Isotech Fast-Cal Industrial Dry Block Calibrator -35 to 650 C

A rugged industrial dry block calibrator from -35 to 650 degrees C

The Isotech Fast-Cal range of industrial temperature calibrators was specified from the top ten requirements of 20 experienced engineers: rugged, lightweight, easy to use on site, fast response, high stability and software. The range covers -35 to 650 degrees C in four versions (an HTM 2010 model, Low, Medium and High), with a 25 mm diameter by 148 mm calibration volume on the industrial models. Each is offered as a Basic dry block, where the thermometer under test is compared to the controller value, or as a Complete model that includes a semi-standard probe and in-built indicator for traceable comparison under an ISO 9000 calibration system.

Technical specifications

Software, certificates and validation use

All versions include a traceable certificate, PC communications and software with ramps and dwells; Complete models add a 4-20 mA input, and UKAS certification is an extra. The HTM 2010 model has a fixed block with pockets for a reference probe and the type of test sensor commonly used when validating washer disinfectors, steam sterilisers and autoclaves, rather than a removable insert. Notes in the datasheet table: (1) range depends on ambient, and (2) accuracy applies to Complete models.

Selection and documents

Pick the Low, Medium or High version by the highest temperature of the sensors you calibrate, and Basic or Complete by whether you need an in-built traceable reference. For higher temperatures see the Isotech Jupiter 4852 or the Pegasus 4853; more calibrators are under Temperature Instrumentation. The attached Fast-Cal datasheet (catalogue pages) holds the table above. Quote the model, Basic or Complete, supply voltage and certificate with your request.

How the Isotech Fast-Cal dry block works

A dry block calibrator heats or cools a metal block to a set temperature, and the sensor under test is inserted into a hole in that block. The Fast-Cal is built for use on site as well as in the lab, which is why Isotech describes it as rugged and lightweight with fast response and high stability. The thermometer being tested is compared either to the controller value (Basic) or to the in-built indicator and semi-standard probe (Complete), and the result can be recorded under a traceable calibration system.

The table on this page shows four versions. The Low and HTM 2010 versions cover -35 to +140 degrees C (range depends on ambient), the Medium covers 30 to 350 degrees C and the High 35 to 650 degrees C. Stability is 0.02 degrees C on the Low and HTM 2010 versions, 0.03 degrees C on the Medium and 0.03 to 0.05 degrees C on the High. The industrial models have a 25 mm diameter by 148 mm calibration volume.

Applications of the Fast-Cal calibrator

• Checking RTDs, thermocouples and temperature transmitters on a plant without removing them to a laboratory
• Routine calibration of process sensors where a traceable certificate is required
• Calibration of sensors across a wide range, from sub-zero to 650 degrees C, with the High version
• Validation work on washer disinfectors, steam sterilisers and autoclaves with the HTM 2010 model, which has a fixed block with pockets for a reference probe and a test sensor
• Workshop and maintenance use where weight matters, at about 6.35 to 6.60 kg

Choosing a Fast-Cal version

• Temperature range: pick the version whose range covers the highest and lowest temperatures of the sensors you calibrate. For higher temperatures the page refers to the Isotech Jupiter 4852 and the Pegasus 4853.
• Basic or Complete: Basic gives an accuracy of 0.2 degrees C on the Low, 0.3 degrees C on the Medium and 1 degree C at 500 (2 degrees C at 650) on the High. Complete improves this to 0.15, 0.2 and 0.5 degrees C and adds a 4-20 mA input.
• Time to temperature: the Low heats from -30 to +140 in 15 minutes, the Medium from 50 to 350 in 15 minutes and the High from 50 to 650 in 20 minutes.
• Power: 150 W on the Low and HTM 2010, 750 W on the Medium and High.
• Size of sensor: check the diameter of your probes against the 25 mm well, or the pockets on the HTM 2010 block.

Using the Fast-Cal on site

All versions include a traceable certificate, PC communications and software with ramps and dwells. UKAS certification is an extra and must be requested with the order. Allow the block to reach the set temperature and settle before reading the sensor, and note that cooling from the top of the range takes longer than heating: the table gives 350 to 100 in 40 minutes for the Medium and 650 to 300 in 20 minutes for the High. All versions measure 228 x 248 x 143 mm, so they are easy to carry to the point of use.

Requesting a quotation for the Isotech Fast-Cal

Tell us the version (HTM 2010, Low, Medium or High), whether you want Basic or Complete, the supply voltage, and whether a UKAS certificate is needed. Seven Star LLC will quote the Fast-Cal against those details, and the catalogue datasheet attached to this page holds the specification table.

Handling and calibration practice with the Fast-Cal

Insert the sensor fully into the well so that its sensing element sits in the zone of the block that is at the stated temperature. A probe that is too short or too thick for the 25 mm well will read differently from the block, so match the probe to the calibration volume of 148 mm depth before you start a series of checks. Record the as-found and as-left readings against the certificate supplied with the unit.