NPD Sand and Dust Chamber
Model: NPD-SDC-215 | IP5X / IP6X Ingress Protection Testing
A precision-engineered environmental chamber that recreates controlled blowing dust and sandy conditions to test enclosure sealing, ingress protection and durability. The wind-tunnel circulation system distributes particles across the test area for repeatable assessment of components intended for harsh environments.
Customised configurations available as per application and testing requirements.
Engineered for Dust Ingress & Environmental Durability
The NPD-SDC-215 simulates harsh desert and dust-laden environments using a wind-tunnel circulation method. A centrifugal blower maintains controlled dust movement through the chamber, exposing sample enclosures, connectors, bearings and components to particulate conditions that can reveal sealing defects, abrasion, corrosion potential and functional issues.
The system is intended for IP5X dust-protected and IP6X dust-tight verification and for environmental assessment of electronics, automotive products, industrial machinery, outdoor lighting and defence equipment.
Key Features & Benefits
Controlled airflow, repeatable exposure and dependable operation.
Dynamic Dust Circulation
Centrifugal blower distributes floating dust uniformly throughout the test space.
Adjustable Wind Velocity
Variable blower speed permits metered airflow in the specified 0.5–15.2 m/s range.
Dust Conditioning
Pre-heating and hopper re-vibration help maintain free-flowing dust and limit settlement.
IP6X Test Accessories
Oil-free vacuum pump and volumetric airflow meter support negative-pressure IP6X testing.
Programmable Controls
Touchscreen interface and multi-function timer support scheduled and cycling dust tests.
Visibility & Door Safety
Observation glass, internal illumination and micro-switch door interlock support monitoring.
Technical Specifications
NPD-SDC-215 supplied configuration
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model | NPD-SDC-215 |
| Control method | Wind-tunnel circulation method |
| Temperature range | 20°C to +80°C |
| Humidity range | Up to 30% RH |
| Internal test-area dimensions | 4,000 × 2,000 × 2,000 mm (W × H × D) |
| Air-velocity range | 0.5 to 15.2 m/s |
| Sand and dust concentration | 3.5 to 17.7 g/m³ |
| Dust particle size | Up to 150 microns |
| IP test capability | IP5X / IP6X |
| Test-sample placement | Sample surface area should not exceed 30–50% of chamber floor area to maintain airflow path |
| Construction options | CRCA sheet, SS 304 / 316 / 316L, or galvanised sheet depending on requirements |
| Interior finish | Mirror-finish stainless steel |
| Heating | Indirect Kanthal A-1 wire air heaters |
| Insulation | 2-inch non-hygroscopic, fireproof mineral wool |
| Door system | Lockable door with toughened-glass viewing window and micro-switch interlock |
Values are from the supplied NPD-SDC-215 PDF. Construction and test parameters may be customised; specific standards compliance depends on test configuration and execution.
How the Sand & Dust Chamber Works
Four-step environmental exposure process
Position the Specimen
Place the test object while maintaining adequate airflow paths and suitable orientation.
Set Test Conditions
Choose temperature, blower speed, test duration and required dust exposure conditions.
Circulate Sand & Dust
The blower circulates conditioned particles through the wind tunnel and past the specimen.
Inspect & Evaluate
Examine sealing performance, possible ingress and operating condition after exposure.
Dust Circulation, Heating & Insulation
Air containing sand and dust circulates through the wind tunnel from the upper region toward the lower test area, exposing the specimen to controlled particle flow. The pre-heating system helps maintain dust mobility, and hopper re-vibration helps prevent accumulation of settled dust. Sample orientation is important because it affects the direction of impingement and potential ingress.
High-grade Kanthal A-1 air heaters provide indirect temperature conditioning, with motor fans circulating heated air through the chamber. The durable mirror-finish stainless-steel interior facilitates cleaning. A two-inch mineral-wool insulation layer helps reduce heat loss during extended exposure tests.
Applications & Testing
Designed for challenging particulate exposure environments.
Ingress Protection: IP5X & IP6X
The NPD Sand and Dust Chamber is designed to support IEC and IS ingress-protection testing of dust-protected (IP5X) and dust-tight (IP6X) enclosures. An oil-free vacuum pump and volumetric airflow meter are specified for negative-pressure IP6X testing. Confirm test protocol, equipment setup and acceptance criteria for each sample before claiming a finished product’s IP rating.
Sand & Dust Chamber FAQs
What is the NPD-SDC-215 used for?
It is used to evaluate dust ingress, sealing performance and product durability under controlled sand and dust exposure.
Can it be used for IP5X and IP6X testing?
Yes, the supplied specification lists IP5X / IP6X capability, with an oil-free vacuum pump and airflow counter for negative-pressure IP6X testing.
What is the specified air-velocity range?
0.5 to 15.2 m/s.
What particle concentration can be set?
The supplied PDF specifies 3.5 to 17.7 g/m³ and particle sizes up to 150 microns.
Can the chamber be customised?
Yes. The PDF notes that construction and test configuration can be customised for specialised requirements.
Need a Sand & Dust Test Chamber?
Share your sample size, required IP test, temperature and airflow requirements for a suitable quotation.