Isothermal Technology (Isotech) has introduced an innovative range of lightweight portable temperature calibrators for thermometers used in industrial and medical processes. Called Fast-Cal, the new instruments combine fast response, high stability and outstanding accuracy with a rugged, lightweight stainless steel construction. At around 6 kg, the instruments are, according to the manufacturer, lighter than competitive products currently available.
Designed for rapid on-site calibration across a number of industrial sectors, the portable instruments are capable of accurately calibrating any of the commonly used forms of industrial thermometer, including platinum resistance types and thermocouples. Measuring just 228x248x143 mm overall, they are easy to handle and use on site, with ergonomically designed controls, handles and soft, light-weight carry case. All have built-in data communications capabilities.
The Fast-Cal range is available in four variants covering the ranges -35 to
+140°C (low temperature), 30 to 350°C (medium temperature), 35 to 650°C (high temperature) and a special HTM2010 version for calibration of thermometers used in medical applications. In each of these variants a basic model is available (in which the thermometer under test is compared with the instrument's internal temperature controller), or a complete model in which the thermometer is compared to a separate calibrated standard thermometer for traceability to ISO9000 standards.
Accuracy for all versions is excellent, for example ±0,15°C for the low temperature model, ±0,2°C for medium temperature types and ±0,5°C for the high temperature variants (complete models). All versions come with a certificate traceable to National Standards, and five point UKAS Certification is available as an option. Heating and cooling times are also impressive, averaging around just 10-15 minutes to heat to maximum temperature, with similar cooling times.
Thermometers are calibrated by placing them into specially designed inserts in the top of the instrument. With the exception of the specialised 2010 version, all have the same wide range of removable inserts in standard sizes to suit common thermometer dimensions. Alternatively, a blank insert can be supplied which can be drilled to exact customer requirements. The medium and high models also incorporate a removable insert holder for fast changes and restarts of calibration cycles.
The new Fast-Cal range is supported by powerful software options to enhance functionality. For instance, CalNotePad permits the user to connect both an indicator and the calibrator to a PC, providing clear configurable screen views of data, datalogging facilities and allowing full control of the calibration process. I-Cal allows automatic calibration of up to 16 temperature sensors simultaneously. It provides an expandable low-cost route to automatic calibration, allowing the user to create and store graphics, along with time and temperature data. This would enable, for example, dial thermometers to be calibrated automatically; returning a set of images of the dial captured at each calibration temperature.
Isotech, which has manufactured and supplied Standards for National, Primary and Secondary laboratories world-wide for 24 years, believes that the new range will create a new standard for fast response, high stability portable temperature calibrators. The instruments incorporate a number of advanced design features which optimise both performance and ease of use. For example, block temperature gradients are minimised by non linear heating and cooling profiles, thus compensating for end losses to ambient temperature. Mains power variance immunity (standard on all Isotech dry block calibrators) resolves problems with fluctuating power supplies which if not acknowledged can cause temperature instability.
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