Fluke Calibration 9142 Field Metrology Well

Small dry wells for big field applications

The 9142, (and 9143, 9144) Field Metrology Wells extend high performance to the industrial process environment by maximizing portability, speed, and functionality with little compromise to metrology performance.

Field Metrology Wells are packed with functionality and are remarkably easy to use. They are lightweight, small, and quick to reach temperature set points, yet they are stable, uniform, and accurate.

These industrial temperature loop calibrators are perfect for performing transmitter loop calibrations, comparison calibrations, or simple checks of thermocouple sensors. With the “process” option, there is no need to carry additional tools into the field. This optional built-in two-channel readout reads resistance, voltage, and 4–20 mA current with 24 volt loop power. It also has on-board automation and documentation.

Combined, the three models (9142, 9143, and 9144—each with a “process” option) cover the wide range of –25 °C to 660 °C.

High performance for the industrial environment

Field Metrology Wells are designed for the industrial process environment and fast speed to temperature. They weigh less than 8.2 kg (18 lb) and have a small footprint, which makes them easy to transport.

Field environment conditions are typically unstable, having wide temperature variations. Each Field Metrology Well has a built-in gradient-temperature compensation (patent pending) that adjusts control characteristics to ensure stable performance in unstable environments.

In fact, all specifications are guaranteed over the environmental range of 13 °C to 33 °C.

Built-in features to address large workloads and common applications

Whether you need to calibrate 4-20 mA transmitters or a simple thermostatic switch, a Field Metrology Well is the right tool for the job. With three models covering the range of –25 °C to 660 °C, this family of Metrology Wells calibrates a wide range of sensor types.

The optional process version (models 914X-X-P) provides a built-in two-channel thermometer readout that measures PRTs, RTDs, thermocouples, and 4-20 mA transmitters which includes the 24 V loop supply to power the transmitter.

Each process version accepts an ITS-90 reference PRT. The built-in readout accuracy ranges from ±0.01 °C to ±0.07 °C depending on the measured temperature.

Reference PRTs for Field Metrology Wells contain individual calibration constants that reside in a memory chip located inside the sensor housing, so sensors may be used interchangeably. The second channel is user-selectable for 2-, 3-, or 4-wire RTDs, thermocouples, or 4-20 mA transmitters. For comparison calibration, don’t hassle with carrying multiple instruments to the field. Field Metrology Wells do it all as a single instrument.

Traditionally, calibrations of temperature transmitters have been performed on the measurement electronics, while the sensor remained uncalibrated. Studies have shown, however, that typically 75% of the error in the transmitter system (transmitter electronics and temperature sensor) is in the sensing element. Thus, it becomes important to calibrate the whole loop—both electronics and sensor.

The process option of Field Metrology Wells makes transmitter loop calibrations easy. The transmitter sensor is placed in the well with the reference PRT and the transmitter electronics are connected to the front panel of the instrument. With 24 V loop power, you are able to power and measure the transmitter current while sourcing and measuring temperature in the Field Metrology Well. This allows for the measurement of as-found and as-left data in one self-contained calibration tool.

All Field Metrology Wells allow for two types of automated thermostatic switch test procedures—auto or manual setup. Auto setup requires the entry of only the nominal switch temperature. With this entry, it will run a 3-cycle calibration procedure and provide final results for the dead band temperature via the display. If you need to customize the ramp rate or run additional cycles, the manual setup allows you to program and run the procedure exactly how you would like. Both methods are fast and easy and make testing temperature switches a virtual joy!

Metrology performance for high-accuracy measurements

Unlike traditional dry-wells, Field Metrology Wells maximize speed and portability without compromising the six key metrology performance criteria laid out by the EA: accuracy, stability, axial (vertical) uniformity, radial (well-to-well) uniformity, loading, and hysteresis. All criteria are important in ensuring accurate measurements in all calibration applications. Field Metrology Well displays are calibrated with high quality traceable and accredited PRTs.

Each device (process and non-process versions) comes with an IEC-17025 NVLAP-accredited calibration certificate, which is backed by a robust uncertainty analysis that considers temperature gradients, loading effects, and hysteresis.

The 9142 and 9143 have a display accuracy of ±0.2 °C over their full range, and the 9144 display accuracy ranges from ±0.35 °C at 420 °C to ±0.5 °C at ±660 °C. Each calibration is backed with a 4:1 test uncertainty ratio.

New control technology guarantees excellent performance in extreme environmental conditions. The 9142 is stable to ±0.01 °C over its full range and the mid-range 9143 is stable from ±0.02 °C at 33 °C and ±0.03 °C at 350 °C. Even at 660 °C, the 9144 is stable to ±0.05 °C. But this is not all! Thermal block characteristics provide radial (well-to-well) uniformity performance to ±0.01 °C. Dual-zone control helps these tools achieve axial uniformity to ±0.05 °C at 40 mm (1.6 in).