Isotech VENUS 4951 BASIC User manual

Isothermal Technology Limited, Pine Grove, Southport, Merseyside, PR9 9AG, England
Telephone: [phone] Fax: [phone] Email: [e-mail] Website: www.isotech.co.uk
Venus 4000 Series 02-04/17
User Maintenance Manual
VENUS 4951 BASIC & SITE

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Guarantee
ⓒIsothermal Technology Limited
This instrument has been manufactured to exacting standards and is guaranteed for twelve
months against electrical break-down or mechanical failure caused through defective material or
workmanship, provided the failure is not the result of misuse.
In the event of failure covered by this guarantee, the instrument must be returned, carriage paid,
to the supplier for examination and will be replaced or repaired at our option.
FRAGILE CERAMIC AND/OR GLASS PARTS ARE NOT COVERED BY THIS GUARANTEE
INTERFERENCE WITH OR FAILURE TO PROPERLY MAINTAIN THIS INSTRUMENT MAY
INVALIDATE THIS GUARANTEE
The company is always willing to give technical advice and assistance where appropriate. Equally,
because of the programme of continual development and improvement we reserve the right to
amend or alter characteristics and design without prior notice. This publication is for information
only.
This handbook contains information that has been reproduced with the kind permission of
Eurotherm. Such data is subject to the following notice.
Isothermal Technology Limited
Pine Grove, Southport, Merseyside, PR9 9AG, England
Telephone: [phone] / Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail] / Website: www.isotech.co.uk

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Contents
1 UNPACKING AND INITIAL INSPECTION.........................................................................................5
2 BEFORE YOU USE THE EQUIPMENT ................................................................................................ 6
3 SUMMARY OF SYMBOLS ....................................................................................................................7
4 ELECTRICITY SUPPLY....................................................................................................................... 8
5 THE UNIT MUST BE EARTHED ................................................................................................. 9
6 EMC INFORMATION .................................................................................................................10
7 CAUTIONARY NOTE................................................................................................................. 11
8 SAFETY WARNINGS ................................................................................................................ 12
8.1 ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS........................................................................................................................12
8.2 DO NOT MODIFY OR DISASSEMBLE.................................................................................................................12
8.3 BEWARE OF ELECTRICAL CONSIDERATIONS......................................................................................................12
8.4 BE CAREFUL WHERE IT IS USED.....................................................................................................................12
8.5 BE CAREFUL WITH EXTREMES OF TEMPERATURE..............................................................................................12
8.6 BE CAREFUL WITH INSERTS ...........................................................................................................................12
9 CONSIDER THE ENVIRONMENT ..................................................................................................... 13
10 INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................................14
10.1 COMPARISON CALIBRATION..........................................................................................................................14
10.2 BASIC OPERATION.......................................................................................................................................14
10.3 SITE OR SELF-CONTAINED CALIBRATORS.......................................................................................................14
10.4 EXTERNAL STANDARDS +BASIC ................................................................................................................... 15
10.5 ADVANCED CALIBRATORS.......................................................................................................................... 15
11 MODE OF OPERATION ...................................................................................................................16
11.1 METAL BLOCK BATH ....................................................................................................................................16
11.2 BLACKBODY SOURCE....................................................................................................................................16
11.3 SURFACE SENSOR CALIBRATION....................................................................................................................16
11.4 STIRRED LIQUID BATH................................................................................................................................. 17
11.5 ITS-90 FIXED POINT CALIBRATION .............................................................................................................. 17
11.6 ISOTECH BASIC DRY BLOCK INTERFACE .........................................................................................................18
11.7 ISOTECH SITE DRY BLOCK INTERFACE ...........................................................................................................19
12 SPECIFICATION ............................................................................................................................. 20
13 BEST PERFORMANCE GRAPHS ..................................................................................................... 21
13.1 HEAT UP /COOL DOWN ..............................................................................................................................21
13.2 SIGMA UNCERTAINTIES................................................................................................................................21
14 OPERATING THE MODEL ............................................................................................................... 22
14.1 FRONT PANEL LAYOUT .................................................................................................................................22
14.1.1 The Temperature Controller ...........................................................................................................22
14.1.2 Altering the Setpoint .......................................................................................................................22
14.2 CONTROLLER FEATURES...............................................................................................................................22
14.2.1 Setpoint Ramp Rate ........................................................................................................................22
14.2.2 Instrument Address .........................................................................................................................23
14.3 MONITORING THE CONTROLLER STATUS .......................................................................................................23

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14.3.1 Units .................................................................................................................................................23
14.4 THE TEMPERATURE INDICATOR:SITE MODELS ONLY......................................................................................24
14.5 CONNECTING TEMPERATURE SENSORS ..........................................................................................................24
14.5.1 Platinum Resistance Thermometers, PRTs ....................................................................................24
14.5.2 Input Connections ...........................................................................................................................24
14.5.3 Connecting Thermocouples ............................................................................................................24
14.5.4 Setting the Input Type ....................................................................................................................24
14.6 ENABLING/DISABLING CUSTOM CALIBRATION ................................................................................................25
14.7 INSTRUMENT ADDRESS ................................................................................................................................25
14.8 MONITORING THE INDICATOR STATUS ..........................................................................................................26
14.8.1 Units .................................................................................................................................................26
14.9 INDICATOR OPERATION ...............................................................................................................................26
15 CALIBRATION DATA EXAMPLE..................................................................................................... 27
15.1 CONNECTING A4-20MACURRENT TRANSMITTER ..........................................................................................27
15.2 USING THE CURRENT LOOP INTERFACE 935-06-161 WITH THE SITE MODEL....................................................29
15.3 TESTING THERMAL SWITCHES ......................................................................................................................30
15.4 PROCEDURE FOR THE REVERSAL OF THE POLARITY FOR THE SWITCH CONTACT FEATURE.....................................30
15.5 SELECTING INPUT TYPE ...............................................................................................................................30
16 USING THE PC INTERFACE ........................................................................................................... 31
16.1 CONNECTIONS ............................................................................................................................................ 31
16.2 PROTOCOL.................................................................................................................................................. 31
17 CAL NOTEPAD ................................................................................................................................. 32
17.1 DEVELOPMENT ............................................................................................................................................32
17.2 ISOTECH I-CAL EASY LOG.......................................................................................................................... 33
18 DIAGNOSTIC ALARMS ...................................................................................................................34
19 APPENDIX 1: INDICATOR CONFIGURATION (REFERENCE ONLY).......................................... 35
20 ACCESSORIES................................................................................................................................. 37

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1Unpacking And Initial Inspection
Our Packing Department uses custom designed packaging to send out your unit, but as accidents
can still happen in transit, you are advised, after unpacking the unit, to inspect it for any sign of
shipping damage and confirm that your delivery is in accordance with the packing check list. If
you find any damage or that part of the delivery is missing notify us or our agent and the carrier
immediately. If the unit is damaged you should keep the packing for possible insurance
assessment.

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2Before You Use The Equipment
Please read the handbook and familiarise yourself with all warnings, hazards and safety
information. Regularly inspect the equipment, accessories and electrical leads. Do not use if there
is any sign of damage. Keep the equipment clean, only use a damp cloth. Do not use solvents or
allows liquids to enter the case.

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3Summary of Symbols
ISO3864 –Caution, read the entire manual before use
IEC 417 –Caution, hot surface (risk of burn)
O
Off
l
On
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE directive) symbol
Complies with European regulations (CE mark)
USB symbol
Ethernet RJ45 symbol
Risk of Electrical Shock
l O l O l
RS422 Serial Port

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4Electricity Supply
Before connecting to the electricity supply please familiarise yourself with the parts of the manual
relevant to your model.
Your unit's supply voltage requirement is specified on a label on the instrument along with the
serial number. Only connect to a power supply matching the requirement stated on the equipment.

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5The Unit Must Be Earthed
This equipment is a Class 1 Appliance and must be earthed (grounded). Use the supplied power
cord and plug it directly into an AC outlet with a protective earth.
If using an alternative cord ensure it is of adequate rating.
If fitting a plug to the cable we have supplied the cable is colour coded as follows:
Colour
Function
Green/yellow
Earth (Ground)
Brown
Live (line)
Blue
Neutral
Do not use the equipment if it is not correctly earthed. If in doubt consult Isothermal Technology
Ltd or a qualified electrician.

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6EMC Information
This product meets the requirements of the European Directive on Electromagnetic Compatibility
(EMC) 89/336/EEC as amended by EC Directive 92/31/EEC and the European Low Voltage
Directive 73/25/EEC, amended by 93/68/EEC. To ensure emission compliance please ensure that
connecting leads are fully screened.
The product meets the susceptibility requirements of EN 50082-1, criterion B.

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7Cautionary Note
Operators of this equipment should be adequately trained in the handling of hot and cold items.
It is important the user has been trained about the selection and use of liquids over a wide
temperature range. It is expected that personnel using this equipment will be competent with the
management of apparatus which may be powered or under extremes of temperature and are able
to appreciate the hazards which may be associated with and the precautions to be taken with,
such equipment.

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8Safety Warnings
8.1 Environmental Conditions
Operating temperature: 5-40°C (41-122°F)
Relative Humidity: 5-80% - Non-condensing
8.2 Do Not Modify Or Disassemble
Do not use the apparatus for jobs other than those for which it was designed, i.e. the
calibration of thermometers
There are no user serviceable parts inside. Do not dismantle or modify the apparatus. For
repair information contact Isothermal Technology Ltd
For equipment with fans, the fan should kept free from dust build up; a soft brush or
vacuum cleaner may be used on the external grill
8.3 Beware Of Electrical Considerations
The equipment is for installation category II (transient voltages) and pollution degree
II in accordance with IEC 664 at altitudes to 2000 metres
Sensor Input Connection must never exceed 30V with reference to ground
Thermostat test inputs should be voltage free: isolate from any voltage source during test
8.4 Be Careful Where It Is Used
The equipment is not for use in hazardous areas or in an environment close to flammable
materials or gases
The equipment must be used on a flat level surface, with adequate space around it for air
flow and avoid blocking ventilation slots
Ensure free space above the unit to avoid risk of burn or fire
The equipment should only be used indoors
Site in a way that allows access to the power switch, and to allow the cable to be
disconnected
Avoid excessive heat, humidity, dust and vibration ensuring it will not be subjected to
dripping or splashing liquids
8.5 Be Careful With Extremes Of Temperature
In normal use the calibration volume, inserts and probes will become very hot and present
a burn hazard
Do not remove inserts, probes or handle the equipment when it is hot or cold.
Allow the equipment and accessories to reach a temperature between ambient and 70°C
before switching off or storing the equipment in its case
Do not use the equipment outside its recommended temperature range
Operating the equipment at extremes of temperature for extended periods may call for
early replacement of the heating assembly
Wear appropriate protective clothing
8.6 Be Careful With Inserts
Only use inserts supplied with, or ordered specifically for, this model
Do not handle inserts while they are very hot or cold
Inserts for low temperature models may melt and cause a fire if used in high temperature
models
Only use Isotech inserts which are specially treated to avoid them from becoming stuck in
the calibration volume
Do not use powders, liquids or compounds in the insert; this may lead to the insert or
probes becoming stuck

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9Consider The Environment
The equipment should be recycled or disposed of in a proper way; following the Waste
Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) directive

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10 Introduction
The purpose of the Venus models is to provide an adjustable isothermal enclosure for calibration
purposes. It has been designed to be rugged and easily maintained.
The isothermal enclosure consists of a fixed heater block into which an insert can be
placed. Temperature sensors for calibration are placed in suitably drilled holes in the insert. The
replaceable inserts enable a variety of items to be calibrated.
Additionally there are accessories to allow the calibration of surface sensors and also infrared
thermometers.
The heater block houses a heater and the control sensor used by the temperature controller to
sense the block temperature.
There are two electrically driven fans in the unit. One runs continuously and cools the electronics
in the instrument and the other is switched to cool the block when the set temperature is lower
than the block temperature.
10.1 Comparison Calibration
By definition, one compares industrial thermometers to a calibrated standard. There are three
methods commonly used.
10.2 Basic Operation
Using the controller as the “calibrated standard”. This method means
that the complete bath is calibrated by comparing the controller reading
to a calibrated standard placed in the bath.
This is a common method but is unsafe since the control sensor is
a) inaccessible
b) in the wrong place to give correct temperature of the insert
For these reasons it fails to satisfy ISO9000 and gives large uncertainties.
10.3 Site or Self-Contained Calibrators
In these an indicator and external calibrated sensor are used to measure
the temperature of the insert. This arrangement gives good results and
traceability. To recalibrate however it does mean sending the whole
calibrator back to the calibration laboratory. The calibrator is self-
contained, self-sufficient and meets ISO9000 requirements.

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10.4 External Standards + Basic
Here a separate indicator and calibrated sensor
are used to measure the inserts temperature.
With a suitable indicator such as the Isotech
milliK this gives the most accurate and reliable
results, depending on the indicator.
It means that the calibrator does not need
calibrating; only the indicator and its calibrated
sensor need re-calibration. One indicator may
be used with a range of blocks. This method
also meets ISO9000 requirements.
10.5 ADVANCED Calibrators
The ADVANCED model includes an indicator with channels for both
the test thermometers and an external calibrated sensor used to
measure the temperature of the insert. This allows best practice
calibration with established traceability and uncertainty. To
recalibrate however, it does mean sending the whole calibrator
back to the calibration laboratory. The calibrator is self-contained
for reference and test probes, self-sufficient and meets ISO9000
requirements.

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11 Mode Of Operation
11.1 Metal Block Bath
The thermometers under test are placed into suitable holes in the metal insert. For
the ADVANCED and Site models a calibrated reference probe should be placed into
the insert and the actual temperature can be read from the temperature
indicator. For the Basic models an external temperature indicator should be used.
For traceable calibration the actual value of the insert temperature should be
recorded along with the values from the sensors under test.
Wait until the temperature indicated by the controller and the output of the
thermometer are both stable (see specification for typical values) record three sets
of readings over a period of about six minutes. Check that these readings are
consistent and then calculate their average values. If the device has itself been
calibrated, correct the average values accordingly.
11.2 Blackbody Source
The Blackbody Target Kit (951-06-04) can be added for simple calibration on
infrared thermometers.
Place the target into the well with the supplied thermocouple fitted. For the
ADVANCED and Site models the actual temperature from the thermocouple
can be read from the temperature indicator. For the Basic models an external
temperature indicator should be used. The test IR thermometers should be
compared to this value.
11.3 Surface Sensor Calibration
The Venus can be used with an accessory to calibrate surface sensors.
The surface sensor insert kit (part number 951-06-02), is placed into the calibration
well.
The supplied PRT is placed in the pocket of the surface sensor insert and connected
to the temperature indicator of the Site models. For the ADVANCED and Site models
the actual temperature from the thermocouple can be read from the temperature
indicator. For the Basic models an external temperature indicator should be used.
The test surface thermometers should be compared to this value.

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11.4 Stirred Liquid Bath
The stirred liquid bath function of the Venus 4951 is well suited for odd shaped sensors which will
not easily be accommodated in a metal insert.
The Venus 4951 Liquid Container (part number 951-06-01) is placed into the calibration well and
the container is filled with a suitable liquid, see accessory page, for the temperature range that
the bath is to be used over. The container should be filled to 25mm from the top of the tank.
Care must be taken to adjust the level as the liquid contracts or expands with temperature
changes. The stirrer speed control is set ON and to the mid position. If necessary the speed to
can be adjusted to give the optimum value for a particular application, this position should be
found experimentally and then noted for future use.
The thermometers under test are placed into the liquid. Two accessories are available to support
the thermometers.
a) The Thermometer Support Kit (part number 921-02-06) allows thermometers with a
diameter of 2 to 6.5mm to be suspended in the liquid.
b) The Sensor Guide which fits into the tank and can support a number of thermometers
(part number 951-02-24).
It is important that one of the accessories is used to prevent the probes from reaching the bottom
of the tank which would stop the stirring action. For the S models a calibrated reference probe
should be placed into the liquid and the actual temperature can be read from the temperature
indicator. For the B models an external temperature indicator should be used.
For traceable calibration the actual value of the liquid temperature should be recorded along with
the values from the sensors under test.
11.5 ITS-90 Fixed Point Calibration
The ITS-90 fixed point function of the Venus 4951 is well suited for fast, convenient, mess free
calibration of thermometers to uncertainties as low at 0.001°C.
The special cell is placed into the Venus 4951 calibration well. The stir speed control should be
set to the OFF position. For detailed operating information, refer to the separate manual provided
with the Cell

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11.6 Isotech Basic Dry block interface
1. Main supply voltage connection socket
This socket allow the Mains Voltage to be
applied to power up the equipment. Use
only the supplied lead or a suitably specified
IEC alternative. Confirm the supply voltage
using the ratings label on the rear of the
equipment.
2. Power On/Off switch
Once the Power lead is connected, this
switch will power up and down the
equipment
3. Fuse carrier and window showing fuse
rating
With the mains cable disconnected, the fuse
carrier can be removed for the inspection or
replacement of the fuse. The fuse rating is
displayed through the window.
4. Temperature Controller
Refer to Section 14 for details.
5. Magnetic stirrer speed adjuster
Manual adjustment of the Magnetic stirring speed (where fitted)
6. PC Serial interface
Enables connection to a PC. Refer to Section 16 for details.

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11.7 Isotech Site Dry block interface
1. Main supply voltage connection socket
This socket allow the Mains Voltage to be
applied to power up the equipment. Use only
the supplied lead or a suitably specified IEC
alternative. Confirm the supply voltage using
the ratings label on the rear of the equipment.
2. Power On/Off switch
Once the Power lead is connected, this switch
will power up and down the equipment
3. Fuse carrier and window showing fuse
rating
With the mains cable disconnected, the fuse
carrier can be removed for the inspection or
replacement of the fuse. The fuse rating is
displayed through the window.
4. PRT input socket
These allow for the connection of external
Platinum resistance thermometers. Warning:
Do not connect any other form of input to
these sockets.
5. Thermocouple input socket
These allow for the connection of a range of Thermocouples to be connected. Warning: Do
not connect any other form of input to these sockets.
6. Temperature controller
Refer to Section 14 for details.
7. Magnetic stirrer speed adjuster
Manual adjustment of the Magnetic stirring speed (where fitted)
8. Temperature indicator
9. PC Serial interface
Enables connection to a PC. Refer to Section 16 for details.
10. Switch Contact (thermostat)

12 Specification
Model
Parameter
Venus 4951 Basic/Site
Temperature Range
-35°C to 140°C **
Stability
Blackbody ±0.3°C Surface Sensor ±0.5°C ITS-90 Cells
±0.0005°C
Display Resolution
0.01°C from -19.99 to 99.99°C then 0.1°C: 0.01°C over
PC Interface
Uniformity –between Wells Dry Block
Mode (Radial)
<0.008°C
Uniformity –lower 40mm (Axial) Dry
Block Mode
<0.040°C
Uniformity –Radial Liquid Bath Mode
<0.02°C
Uniformity –Lower 40mm (Axial) As
Liquid Bath Mode
<0.026°C
Cools from 140°C to 0°C
in 15 minutes
Heats from -30°C to 140°C
in 15 minutes
Best Performance
See Graph (refer to Section 13)
Calibration volume
35mm diameter by 160mm deep
Standard Insert
6 pockets, 2 x 4.5mm, 2 x 6.4mm, 1 x 8.0mm, 1 x
9.5mm diameter, all 157mm deep
Indicator units
°C, °F, K
Power
115±10%Vac or 230±10%Vac 50/60Hz 150 Watts
Dimensions
384H (including handle) x 212W x 312Dmm
Weight
10.2kg
** In ambient of 20°C: minimum temperature is 55°C below ambient, absolute minimum -45°C
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