A customer in charge of constructing and maintaining roads, highways, bridges, and other
motorways came to us looking for a solution for one of their tests. This test requires them to
place samples of concrete into an oven and raise the temperature to 550°C. The temperature
is held for two hours and then increased to 950°C. They record the sample’s mass at each
temperature, which tells them the loss of organic matter and CO2. They use thermocouples
to ensure their oven reaches these key temperatures, and they contacted us looking for a
temperature calibrator they could use to calibrate these thermocouples.
Our Solution
The customer purchased a
CTC-1205A dry block temperature calibrator to provide a calibrated
temperature to check and document the performance of their thermocouples with
specified regularity. We showed them how to use the CTC-1205A front panel controls to quickly and
easily set and read temperature from the calibrator. They inserted their thermocouple and
used their handheld read-out to indicate the temperature. We progressed through a few
setpoints, and the engineers were quickly comfortable with the advanced simplicity user
interface on the CTC-1205A.
The lead engineer then inquired about using
our
JOFRACAL calibration software to
perform and document calibrations. We
set up the calibration using the CTC-1205A
as the heat source and their handheld as a
manual reference read-out. Using this process,
the customer waits for the software
to indicate temperature stability from the
CTC -1205A, and then manually enters the
temperature indicated by their handheld. The calibrator will remain at the test point until
they record the reading and press enter. We explained that they could perform other
tasks without missing a test point, as the calibrator
would not change temperatures until directed.
Our Advanced Solution
Although we had improved their process,
we knew that JOFRACAL calibration software
had an even more efficient option
using our ASC-400 multi-function calibrator.
We demonstrated the ASC-400 multi-function
calibrator and explained how they could
replace their handheld read-out. Although
the accuracy of the ASC-400 exceeded their
instrument, they were most impressed by
the full color, easy-to-read display.
The display far surpassed their current handheld, and they thought the user interface
would be easy to learn, as it is essentially the same as the CTC -1205A temperature calibrator.
They even took the instrument into another area of the lab to show other technicians.
In addition to the improved display and accuracy, the ability to connect the ASC-400
multi-function calibrator to their lab computer was key. We explained that with the two
instruments connected to JOFRACAL calibration software, they could complete a fully
automated calibration without the need for operator interaction. Creating a scenario using
the CTC-1205A, the ASC-400, and predetermined setpoints could save them time
and money.
We pressed start and allowed the routine to
proceed. When the dry block temperature
calibrator reached stability at a calibration
point, the ASC-400 would collect a reading of
the thermocouple. The software would document
the CTC-1205A temperature, and the
ASC-400 reading of the thermocouple and
store the results in its database. Once completed,
JOFRACAL allowed them to create
a PDF of a calibration report and retain the
information in a database for future analysis.
The profiles used for the thermocouple tests could be copied and reapplied to different
serial numbers and locations, saving even more time. By collecting and storing information
for all their sensors in the same program, they were confident that they could review
performance trends and perform predictive replacements before failure. Over time, they
could also estimate the effective life for each sensor.
Summary
We offered the customer a complete solution, and one that they were not even aware
was possible. They now start their calibration process and switch to other tasks, no longer
needing to dedicate a technician’s time to
testing their thermocouples. They can focus
on other work, and when they come back,
the job is done. Also eliminated are hard
copy certificates, as JOFRACAL stores the results
of each test in its digital database.
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