Scan-Sense Tek Know TC125 User manual

TC125
TC150
TC400
TC650
TEMPERATURE CALIBRATORS
USER’S MANUAL
Manual revision: 15 March, 2001
SCSMANP004
Copyrighted © 2001

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User’s manual TC calibrators
Thankyou
for purchasing a Tek Know temperature calibrators.
The Tek Know products are manufactured by Scan-Sense AS in ac-
cordance with our high quality standards in design, choice of compo-
nents and workmanship in order to achieve maximum customer satis-
faction and to fulfil our vision to be our customers “First Choice”.
The TC125, 150, 400 and 650 are designed and
manufacturedby:
Scan-Sense AS Tel. [phone]
Bekkeveien 163 Fax: [phone]
N-3173 Vear www.scansense.no
NORWAY [email protected]

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User’s manual TC calibrators
Contents
1.1 Certification 5
1.2 Warranty 6
1.3 Notice 6
1.4 Safety 7
2. INTRODUCTION 9
3. CALIBRATORSTC650&TC400 11
3.1 PREPARATION 11
3.1.1 Preparing the Heating calibrators for use. 11
3.1.2 PowerRequirementsTC400&TC650 13
3.1.3 Fuses 12
3.2 GETTING STARTED 13
3.2.1 Power On 13
3.2.2 Celsius – Fahrenheit Setting 14
3.2.3 Default setting 14
3.3 HOW TO EXECUTE CALIBRATIONS 15
3.3.1 Calibration Procedure 15
3.3.2 Calibration at High Temperatures 16
3.3.3 Precaution 16
3.3.4 Test of thermostats 17
3.4 CALIBRATION HINTS 18
3.4.1 Time Constants 18
3.4.2 HighAccuracy 19
3.4.3 Heat loss to the Surroundings 20
3.4.4 Cleaning of block and Insert 20
4.0 CALIBRATORSTC125& TC150 21
4.1 PREPARATION 21
4.1.1 Preparingthe TC125 &TC150 for use 21
4.1.2 Power Requirements 21
4.1.3 Fuses 22
4.2 GETTING STARTED 22
4.2.1 Power on 22
4.2.2 Celsius – Fahrenheit setting 23
4.2.3 Default setting TC125 & TC150 24

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User’s manual TC calibrators
4.3 HOW TOEXECUTE CALIBRATIONS 25
4.3.1 CalibrationProcedureTC125&TC150 25
4.3.2 Calibration at Low Temperatures 26
4.3.3. Precaution 27
4.3.4 Test of Thermostats 27
4.4 CALIBRATION HINTS 28
4.4.1 Time constants 28
4.4.2 HighAccuracy 29
4.4.3 Heat loss to the Surroundings 29
4.4.4 Cleaning of Block and Insert 30
4.4.5 Method of calibration 30
5. RS232 INTERFACE 31
6. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 32
6.1 TC125 & TC150 32
6.2 TC650 & TC400 33

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User’s manual TC calibrators
1.1 Certification
Scan-Sense AS certifies that this product meets its published
specifications at the time of shipment from the factory. Scan-Sense AS
further certifies that its calibration measurements are traceable to
Norwegian Accreditation Standards and to the calibration facilities of
other International Standards Organisation members (FSO).
Scan-Sense AS declares that the following products :
TC125, TC150, TC400 and TC650
confirm to the following standards :
EN 500081-1 : 1992
EN 500082-1 : 1992
EN 61010 : 1993
EN 60742-1
IEC 801-2
DS 5104

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User’s manual TC calibrators
1.2 Warranty
These Tek Know products are warranted against defects in material
and workman-ship for a period of one year from date of shipment.
During the warranty period, Scan-Sense will, at its option, either repair
or replace products that prove to be defective.
The product must be returned to a service facility designated by Scan-
Sense for warranty service or repair. The foregoing warranty will not
apply to defects resulting from improper or inadequate maintenance by
buyer, buyersupplied softwareorinterfacing, unauthorisedmodification
or misuse, operation outside of the environmental specifications for the
product, or improper site preparation or maintenance.
No other warranty is expressed or implied. Scan-Sense shall not be
liable for any direct, indirect, special, incidental, or consequential
damages, whether based on contract, tort, or any other legal theory.
1.3 Notice
All rights reserved. Reproduction of any part of this manual in any form
what so-ever without Scan-Senses expressed written permission is
forbidden.
All efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of this manual.
However, should any errors be detected, Scan-Sense would greatly
appreciate being informed of them.
The above notwithstanding, Scan-Sense can assume no responsibility
for any errors in this manual or of their consequences.

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User’s manual TC calibrators
1.4 Safety
The warning sign denotes a hazard. Such warning labels are fitted to
several places on the calibrators. It calls attention to a procedure which,
if not correctly performed or adhered to, could result in injury or loss of
life.Do not proceed beyonda warning sign untilthe indicated conditions
are fully understood and met. If you are in doubt please contact your
nearest Tek Know dealer.
Adry blockcalibrator isconstructedin sucha mannerthat itis impossible
to operate it without generating hot areas that can be of danger. It is
very important the operator in charge of the calibrator is aware of the
potential dangers and that he relays this information to any other future
user.
There are no operational switches or buttons inside the calibrator that is
neededduring operation. Opening thecalibrator during operation isvery
dangerous due to high temperatures and high voltages. The calibrator is
only to be opened by qualified service personnel.
After the calibrator has been operated it may be very hot. Do not turn
off the calibrator if the temperature is above 400°C. The correct
procedure is to set the setpoint to 50°C. and allow it to cool below
100°C.
If the calibrator switches itself down during operation, this can be due
to the internal safety trip switch. In these cases please contact your
dealer because a new fuse will have to be installed.
!
WARNING

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User’s manual TC calibrators
Failure to ground the temperature calibrator properly can result in
personal injury. Use grounded ac power outlet.
Place the temperature calibrator on an even surface and make sure
that the air inlet for the fan is not blocked. Connect the power cable to
the temperature calibrator and press the Line switch on the bottom
panel to turn it on. The calibrator must not be covered. The calibrator
must be used in an environment with free space of 0.5 m. above and
0.1 m, open space on either side and with satisfactory ventilation or
temperature control.

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User’s manual TC calibrators
2. INTRODUCTION
The TC calibrators user manuals are intended to be used with the Tek
Know portable calibrators TC125, TC150, TC400 and TC650. The
TC Calibrators are constructed with a dry temperature variable well,
withaspecial designed temperature controller. Adigital controller with
adedicated CPU gives theTCcalibrators flexible controllability.Digital
control provides for adaptive control of the temperature, which saves
the operator time, and assures high accuracy and easy setting of
temperatures. The local LCD displays both the set temperature and
reference temperature simultaneously.
The display of the TC400 & TC650 has a resolution of 0.1°C, however
the PID controller works with a resolution of 0.01°C.Effectively this
means that a better stability than stated in the specifications may be
obtained.In order to obtainthis, the calibration conditionsmust be ideal.
First and foremost, the ambient temperature must be kept stable state
and longer stabilisation time for the calibrator must be allowed. This is
to compensate for the temperature influence on the electronics. They
come in a dedicated instrument case with assessories such as cable
and inserts.
The communication port RS-232 comes as a standard feature, for use
with a computer in the calibration process.Tek Know provides optional
calibration software for temperature. The TC calibrators together with
the SC200 calibration software and SM300 Signal master will give you
an automatic calibration system.

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User’s manual TC calibrators
PC with SC200
Signal Master SM300TC Calibrator
Pt 100 channel B
RS232 Port 1RS232 Port 1
RS232 Port 2
Ref. Pt 100
channel A
Signal Master SM300TC Calibrator
Pt 100
channel B
PC with SC200
RS 232 port 1
RS 232 port 2
Figure 2-1, ‘Automatic calibration with internal reference’
Figure2-2, ‘Automatic calibration with external reference’

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User’s manual TC calibrators
3. CALIBRATORS TC400 & TC650
3.1 PREPARATION
3.1.1 Preparingtheheating calibratorsforuse.
Table 3-1. Items included with the TC400/650
temperature calibrators:
• Temperature calibrator: TC400 or 650
• Carrying case
• Power cord
• Test cable for thermostats
• Tool for changing inserts
• Insertion tube with 6.5 mm hole.
• Insertion tube with 10.5 mm hole.
• Calibration certificate
• User`s manual
3.1.2 Powerrequirements for TC400& TC650
The TC400 & TC650 temperature calibrators areportable instruments
that require no physical installation other than connection to a grounded
ACpower source. Do not connect AC power until you have verified
that the line voltage is correct and that the proper fuse is installed.
Otherwise damage to the equipment may occure.

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User’s manual TC calibrators
Table 3-2. Power requirements for heating calibrators
100 Volt 110 Volt 230 Volt
InputVoltage 90 to 110 V 100 to 130 V 198 to 250 V
Frequency 50 to 60 Hz 50 to 60 Hz 50 to 60 Hz
Power consumption: 1600 W 1600 W 1600 W
Failure to ground the temperature calibrator properly can result in
personal injury. Use a groundedAC power outlet. Place the temperature
calibrator on an even surface and make sure that the air inlet for the fan
is not blocked. Connect the power cable to the
temperature calibrator and press the Line switch on
the bottom panel to turn it on. The calibrator must not
be covered. The calibrator must be used in an
environment with free space of 0.5 m. above and 0.1
m, open space on either side and with satisfactory ventilation or
temperature control.
3.1.3 Fuses
The fuses used in the TC400 and TC650, 100 & 110Volt versions are
ø 6,3 x 32 mm ceramic 15 amp (slow).
The fuses used in the TC400 and TC650 -230 Volt versions are
ø 5 x 20 mm glass 10 amp (slow).
The fuses are placed next to the mains switch.
!
WARNING

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User’s manual TC calibrators
3.2 GETTINGSTARTED
3.2.1 PowerOn
When the TC650 or TC400 is switched on the LCD display
on the front panel will show:
x denotes the serial no. of the calibrator and ddmmyy is the
date of last calibration of the calibrator.
V 4.0 indicates the software version no. of the calibrator.
After 10 sec. the display will show:
TC650 V 4.0
S.n. xxxxxx - ddmmyy
REF. xxx.xxx C
SETPKT. xxx.xxx C

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User’s manual TC calibrators
3.2.2. Celsius – Fahrenheit setting
Tochangethetemperature notationpress simultaneouslythetemperature
setting buttons éand êwhile switching on the power to the calibrator.
The display will show :
C / F ?
After 2 sec. the display will show :
CELS. FAHR.
UP DOWN
Press the temperature setting button éfor displaying the temperature
in Celsius. Press the temperature setting button êfor displaying the
temperature in Fahrenheit.
3.2.3 Defaultsetting
The default setpoint setting for the
TC650 & TC400 is 30°C.

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User’s manual TC calibrators
3.3 HOW TO EXECUTE CALIBRATIONS
3.3.1 Calibration procedureforTC400andTC650
1. Move the adjustable handle to one side and turn on
the main switch.
2. Select an insertion tube that best fits the sensor to be tested.
3. Place the insertion tube in the thermo well and put the sensor
to be tested in the insertion tube. Insure that there is a good
contact between sensor and insertion tube.
Note: The insention tube and the well must be clean.
4. The sensor to be tested must be placed as close as possible
to the bottom of the thermo well in order to obtain the best
possiblecalibrationresult.
5. The calibration temperature Set Point is selected by means of
the arrow keys éand êon the front panel of the calibrator.
It is indicated on the second line on the display SETPK.
6. The temperature in the thermo well is indicated in the first
line of the display REF.
7. The reference temperature will stabilise to the SETPKT.
When the reference temperature has been within ± 0.2°C of
the setpoint for 3 min. a * is visible after the last digit of the
REF. temperature. After 7 min. a second * appears behind
the SETPKT temperature, the calibrator is now stable to
within ± 0.1°C.
REF. 250.00*C
SETPKT. 250.00*C

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User’s manual TC calibrators
The temperature control within the TC400 and TC650 uses a specially
designed PID controller.Refer to chapter 3.4 for general requirements
to obtain the specified accuracy.
3.3.2 Calibrationathightemperatures
The TC650 can generate temperatures up to 650 °C. The TC400 can
generate temperatures up to 400 °C. When using the calibrators at
these high temperatures, drafts may affect the stability of the calibrator.
In order not to expose the electronics to high temperatures over a longer
period of time we do not recommend to use the calibrator for more than
30 min. a time in the range 600-650 °C. If the calibrator os left at high
temperaturefor approximately45 minutes,the setpointwill automatically
be set to 50°C.
3.3.3 Precaution
Please pay attention to the fact that RTD’s and thermocouples will
reactquickly to temperaturechanges. Filledbulbswill reactmoreslowly,
even if the TC650 & TC400 have stabilised, the sensor to be tested
may not yet have arrived at the indicated temperature. So when testing
filled bulbs or similar, please allow ample time for temperature
stabilisation. Some sensors are placed in long protection or extension
tubes and can not always be totally immersed in the thermo well.
The metal tube may conduct heat or cold away from the
thermo well and this may affect the calibration. This can
be prevented by using insulation material on the part of the
sensor that is not immersed in the well. The part of the
sensor which is not immersed in the calibrator.
Never store the TC650 & TC400 in the carrying case
before the temperature in the thermo well is below 50°C.
!
WARNING

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User’s manual TC calibrators
3.3.4 Test of thermostats
The TC650 & TC400 have a built-in test functions for thermostats.
Connect the alligator clips to the on-off function of the thermostat to the
calibrator.The test light on the front of the calibrator will indicate when
the on-off function of the thermostat is activated. Please pay attention
to the fact that thermostats react slowly to temperature changes.

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User’s manual TC calibrators
3.4 CALIBRATIONHINTS
3.4.1 Timeconstants
The TC650 & TC400’s reference sensors are mounted in the heating-
cooling block and will react quickly to temperature changes (small time
constant). The sensors being tested have a larger time constant due to
larger mass and longer distance to the heating-cooling elements.
Consequently the temperature curve for the reference sensor and the
sensor being tested will be different. See figure 3-1.
Figure 3-1 ‘ Temperature Response ‘
A certain overshoot will take place when approaching the Set point.
This speeds up stabilisation time for calibrations. This however only
applies to the reference temperature, as the sensor tested has a larger
mass and reacts more slowly to temperature changes, see fig. 3-1.
Consequently always make sure that before performing a calibration,
that the indicator for stable temperature in the calibrator (a * is shown
in the display after the SETPKT. temperature) is present and also take
into consideration the mass of the sensor being tested. When the TC650
& TC400 calibrators are used with the SC200 software in semi-
automatic mode the PC will inform when the sensor being tested has
obtaineditsstabilisation.

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User’s manual TC calibrators
3.4.2 Highaccuracy
Dryblockcalibrators accuracy and performance toagiven specification
is dependent on the fact that it reproduces the conditions for under
which it was calibrated.
There are several factors that may have affect on the accuracy of the
calibrators. There are variations in the sensor diameter, length, thermo-
conductivity, the active element’s position in the sensor, cleanness of
the sensor and fit in the insert from the one used during the calibrator’s
calibration.
For setpoint temperatures above 400 °C it is important that the insert
block and sensor is clean and free from dust and
oxidisationproducts.
Always approach the setpoint value from a lower temperature.
The TC400 and TC650 are calibrated dry using a Ø 6mm Industrial
Standard Reference Pt-100 sensor placed in the bottom of a 6,5mm
drilledinsert.
Undrilledinsertiontubes optional are availablefor custom drilling.
In these cases Scan-Sense can not guaranty for the calibrators
specifications.
To facilitate such calibration Scan-Sense can supply insertion tubes
with 2 or more holes according to specifications.

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User’s manual TC calibrators
3.4.3 Heat losses to the surroundings
When calibrating or testing a long sensor that is partly exposed when
mounted in the calibrator, a heat loss to the surroundings will result.
This is especially true when the sensor has a large mass that is exposed.
This heat loss will affect the accuracy, and may be as much as 0.5°C to
1.0°C.As a general rule, this error when minimal is the exposed length
of the sensor is < 1/4 of the length of the sensor. We recommend that
the exposed part of the sensor is insulated. See figure 3-2.
Figure 3-2 ‘ Insulation ‘
Different insulating materials may be used, but it is important that it can
withstand the operating temperatures and has a good insulation char-
acteristic.It should be flexible so that it can be tucked around the sensor.
Consult Scan-Sense for further information.
3.4.4 Cleaningofblock andinsert
Inorderto obtain maximum and repetitiveperformanceof the calibrator
itis important tokeep the temperaturewelland insertasclean as possible
atalltimes. Before starting a calibrationcleanthe well, insert and sensor
with fin wire wool or a wire brush. Gun bore cleaning tools are suitable
for this purpose (Not the solvents). Remove the dust from the cleaning
process with a dry cloth or compressed air.