Performance evaluation of ReX 100 under various temperature and humidity conditions

Case Study

Om Narayan Singh, Applications Engineer, Nirixense Technologies
Sai Srikar Kolluri, Product Manager, Nirixense Technologies
Divya Koppikar, Product and UI/UX Designer, Nirixense Technologies
(January 2026)

Introduction:

Environmental testing is a critical requirement for non-destructive evaluation (NDE) instruments because sensor electronics, signal processing units, display modules, and batteries are sensitive to thermal and moisture-induced stresses. Therefore, this study validates whether ReX 100 maintains consistent performance after thermal conditioning.

Test setup and methodology:

Test facility

A calibrated climatic chamber is used to control temperature and relative humidity precisely. The chamber provides uniform exposure conditions to the entire device. Low temperature tests were performed in a thermal chamber.

Figure 1: Climatic chamber

Figure 2: Thermal chamber

Test protocol
  1. The ReX 100 device is placed inside the climatic chamber.
  2. The device is exposed to predefined temperature–humidity conditions for a specified duration.
  3. After exposure, the device is brought back to ambient laboratory conditions (approximately 24°C).
  4. A stabilization period is allowed to eliminate transient thermal effects.
  5. Scanning is performed on a reference test surface.
  6. Recorded data is evaluated for:
    • Signal stability
    • Repeatability
    • Accuracy of reinforcement detection
    • Absence of malfunction or display lag

Figure 3: Test surface consisting of rebars with spacers used for introducing cover, and a plexiglass sheet for scanning the ReX 100.

Test cases and observations:

Case I: High temperature & high humidity (Moderate duration)
  • Exposure conditions
    • Temperature: 55°C
    • Relative humidity: 85%
    • Exposure duration: 20 minutes
  • Post-exposure stabilization
    • Cooling at ambient conditions (24°C): 5 minutes

Observations

  • The device powers on normally without any delay.
  • Display clarity remains unaffected.
  • Scanning response is immediate and stable.
  • Rebar location, spacing, and depth readings are consistent.

Inference

ReX 100 demonstrates excellent resistance to moisture ingress and thermal stress at elevated humidity levels, indicating effective sealing and stable electronic performance.

Case II: High temperature & moderate humidity (Extended duration)
  • Exposure conditions
    • Temperature: 75°C
    • Relative humidity: 75%
    • Exposure duration: 45 minutes
  • Post-exposure stabilization
    • Cooling at ambient conditions (24°C): 10 minutes

Observations

  • No physical deformation or overheating symptoms are observed.
  • Buttons and control keys respond normally.
  • Signal interpretation remains reliable, without any additional noise.
  • Data quality remains comparable to room-temperature operation.

Inference

The device sustains prolonged high-temperature exposure without degradation, confirming thermal robustness of internal circuitry and battery performance.

Case III: Low temperature (Cooling test)
  • Exposure conditions
    • Temperature: 5°C
    • Relative humidity: Ambient
    • Exposure duration: 30 minutes
  • Post-exposure stabilization
    • Return to room temperature before operation

Observations

  • The device resumes normal operation after thermal equilibration.
  • No lag in display or scanning speed is observed.
  • Signal amplitude and detection accuracy remain stable.

Inference

ReX 100 exhibits reliable cold-environment performance, indicating suitability for early-morning, winter, or high-altitude site conditions.

Overall performance assessment

Parameter evaluatedPerformance outcome
Temperature resistanceExcellent (5°C to 75°C)
Humidity resistanceExcellent (up to 85% RH)
Signal stabilityMaintained
Data accuracyConsistent
Functional reliabilityNo malfunction observed
Recovery after exposureImmediate and stable

Engineering interpretation:

  • The successful post-conditioning operation confirms that internal electronics, enclosure sealing, and firmware logic are well designed for harsh environments.
  • The ReX 100 demonstrates high environmental adaptability, which is critical for real-world site applications such as bridges, coastal structures, basements, and industrial buildings.
  • Thermal cycling does not introduce drift in sensor response, indicating robust calibration retention.

Conclusion:

  • High temperature and high humidity
  • Prolonged high-temperature conditions
  • Low-temperature environments

Recommendation:

  • Hot and humid tropical sites
  • Cold-weather inspections
  • Long-duration field scanning assignments
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