Beamex MC6-T Multifunction Temperature Calibrator and Communicator

Overview

The Beamex MC6-T is a multifunction temperature calibrator and communicator that combines a temperature dry block with a built-in process calibrator based on Beamex MC6 technology. It generates temperature, measures and simulates temperature and electrical signals, measures pressure with Beamex modules, and communicates with HART, FOUNDATION Fieldbus H1 and Profibus PA instruments, all in one portable device. Beamex offers two models: the Beamex MC6-T150, which generates temperatures from −30 to 150 °C, and the MC6-T660, which covers 50 to 660 °C. Beamex describes it as the most versatile temperature calibrator, able to replace a dry block, temperature calibrator, electrical calibrator, pressure calibrator, field communicator and loop supply.

Seven Star LLC supplies the MC6-T, inserts, reference sensors and accessories to instrument and maintenance departments, calibration laboratories and service contractors in Muscat, the Sultanate of Oman and the GCC. We provide engineering support in Muscat for choosing the right model, insert drillings and communicator options.

Operating Principle

The temperature block of the Beamex MC6-T heats or cools a metal insert to a set point while the internal or an external reference sensor measures the actual temperature. Sensors under test are placed in borings of the insert and compared against the reference. The MC6-T660 uses active triple zone temperature control and the MC6-T150 uses dual zone heating and cooling; the multi-zone control compensates for heat lost through the installed sensors and gives an excellent axial gradient. Beamex states that its control algorithm provides fast heating and cooling without overshoot, and the control speed can be adjusted to balance speed against accuracy.

Because temperature changes slowly, the calibrator includes a stability control function. It tracks the stability and two-sigma standard deviation of readings for both the reference sensor and the sensors being calibrated, and only accepts values that meet the stability criterion, so even a less experienced user achieves the best uncertainty. At the same time the built-in process calibrator can read up to three RTD or resistance channels and two thermocouple channels, simulate RTDs and thermocouples, and measure or generate mA and voltage. This allows a complete temperature loop, from sensor through transmitter to the 4 to 20 mA output, to be calibrated with one instrument.

Engineering Design of the Beamex MC6-T

The Beamex MC6-T measures 322 x 180 x 298 mm and weighs 9.4 kg (MC6-T150) or 8.6 kg (MC6-T660), with a 5.7-inch 640 x 480 colour touch screen usable with bare fingers, gloves or a stylus, plus a membrane keyboard. Six user modes are provided: Temperature Calibrator, Calibrator, Documenting Calibrator, Data Logger for up to nine simultaneous measurements, Communicator and Settings. Power is 230 or 115 V AC, with 380 W for the MC6-T150 and 1560 W for the MC6-T660, and an internal 4300 mAh lithium-ion battery runs all functions except temperature generation and R3 measurement for 10 to 16 hours. Interfaces are USB and Bluetooth.

Both models have a 150 mm immersion depth, with insert outer diameters of 30 mm (MC6-T150) and 24.5 mm (MC6-T660). Safety features include a red hot-block indicator, a tilt sensor on the MC6-T660 that warns the user and switches off heating if the unit tilts or falls, and processor-independent overheat protection. The MC6-T150 supports calibration of short and flanged sanitary sensors using a dedicated insert, a very short reference probe and cable grooves in the cover. The unit can also control external temperature blocks such as the Beamex FB and pressure controllers such as the Beamex ePG or POC8, and connects to Beamex external pressure modules. An accredited calibration certificate is included, and the warranty is three years (one year for the battery).

Key Features

Key features of the Beamex MC6-T from the Beamex brochure are:

• Temperature dry block and MC6-based process calibrator in one portable unit.
• MC6-T150 for −30 to 150 °C and MC6-T660 for 50 to 660 °C.
• Display uncertainty with internal reference of ±0.15 °C (MC6-T150) and ±0.2 to ±0.5 °C (MC6-T660).
• Three simultaneous RTD and two thermocouple measurement channels, plus RTD and TC simulation.
• Built-in HART, FOUNDATION Fieldbus H1 and Profibus PA communicator with 24 V loop supply.
• Documenting calibrator working with Beamex CMX and LOGiCAL software, with Bluetooth data transfer.
• Stability control based on two-sigma deviation of readings.
• Rechargeable battery for all functions except temperature generation.

Industrial Applications

The Beamex MC6-T is used to calibrate RTD and thermocouple sensors, temperature transmitters, temperature switches and complete temperature loops in process plants. Because it also measures mA, voltage, frequency and pressure, the same instrument can handle pressure transmitters and other loop devices during a maintenance round. The MC6-T150 range fits HVAC, food, beverage and pharmaceutical applications including sanitary sensors, while the MC6-T660 serves high temperature process measurements on heaters, reactors, furnaces and steam systems. With calibration management software, the Beamex MC6-T downloads work orders, guides the technician and returns results digitally.

In Oman and the GCC, the Beamex MC6-T is relevant to refineries and petrochemical plants in Sohar, gas processing and LNG facilities, power and desalination stations, food and beverage producers and pharmaceutical manufacturers, as well as calibration service companies. Its built-in communicator is valuable on sites standardising on HART and fieldbus instruments, and the operating range of 0 to 45 °C should be considered for outdoor work in summer. Seven Star LLC supplies the Beamex MC6-T with the required inserts and options and can combine it with existing Beamex MC6 field equipment.

Technical Specifications

The Beamex MC6-T specifications below are taken from the Beamex MC6-T brochure.

How to Order

For a quotation on the Beamex MC6-T, tell Seven Star LLC which model you need, the sensor diameters to be calibrated for insert selection, the communicator protocols required and any pressure modules or software. The Beamex MC6-T brochure is available as a download on this page. Seven Star LLC supplies Beamex calibrators in Oman and the GCC with engineering support in Muscat. Related products include the Beamex MC6 Advanced Field Calibrator and Communicator, the Beamex MB Metrology Temperature Block and the Beamex MC6-Ex Intrinsically Safe Field Calibrator.