of tests required. One of these steps is to integrate the spray system with a regular temperature and humidity chamber. This not only gives you everything in one package, but also creates an opportunity to simulate operating conditions your product may experience.

Our system uses multiple control solenoids to vary the volume/pressure of water being sprayed. A holding tank prepares the water to the desired temperature, if required. A pump ensures the water is delivered in the proper pressure range. The water is fed to a motorized manifold that rotates the spray arms. Each spray arm has an adjustable valve to allow finer control of the spray.

Options

• Temperature/humidity controlled rain chamber:  Includes -20 to 150°C and 20 to 98%RH capabilities
• Water recirculation:  Allows re-use of the treated rain water
• Water conditioning:  Allows the water to be cooled (5 to 20°C) prior to spray
• High pressure spray:  Adds capability to meet car wash test requirement
• Drip nozzle:  Adds capability to meet drip test requirement
• Rotating table:  Rotates the sample for full exposure to spray

Features

• Rotating rain and spray nozzles designed to JIS specifications
• Speed control for the rotating spray nozzles
• Stationary product shelf - A rotating shelf is optional: see options
• Water pressure regulators, gauges and flow meters
• Special high-volume floor drain system to rapidly drain water out of the chamber
• Interior chamber size is the smallest possible area using the JIS specified nozzles

Applicable Test Methods

• JIS (Japanese Industrial Standard) D 0203
• SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) J 2245