Temperature calibration is necessary because over time, temperature sensors and instruments may drift from their original accuracy due to factors like wear and tear, environmental exposure, or electronic deviations. By calibrating these devices regularly using a Field Temperature Calibrator, their accuracy can be restored, and any deviations can be corrected.
Dearto will guide you through everything you need to know about field temperature calibrators.
What is a Field Temperature Calibrator?
A Field Temperature Calibrator is a vital instrument used to ensure precise temperature measurements across various industries. Whether in pharmaceuticals, food safety, HVAC, or manufacturing processes, accurate temperature readings are crucial for maintaining product quality, compliance with regulations, and overall process efficiency.
Types of Field Temperature Calibrators
Field Temperature Calibrators are essential tools for ensuring accurate temperature measurements on-site across various industries. These portable devices come in different types, each catering to specific calibration requirements. Let Dearto walk you through four field temperature calibrators:
1. Dry Block Calibrators
Dry Block Calibrators are one of the most commonly used types of Field Temperature Calibrators. They are versatile and suitable for a wide range of temperature sensors and probes. The calibrator consists of a solid metal block with precision-drilled wells where the sensors are inserted for calibration.
Working Principle: The Dry Block Calibrator uses internal heating elements or refrigeration units to achieve stable and uniform temperatures within the block. The technician sets the desired calibration temperature, and the calibrator's heating or cooling system adjusts accordingly.
Calibration Process: During calibration, the temperature sensors to be tested are placed inside the wells of the Dry Block Calibrator. As the block stabilizes at the set temperature, the readings of the sensors under test are compared to the reference standard. Any deviations are recorded, and adjustments can be made to the sensors for alignment.
➲ Advantages:
Quick calibration cycles, increasing efficiency in the field.
Suitable for contact-based temperature sensors like RTDs and thermocouples.
Robust and durable, making them ideal for industrial environments.
➲ Limitations:
Not suitable for calibrating non-contact temperature measurement devices.
2. Liquid Bath Calibrators
Liquid Bath Calibrators, also known as Liquid Bath Circulators or Liquid Bath Standards, are another common type of Field Temperature Calibrators. They use a liquid medium, such as water or oil, to create stable and uniform temperatures for calibration.
Working Principle: Inside the liquid bath, there is a heating or cooling element that maintains the temperature at a precise setpoint. The temperature of the liquid is closely controlled to achieve the desired calibration temperature.
Calibration Process: Temperature sensors or probes are immersed in the liquid bath, and as the temperature stabilizes, the readings of the sensors are compared to the reference standard. Any discrepancies are noted, and adjustments can be made accordingly.
➲ Advantages:
Suitable for both contact and non-contact temperature sensors.
Precise temperature control for accurate calibrations.
Can calibrate multiple sensors simultaneously.
➲ Limitations:
Slower calibration process compared to Dry Block Calibrators.
Liquid baths may require additional maintenance and care.
3. Blackbody Calibrators
Blackbody Calibrators utilize the principle of blackbody radiation to create stable and known temperatures for calibrating non-contact temperature measurement devices like infrared thermometers and thermal imaging cameras.
Working Principle: The Blackbody Calibrator consists of a cavity or furnace with a target surface that emits radiation at a specific temperature. This emitted radiation is used as the reference for calibration.
Calibration Process: The non-contact temperature sensor, such as an infrared thermometer, is aimed at the target surface of the Blackbody Calibrator. The sensor reads the emitted radiation, and its readings are compared to the known temperature of the target surface, thus calibrating the sensor.
➲ Advantages:
Ideal for calibrating non-contact temperature measurement devices.
Offers a wide temperature range for calibration.
Simple and easy-to-use calibration process.
➲ Limitations:
Not suitable for calibrating contact-based temperature sensors.
Requires careful positioning and alignment of the non-contact sensors.
4. Infrared Calibrators
Infrared Calibrators are specifically designed to calibrate infrared thermometers and thermal cameras, ensuring accurate temperature readings without direct contact with the object being measured.
Working Principle: Infrared Calibrators emit infrared radiation at precise temperatures, and the infrared thermometer or camera under calibration reads this emitted radiation.
Calibration Process: The infrared thermometer or thermal camera is aimed at the Infrared Calibrator, which emits infrared radiation at known temperatures. The readings of the device under test are compared to the known temperatures, and any deviations are adjusted for accurate calibration.
➲ Advantages:
Tailored for calibrating non-contact infrared thermometers and thermal cameras.
Speedy calibration process with minimal downtime.
Ensures accurate temperature measurements in various non-contact applications.
➲ Limitations:
Limited to calibrating non-contact infrared devices.
The emissivity of the target surface may affect the calibration process.
Features of the Temperature Calibrator
Temperature Calibrators are advanced instruments equipped with various features that enable accurate and efficient calibration of temperature sensors and thermometers. These features ensure reliable temperature measurements and streamline the calibration process.
✓ Wide Temperature Range
✓ Programmable Calibration Points
✓ High Accuracy and Precision
✓ Multiple Well Configurations
✓ Quick Calibration Cycles
✓ Digital Display and User Interface
✓ Data Logging and Reporting
✓ Automated Calibration Procedures
✓ Portable and Rugged Design
Common Applications of Field Temperature Calibrators
Field Temperature Calibrators find widespread use across numerous industries where accurate temperature measurements are crucial for process control, product quality, and safety. These versatile instruments play a vital role in ensuring that temperature sensors and thermometers provide reliable data.
1. Pharmaceutical Industry
In the pharmaceutical sector, precise temperature control is essential during drug manufacturing, storage, and transportation. Field Temperature Calibrators are used to calibrate temperature sensors in incubators, autoclaves, ovens, and refrigerators, ensuring that medications are manufactured and stored under optimal conditions. Accurate temperature measurements guarantee the efficacy, stability, and safety of pharmaceutical products.
2. Food and Beverage Industry
Temperature is a critical factor in food safety and quality. Field Temperature Calibrators are extensively used to calibrate temperature sensors in industrial ovens, freezers, refrigerators, and food processing equipment. In the food and beverage industry, adhering to specific temperature ranges ensures compliance with food safety regulations and prevents bacterial growth, spoilage, and contamination.
3. HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) Systems
HVAC systems play a vital role in maintaining comfortable indoor environments. Field Temperature Calibrators are utilized to calibrate temperature sensors in thermostats and environmental chambers. Accurate calibration of these sensors ensures efficient heating and cooling, leading to energy savings and improved occupant comfort.
4. Petrochemical and Oil Industries
In the petrochemical and oil industries, temperature-sensitive processes are common. Field Temperature Calibrators are employed to calibrate temperature sensors in reactors, distillation columns, and heat exchangers. Precise temperature measurements are crucial for optimizing chemical reactions, ensuring safety, and maximizing process efficiency.
5. Automotive and Aerospace Industries
In automotive and aerospace applications, temperature calibration is essential for various components and systems. Field Temperature Calibrators are used to calibrate temperature sensors in engines, exhaust systems, environmental chambers, and avionics. Accurate temperature readings help enhance performance, durability, and safety in these industries.
6. Environmental Monitoring
Environmental monitoring requires accurate temperature measurements for climate studies, weather stations, and greenhouse control. Field Temperature Calibrators ensure the proper calibration of temperature sensors used in these applications, contributing to accurate climate data and scientific research.
Conclusion
Field Temperature Calibrators are critical instruments that play a pivotal role in ensuring accurate and reliable temperature measurements across various industries and applications. These portable devices provide a wide range of features and capabilities, making them indispensable tools for technicians and engineers.
If your industry requires an ambient temperature calibrator, then please contact us and we will provide you with all the assistance you need.
