Beamex FB Field Temperature Dry Block

Overview

The Beamex FB is a field temperature block, a portable dry block calibrator designed for industrial field use. Beamex describes it as lightweight, easy to carry and extremely quick, yet accurate, weighing about 8 kg and able to cool to −25 °C in 15 minutes or heat to +660 °C in 15 minutes depending on model. Three models cover different ranges: the FB150 from −25 to 150 °C, the FB350 from 33 to 350 °C and the FB660 from 50 to 660 °C. Each is also available as an R model with a built-in reference thermometer for Beamex smart reference sensors, and every unit is delivered with an accredited calibration certificate.

Seven Star LLC supplies the Beamex FB, its inserts, smart reference probes and transport cases to instrument technicians, calibration laboratories and maintenance contractors in Muscat, the Sultanate of Oman and the GCC. We provide engineering support in Muscat for choosing the model, insert drilling and reference sensor for each application.

Operating Principle

As general engineering background, a dry block calibrator holds a metal insert at a precisely controlled temperature so that temperature sensors placed in its borings can be compared with a reference. The Beamex FB uses dual zone control of the block, which Beamex states gives axial uniformity up to ±0.04 °C and radial uniformity between borings up to ±0.01 °C, while its control technology provides stability up to ±0.01 °C. Display accuracy using the internal control sensor is up to ±0.2 °C. For lower uncertainty, an external reference probe is connected to the R model, so the reading of the reference rather than the block controller is used for comparison.

The Beamex FB R models measure resistance from 0 to 400 ohm through a 4-wire, 6-pin Smart Lemo connector and support ITS-90, CVD, IEC 60751 and resistance characterisations. Beamex smart reference sensors store their correction data in an internal memory, making them plug-and-play. A graphic and audible stability indicator tells the user when the block is stable, and the HOT warning light blinks while the block is above 50 °C, even when the unit is switched off or unplugged. The communication port allows selected Beamex MC calibrators to control the block for automatic calibration and documentation.

Engineering Design of the Beamex FB

The Beamex FB housing measures 290 x 185 x 295 mm (H x W x D), with weights of 8.16 kg (FB150), 7.3 kg (FB350) and 7.7 kg (FB660). All models offer a 150 mm immersion depth, with insert outer diameters of 30 mm for the FB150, 25.3 mm for the FB350 and 24.4 mm for the FB660. Multihole inserts are available in two standard drillings: MH1 with a 1/4 inch reference hole and 3 or 4, 6, 8 and 10 mm holes, and MH2 with 1/4 inch, 2 x 3 mm, 2 x 4 mm and 6 mm holes, plus blank and special inserts. Resolution is 0.01 °C or °F, and the large LCD has function keys and a multilingual menu.

The FB150 draws 575 W at 230 V, while the FB350 and FB660 draw up to 1800 W at 230 V, with 100 to 115 V versions available. The interface is RS-232. Environmental operating conditions are 0 to 50 °C and 0 to 90% RH non-condensing, with specifications valid between 13 and 33 °C. Standard accessories include the power cord, RS-232 cable, user guide, accredited calibration certificate, a Lemo connector for the reference sensor on R models, a block insulator for the FB150 and insert removal tongs; transport cases and additional inserts are optional.

Key Features

Key features of the Beamex FB from the Beamex brochure are:

• Lightweight field dry block of about 8 kg in three models from −25 to 660 °C.
• Fast heating and cooling, for example 23 to −25 °C in 15 minutes on the FB150 and 50 to 660 °C in 15 minutes on the FB660.
• Display accuracy up to ±0.2 °C and stability up to ±0.01 °C.
• Dual zone control for axial uniformity up to ±0.04 °C.
• R models with built-in reference thermometer and smart reference sensor support.
• 150 mm immersion depth with MH1, MH2, blank and special inserts.
• Graphic and audible stability indicator and HOT warning light.
• Automated calibration with Beamex MC6 calibrators and accredited certificate as standard.

Industrial Applications

The Beamex FB is used to calibrate RTD and thermocouple sensors, bimetal and filled thermometers, temperature switches and complete temperature loops in the field or in the workshop. Combined with a Beamex MC6 calibrator, the dry block enables automated loop calibration of conventional, HART and fieldbus temperature transmitters with their sensors, with results documented in calibration software. The FB150 suits HVAC, cooling water, food and pharmaceutical temperatures, the FB350 suits general process heating and steam, and the FB660 serves high temperature measurements on furnaces, heaters, exhaust and flue gas systems.

In Oman and the GCC, the Beamex FB is used by maintenance and instrument teams in oil and gas fields, refineries and petrochemical plants in Sohar, power and desalination stations, LNG facilities and district cooling plants, and by calibration service providers working on site. Its wide operating range of 0 to 50 °C helps in hot field locations, although specifications apply between 13 and 33 °C. Seven Star LLC supplies the FB with the matching inserts and reference probes and can integrate it with Beamex MC6 calibrators already in use.

Technical Specifications

The Beamex FB specifications below are taken from the Beamex FB and MB temperature blocks brochure.

How to Order

For a quotation on the Beamex FB, tell Seven Star LLC the required temperature range, whether you need an R model with reference input, the sensor diameters to be calibrated and any reference probes or transport case. The Beamex FB brochure is available as a download on this page. Seven Star LLC supplies Beamex calibration equipment in Oman and the GCC with engineering support in Muscat. Related products include the Beamex MB Metrology Temperature Block, the Beamex MC6 Advanced Field Calibrator and Communicator and the Beamex MC2 Hand-Held Process Calibrator.