Ametek ATC-320 33 to 320°C (91 to 608°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 dryblock calibrators.

 

The ATC-156/157/320 and 650 dry-block calibrators are part of a serie of calibrators, that also includes the ATC-140 (-20 to 140°C) and the ATC- 250 (28 to 250°C) available as liquid bath or large diameter dry-block calibrators.

Features:

 

Wide temperature range: ATC-156 -24 to 155°C (-11 to 311°F) ATC-157 -45 to 155°C (-49 to 311°F) ATC-320 33 to 320°C (91 to 608°F) ATC-650 33 to 650°C (91 to 1202°F) Improved temperature homogeneity Unique dual-zone block ensures good temperature homogeneity in the critical calibration zone High accuracy Using the internal reference or the external reference sensor. 4-wire True-Ohm- Measurement technology is used Enhanced stability MVI circuitry ensures temperature stability despite mains supply variations Cost effective calibration system Stand-alone operation eliminates the need for secondary equipment and PC. Universal inputs handle multiple type temperature sensors Timesaving features Up- and download complete calibration tasks. Auto-stepping, switch testing and many more features make the daily use smooth and fast Documentation made easy RS232 communication and JOFRACAL calibration software are included in the standard delivery Complete marine program Part of a complete program of marine approved temperature, pressure and signal calibrators; including temperature sensors

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.

The JOFRA ATC-156/157/320 and 650 all feature a dualzone 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 sensorunder-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 models with both heating and cooling capabilities (ATC-156 and ATC-157) feature the Peltier element multistage-technology. This both improves efficiency and extends the life of the electronic heat pump. The JOFRA ATC-157 offers a typical differential temperature of 68C (122 F) below the ambient temperature. 

 

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-320 and ATC-650 calibrators 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 JOFRA ATC-156 and ATC-157 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 sensor. 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:

• Thermostats
• Resistance thermometers (RTD)
• Thermocouples (TC)
• Transmitters
• Milliamps (mA)
• Voltage (V)

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.

 

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.

Set temperature

The “Set temperature” feature allows the user to set the exact desired temperature with a resolution of 0.01°.

Enhanced stability

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

• INTEL TM 486 processor (PENTIUMTM 800 MHz recommended)
•  32 MB RAM (64 MB recommended)
• 80 MB free disk space on hard disk prior to installation
• Standard VGA (800 x 600, 16 colors) compatible screen (1024 x 786, 256 colors recommended)
• CD-ROM drive for installation of the program
• 1 free RS232 serial port

Includes:

• ATC dry-block calibrator (user specified)
• Mains power cable (user specified)
• Traceable certificate - temperature performance
• Insert (user specified)
• Set of matching insulation plugs (4 mm OR 1/4 in hole for reference sensor)
• Tool for insertion tubes
• RS232 cable
• JOFRACAL calibration software
• AMETRIM-ATC software to adjust the ATC series
• User and reference manual

Model B instruments contain the following extra items:

• Test cables (2 x red, 2 x black
• Traceable certificate - input performance