FLUKE 9101 Zero Point Dry Well Calibrator User Manual

Hart Scientific
9101 Zero Point Dry-Well
User Manual

Before You Start

1.1 Symbols Used
Table 1 lists the International Electrical Symbols. Some or all of these symbols may be used on the instrument or in this manual.
Table 1 International Electrical Symbols

| Double Insulated
| Electric Shock
| Fuse
| PE Ground
| Hot Surface (Burn Hazard)
| Read the User’s Manual (Important Information)
| Off
| On
| Canadian Standards Association
| OVERVOLTAGE (Installation) CATEGORY II, Pollution Degree 2 per IEC1010-1 refers to the level of Impulse Withstand Voltage protection provided. Equipment of OVERVOLTAGE CATEGORY II is energy-consuming equipment to be supplied from the fixed installation. Examples include household, office, and laboratory appliances.
| C-TIC Australian EMC Mark
The European Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive (2002/96/EC) mark.
---|---

1.2 Safety Information
Use this instrument only as specified in this manual. Otherwise, the protection provided by the instrument may be impaired.
The following definitions apply to the terms “Warning” and “Caution”.

• “WARNING” identifies conditions and actions that may pose hazards to the user.
• “CAUTION” identifies conditions and actions that may damage the instrument being used.

1.2.1 WARNINGS
To avoid personal injury, follow these guidelines.

• Before initial use, after transport, after storage in humid or semi-humid environments, or anytime the instrument has not been energized for more than 10 days, the instrument needs to be energized for a “dry-out” period of 2 hours before it can be assumed to meet all of the safety requirements of the IEC 1010-1. If the product is wet or has been in a wet environment, take necessary measures to remove moisture prior to applying power such as storage in a low humidity temperature chamber operating at 50 degrees centigrade for 4 hours or more.
• Use only a grounded AC mains supply of the appropriate voltage to power the instrument. The dry-well requires a maximum of 1 amp, 50/60 Hz, 115/230 VAC (±10%).
• DO NOT connect this unit to a non-grounded, non-polarized outlet.
• DO use a ground fault interrupt device.
• HIGH VOLTAGE is used in the operation of this equipment. SEVERE INJURY or DEATH may result if personnel fail to observe safety precautions. Before working inside the equipment, turn the power off and disconnect the power cord.
• DO NOT use this unit in environments other than those listed in the user’s manual.
• DO NOT use this unit for any application other than calibration work.
• Follow all safety guidelines listed in the user’s manual.
• Calibration Equipment should only be used by Trained Personnel.

1.2.2 CAUTIONS
To avoid possible damage to the instrument, follow these guidelines.

• Operate the instrument in room temperatures between 5-50°C (41-122°F).
  Allow sufficient air circulation by leaving at least 6 inches of space between the instrument and nearby objects. Overhead clearance needs to allow for safe and easy insertion and removal of probes for calibration.

• The dry-well is a precision instrument. Although it has been designed for optimum durability and trouble-free operation, it must be handled with care. The instrument should not be operated in excessively wet, oily, dusty, or dirty environments. It is important to keep the wells of the instrument clean and clear of any foreign matter. Do not operate near flammable materials.

• DO NOT use fluids to clean out the well.

• If a mains supply power fluctuation occurs, immediately turn off the instrument. Power bumps from brown-outs and black-outs could damage the instrument. Wait until the power has stabilized before re-energizing the instrument.

1.3 Authorized Service Centers
Please contact one of the following authorized Service Centers to coordinate service on your Hart product:
Fluke Corporation, Hart Scientific Division
799 E. Utah Valley Drive
American Fork, UT 84003-9775
USA
Phone: +1.801.763.1600
Telefax: +1.801.763.1010
E-mail: support@hartscientific.com
Fluke Nederland B.V.
Customer Support Services
Science Park Eindhoven 5108
5692 EC Son
NETHERLANDS
Phone: +31-402-675300
Telefax: +31-402-675321
E-mail: ServiceDesk@fluke.nl
Fluke Int’l Corporation
Service Center – Instrimpex
Room 2301 Sciteck Tower
22 Jianguomenwai Dajie
Chao Yang District
Beijing 100004, PRC
CHINA
Phone: +86-10-6-512-3436
Telefax: +86-10-6-512-3437
E-mail: xingye.han@fluke.com.cn
Fluke South East Asia Pte Ltd.
Fluke ASEAN Regional Office
Service Center
60 Alexandra Terrace #03-16
The Comtech (Lobby D)
118502
SINGAPORE
Phone: +65 6799-5588
Telefax: +65 6799-5588
E-mail: antng@singa.fluke.com
When contacting these Service Centers for support, please have the following information available:

• Model Number
• Serial Number
• Voltage
• A complete description of the problem

Introduction

The Hart model 9101 zero point dry-well is a precision instrument that maintains a constant temperature at 0°C. It can be used to provide a stable zero reference for thermocouples or for calibrating temperature probes. The 9101 has three wells so that multiple probes may be calibrated and compared at once.
The 9101 uses solid-state electronics to control the temperature of an aluminum block. The block temperature is monitored with a high-sensitivity thermistor sensor. The controlling circuit adjusts the current to thermoelectric modules which cool the block maintaining a stable temperature. Since the current to the cooling modules is constant DC there is no problem with induced EMF noise in the user’s probes or thermocouples due to switching transients of the cooling circuits. Because the temperature control is done with solid-state electronics the 9101 is rugged and stable. The zero-point drywall will not be damaged by subfreezing temperatures during shipping or storage.
The 9101 is calibrated at the factory for NIST traceable accuracy. It may also be easily calibrated in the field to the user’s own standard.

Figure 1 9101 Zero Point Calibrator

Specifications and Environmental Conditions

3.1 Specifications

stable control at 0°C)
Operable temperature range| 5 to 27°C, 40 to 80°F
Accuracy temperature range| 18 to 25°C, 64 to 77°F
Cooling time:| 15 to 30 min., Depending on ambient
Well| 3 wells, 2 outside wells .25″ dia. X 6″ deep, center well .280″ dia x 6″ deep
Power| 115 VAC (±10%)1 A or 230 VAC (±10%) 0.5 A, 50/60 Hz, 125 W
Dimensions| 12.25″H x 8.5”W x 5.75″D (311 x 216 x 146 mm)

3.2 Environmental Conditions
Although the instrument has been designed for optimum durability and trouble- free operation, it must be handled with care. The instrument should not be operated in an excessively dusty or dirty environment. Maintenance and cleaning recommendations can be found in the Maintenance Section of this manual.
The instrument operates safely under the following conditions:

• temperature range: 5–50°C (41–122°F)
• ambient relative humidity: maximum 80% for temperature <31°C, decreasing linearly to 50% at 40°C
• pressure: 75kPa–106kPa
• mains voltage within ±10% of nominal
• vibrations in the calibration environment should be minimized
• altitude does not affect the performance or safety of the unit

3.3 Warranty
Fluke Corporation, Hart Scientific Division (Hart) warrants this product to be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use and service for a period as stated in our current product catalog from the date of shipment. This warranty extends only to the original purchaser and shall not apply to any product which, in Hart’s sole opinion, has been subject to misuse, alteration, abuse, or abnormal conditions of operation or handling.
Software is warranted to operate in accordance with its programmed instructions on appropriate Hart products. It is not warranted to be error- free.
Hart’s obligation under this warranty is limited to the repair or replacement of a product that is returned to Hart within the warranty period and is determined, upon examination by Hart, to be defective. If Hart determines that the defect or malfunction has been caused by misuse, alteration, abuse, or abnormal conditions or operation or handling, Hart will repair the product and bill the purchaser for the reasonable cost of repair.
To exercise this warranty, the purchaser must forward the product after calling or writing an Authorized Service Center (see Section 1.3) for authorization. The Service Centers assume NO risk for in-transit damage.
THE FOREGOING WARRANTY IS THE PURCHASER’S SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY AND IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OR MERCHANTABILITY, OR FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE. HART SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR LOSS WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT, OR OTHERWISE.

Quick Start

4.1 Unpacking
Unpack the dry well carefully and inspect it for any damage that may have occurred during shipment. If there is shipping damage, notify the carrier immediately.
Verify that the following components are present:

• 9101 Dry-well
• 2130, Well tube sizing kit
• Power Cord
• User’s Guide
• Report of Calibration
• Calibration Label

4.2 Set up
Place the 9101 zero-point dry-well upright on a flat stable surface. The area around the instrument must be clear to allow adequate air circulation. For best results operate the dry-well in a room of constant temperature between 18 to 25°C (64 to 77°F) free from drafts. Stable ambient temperatures allow stable good gradients and less drift.
Turn on the power to the calibrator by toggling the power switch on. The fan should begin quietly blowing air through the instrument. The amber LED will light when the unit is energized. The green LED will light when the unit is ready to use. The unit is not at the correct temperature until the green LED is illuminated.
4.3 Power
Connect the power cord provided to the instrument and plug the other end into a power socket of specified voltage. Normally this will be 115 VAC, +10%, 50/60 Hz. If specified upon ordering the instrument may optionally be configured to operate at 230 VAC (±10%).

General Operation

5.1 Set up
Place the 9101 zero-point dry-well upright on a flat stable surface. The area around the instrument must be clear to allow adequate air circulation. For best results operate the dry-well in a room of constant temperature between 18 to 25°C (64 to 77°F) free from drafts. Stable ambient temperatures allow stable good gradients and less drift.
5.2 Cooling
Turn on power by pressing the switch on the top of the instrument to the on position. Notice that the amber POWER indicator light turns on and the fan begins circulating air. The dry well will begin to cool the well until it reaches 0°C and stabilizes.Typicallyittakes15to30minutesfortheblocktoreach0and stabilizes, longer at higher ambient temperatures. When the block has reached 0 and stabilized the green READY indicator light will turn on and the instrument is ready for use.
5.3 Measurement
When the instrument is ready insert the probe into one of the three well holes at the top of the instrument. The probe should be inserted at the full depth of the well since the temperature is most accurate at the bottom. The probe must make good contact with the bottom of the well. A little heat conduction grease on the probe may help. It also helps to apply a small constant sideways and downwards force on the probe. After inserting the probe allow approximately 10 minutes for the temperature to stabilize. At this point, the probe may be measured for accuracy or used as a stable zero reference.

Test Probe Calibration

For optimum accuracy and stability, allow the calibrator to warm up for 10 minutes after power-up and then allow adequate stabilization time after reaching the set-point temperature. After completing calibration, allow the block to cool before switching the power off.
6.1 Calibration Methods
Never introduce any foreign material into the probe hole of the insert. Fluids, etc., can leak into the calibrator causing damage to the calibrator or binding and damage to your probe.
6.1.1 Comparison Calibration
Comparison calibration involves testing a probe against a similar reference probe. The advantage of this method is that better accuracy can be achieved since errors due to dry-well inaccuracy, stem effect, and drift can be reduced.
After inserting the probes to be calibrated, allow sufficient time for the probes to settle and the temperature of the dry well to stabilize.
It is best if both the reference probe and the probe under test are the same size and construction. Using probes with different lengths, diameters and materials will have different stem effects causing an unknown temperature difference. All dry wells have horizontal and vertical gradients that change with temperature. This is an unknown variable that can be factored out if probes are the same type, length, diameter, and material. Probes should be inserted to the same depth in the well.
The following procedure can be used to calibrate a probe against a reference while eliminating errors due to temperature gradients between wells.

• Place the reference probe in one well.
• Place the probe to be calibrated, the unit under test (UUT), in another well.
• With the reference inserted into one well and the probe under test inserted into a second well, make measurements of each.
• Swap the locations of the reference probe and probe under test. Allow plenty of time for thermal settling.
• Make another set of measurements of the reference probe and the probe under test.
• Average the two measurements of the reference probe. Average the two measurements of the probe under test. Averaging the two measurements in this way eliminates error due to temperature gradients between the two wells.
• Compare the averaged measurement of the probe under test with the averaged measurement of the reference probe.
• For best results repeat the test several times at the same temperature and at different temperatures.

This method can be used with different types of probes but the user must determine the uncertainty of the measurement.
6.1.2 Calibration of Multiple Probes
Fully loading the calibrator with probes increases the time required for the temperature to stabilize after inserting the probes. Be sure that the temperature has stabilized before starting the calibration.
Multiple probes may be calibrated simultaneously using either the direct or comparison calibration method. The stem effect will cause less error in the comparison calibration method than with the direct calibration method.
6.2 Dry-Well Characteristics
Understanding the thermal characteristics of the dry-well calibrator can help you achieve the best accuracy and efficiency possible.
6.2.1 Vertical Gradient
There is a temperature gradient vertically in the test well. The heater has been applied to the block in such a way as to compensate for nominal heat losses out of the top of the dry well and minimize vertical temperature gradients. However, actual heat losses will vary depending on the number and types of probes inserted into the calibrator and the blocking temperature. For best results, insert probes to the full depth of the well.
6.2.2 Stabilization and Accuracy
The stabilization time of the dry-well calibrator will depend on the conditions and temperatures involved. Typically, the dry-well will be stable to 0.1°C within 5 minutes of reaching the set-point temperature as indicated by the display. Ultimate stability will be achieved 10 to 20 minutes after reaching the set temperature.
Inserting a cold probe into a well will require another period of stabilization depending on the magnitude of the disturbance and the required accuracy. For example, inserting a ¼-inch diameter room probe at temperature into a sleeve at 300°C will take approximately 5 minutes to be within 0.1°C of its set-point and will take 10 minutes to achieve maximum stability.
Decreasing the time required for the calibration process can be accomplished by knowing how soon to make the measurement. It is recommended that typical measurements be made at the desired temperatures with the desired test probes to establish these times.

Calibration Procedure

The user may easily calibrate the 9101 zero point dry-well at any time to agree more closely with a particular standard thermometer. To calibrate the instrument insert the standard probe into the center well as discussed in Section5.3 and allow the temperature to stabilize. At the back of the 9101 is a small hole covered by a “calibration void if removed” sticker, which allows access to a trimmer potentiometer used to set the temperature. Insert a small adjustment tool or screwdriver through the hole and slowly turn the trimmer until the standard measures 0.0°C. Allow a few minutes between adjustments to allow time for the temperature to change and stabilize.

Maintenance

The calibration instrument has been designed with the utmost care. Ease of operation and simplicity of maintenance has been central theme in product development. Therefore, with proper care, the instrument should require very little maintenance. Avoid operating the instrument in an oily, wet, dirty, or dusty environment.

• If the outside of the instrument becomes soiled, it may be wiped clean with a damp cloth and mild detergent. DO NOT use harsh chemicals on the surface which may damage the paint.

• It is important to keep the well of the calibrator clean and clear of any foreign matter.
  DO NOT use fluid to clean out the well.

• The dry-well calibrator should be handled with care. Avoid knocking or dropping the calibrator.

• DO NOT slam the probe stems into the well. This type of action can cause a shock to the sensor.

• If a hazardous material is spilled on or inside the equipment, the user is responsible for taking the appropriate decontamination steps as outlined by the national safety council with respect to the material.

• If the mains supply cord becomes damaged, replace it with a cord with the appropriate gauge wire for the current of the instrument. If there are any questions, call a Hart Scientific Authorized Service Center for more information.

• Before using any cleaning or decontamination method except those recommended by Hart, users should check with a Hart Scientific Authorized Service Center to be sure that the proposed method will not damage the equipment.

• If the instrument is used in a manner not in accordance with the equipment design, the operation of the dry-well may be impaired or safety hazards may arise.

Troubleshooting

If the amber LED on the top of the unit is off

• Check that there is the power to the unit. If there is the power to the unit, contact an Authorized Service Center for further assistance.

CalPlus GmbH
Zentrale Berlin
Heerstraße 32 • 14052 Berlin
Tel.: 030 214982-0 • Fax: 030 214982-50
office@calplus.de • www.calplus.de
CalPlus GmbH
Niederlassung Hamburg
Normannenweg 30 • 20537 Hamburg
Tel.: 040 3039595-0 • Fax: 040 3039595-50
scopeshop@calplus.de • www.calplus.de
Rev. 5C1501
Fluke Corporation, Hart Scientific Division
799 E. Utah Valley Drive • American Fork, UT 84003-9775 • USA
Phone: +1.801.763.1600 • Telefax: +1.801.763.1010
E-mail: support@hartscientific.com
www.hartscientific.com
Subject to change without notice. • Copyright © 2005 • Printed in the USA
Rev. 5C1501

References

• Fluke Corporation: Fluke Electronics, Calibration and Networks
• CalPlus GmbH – Die Kompetenz in der Messtechnik
• Temperature Calibrators | Calibration Equipment | Fluke

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