A Large Cabinet with Vestibule for Rearing Insects and Other Small Animals, with Controlled Temperature, Humidity and Air Distribution

Abstract

Studies in the Entomology Division at Ottawa in 1957 and 1958 led to the design and building of a “walk-in” air-conditioned cabinet for rearing insects, air motion and distribution as well as temperature and humidity being precisely controlled. The air is heated, cooled, humidified, and dehumidified in four separate ducts. A quadrate funnel for the air exhaust gives especially even distribution of the air within the cabinet, the air moving at 25 to 30 f.p.m. Temperature and humidity can be held at any desired levels from 65 to 85 ± 0.5°F. and from 45 to an accuracy of ± 1 per cent R.H. provided that ambient conditions are within 65 to 85°F. and 5 to 85 per cent R.H. This paper describes the cabinet and air-conditioning system and the main principles on which the apparatus is based.