Temperature calibrator meets EA 10/13 guidelines

Jofra ATC sets new standards for industrial on-site temperature calibration Probably the only temperature calibrator to meet the new European(EA 10/13) guidelines published in February 2000.

Claimed to be the only temperature calibrator to meet the new European Co-operation for Accreditation of Dry Block Calibrators (EA 10/13) guidelines published in February 2000, the new Jofra-ATC series combines laboratory accuracy with the speed and portability of on-site calibrators.

With the incorporation of a completely new core element, the ATC-series means users can now calibrate a wide range of sensors including liquid filled and large mechanical types.

An unique feature of the ATC unit is the independently controlled, twin-zone-heating element with homogeneity comparable to that of a laboratory liquid bath.

The lower region of the element ensures optimal heat dissipation throughout the entire block while the upper region compensates for heat transfer from the sensor under test and from the top of the block.

This innovation also eliminates the need for insulation of the sensor under test.

In comparison with other designs, the ATC greatly improves calibration results by incorporating a built-in reference indicator for use with an external probe.

This enables one instrument to provide the freedom to perform calibration routines at the process site whilst still maintaining a higher level of accuracy.

The special angled, external reference sensor allows room for the calibration of sensors with transmitter heads, top connector or similar arrangements.

The operator has the option of accepting the built-in reference sensor reading or the more accurate external reference on the calibrator's large, wide-angle, back lit display that features numeric values supplemented with icons.

The calibrator can be instructed to adjust the core temperature so that the external reference matches the exact set temperature.

The external and internal reference sensors remain independent of each other.

Whether the calibration procedure is carried out within a production environment or in a calibration laboratory, the Jofra ATC saves time by automating calibration routines.

A built-in amplifier allows measurement of all types of temperature sensors including resistance thermometers and thermocouples and also milliamps, voltage, thermostats and transmitters.

All data is stored and certificates can be printed at an appropriate time.

The ATC keyboard is equipped with five specific-function keys.

The remaining keys are all single function for easy learning and operation.

The whole rugged keypad features rubber coated, tactile feedback buttons, making for accuracy even when wearing gloves.

Calibration procedures are formatted with the Amecal-Temperature programme to collect data in 'work orders' and download information to the calibrator via an RS 232 interface.

The stand-alone calibrator, with the complex stored routines on-board, is then taken to the process line allowing operators to employ the ATC unit to perform pre-programmed test sequences.

On completion, gathered data is then uploaded to a PC for processing and certificate printing, and remains stored in the computer.

Incoming voltages in a production environment suffer variations caused by power demands from the switching on and off of units such as large electric motors and heater elements.

This fluctuation can cause instability of the temperature regulator in traditional temperature calibrators, potentially resulting in several degrees of deviation.

The ATC units feature Mains Power Variance Immunity - MVI - which registers incoming voltage variations immediately and keeps the energy flow constant to maintain stable performance.

The design focus of the Jofra ATC-series calibrators is on functionality and ergonomics.

The display and keyboard are angled for easy use on a bench top or in a confined workspace and everything is operated via the front panel.

For safety, the heat source is positioned furthest away from hands and face and a practical storage area for hot and cold inserts is located be-hind the heat source.

Cooling down time for hot inserts can be reduced by placing them in this compartment.

At the same time, the reduced mass of the heating block means that it is able to cool faster.

Overall construction of the calibrator unit is from rigid aluminium plates mounted on strong upper and lower casing thus providing the best combination of weight, strength and stability.

The Jofra ATC calibrator is marketed in the UK by process instrumentation specialists Hawco/Thermospeed Ametek, with its head office in the USA, is a leading global manufacturer of electrical and electromechanical products for niche markets.

Its specialist divisions produce equipment for the food industry, electric motors, process instrumentation, environmental filters, aerospace components, test instrumentation and traceable calibration equipment.

Operations are based in North America, Europe and Asia with group annual revenue close to $1 billion.

60% of sales are from sales outside the USA.

Partner organisation, Ametek Calibration Instruments, is a major player within the calibration equipment industry dedicated to providing innovative calibration solutions.

These products range from pneumatic, hydraulic and primary pressure standards, digital pressure systems and temperature reference thermometers, as well as dry block and signal loop calibrators.

Overall, the company's specialisation is traceable temperature, pressure and signal calibrators designed for critical process control, custody transfer and laboratory applications.

From post-war introduction of the very first Ametek dead-weight tester, product innovation progressed to the first dry block temperature calibrator.

Introduced by Ametek Jofra in 1980, the dry block was a revolutionary development that is still providing users with the capability of obtaining fast, on-site calibration of temperature measurement instrumentation and control systems.

The dry block method is far more user-friendlier and infinitely safer to operate than the oil-bath procedures, which had been the industry standard up to then.

The first dry-block model, the EVJ-200 S, introduced for general purpose and marine applications, was the forerunner of a series of developments culminating in the innovative Jofra SE Series.

Released in 1990, it was the first dry-block calibrator to incorporate microprocessor software control via its computer interface - in its time, a revolutionary concept in auto-mated temperature calibration and documentation.

Now, in the new millennium, Ametek has developed its state-of-the-art calibrator - the ATC, designed to set new standards for industrial temperature calibration.

The ATC is believed to be the first instrument designed to specifically meet the requirements of the EA 10/13 (The European Co-operation for Accreditation guideline) dry block.

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