Ametek ATC-250 28 to 250°C (82 to 482°F) Advanced Temperature Calibrator
The JOFRA ATC series (Advanced Temperature Calibrators) combines the accuracy of laboratory temperature sources with the speed and portability of field dry-block calibrators.
With the JOFRA ATC-140 and ATC-250 (Advanced Temperature Calibrators) it is possible to calibrate even more sensors at the same time and to calibrate large and odd size sensors in either a large diameter dry-block or in a liquid bath.
JOFRA ATC-140 and ATC-250 both features the unique dual-zone heating block - designed for optimum performance and superior temperature homogeneity throughout the block. This new design has a performance equivalent to a liquid temperature bath.
Each ATC dry-block calibrator may be used to perform fully automatic calibration routines without using an external computer. Use the computer for full upload and download capabilities. Units may also be supplied with inputs for external reference sensors and for sensors-under-test.
All ATC calibrators feature RS232 serial communication and standard delivery also includes the JOFRACAL calibration PC software.
Features:
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Wide temperature range: 28 to 250°C (82 to 482°F)
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Liquid bath or dry-block:
Use ATC-140 and ATC-250 as liquid bath or large diameter dry-block calibrator
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Improved temperature homogeneity:
Unique dual-zone block ensures good temperature homogeneity in the critical calibration zone
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High accuracy:
Using the internal reference or the external reference probe. 4-wire True-Ohm- Measurement technology is used
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Enhanced stability:
MVI circuitry ensures temperature stability despite mains supply variations
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Cost effective calibration system:
Stand-alone operation eliminates the need for secondary equipment and PC.
Universal inputs handle multiple type temperature sensors
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Timesaving features:
Up- and download complete calibration tasks. Auto-stepping, switch testing and many more features make the daily use smooth and fast
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Documentation made easy:
RS232 communication and JOFRACAL calibration software are included in the standard delivery
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Complete marine program:
Part of a complete program of marine approved temperature, pressure and signal calibrators; including temperature sensors
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Unique Temperature Performance
The ATC series of calibrators provide precision temperature calibration of sensors; whatever the type or format. This is accomplished through an innovative dual-zone heating technology.
Both the ATC-140 and ATC-250 feature a dual-zone heating technology. Each heating zone is independently controlled for precision temperature calibration. The homogeneity in the lower part is close to that of a laboratory liquid bath. The lower zone ensures optimum heat dissipation throughout the entire calibration zone. The upper zone compensates for heat loss from the sensor-under-test and from the open top. This design also eliminates the need for insulation of the sensors-under-test and makes it possible to calibrate liquid-filled and other mechanical sensors.
ATC heating and cooling models
The ATC-140 model with both heating and cooling capabilities feature the Peltier element multi-stage-technology. This both improves efficiency and extends the life of the electronic heat pump.
Peltier Effect
In 1834, Jean Peltier, a French physicist found that an ’’opposite thermocouple effect’’ could be observed when an electric current was connected to a thermocouple. Heat would be absorbed at one of the junctions and discharged at the other junction. This effect is called the ’’PELTIER EFFECT’’.
The practical Peltier element (electronic heating pump) consists of many elements of semiconductor material connected electrically in series and thermally in parallel. These thermoelectric elements and their electrical interconnections are mounted between two ceramic plates. The plates serve to mechanically hold the overall structure together and to electrically insulate the individual elements from one another.
MVI - Improved Temperature Stability
MVI stands for ’’Mains power Variance Immunity’’.
Unstable mains power supplies are a major contributor to on-site calibration inaccuracies. Traditional temperature calibrators often become unstable in production environments where large electrical motors, heating elements, and other devices are periodically cycled on or off. The cycling of supply power can cause the temperature regulator to perform inconsistently leading to both inaccurate readings and unstable temperatures.
The JOFRA ATC-250 calibrator employ the MVI, thus avoiding such stability problems. The MVI circuitry continuously monitors the supply voltage and ensures a constant energy flow to the heating elements. The ATC-140 models run on stabilized DC voltage and thus do not need the MVI circuitry.
Highest Accuracy (Model B Only)
ATC series calibrators may be supplied with a built-in reference thermometer for use with an external probe. This feature allows one instrument to provide the freedom and flexibility to perform calibrations at the process site while maintaining a high accuracy.
A special 90° angled external reference sensor has been designed to accommodate sensors with a transmitter head, top connector or similar arrangement. The user can decide whether to read the built-in reference sensor or the more accurate angled reference sensor from the calibrator’s large, easy-to-read LCD display. The external sensor and the internal sensor are independent of one another. Downloading of reference sensor linearization is done via a personal computer.
SET-Follows-TRUE (Model B Only)
Available on B models only, the “SET-Follows TRUE” makes the instrument tune in until the temperature of the external reference “TRUE” meets the desired “SET” temperature. This is used when it is critical that the temperature of the calibration zone matches the desired temperature when measured with accurate external reference sensors.
This feature is ideal when calibrating gas correctors or other custody transfer applications. It is also extremely useful to calculation procedures.
Reading of Sensor-Under-Test (Model B Only)
The ATC series model B is equipped with built-in converters (inputs) that enables measurement of virtually any type of temperature sensor including:
The ATC calibrators can be user-programmed for completely automated temperature calibrations. Once the unit is programmed, the instrument operates itself by performing the configured calibration routine. All calibration data is stored and available for uploading and generating exact calibration certificates or reports.
Switch Test (model B only)
Users may perform a thermoswitch test and find “Open”, “Closed” and the hysteresis (deadband) automatically. The instrument retains the last five tests.
Auto-Stepping
Up to 20 different temperature steps may be programmed including the hold time for each step. Upon completion of an auto step routine, the user can easily read the results for the sensor-under-test. Up to five (5) auto step results are stored.
Easy-to-Use, Intuitive Operation
All instrument settings can be performed from the front panel. The heat source is positioned away from the panel which helps protect the operator. The ATC keyboard is equipped with five, positive feedback function keys. They correspond to the text in the display and change functionality based on instrument operations. There are also dedicated function keys with permanent functions.
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The easy-to-read, backlit display is large with a high contrast that is readible even in high ambient light conditions. The display is easily read from all angles and from a distance without parallax problems. The display also features icons which help identifying instrument conditions and operational steps, making it more intuitive to work with.
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Set Temperature
The “Set temperature” feature allows the user to set the exact desired temperature with a resolution of 0.01°.
Enhanced Etability
A stability indicator shows when the ATC calibrator has reached the desired temperature and is stable. The user may change the stability criteria, external reference and the sensor-under-test quickly and simply. The stability criteria is the user’s security for a correct calibration. A count-down timer is displayed next to the temperature read-out.
Instrument Setups
The ATC series allows the user to store up to nine (9) complete instrument setups. You may store all sorts of information including temperature units, stability criteria, use of external reference sensor, resolution, sensor-undertest (SUT), conversion to temperature, display contrast, etc. The setup may be recalled at any time.
Maximum Temperature
From the setup menu, the user can select the maximum temperature limit for the calibrator. This function prevents damage to the sensor-under-test caused by the application of excessive temperatures. The feature also aids in reducing drift resulting from extended periods of exposures to high temperatures. This feature can be locked with an access code.
Physical Specifications:
Jofracal Calibration Software:
JOFRACAL calibration software ensures easy calibration of RTD´s, thermocouples, transmitters, thermoswithes, pressure gauges and pressure switches. JOFRACAL can be used with JOFRA DPC-500, APC, CPC and IPI pressure calibrators, all JOFRA temperature calibrators, as well as JOFRA AMC900, ASC300 multi signal calibrator and ASM-800 signal multi scanner.
JOFRACAL calibration software may also be used for manual calibrations, as it can be set up to accept manual entry of calibration data together with other liquid baths, ice points or dry-block heat sources. The calibration data collected may be stored on a PC for later recall or analysis. The ATC calibrator stores the calibration procedure and may be taken out to
the process site without using a personal computer.
This allows the ATC calibrator to:
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Operate as a stand-alone instrument, using advanced calibration routines without the assistance of a personal computer on site;
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Prevent unauthorized changes to a calibration routine. Personnel who are not authorized to alter a calibration routine cannot do so.
Once all calibrations are completed, the data may be uploaded to the JOFRACAL calibration software for postprocessing and printing of certificates. The calibration data collected may be stored on the personal computer for later recall or analysis.
The JOFRACAL temperature calibration software may be donwloaded free of charge from www.jofra.com.
As Found/as Left (Model B Only)
The JOFRA ATC series calibrator automatically handles “As Found/As Left” calibrations. The calibrator stores both results. The first performed calibration is “As found” and the last performed calibration is the “As left”, regardless of the number of calibrations/adjustments that may have been made in between.
SYNC Output
An output is located directly on the front of the ATC calibrator. This output signals when the instrument is stable and may be used with ancillary devices such as video recorders, digital cameras or as an input to a data logging device. The SYNC output may be useful for automating and documenting your calibrations when calibrating external reading devices.
Calibration (Model B Only)
Users may perform or read the results of the calibration tasks directly on the instrument. When calibrating an indicating device, users may key in the results during or after the test. Using the “Calibration info” function, the user may view the complete calibration task, including the “Scenario” before the calibration takes place.
Calibration of up to 24 Sensors with JOFRA ASM
Using the JOFRA ATC series together with the ASM Advanced Signal Multi-scanner offers a great time-saving automatic solution to calibrate multiple temperature sensors at the same time. The ASM series is an eight channel scanner controlled by the JOFRACAL software on a PC. Up to 3 ASM units can be stacked to calibrate up to 24 sensors at the same time. It can handle signals from 2-, 3- and 4 wire RTD’s, TC’s, transmitters, thermisters, temperature switches and voltage. Please also see more in specification sheet SS-CP-2360, which can be found at www.jofra.com
JOFRACAL Software
Minimum hardware requirements for JOFRACAL calibration software.
