The SEC2 walk-in plant growth chambers are capable of a high degree of closure and are dedicated specifically to plant canopy lighting studies, trace hydrocarbon analyses, and nutrient recycling analysis and control in sealed environment plant production. These sophisticated chambers represent the current technical venue for large scale plant studies related to space life sciences at Guelph.

• Volume = 29 m³ (430 ft³) (4.5 m x 2.8 m x 2.3 m) per chamber
• Plant Growing Area = 5 m² (54 ft²) (2 m x 2.5 m) per chamber

• Argus Titan

• Stainless Steel 316 (walls, floor, valves, plumbing)
• Glass (roof)
• Teflon (tubing, gas expansion bladders)
• Polypropylene (tubing, valves)
• Heresite (oxidation barrier on fans, heat exchangers, motor parts)
• Viton (O-rings, solenoid seats)
• Silicone sealant (DOW-Corning RTV 732) and silicone grease

• LiCor LI6262 Gas Analyser for CO₂/H₂O vapour
• California Analytical Instruments Oxygen Analyser (model 100P)
• Gas Chromatograph/Mass Spectrometer (HP-5890/HP-5971)
• Gas Chromatograph (SRI 8610C) for ethylene analysis
• Dionex DX500 HPLC Ion Chromatograph

• 9 600 Watt High Pressure Sodium + 6 400 Watt Metal Halide per chamber
• Light level: 500 to 800 mmol at bench height

• Electrical Conductivity (two per chamber)
• pH (two per chamber)
• Rotary flow sensor (one per chamber)

• Aspirated Air Humidity sensors (two per chamber)
• Aspirated Air Temperature sensors (two per chamber)
• Root Zone Temperature sensors (four per chamber)
• LiCor Quantum Sensor (one per chamber)

• Temperature ( 10 - 40 C ) + 0.2 C
• CO₂ Concentration ( ambient - 3000 ppm )
• O₂ Concentration ( ambient)
• Relative Humidity (55% to 95%)

Simplified schematic diagram of a bluebox chamber


The original 1996 microwave powered inner canopy lighting system - with plants. ICL was removed in 2001


Empty chamber showing the inner canopy lighting - check out all the stainless steel!

Last modified: July 6th, 2009