Palmer Wahl HSICBB-P Portable Calibration Black Body

A portable ambient black body for verifying infrared instruments

The Palmer Wahl Heat Spy HSICBB-P is a portable calibration black body that runs at ambient temperature. The datasheet says it is used for single point calibration verification and checking of thermal imaging cameras and point infrared thermometers, with a system accuracy of plus or minus 0.3 F (0.2 C) and NIST traceability available through an optional NIST Certificate of Conformance.

The method printed in the datasheet is simple: turn the black body on and choose F or C, set the thermal imaging camera or infrared thermometer to the correct emissivity, aim at the target area and compare readings. The result confirms whether the unit is within tolerance, and the user can calculate the correction for zero error. It is housed in a Pelican 1150 case rated IP67.

Features

• Radiator: 3 inch diameter concentric rings with an integral 4-wire RTD sensor and a 4-wire RTD thermometer meter.
• No heating: the black body assumes the ambient temperature, so it verifies at one point near room temperature only.
• Emissivity of 0.95 plus or minus 0.02 on the radiator, so set the instrument under test to 0.95 for the comparison (derived from the printed emissivity).
• User-selectable F or C on a 4-digit 1 inch LCD with 0.1 degree resolution and repeatability of 0.1 F or C.
• Powered by one 3.6 V AA lithium thionyl chloride battery, about 3 years of life with a low battery indicator; switching off when idle extends life.
• Fast, portable, lightweight and easy to use according to the datasheet.

HSICBB-P specifications

How to use it for an infrared check

• Allow the black body to sit in the working space until it settles at the ambient temperature; the 10 second display update rate means readings change slowly.
• Select the unit and compare the infrared reading with the black body display, with the infrared emissivity set to the black body value.
• Judge pass or fail against the manufacturer tolerance of the instrument under test; the black body system accuracy of 0.2 C is the reference uncertainty on the datasheet.
• Record the difference as a correction for zero error, as the datasheet suggests.
• The datasheet does not state a distance or spot-size procedure, so follow the instrument manual of the unit under test for aiming.

What the datasheet does and does not cover

The datasheet is a single page. It gives the radiator, meter, accuracy, operating range, display, power and case data listed above, and says the unit includes a user manual. It does not publish a certificate format, a calibration interval, a spot-size chart or a distance table, so ask us to confirm any of these before you rely on them for an audit. The quoted accuracy applies over the recommended 50 to 122 F operating range, not over the wider ambient operating range of -40 to 158 F.

The datasheet lists a radiator with an integral 4-wire RTD sensor and a 4-wire RTD thermometer as the meter. Thermal imaging cameras and point infrared thermometers read the radiator surface, and the comparison is between that reading and the black body display.

Selection notes

• The HSICBB-P gives one point near ambient. Use a heated or multi-point source for checks at high temperatures; the DHS520L high temperature infrared thermometer from the same maker, for example, covers 600 to 3000 C and is outside the range of an ambient black body.
• Order the optional NIST certificate if your quality system needs traceability documents.
• Keep the unit within the recommended 10 to 50 C range to preserve the stated accuracy.

Applications in Oman and the GCC

Plants that use thermal cameras for electrical and mechanical inspection, and point infrared thermometers for food, HVAC and process checks, can verify them in house with an ambient black body rather than send them away for every check. That fits quality systems in food processing, utilities, facilities management and industrial maintenance.

Selection and installation notes

A black body is a reference source, so place it on a stable surface in a draught-free room, let it reach ambient temperature and use the distance and angle that the thermal imager or infrared thermometer needs to read the target. Keep the emitting surface clean and free from scratches and keep the certificate with the unit. Plan the next verification interval from your quality system.

Information needed for a quotation

Send the full model code, the quantity, the delivery location in Oman or the GCC, the intended use and any accessories needed, so that the complete package can be quoted together.

Documents and supply information

The manufacturer data sheet is attached to this page and should be read together with the project specification and the site risk assessment before a purchase is confirmed. Ratings, standards and dimensions are quoted as printed on that sheet. Lead time, stock position and certificates available with the shipment are confirmed in the quotation, and we supply to Oman and the wider GCC region for industrial, utility and building services projects.

Related items and documents

See more portable test and measurement instruments and calibration items in our range. The datasheet is attached; Seven Star LLC can quote the HSICBB-P with the optional NIST certificate.