What Is a Freezing and Thawing Chamber?

The Freezing and Thawing Chamber evaluates the resistance of construction materials to repeated freezing and thawing cycles. It can be used with aggregates, concrete specimens, paving blocks, kerbs, natural stone and similar materials.

During testing, specimens follow a programmed temperature cycle. Repeated freezing and thawing exposes the material to controlled thermal stress. Laboratories can then evaluate changes such as deterioration, scaling or material loss according to the applicable test method.

PLC-Controlled Freeze-Thaw Programming

The chamber incorporates a PLC-controlled programmable system. The operator can define individual temperature steps, holding times and the required number of cycles.

Liya specifies programming of up to 99 automatic cycles, with multiple temperature and waiting-time stages. During operation, the control system displays the current chamber temperature and cycle number.

This automatic sequence reduces continuous operator intervention and helps maintain similar conditions throughout long-duration tests.

Controlled Heating and Cooling

The system provides controlled cooling and heating according to the selected programme. Liya’s product description specifies a programmable range reaching approximately -30 °C to +30 °C, while its separate technical specification table gives a moisture-free operating range of -20 °C to +25 °C.

An internal circulation system helps distribute temperature throughout the chamber. Temperature data can also be monitored during testing.

Stainless Steel Test Chamber

The internal working area is manufactured from stainless steel. This construction provides resistance to moisture and repeated temperature cycling.

High-density polyurethane insulation helps reduce unwanted heat transfer. The external structure uses protected steel construction suitable for laboratory environments.

A stainless steel specimen rack is supplied for positioning test samples inside the chamber.

Air and Water Freeze-Thaw Testing

Depending on the applicable procedure, freeze-thaw testing can involve specimens exposed to air, water or saline solution.

For example, EN 1367-6 evaluates aggregate frost resistance under cyclic freezing and thawing in the presence of 1% NaCl solution. The method permits thawing to be controlled either by water immersion or by air circulation in a low-temperature chamber.

This makes programmable freeze-thaw chambers useful across different construction-material durability programmes.

Different Chamber Capacities

LİYA Test offers 250, 500, 750 and 1000 litre models.

The 250 L and 500 L models operate with 220 V single-phase power, while the larger 750 L and 1000 L models use 380 V three-phase supply.

This range allows laboratories to select a chamber according to specimen dimensions, test volume and daily workload.

Safety and Monitoring System

The chamber monitors important operating components during testing. Faults associated with sensors, heating, cooling or the motor can be displayed on the control panel, accompanied by an audible warning.

This monitoring system supports long automatic test programmes where the chamber may operate for extended periods.

Freeze-Thaw Testing Standards

The Freezing and Thawing Chamber supports test applications referenced by EN 1338, EN 1339, EN 1340, EN 1367-6, EN 12371, EN 13748-2 and CEN/TS 12390-9. Liya currently lists the same standards for this product family.

The programmable control system, stainless steel chamber and multiple capacity options provide laboratories with a flexible platform for repeatable freeze-thaw durability testing.