1

üThe Source for Calibration Professionals

Solutions for Primary

& Secondary Laboratories

Temperature Calibration Equipment & Services

 - Required calibration point for range
Copper Freeze 1084.62ºC
Point Cells COPPER FREEZES

1064.180ºC
GOLD FREEZES
Silver Freeze
Point Cells 961.7800ºC
High Temperature Standard Platinum Resistance Thermometer 962 & 96178

ITL 17705 or 17702C

Aluminium Freeze
Point Cells 660.3230ºC
ITL 17702B or ITL 17706

Zinc Freeze
Point Cells 419.5270ºC

Tin Freeze
ITL 17707 or 17702A

231.9280ºC
Standard Platinum Resistance Thermometer 909 & 670

Point Cells
465
Gold / Platinum Thermocouple

Indium Freeze 156.5985ºC

Point Cells
ITL 17701
ITL 17703

Gallium Melt Point

Cell & Apparatus 29.76460ºC

Triple Point Water

Cell & Apparatus 0.010000ºC

Mercury Triple Point

Cell & Apparatus -38.83440ºC

Boiling Point -189.3442ºC

Comparator for TRIPLE POINT OF ARGON
Argon, Nitrogen
or Oxygen -218.7916ºC
TRIPLE POINT OF OXYGEN
-248.5939ºC
TRIPLE POINT OF NEON

-259.3467ºC
TRIPLE POINT OF HYDROGEN
-273.1500ºC
Isotech ITS-90 ABSOLUTE ZERO
ITS-90
Metrology Temperature Acceptable
Furnaces Scale Thermometer Ranges

For full details, contact Isothermal Technology Limited, Pine Grove, Southport, Merseyside PR9 9AG England
Telephone +44 (0)1704 543830 Fax +44 (0)1704 544799 Email [email protected] Web www.isotech.co.uk
Contents
Metrology Instruments..........................................Inside Front TTI-22 True Temperature Indicator........................ 48 - 49
Introduction................................................................... 4 - 5 milliK Precision Thermometer............................... 50 - 52
millisKanner ................................................................ 53
Primary ITS-90 Standards
Model SRA & SRB AC/DC Standard Resistors............... 54
The Jarrett-Isotech Water Triple Point Cells................ 6 - 8
Model 455 Resistor Maintenance Bath.......................... 55
Maintenance Bath - Water Triple Point............................. 9
Model 456 Temperature Controlled AC/DC Resistors..... 56
Ice Mantle Maker - Water Triple Point............................ 10
Gallium Cell - Sostmann-Isotech........................... 11 - 12 The Best Comparison Calibration Equipment............ 57 - 58
Gallium Apparatus........................................................ 13 Nitrogen Boiling Point Apparatus................................... 59
The Isotech Mercury Cell.............................................. 14 Model 461 Simple Liquid N2 Apparatus......................... 60
Mercury Triple Point Apparatus..................................... 15 Model 459 Cryostat...................................................... 61
Isis -100°C Dry Block........................................... 62 - 63
The Best Primary Standards for your Laboratory.............. 16 915 Parallel Tube Stirred Liquid Bath..................... 64 - 65
UKAS Calibration Service for SPRTs.............................. 17 785 Parallel Tube Stirred Liquid Bath..................... 66 - 68
Fixed Point Cells - Sealed and Open....................... 18 -19 Orion 796 Stirred Liquid Baths.............................. 69 - 71
Hydra 798 Stirred Liquid Baths............................. 72 - 74
International Traceability.................................................. 20
813 Stirred Ice / Water Bath.......................................... 75
Furnace Selction Guide....................................................... 21
Model 820 Large Volume Calibration Bath..................... 76
Dual and Heat Pipe Furnaces................................ 22 - 23
Liquid Selection Guide........................................................ 77
Low Temperature Furnace............................................. 24
Model 875 Fluidized Calibration Bath..................... 78 - 79
Medium Temperature Furnace....................................... 25
Model 877 Thermocouple Calibration Furnace....... 80 - 81
3 Zone High Temperature Furnace................................. 26
Annealing Furnace........................................................ 27 Points on the Temperature Scale (POTTS) Introduction.... 82
ISOTower............................................................. 84 - 87
Introduction to SPRTs and Standard Thermocouples............ 28
Slim Fixed Point Cells - Sealed.............................. 88 - 89
670 Family Primary SPRT..................................... 29 - 31
Europa-6.............................................................. 90 - 91
Model 96178 Silver Point SPRT............................ 32 - 33
Oceanus-6........................................................... 92 - 93
909 Family Working SPRTs................................... 34 - 35
Medusa 510 and Medusa 511.............................. 94 - 95
Introduction to Standard Thermocouples . .................... 36
Oberon......................................................................... 96
Platinum / Palladium Thermocouple.............................. 37
POTTS Ease of Use............................................................ 97
Platinum / Platinum Rhodium Thermocouple................. 38
Platinum / Gold Thermocouple...................................... 39 Introduction to Temperature Calibration Software............ 98
Icarus Calibration Software........................................... 99
Guide to Precision Thermometers and accessories.... 40 - 41
Cal NotePad Calibration Software.................................100
microK Precision Thermometer............................. 42 - 44
I-Cal Easy Calibration Software......................... 101 - 102
microsKanner Channel Expander................................... 45
Calibration Services......................................................... 103
Resistance Bridge Calibrator................................. 46 - 47

The company is always willing to give technical advice and assistance where appropriate.

Equally because of the program 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.

Products in this catalogue are all Compliant

 Introduction
Primary & Secondary Laboratory Equipment

...our knowledge, product quality and integrity are the reasons for buying from Isotech

In our catalogues, datasheets and Selecting the best equipment Equipment Required
website you will not find unsubstantiated for a Primary Temperature Can be grouped under four headings:
claims by our own scientists (although
they are as good as the best), you will
Laboratory 1. An accurate electrical measuring
find the results of independent system.
The Purpose 2. A number of ITS-90 fixed point cells.
international intercomparisons done by
such organisations as BIPM and NIST. The purpose of a primary laboratory 3. Apparatus to melt, freeze and
realising part of ITS-90 is to calibrate maintain the cells.
Where we have to summarise we SPRTs at fixed temperatures, by 4. Stable thermometers to monitor the
provide references to the appropriate comparing their resistance to a fixed cells.
document for you to download and and known resistance.
read in full. When selecting the equipment for the
Uncertainty Limits laboratory look at performance,
Our uncertainties of calibration and uncertainties and price.
procedures have all been scrutinised For fixed resistors the limit is about
and agreed with UKAS, who are party ±0.05ppm.
to the ILAC-MRA. For 6N purity metallic cells the limits
The Electrical Measuring
are (ref CCT/2000-13 p.5) System
Each year we are audited by UKAS
who check our electrical and thermal Hg ±0.2mK
standards, examine and witness our
The Bridges
Ga ±0.1mK
procedures and question our A ratio bridge that compares a
In ±0.5mK temperature controlled stable fixed
uncertainty spread sheets.
Sn ±0.3mK resistor to the SPRT under test is ideal.
This ensures a continuous improvement Zn ±0.5mK
in our services to you, our customer. Bridge linearity, noise and stability are
Al ±0.7mK
the main things to consider. The
Our electrical standards are certified by Ag ±1.1mK uncertainty should be of the order of
NPL, the UK’s National Laboratory. 0.1ppm.
For SPRTs ±0.5mK (non-uniqueness of
Our fixed points from argon through to The Isotech microK 70 is the ideal
ITS-90 between fixed point of water
silver have been intercompared at NIST solution, it contributes just 0.07ppm to
and gallium), ±0.5mK (2 oxide state).
in the US to their references. the measurement uncertainties with
When selecting equipment the noise and linearity and uniquely it is
Our UKAS certificates are presented in
uncertainties should match the above. drift-free. It has input 3 channels
a form which makes them instantly
This is because uncertainties are extendable to over 90 with
useful. Our staff of experts are
combined using root sum of squares.
available to help with your enquiries
So if an uncertainty is much larger
and problems.
than the above it will dominate
the rest, if it is very
small it becomes
insignificant.

http://www.isotech.co.uk

4 | SOLUTIONS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY LABORATORIES

Introduction [continued]

microsKanners and with no mechanical g Open quartz g Open metal clad Procedures and
switches, relays, potentionmeters or g Sealed quartz Sealed metal clad
g
Uncertainties
moving parts is the most reliable
You will find full details on the following
product available. One of the great things about thermal
pages.
metrology is that there is no approved
Fixed Resistors See Isotech’s technical library on the way to calibrate. One of our staff was
website for a comparison of our UKAS asked by a UKAS Auditor how long it
The best resistors are made for us by
results of quartz clad and metal clad took to calibrate an SPRT... “Oh!” she
Tinsley and we can UKAS certify them
cells compared to CCT/2000-13. said without hesitation “until its right!”.
to 0.1ppm or better.
Silver, gold and copper require special The auditor was so impressed he asked
Even fixed resistors have a tempco and if he could use the saying elsewhere.
handling and with many years of
so we offer a maintenance bath.
experience we can help you with the Your calibration procedures need to be
The maintenance bath needs to be temperature points. unique to you to suit your equipment,
monitored using an SPRT. It can be your staff and your customers.
Isotech can UKAS certify any of these
connected to the one channel of the
cells to the smallest uncertainties Likewise uncertainties, you will have a
microK to save cost.
outside NIST. unique combination of equipment and
You now have a world-class measuring procedures. These will dictate your
system. To maintain it the resistors will
Selecting Furnaces uncertainty.
need regular recalibration (every year
or two years). Although we cannot write your
For indium through copper we have a
procedures and calculate your
The SPRT can be recalibrated in your choice of furnaces. The Isotech Dual
uncertainties, we want to help, and so if
own fixed point cells at water and Furnaces use heat pipes for best
you go to our website you will find
gallium. performance, and include a second
some examples that may help you
independent furnace for annealing. For
The microK can be rechecked by you develop your own budgets.
those with existing annealing furnaces
using compliment checks with your we offer Heat Pipe only models. Three
fixed resistors. Zone furnaces can be used over very More Information
wide ranges. Our Furnace Selection
Fixed Point Cells Guide will help you select the A list of our recommended books is
appropriate models for your needs. available on the Isotech website and
ITS-90 gives 7 optional ranges, check
the Isotech journal of thermometry.
the graph on the inside front cover and
select the range for your laboratory. Monitoring Thermometers We have an e-learning course and we
run occasional 2 or 3 day courses here
Every primary laboratory needs water
Ideally each fixed point cell should in Southport.
triple point and the gallium melt point,
have its own designated SPRT. If this is
because to qualify as an World-wide, we have a network of 90
unaffordable one SPRT can be used
ITS-90 SPRT a agencies to help you locally. Contact
with a number of fixed point cells.
thermometer must us for your nearest.
have a W Gallium These SPRTs need to be very stable.
equal to or greater We recommend model
then 1.11807. 670SQ/25.5/480 for use with Hg, H20,
Ga, In and Sn.
Mercury triple point
is the next most useful 670SQ/25.5/650 for any cell from Hg to
temperature. and including Al.
and 96178/0.25 for Zn, Al and Ag.
Isotech is unique in
offering the other The above monitor thermometers can
commonly used fixed be supplied with UKAS certificates or
points of Indium, Tin, Zinc you can certify them in your own fixed
and Aluminium in choice point cells.
of 4 housings; In the primary lab, only the resistors and
the cells require external traceability.

http://www.isotech.co.uk

SOLUTIONS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY LABORATORIES | 5

 The Jarrett-Isotech
Water Triple Point Cells
0.01°C

g Uncertainty 0.000070°C
g Fifty Years of Proven Use
g Quartz Glass and Isotopic Analysis Available

The Water Triple Point is the most important fixed point,

the only point common to the ITS-90 and the
Thermodynamic Temperature Scale. It is an essential
reference point for every temperature laboratory.

The Jarrett-Isotech cells are the best standard, all cells

are not the same, accept no inferior device.

Total Confidence – The Internationally Proven Cells

The Jarrett-Isotech cells have been in production since

1958. A independent comparison* in 1981 showed the
first cell to be within 0.000006°C of the reference cell. The
most recent international study organized by BIPM**
consistently shows labs using both recent and older
Jarrett-Isotech cells tightly grouped, tens of µK around
the BIPM reference value.

International comparisons prove the quality of the Jarrett-

Isotech Cells and are unique in the number, and history
of comprehensive evaluations.
*“ Reproducibility of Some Triple Point of Water Cells”By George T. Furukawa
and William R. Bigge. Temperature - Its Measurement & Control in Science
& Industry Vol. 5 1982.

** Final Report on CCT-K7: Key comparison of water triple point cells.

M Stock et al 2006 Metrologia 43 03001

Quality

The capability of a triple point of water cell to provide an

accurate, stable and reproducible temperature depends
upon the purity of the water in the cell. Jarrett-Isotech cells
are carefully cleaned and aged by a special procedure.
They are then filled with water that has been purified by
0.00015576 mol 2H per mol 1H
an elaborate 12 step process designed to eliminate the
possibility of contamination while avoiding change in 0.000379 mol 17O per mol 16O
isotope proportions. 0.002005 mol 18O per mol 16O”

Isotopic Content * Technical annex for the International Temperature Scale of 1990 (ITS-90)
Adopted by the CCT on 10 June 2005
Jarrett-Isotech Cells use water with an isotopic content
Since early in 2000 Jarrett-Isotech Cells have been made
essentially similar to Standard Mean Ocean Water.
to this definition and our cells have been within +10 and
Following research by the international science
-40µK of it.
community into the make up of Standard Mean Ocean
Water, and V-SMOW the BIPM recommended in 2005* During 2005, subsequent to the CCT definition, the water
that in our triple point cells has been further enriched and our
latest cells meet ±20µK of the above definition.
“The triple point of water is now defined as the
equilibrium temperature of vapour, liquid and solid water, Further we can provide Isotopic Analysis giving the exact
with the liquid water having the isotopic composition composition with an uncertainty of ±3µK. Samples of the
defined by the following amount of substance ratios: actual water used in a particular cell can be supplied for
purity analysis.

6 | SOLUTIONS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY LABORATORIES

 Isotech’s unique KT Water Triple Point Cell

Quartz vs Borosilicate Glass

The special cleaning and ageing of the usual borosilicate

glass ensure, and the evaluations demonstrate, the long
life of the cells. Selected cell types are available in quartz
construction which are expected to last ten times longer.

Performance

The cells include a certificate of conformance.

A UKAS calibration service is available for all of our water

triple point cells. The larger cells can be UKAS certified to
Reverting to the very first designs of water triple point
±0.000070°C, 2 Sigma. This will benefit the most
cells, Isotech produce a cell with Isotopic analysis, a
demanding of NMIs and users.
McLeod gauge to assess any trapped air and an
More cost effective calibration options to uncertainties of attached flask where the cell’s water can be transferred
±0.1 and ±0.5mK are also available. Regardless of and redistilled. By accounting for these sources of
calibration the Jarrett-Isotech cells are reproducible to uncertainty we claim that this cell represents the ultimate
±0.000020°C and after equilibrium has been reached the reference for those requiring cells as close to ITS-90 as
inner melt of the ice mantle will give stability of possible. Please ask for a copy of a comprehensive
±0.00001°C report describing the cell, its operation and performance.

Model Types Performance

Premium Water Triple Point Cells - Accuracy

Borosilicate Glass
The equilibrium temperature of
These Premium Cells can be the Jarrett-Isotech Triple Point of
calibrated to an uncertainty of +/- Water Cell is within ±20μK of the
0.000070°C (0.07mK) 2005 definition as described in
CCT/05-07/rev(2). Isotopic Analysis
A11-50-270*
can be provided to give the exact
A13-50-270*
composition within ±3μK.
B11-50-270
B11-65-270*
Reproducibility
B13-65-270
B16-65-270 The equilibrium temperature of a cell
will repeat to within ±0.000,02°C of
*Also available in Quartz Glass
the mean equilibrium temperature.

Further Laboratory Water Triple

Stability
Point Cells
After equilibrium is reached, the
These cells have shorter immersion
temperature of the inner melt of an
depth and can be calibrated to an
ice mantle will remain constant to
uncertainty of ±0.000100°C (0.1mK)
within ±0.000,01°C for as long as the
B12-40-210 mantle can be preserved (up to 90
B12-46-210 days in some instances).

Slim Water Triple Point Cell Life

B8-30-130 Cells made from Borosilicate Glass

may drift lower in temperature by up
This small cell fits into portable Dry
to 0.1mK after 10 to 20 years. Cells
Block Calibrators for use outside of
made from Quartz are expected to
the calibration laboratory. It can be
last 10 times longer.
calibrated to ±0.0005°C (0.5mK)

SOLUTIONS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY LABORATORIES | 7

 Physical Features

Type A cells were designed by Dr. H. F. Stimson at Type B cells were designed at NRC of Canada.
NBS. A tubular glass extension at the top of the cell The thermometer well extends 100mm above the
serves as a convenient handle for lifting and carrying top of the cell. Heat transfer to the ice mantle may
the cell, as a hook for supporting it in an ice bath, be essentially eliminated by keeping these cells
and as an indicator of partial pressure of air in the packed in ice to the top of the well extension, or by
cell. immersing them sufficiently in a Water Triple Point
Maintenance Bath.

95 95

E E E E
14 14 70 70

A A A A
C CD D C CD D

TYPE A TYPE B B B

Nominal Dimensions in mm
B B

Model A B C D E Comments
A11-50-270 11 50 350 270 100 Highly recommended (1) (2) (1) Isotopic Analysis
is available.
A13-50-270 13 50 350 270 100 Large re-entrant tube (1)
B8-30-130 8 30 160 130 0 Slim Cell - Fits Isotech Dry Blocks (2) Available in
Quartz Glass.
B12-40-210 12 40 290 210 75 Replacement for NPL, UK Type 32 Cells
B12-46-210 12 46 290 210 75 Recommended for Isotech Oceanus
B11-50-270 11 50 350 270 100 Highly recommended (1) (2)
B11-65-270 11 65 350 270 100 NRCC’s favourite Cell (1) (2)
B13-65-270 13 65 350 270 100 Large re-entrant tube (1)
B16-65-270 16 65 350 270 100 Larger re-entrant tube (1)

8 | SOLUTIONS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY LABORATORIES

 Maintenance Bath
Water Triple Point
0.01°C

No Ice required, Automatic, Vibration free,

The Isotech 18233 Water Triple Point Maintenance Bath is Electrical noise free, Solid state cooling,
widely used by the worlds’ leading NMIs. In a recent Double safety circuits
International study cells from 21 of the worlds leading
laboratories were inter-compared, the study used two
Isotech 18233 Baths to maintain the cells during the
inter-comparisons.

It will maintain the water triple point for long periods of time
(many months, with occasional attention) so that this
fundamental fixed point of thermometry is continuously
available.

The Bath ensures total safety of the cells with dual electrical
safety circuits and the passive safety of the design, see
below.

The Isotech Model 18233 Water Triple Point Maintenance

Bath is not an adaptation of general-purpose commercial
equipment, but is specifically designed to maintain and
safeguard 1 to 4 Water Triple Point Cells, for the calibration
of thermometers on the International Temperature Scale of
1990.

It will ensure the integrity of the cells against catastrophic

freezing, which can break the glass envelope.

The case of the bath is made of special-quality double-

skinned laminated wood for best thermal resistance and
stability.

Cooling is accomplished by efficient solid-state Peltier

chilling modules, powered so that the rate of temperature
change is very small. Solid state cooling ensures minimal
power consumption, silent operation and no vibration.
Model ITL-M-18233
Two safety circuits are provided to prevent cell breakage by
excessive ice formation. The controls can be set to a
Temperature Range +0.01°C±0.3°C
resolution of better than 0.001°C. If control fails in such a Accuracy ±0.001°C
mode that the Peltier chillers are full on, a warning light is lit ±0.0001°C in Cell
to give the operator 20 minutes in which to take appropriate
action. If no action is taken, the apparatus is automatically Ambient Limits 18°C to 28°C
switched off and the cells are allowed to warm slowly.
Time to temperature na
Passive safety is provided by the physics of ice. If the Peltier Power 150W typical, 100-130 or
chillers become too cold, the first ice which forms is on the
208-240VAC*
water tank surfaces directly in contact with the chillers,
50/60Hz (*field changeable)
effectively inhibiting further rapid transfer of freezing to the
bath water. Dimensions Height 910mm
Width 635mm
A specific stirring rate of bath fluid is provided by bubble
Depth 710mm
agitation which prevents the water from stratifying.
Weight 66kgs
The bath is extensively tested at Isotech for two weeks or
more, during which use the control and alarm circuits are set Options
and checked for optimum performance. It is released only Triple Point of Water Cells
when Isotech is entirely satisfied with its performance.
How to order
The bath has a long and successful history and is relied on ITL-M-18233 Water Triple Point Maintenance Bath
by many National Laboratories throughout the world. This
history of successful use is one of the most important Please specify which type of cells will be used so that
reasons for choosing Isotech products. we can supply the correct cell holder.

SOLUTIONS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY LABORATORIES | 9

 Ice Mantle Maker
Water Triple Point
Introduction

Are you fed up with cold wet hands, and hours of frustration
when you produce an ice mantle in your Triple Point Cell?

Change your life and try the Isotech Ice Mantle Maker.

We developed it, like so many of our products, for our own

use in our UKAS facility. It is so easy that we actually want
to make more mantles. The days of dreading making ice
mantles are gone with the Ice Mantle Maker.

It works by using a specially designed anti-gravity heat-

pipe. The heat-pipe exits the cell and exchanges the
heat/cool in a small container filled with solid carbon
dioxide or preferably liquid nitrogen.

Because of the low temperature gradient along the heat-

pipe the ice mantle is formed close to 0°C, and so
beautiful strain free mantles are formed.

The Mantle Maker works equally well when you wish to

increase the thickness of ice at the bottom of the cell. By
keeping only a cc of alcohol in the cell the heat transfer is
focused around the bottom of the cell.

Background

In 1969 John Evans of N.B.S. America described a method

of heat removal and ice mantle growth in a water triple
point cell. His materials, liquids, etc. were adequate at the
time and the idea has been considered as a novelty since.

Now, Isotech have brought the liquids and technology

right up to date to effectively solve the problem of trouble
free and strain free fast ice mantle manufacture.

Ice Bridge Prevention Collar

In developing the heat pipe Ice Mantle Maker we worried

that an ice bridge can form across the top of the cell.

We therefore developed a clever collar that sits around the

cell and prevents ice formation at the water/vapour interface.

We include this free with the Mantle Maker provided you

inform us of the cell diameter with the order.

Weight 250g How to order

Typical time 20 to 30 minutes using a Jarrett-Isotech 452 Ice Mantle Maker and one ice bridge prevention
to create a A11 Water Triple Point Cell.* collar
mantle
Please specify
* Longer or shorter times for larger or smaller cells. A) Cell Type or
B) Outside diameter of Water Triple Point Cell (mm)
Options C) Depth from shoulder of Cell to water level (mm)
Additional Ice Bridge Prevention Collar

10 | SOLUTIONS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY LABORATORIES

 Sostmann - Isotech
Gallium Cell
29.7646°C

g Uncertainty 0.000070°C
g Thirty Years of Proven Use
g Open and Sealed Models

Second only to the Water Triple Point and in many ways,

because of its ease of use and purity, superior to it, is the
Gallium Melt Point. At 29.7646°C this is a very convenient
temperature.

Total Confidence

Confidence is a major requirement in a standard. The

Isotech Gallium Cell and Apparatus have a long history
and have been successfully used in most National and
Primary Laboratories world-wide.

International comparisons prove the quality of the Isotech

Cells and are unique in the number, and history of
comprehensive evaluations.

Calibration of Isotech’s Reference Cell with the Standard

at NIST showed an agreement of 4µK, 0.000004°C.

The Isotech Gallium Cells contain the highest purity

metal, >99.99999% pure (7N) and giving a flat plateau.
The cell has a day to day reproducibility of just
+/-0.000025°C.

Quality

Developed in the 1970s by Henry Sostmann the design is

of the highest standard. The metal is contained within a
resilient inner housing that ensures no contamination or
reaction with the Gallium. The surrounding outer metal
sleeve provides longitudinal uniformity of temperature
and further mechanical strength. With several hundred
Sealed Gallium Open Gallium
cells shipped to all parts of the world all have arrived
Model ITL-M-17401 ITL-M-17401(O)
without damage.
Temperature 29.7646°C 29.7646°C
Sealed Cell Metal Purity > 99.99999 7N > 99.99999 7N
In general we recommend the sealed cell, it has the Dimensions
convenience of the sealed construction along with the Outside Diameter 38mm 35mm
sub mK performance. Inside Diameter 12mm 12mm
Total Height 420mm 425mm
Open Cell Metal Depth 230mm 230mm
Uncertainty * 0.25mK 0.07mK
A re-sealable or open cell is also available. The cell has a
valve and a “Klein” flange fitted at the top allowing How to order
connection to a vacuum system and pure gas supply. ITL-M-17401 Gallium Cell - (Specify sealed or open)
This permits the pressure to be to set to one bar at the
The Cell is supplied with a Certifcate of Metal Purity
melt temperature, or measured in accordance with
“Optimal realization of the defining fixed points of the ITS- *We have a choice of UKAS calibration Services, the
90… CCT/2000-13”. With the Open Cell uncertainties of stated uncertainty figure is for our Premium UKAS
+/- 100 µK are achievable. Calibration Service

SOLUTIONS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY LABORATORIES | 11

 The Perfect Gallium Point

Melt 1 Day1

0.000025K 1hr

0.25mK
1.1810343
1.1810342

Melt 2 Day2

0.000025K 1hr

0.25mK
1.1810343
1.1810342 1.1810342

Shown on the same scale Melt 3 Day3

0.000025K 1hr

0.25mK
1 2 3 4
1.1810343
1.1810342

1 Value of 10 years old Cell

2 Value of N.P.L.’s Cell
3 Value of I.M.G.C.’s Cell The information below is extracted from
4 Value of Cell open for over 3 years The Gallium Point, An Alternative Reference Temperature to the Water Triple Point
by John P. Tavener

Intercomparison
of Water and Gallium Water Gallium

Impurities Small Small

Peritectics None None
Variation with Isotopes Large None Found
Interoperability Good Good
Practical Variation 40µK 40µK
H.H. Uncertainty Small 10µK
Ruggedness Poor Good
Ease of Use Difficult Easy
Apparatus Ice Bath & CO2 Warm Water
Price Low High

The Resealable Drift with Time 4µK / year None Detected

Gallium Cell Time before Best Accuracy 10 days 1 to 2 hours

12 | SOLUTIONS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY LABORATORIES

 Apparatus
Gallium
29.7646°C

g Simple to Use
g Automatic Operation
g Totally Safe Operation

Model 17402B Gallium Apparatus is not an adaptation

from general purpose equipment, but is designed
specifically to realize and maintain the Gallium Cell on the
melt plateau, for calibration of thermometers on the
International Temperature Scale of 1990.

The apparatus will permit the gallium to melt coaxially

over 12 to 16 hours. It is uniquely designed to also freeze
the cell from the bottom up, which eliminates the danger
of damage due to the expansion of gallium during
freezing.

1. Model 17401 Gallium Cell may be used, without the

thermal environment provided by Model 17402B
Gallium Apparatus, in a well controlled bath. However,
the advantages of automatic operation, convenience
and cell protection, recommend the use of the Model
17402B environment in most cases.

2. No external connections other than power are

required.

3. A completely automatic electronic control system

provides a precise means for realization and
maintenance of the plateau. The Apparatus can be
turned on by a timer an hour before the laboratory day
Model ITL-M-17402B cell apparatus
begins, the plateau utilized throughout the working
day and the system recycled overnight. A thermal sink Temperature Range 29.7646°C
is provided which forces the gallium to refreeze Uncertainty 0.25mK
upwards from the bottom (gallium expands when it (with cell)
freezes, requiring a specific freeze orientation to avoid
rupturing the cell). Ambient Limits 15°C to 28°C
Cycle Time With cell at 20°C, time to plateau
4. Confidence is a major requirement in a standard. The is 1 hour maximum. Recycling,
Isothermal Gallium Cell and Apparatus have a long (20 including freezing the cell is
year) history and have been successfully used in most typically 3 to 4 hours
National and Primary Laboratories world-wide. This is
Plateau Duration Not less than 12 hours under
one of the main reasons for choosing the Isothermal specified ambient conditions; 16
Cell and Apparatus. hours typical
5. The Cell and Apparatus are manufactured to the strict Power 75 Watts typical 100-130 or
requirements of BS 5750 and ISO 9000. Each finished 208-240Vac* 50/60Hz
unit becomes part of the Isotech UKAS working *Field Changeable
Calibration Laboratory for two weeks or more, during Dimensions Height 429mm
which use the control circuits are set and checked for Width 259mm
optimum performance. It is released only when Isotech Depth 181mm
is entirely satisfied with its performance. Weight 8.4kg
How to order
Model ITL-M-17402B Gallium Apparatus (without cell)
Please specify voltage required.
Model ITL-M-17401 Gallium Cell

SOLUTIONS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY LABORATORIES | 13

 The Isotech
Mercury Cell
-38.8344°C

g Uncertainty 0.000220°C
g Rugged Stainless Steel Construction
g 7N Pure

The Isotech Mercury Cell is constructed in a rugged,

sealed stainless steel enclosure allowing the triple point
of -38.8344°C to be realized both easily and safely.

Total Confidence

The embodiment of the Mercury Triple Point Cell was

originally developed in the US with a very close
cooperation between Henry Sostmann and Dr. Furukawa
of N. B. S. (now NIST) over twenty years ago. The
physical size, materials and metal purity are identical to
this original design. The Mercury is distilled four times
leaving impurities of 10 to 15 parts per billion. The cells
made by Isotech still use the original design, purity and
supplier of Mercury.

In international intercomparisons the cells made by

Isotech have always been within the National
Laboratories uncertainty of calibration and with over 20
years of successful use throughout the world the cell
embodies the finest traditions of production and use.

After more than 20 years Dr. Furukawa opened some of

the original cells and the Mercury was still above
99.99995% pure. A reflection of the long term
performance of the design.

Operation

The cell can be realized in an Isotech stirred liquid bath

such as the Hydra or 915 with plateau lengths of up to a
week. For convenience, and to avoid the need to use a
liquid, the dedicated Isotech Mercury Triple Point Model ITL-M-17724
Apparatus can be used. This equipment is in use in many
Temperature -38.8344°C
NMIs and commercial labs
Metal Purity > 99.99999 7N
Dimensions
Outside Diameter 40mm
Inside Diameter 9.5mm
Total Height 475mm
Metal Depth 200mm
Uncertainty * 0.22mK

How to order
ITL-M-17724 Mercury Cell
The Cell is supplied with a Certifcate of Metal Purity
*We have a choice of UKAS calibration Services, the
stated uncertainty figure is for our Premium UKAS
Calibration Service

14 | SOLUTIONS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY LABORATORIES

 Apparatus
Mercury Triple Point
-36 to -42°C

g Purpose Designed for Isotech Mercury Cell

g Outstanding Convenience and Safety
g Liquid Free

The Isotech Model ITL -M-17725 Cryostat is a self-

contained, mechanically-refrigerated, system with a main
well to house one cell and two auxiliary wells for pre-
chilling of thermometers. The cryostat temperature is
steplessly adjustable from -36°C to -42°C with scale-
divisions of 0.1°C (interpolation possible) and 24 hour
stability better than ±0.05°C measured by an SPRT in the
well of a Mercury Cell inside the Cryostat.

The cryostat has several unique features providing

outstanding convenience and safety. The refrigeration
system has sufficient capacity to bring a cell to operating
temperature in about one hour. At operating temperature,
the cooling rate is about 1 Kelvin/minute and the heating
rate is about 2 Kelvin/minute.

This permits rapid changes to be imposed on the

temperature of the cell environment to a void excessive
demands on the (low) heat-of-fusion energy of the
mercury within the cell.

In addition, all temperature control is accomplished

through control of refrigerant flow, providing inherently
fail-safe operation. Indicators provided for the cryostat
are “POWER ON” and “COOLING”.

The cryostat provides convenient conditions for operating

mercury fixed point cells both in heating and in cooling
mode.

Model ITL-M-17725 Apparatus

Temperature Range -36°C to -42°C

Uncertainty 0.22mK
(with cell)

Ambient Limits 18°C to 28°C

Plateau Duration 8-12 hour Plateau

Power 750W typical.

208-240 VAC, 50/60Hz

Dimensions Height 960mm

Width 600mm
Depth 560mm
Weight 96kg

How to order
ITL-M-17725 Mercury Triple Point Apparatus

SOLUTIONS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY LABORATORIES | 15

 The Best Primary Standards
for your Laboratory
The key factor is that of purity. ITS-90 No metal has ever penetrated this The above contains no fancy claims or
specifies that the purity of the ITS-90 graphite. It is supplied with a purity unsubstantiated numbers, only
fixed points should be 99.9999% (6N). better than 99.9995% and at Isotech independently verifiable facts.
temperature and vacuum processing
The performance of an optimal 6N pure Some 500 metrologists visit Isotech
further reduced the impurities.
cell has been best described in each year for discussions and training,
CCT/2000-13 “Optimal Realization of Whether you choose a sealed, or resealable you will be welcome.
the Defining Points of the ITS-90…” cell we need pure argon to surround
The immersion of the cells from metal
the cell, our argon is 99.9999% pure.
All Isotech’s cells for primary laboratories surface to the bottom of the re-entrant
conform to the ideals set out in this Before we make cells commercially with tube is 200mm ±5mm.
document. To prove to ourselves, and you, a new delivery of metal we make a cell
Each primary cell is accompanied by a
our customer, that this is so we compared for evaluation. It goes through the same
conformity certificate which includes a
some 160 UKAS certificates over 10 5 step process as is used by National
copy of the impurities analysis, a copy
years using a variety of metal samples Laboratories for international
of the metal of the cell evaluation
to CCT/2000-13. The results tabulated intercomparisons.
freeze and melt curves.
below show that we equal or exceed
The cell is melted and frozen three times
the values given in that document. At an extra cost we can issue a UKAS
and the coincidence between melt and
certificate to the uncertainty above.
freeze point measured. The impurities
CCT/2000-13 Optimal This takes 15 working days.
are used to calculate the expected
Realizations of ITS-90 depression of the metal from ITS-90 and
the cell is intercompared on 2 separate Cell Containment
Comparison of 160 Isotech UKAS occasions with a reference cell directly
Certified Cells to CCT/2000-13 traceable to NIST’s realization. This
g Resealable cells
process takes 15 working days. Traditionally our optimal cells have
  CCT/2000-13 Large
ITS-90 specifies that the melting or been assembled into resealable quartz
(Optimal)
freezing should take place at 101,325 Pa. tubes or crucibles whereby the cell can
Cells mK
be vacuumed and refilled with pure
Hg 0.2mK 0.12 An Isotech sealed cell is filled with 6N argon to 1 atmosphere.
pure argon to 101,325 Pa ±0.04% as
Ga 0.1mK 0.05 More recently Isotech have pioneered
certified by a UKAS certificate of the
In 0.5mK 0.17 vacuum gauge. metal clad cells replacing the more
Sn 0.3mK 0.18 fragile quartz with a pre-aged metallic
Nothing is left to chance with an Isotech alternative. These cells have a small
Zn 0.5mK 0.21 Primary Standard. metal tube which can be used for
Al 0.7mK 0.66 vacuuming and refilling the cell and
Because we supply most of the worlds
0.3* primary laboratories we need to be able because of less conduction from the
Ag 1.1mK 1.1 to certify what we have made. Working cell; the cell is closer thermally to its
with UKAS and NIST we have reduced ITS-90 value.
*6N5 pure
our uncertainties of measurement to g Sealed Cells
the smallest outside NIST. They are
With each delivery of metal the supplier tabulated below for your information. It maybe more convenient to have
furnishes us with a certificate detailing sealed cells - cells with a cladding
the impurities detected in PPM. UKAS k=2 Isotech ±mK whose internal pressure is preset to 1
Quartz & Metal atmosphere at the freeze temperature
At Isotech we go one step further, Clad (*) and then sealed. Isotech offers both
samples of the metal are sent to NRCC quartz and metal clad sealed cells.
Hg 0.22
in Canada who analyse the sample to
parts per billion and look for 60 H2O 0.07
elements rather than the 20 that the Ga 0.07
supplier analyses. This independent In 0.65
analysis increases confidence in the Sn 0.60
metal of the cell. Zn 0.90
The metal of the cell is contained in a Al 1.10
graphite crucible. Our graphite is the Ag 2.00
densest available having an average (*As November 2008 - The latest UKAS Schedule
grain size of just 7 µm. can be found from our website or at www.ukas.org)

16 | SOLUTIONS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY LABORATORIES

UKAS Calibration Service for SPRTs
SPRT Calibration with ITS-90 Fixed Points: Premium Service
ISOTECH UKAS Calibration Uncertainties (k=2)

Suitable only for Isotech 670SQ Models or other Primary Standard SPRTS of similar stability

Fixed Point °C Range Range Range Range Range Range

1 2 3 4 5 61

Typical Uncertainties ±

TP Argon 2 -189.3442 1mK 1mK 2mK 2mK

TP Mercury -38.8344 0.6mK 1mK 1mK 1mK 2mK
TP Water 0.01 0.5mK 1mK 1mK 1mK 2mK 4mK
MP Gallium 29.7646 0.6mK
FP Indium 156.5985 1mK 1mK
FP Tin 231.928 1mK 1mK 2mK 4mK
FP Zinc 419.527 1.2mK 2mK 4mK
FP Aluminium 660.323 2mK 4mK
FP Silver 961.78 7mK

SPRT Calibration with ITS-90 Fixed Points: Standard Service

ISOTECH UKAS Calibration Uncertainties (k=2)

Suitable for Primary and Working SPRTS - Isotech 670 & 909 families and other SPRTS of similar stability

FIXED POINT
Fixed Point °C Range Range Range Range Range Range
1 2 3 4 5 61

Typical Uncertainties ±

BP Nitrogen -195.798 10mK 10mK 10mK 10mK

TP Mercury -38.8344 2mK 2mK 2mK 2mK 5mK
TP Water 0.01 1mK 1mK 1mK 2mK 5mK 10mK
MP Gallium 29.7646 2mK
FP Indium 156.5985 3mK 3mK
FP Tin 231.928 3.5mK 3.5mK 5mK 10mK
FP Zinc 419.527 3.5mK 5mK 10mK
FP Aluminium 660.323 10mK 25mK
FP Silver 961.78 40mK

Note 1: Model 96178 or other HTSPRTS of similar stability

Note 2: Alternatively in place of TP Argon the BP Nitrogen point can be

used, the uncertainty increases to 5mK for Ranges 2 to 4 and The latest schedule
6mK for Range 5. can be found on the
Isotech website
or at www.ukas.org.
Note: TP = Triple Point MP = Melting Point
FP = Freezing Point BP = Boiling Point 0175

SOLUTIONS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY LABORATORIES | 17

 Fixed Point Cells
Sealed and Open
156 to 1084°C

g Ultra Pure >99.9999% 6N

g 35 Year Plus History
g For Optimal Realisations

Isotech Ultra Pure-Metal Freezing Point Cells are designed

specifically to realize the liquid-solid equilibrium
temperatures of certain high-purity metal elements, for
calibration of thermometers at the ITS-90 Fixed Points.
When you purchase an Isotech Sealed Freeze Cell you
are not just purchasing a kilo of metal inside a graphite
crucible sealed within a quartz shell, you are getting the
fruits of more than 35 years of experience and learning of
not only how to make such an artifact without introducing
contamination but an Internationally accepted
embodiment of an ITS-90 fixed point.
The Isotech cells have been further developed and refined
from cells designed and manufactured by Henry Sostmann,
with the first international inter comparison results being
published in 1972.
In 2007 we combined 17 years experience of producing
the best Metal Clad Slim Cells, with our experience of
producing the most accurate Fixed Points sealed in
quartz glass; to introduce Metal Clad Optimal Cells for
the Primary Laboratory. These cells can be readily
shipped between labs for intercomparisons, overcoming
the difficulty of transporting Quartz Cells due to the
increased airport security restrictions.
Isotech’s accredited laboratory has the smallest uncertainties
and can issue UKAS certificates with uncertainties as low
as ±0.07mK at 0.01°C to ±2mK at 961.78°C, k=2.

Uncertainties
Optimal Cells include a conformity certificate which includes a reference cell. This takes a minimum of 15 days of
a copy of the impurities analysis, a copy of the metal of laboratory time.
the cell evaluation freeze and melt curves. Where required
With our Standard Comparison service we perform one melt,
we can also provide UKAS calibration.
one freeze and one intercomparison, the time to calibrate
The uncertainty mentioned in the table is that which can be is less than the Premium Service and so the cost is lower.
offered with our optional UKAS Calibration service. Our The uncertainties are still small, and suitable for all but the
Premium Calibration service involves realizing three melt most demanding of Primary Laboratories.
plateau, three freeze plateau and two intercomparisons to

Isotech UKAS Calibration Uncertainties (k=2)

Cell Premium Calibration Service Standard Calibration Service The latest schedule
can be found on the
UKAS Schedule Note 4 UKAS Schedule Note 5 Isotech website
or at www.ukas.org.
Mercury +/-0.22mK +/-1mK
Gallium +/-0.07mK +/-1mK
Indium +/-0.65mK +/-2mK
Tin +/-0.60mK +/-2mK
Zinc +/-0.90mK +/-2mK
Aluminium +/-1.1mK +/-6mK 0175
Silver +/-2mK +/-30mK

18 | SOLUTIONS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY LABORATORIES

 Available Types
Sealed Cells Open Cells
Cells Uncertainty Metal Clad Quartz Clad Metal Clad Quartz Clad
Indium 156.5985°C +/-0.65mk 17668MO 17668 17668MCO 17668QCO
Tin 231.928°C +/-0.60mk 17669MO 17669 17669MCO 17669QCO
Zinc 419.527°C +/-0.90mk 17671MO 17671 17671MCO 17671QCO
Aluminium 660.323°C +/-1.1mk 17672MO 17672 17672MCO 17672QCO
Silver 961.78°C +/-2mk N/A 17673 N/A 17673QCO
Copper 1084.62°C N/A 17674 N/A 17674QCO
Other points such as Lead and Antimony available. Please ask for details.

Isotech cells are of the highest purity available. Open cells conform to CCT/2000-13. Sealed cells are sealed to one
atmosphere with 6N pure argon at the freeze temperature.

Sealed Metal Sealed Quartz Resealable Metal Open Quartz

g Convenience g Convenience g Pressure can be set g Pressure can be set

g Protected Against g ProtectedAgainst by user by user
Contamination and Contamination and g Requires vacuum and g Requires vacuum and
Ambient Pressure Ambient Pressure gas flow system gas flow system
Effects Effects g EasilyTransportable g Transportable
g EasilyTransportable Between Labs Between Labs
Between Labs g Robust g Can be disassembled
g Robust g Thermally Closer to
ITS-90 temperature
g Sealed Construction
with open port for gas
supply

Cell baskets, complete with appropriate heat shunts and reflectors are available seperately.
A carry case is included with Sealed Cells.

Nominal Dimensions
Outside Dia. 50mm Outside Dia. 50mm Outside Dia. 50mm Outside Dia. 50mm
Inside Dia. 8mm Inside Dia. 8mm Inside Dia. 8mm Inside Dia. 8mm
Height* 270mm Height* 275mm Height* 270mm Height*
Metal Depth 200mm Metal Depth 200mm (+350mm Tube) In, Sn, Zn - 520mm
Metal Depth 200mm Al, Ag, Cu - 610mm
Metal Depth 200mm

*The height is measured from the bottom of the flange wherever necessary, excludes sealing tip.

SOLUTIONS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY LABORATORIES | 19

 International Traceability
Certificates issued by Isotech are legally recognized and accepted not just in the UK
but in many countries throughout the world.

Isotech has always invested heavily ILAC was formed to harmonize Under these MRA’s UKAS calibration
in, and attached great importance to technical issues between certificates are recognised and
its calibration laboratory which was accreditation bodies worldwide with accepted in over 70 countries
first accredited in 1985. the goal of breaking down
For more information on ILAC visit
international barriers, resulting in
Today the laboratory, known as NTPL www.ilac.org
increased global trade.
is formally accredited by UKAS to
ISO / IEC 17025:2005. Since 2008 This was implemented through a
NTPL UKAS Certificates have been network of Mutual Recognition
licensed to bear the ILAC MRA mark. Arrangements (MRA) amongst
accreditation bodies throughout
ILAC International Laboratory
the world.
Accreditation Cooperation

N
OF CALIBRATIO
CERTIFICATE
GY LIMITED.
THER MAL TECHNOLO
ISSUED BY: ISO
: 2nd February 2009
DATE OF ISSUE
: 09-01-123
CERTIFICATE NO
Page 1of 6
Approved Signatory
Name:
Signature:

.
olumbus Calibration
CUSTOMER: C.C 2810034
ITL REFERENCE:
R: 1492
CUSTOMER ORDE
Cell.
Gallium Fixed Point
tech Model 17401
DESCRIPTION: Iso

N: Ga 454
IDENTIFICATIO

2009 to 26
th
January 2009
From 21 January
st
RATION:
DATE OF CALIB
ference
the Laboratory Re
l has bee n inter- compared to one of
RATION: The cel
BASIS OF CALIB ture Scale of 1990
ernational Tempera
cells.
le in use in this Laboratory is the Int
The temperature sca
(ITS 90). ndard
ed International Sta
e with the recognis
orator y is acc redited in accordanc str ates techn ica l competence for a
This lab n demon nt
5. This accreditatio ent system (refer joi
ISO/IEC 17025:200 y quality managem
pe and the op eration of a laborator
defined sco uary 2009 ).
mmuniqué dated Jan
ISO-ILAC-IAF Co g on the publication
s and
on the ILA C we bsite at www.ilac.or
ique is available
The Joint Commun
resources page.
Technology Limited
ory of Isothermal
Calibration Laborat
Laboratory is the ice. It provides
perature Primary m Accreditation Serv ory or other
The Northern Tem the United Kingdo orat
ry accr editation requirements of at the Nati onal Physical Lab issuing
ce with the laborato s and to units of measurement real
ized ten approval of the
issued in accordan pt with the prior writ
This certificate is onal standard r than in full, exce
of mea sure men t to recognized nati ificate may not be reproduced othe
traceability ries. This cert
standards laborato
recognized national
laboratory.

20 | SOLUTIONS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY LABORATORIES

Furnace Selection Guide
Isotech offers the widest range of metrology furnaces for the realisation of ITS-90
Fixed Points. All models can give very long plateau, in excess of ten hours as
suggested in CCT/2000-13, “Optimal Realization of the Defining Points of the ITS-90…”

g Dual Furnaces - g Three Zone Furnaces NIST in the US like to work with long
the no compromise choice plateaus whereas according to our
All heatpipes have a limited operating
UKAS procedure we should calibrate
range, determined by fluid that flows
These furnaces use heatpipes to an SPRT 2 or 3 times using a new
inside the pipe. Furnaces without
provide an essentially gradient free plateau each time.
heatpipes can work over wider
environment to melt and freeze the temperature ranges. Isotech offer two Our apparatus has sufficient
ITS-90 fixed points. These furnaces models of Three Zone Furnaces, one performance that the length of the
meet all the requirement of from 50°C to 700°C and one from plateau is dictated mainly by how close
CCT/2000-13 and allow a uniformity of 200°C to 1200°C. These furnaces use the set point of the apparatus is to the
<10mK over the entire length of the top and bottom guard heaters to fixed point being realized.
fixed-point sample. minimise temperature gradients and
Plateau lengths at the silver point of
also meet the requirement of “Optimal
The second independent furnace is over 70 hours (3 days) have been
Realizations”.
used to pre warm and anneal the achieved using our furnaces. From a
thermometers being calibrated. This practical point we normally work with
concept of heatpipe and second g Single Zone Furnaces one working day long plateaus,
furnace for pre and post conditioning remelting the cell overnight ready for a
Finally the range includes an
the thermometers in a single apparatus new freeze the next day.
economical single zone furnace for
was developed from a concept of Dr Indium, Tin and Zinc Cells and an
Marcarino of IMGC, Italy. Annealing Furnace for pre and post g High Temperature Furnaces
conditioning thermometers.
To eliminate problems with noise and
g Heat Pipe Furnaces electrical safety from high earth
For those laboratories who already have g Plateau Lengths leakage currents our high temperature
furnaces for pre and post conditioning furnaces operate from 110VAC. For
CCT/2000-13 says that a plateau
SPRTs we offer the range of furnaces in operation from 230VAC the furnace can
length of 10 or more hours is suitable
single, heatpipe only version. be provided with an internally mounted
for optimal realizations.
isolating transformer.

SOLUTIONS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY LABORATORIES | 21

 Furnaces
Dual and Heat Pipe
125 to 1090°C

g Essentially Gradient Free

g Simple to use
g Long Plateau Length

The Furnace Core

A heatpipe provides the ideal conditions for the creation and
maintenance of freeze points from ITS-90. The core is
essentially free from gradients meeting the
recommendations of CCT/2000-13, “Optimal Realization of
the Defining Points of the ITS-90…”
The heat pipe is designed so that the inner wall is not
subject to thermal expansion stresses from the outer wall
before the heat pipe reaches conduction temperature. The
working fluid is permanently and safely sealed within the
plasma-arc-welded enclosure.
Three temperature ranges are available
g Low Temperature 125°C to 250°C Water
g High Temperature 400°C to 1000°C Potassium
g Very High Temperature 500°C to 1090°C Sodium
An advanced proportional electronic control system with
digital filtering controls the furnace temperature. Power
feedback is used to stabilise against supply voltage
changes.
Two entirely independent over-temperature safety circuits are
provided.

Dual Furnaces
In addition to heat pipes described above the Dual
Furnaces incorporate a second furnace which, because
of its unique design, will safely (and without
contamination) pre- and post-condition the
thermometers.
To complete the apparatus, a further pre-warming tube
(with a temperature approximately equal to that of the
heat-pipe) made of a unique and gas-tight material, is
provided, together with a storage rack for 4
thermometers.

Equalizing Block

22 | SOLUTIONS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY LABORATORIES

Method of operation
The cell is melted, when melting is complete, the heat-
pipe temperature is readjusted to be 0.5°C below the
freeze temperature of the cell. A cold rod introduced into
the cell’s re-entrant tube initiates the freeze, to give a
plateau that will last for between 12 and 24 hours.
With the Dual Furnace the thermometers are removed
from their storage rack and placed in the pre-conditioning
furnace. The furnace is slowly heated to the Cell
temperature.
The thermometers are protected from contamination by a
slow air flux around them.
One by one the thermometers are transferred into the cell
for 20 to 30 minutes for calibration and thence back to
the conditioning furnace.
When all the thermometers have been calibrated, the
conditioning furnace is slowly cooled back to 400°C
whence the thermometers can safely be removed into
room temperature.

Accessories
Accessories include equalizing blocks, a fan assembly to
keep thermometer handles cool, a thermometer holder
and internal and external isolating transformers.

Cooling Coil
The Potassium and Sodium models have a cooling coil in
the lid with connections to circulate tap water to keep the
furnace lid cool protecting the SPRT and reducing heat
load into the lab.
The Isotech Medium Temperature Furnace is designed
specifically to realize and maintain the freeze plateaux of
Isotech Indium, Tin, Zinc and Aluminium Cells, for the
calibration of thermometers on ITS-90. It can also be
used with an insert, as an annealing facility of the highest
order for SPRTs or as a comparison calibration facility.

Model Temperature Range Heatpipe Cells Conditioning Furnace Equalizing Block

17707 125°C - 250°C Water In and Sn Included 410-02-18
17702W 125°C - 250°C Water In and Sn Heatpipe Only 410-02-18
17706 400°C - 1000°C Potassium Zn, Al, Ag Included 420-02-15
17702P 400°C - 1000°C Potassium Zn, Al, Ag Heatpipe Only 420-02-15
17705 500°C - 1090°C Sodium Al, Ag Cu Included 420-02-15
17702S 500°C - 1090°C Sodium Al, Ag Cu Heatpipe Only 420-02-15

Uncertainty <1mk (with cells) PC Interface Included as standard

Uniformity <10mk over length of fixed point sample Resolution 0.1 (Over Whole Range)
Control 0.1°C Resolution Core Size 52 x 432mm
Communications Included as standard Dimensions Height 960mm
Width 600mm
Depth 560mm
Weight Dual 119kg / Heatpipe 115kg

SOLUTIONS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY LABORATORIES | 23

 Furnaces
Low Temperature
50 to 500°C

Fixed Points of:

Indium 156.5985°C, Tin
g Single Zone 231.928°C, and Zinc
g Aluminium Alloy Block 419.527°C, 6 to 12 Hours
Plateau Annealing Adaptor,
g Six to 12 Hour Plateau Active and Passive
Safety Circuits
The Isotech Low Temperature Fixed Point Furnace is
designed specifically to realize and maintain the freeze
plateaux of Isotech Indium, Tin and Zinc Fixed Point
Cells, for calibration of thermometers on the International
Temperature Scale of 1990.

The Low Temperature Furnace is a single-zone furnace.

The recommended procedure for establishing a freeze

plateau requires operator attention until the plateau is
realized. Following that, the Model 17701 Furnace will
maintain the indium or the tin plateau, essentially
automatically, for a period of 10 to 12 hours and the zinc
plateau for 6 to 8 hours.

1. The furnace core, into which the freeze-point cell is

inserted, is of aluminium alloy, which provides a very
low thermal gradient along the core length. The main
furnace heater is of the parallel-tube design as used
at NIST. A pre-warming tube is provided.

2. An advanced proportioning electronic control system

regulates furnace temperature, using a platinum
resistance thermometer as sensing element. The
controller may be calibrated in-situ using Freeze Point
Cells as references.

Two entirely independent over-temperature safety

devices are included. A dedicated (on-off) over-
temperature control circuit provides active safety. A
fusible link in the main power circuit provides passive Model ITL-M-17701
safety. Temperature Range 50°C to 500°C
Uncertainty <1mk (with cells)
3. The Low Temperature Furnace is completely self-
contained, castor mounted and requires no external Control 0.1°C Resolution
supplies (except power). Communications Included as standard
Power 1.5kW, 108-130
or 208-240VAC, 50/60Hz
Core Size 54.7 x 420mm
Dimensions Height 960mm
Width 600mm
Depth 560mm
Weight 115kg
Accessories
411-01-11 Annealing Adaptor
Annealing Adaptor
824-01-00 Fan Assembly
How to order
ITL-M-17701 Low Temperature Furnace
Please specify voltage required

24 | SOLUTIONS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY LABORATORIES

 Furnaces
Medium Temperature
50 to 700°C

g Wide Operating Range

g Three Zone Control
g Long Plateau Length

The Medium Temperature Furnace is of three zone

design. In addition to the main temperature controlled
zone there are guard heaters at the top and bottom of
the block. These zones are controlled by differential
temperature sensors which enable the furnace to
operate with just small temperature differences along the
whole length of the heated metal block. This is important
when freezing cells, since the assumption made is that
cells freeze in concentric shells. This is true only if there
is a small temperature gradient along the furnace.

The substantial furnace core is machined from aluminum

bronze.

The recommended procedure for establishing a freeze

plateau requires operator attention until the plateau is
realized. Following that, the Furnace will maintain the
plateau essentially automatically for a period of 10 to 20
hours, (longer if the heat flux from the Cell minimised).

Fixed Points of: Indium 156.5985°C,

Tin 231.928°C, Zinc 419.527°C,
and Aluminium 660.323°C Active and
Passive Safety Circuits, Equalizing Block
for Comparison Calibration

Equalizing Block

Model ITL-M-17703 Accessories

Temperature Range 50°C to 700°C 420-02-18 Aluminium Bronze
Equalizing Block
Uncertainty <1mk (with cells) 824-01-00 Fan Assembly (to cool the
Control 0.1°C Resolution thermometer handle)
411-01-11B Annealing Adaptor
Communications Included as standard
Power 3kW, 108-130 or 208-240
How to order
VAC, 50/60Hz
ITL-M-17703 Medium Temperature Furnace
Core Size 54.7 x 420mm
Dimensions Height 960mm Please specify voltage required
Width 600mm
Depth 560mm
Weight 115kg

SOLUTIONS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY LABORATORIES | 25

 Furnaces
3 Zone High Temperature
200 to 1200°C

g Widest Operating Range

g Three Zone Control
g Long Plateau Length

This more recent addition to our long-established range of

metrology furnaces offers an alternative for those who
prefer 3-Zone furnaces to Heat-Pipe technology. The three
zones create a controlled volume of constant temperature
within the furnace in which High-Temperature Fixed Points
such as Aluminum, Silver and Copper can be frozen and
melted. Because High-Temperature thermometers can be
easily contaminated by metallic vapors, great care has
been taken to eliminate the use of metals throughout the
calibration volume. The cell holder is made of alumina.
A ceramic equalizing block is available comprising a
closed ended tube, alumina tubes to house the sensors
being compared, and alumina powder to act as an
equalizing media.
The sensor for the main controller is a mineral insulated
type N thermocouple which has been found to be more
stable than the type R thermocouple. In addition two slave
controllers compensate for any temperature gradient along
the furnace by eliminating any temperature difference that
they sense.
There is a cooling coil in the lid with connections to circulate
tap water to keep the furnace lid cool protecting the SPRT
and reducing heat load into the lab. A flow of 0.5 to 1 litre
per minute is required at temperatures above 700°C Long plateaus from Fixed Point Cells
Self-Tuning controller optimizes each Fixed Points performace
This 3-Zone Furnace can be used for the realizations of 3 zones controlled to compensate for end loss to give a perfect profile

Tin, Zinc, Aluminum, Silver, Gold and Copper points, or

with an optional equalizing block used for annealing or
comparison calibration.

Model 465 Dimensions Height 960mm

Width 600mm
Temperature Range 200°C to 1200°C
Depth 560mm
Uncertainty <1 to 2mk (with cells) Weight 115kg
Control 0.1°C Resolution
Furnace Depth 500mm Accessories
Diameter 100mm 465-04-00 Cell holder assembly
465-02-06 Ceramic Equalizing Block
Communications Included as standard
Power 110VAC 50/60Hz 3kw
or 230VAC 50/60Hz 3kw How to order
with internal transformer 465 3 Zone Metrological Furnace
option

26 | SOLUTIONS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY LABORATORIES

 Furnaces
Annealing
Amb. to 1000°C

g Designedto pre-warm and anneal Standard Platinum

Resistance Thermometers
g Maintenance Free Use
g Available
with programmable controller with
communications

The Annealing Furnace, model 414, is designed to heat,

anneal and cool SPRTs (Standard Platinum Resistance
Thermometers) prior to calibration. The temperature
range of the Furnace - from ambient to 1000°C enables
all types of SPRTs to be annealed.
One of the duties of a calibration laboratory manager is
to ensure that the SPRTs used in the Laboratory are fully
annealed and still within specification.
Just using the thermometers within the laboratory will
cause work-hardening to take place within the platinum
coil of the SPRT.
Therefore regular annealing is required to ensure the
SPRTs are in an ideal condition.
In 1990 the then new temperature scale ITS-90 specified
the use of SPRTs up to the Silver point (961.78°C). At
these temperatures quartz is very porous and in reducing
atmospheres the SPRTs can quickly become contaminated.
The Isotech Annealing Furnace offers a safe solution for
those who wish to anneal SPRTs up to 1000°C.
To prevent contamination at high temperatures a constant
flux of pre-heated air passes the SPRTs being annealed.
A comprehensive handbook accompanies the Furnace.
This Furnace is installed simply and requires no
maintenance.

Model 414 Dimensions Height 800mm

Width 400mm
Temperature Range Ambient to 1000°C
Depth 620mm
Control 0.1°C Resolution Weight 40kg
Furnace Depth 450mm
How to order
Diameter 50mm 414 Annealing Furnace
Communications Included as standard
Power 110VAC 50/60Hz 3kw
or 230VAC 50/60Hz 3kw
with internal transformer
option

SOLUTIONS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY LABORATORIES | 27

 Introduction to SPRTs and
Standard Thermocouples
The ITS-90 specifies the use of platinum resistance 909 Family
thermometers over the range -259°C to 962°C Working Standards - The 909 Range
In addition to our popular quartz sheathed 909 SPRT
hydrogen (13,8033 K) covering the temperature range -200°C to 670°C. Isotech
Between the triple point of equilibrium have introduced two new metal sheathed versions for 2007.
,78°C) T90 is defined
and the freezing point of silver (961
mometers
by means of platinum resistance ther The 909H works from -80°C to 670°C and can be
d sets of defi ning fixed points and
calibrated at specifie provided with either 25.5 Ohm or 100 Ohm Ro to ITS-90.
res.
using specified interpolation procedu The 909L works from -200°C to 165°C and also is
available with Ro 25.5 or 100 Ohms to ITS-90.
And
UKAS Calibration Options
thermometer must All of the SPRTs described on this datasheet can be
An acceptable platinum resistance
inum, and it must accompanied by one of three UKAS Calibration options.
be made from pure, strain-free plat
two relations:
satisfy at least one of the following 1. By comparison, accuracies of just a few milliKelvins,
(8a) ideal for the 95 Range.
W (29,7646°C) ≤ 1,118 07
(8b)
W (-38,8344°C) ≤ 0,844 235 2. Standard Fixed Point Calibration, suitable for most
thermometer that is SPRTs including the 909 Range.
An acceptable platinum resistance
t of silver must also
to be used up to the freezing poin 3. Premium Fixed Point Calibration, suitable only for
satisfy the relation: most stable SPRTs such as the 670 Range and the
(8c) 96178
W (961,78°C) ≤ 4,2844

Thermocouples
In practise Standard Platinum Resistance Thermometers, Model 1600 Platinum / Platinum Rhodium
SPRTs, are constructed to cover sub ranges of the ITS-90 Available as Type R or Type S these thermocouples are
and SPRTs are available in different construction types. housed in a 99.7% recrystallized alumina sheath, 300 or
600 mm long and can be used to 1600°C
Isotech offer the 670 family as SPRTs recommended for
Primary Applications and the 909 Family for Secondary Platinum / Gold Thermocouple
Laboratories. This model offers smaller uncertainties than Type R or S
These families span from -200°C to 670°C, for higher using only pure metals in the construction. An economical
temperatures, up to 961.78°C the freezing point of Silver alternative to HTSPRTs.
Isotech offer the 96178 HTSPRT.
NPL Platinum / Palladium Thermocouple
Standard Thermocouples This model manufactured by the National Physical Laboratory
Whilst no longer a part of the temperature scale (NPL) was developed to operate reliably and accurately to
1500°C and offers superior stability to conventional platinum /
thermocouples are widely used in calibration laboratories.
platinum rhodium thermocouples. They now can be
Isotech can supply Standard Thermocouples to 1600°C,
purchased from Isotech.
either in platinum / platinum rhodium or platinum /gold
materials.

The 670 Family

Ultra Stable SPRTs - The 670SQ Range
This new quartz sheathed SPRT range from Isotech is the
http://www.isotech.co.uk
ultimate SPRT for the most exacting measurements over the
range of -200°C to 670°C. The same ultra stable element
is now available in metal sheaths.
The Model 670SH covers -80°C to 670°C SPRT Uncertainties -
The Model 670SL covers -200°C to 165°C Refer to page 17 for details of calibration uncertainties

28 | SOLUTIONS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY LABORATORIES

 Primary SPRT
670 Family
-200 to 670°C

g Useable Range -200°C to 670 °C

g 25.5 Ohm SPRT
g Outstanding Performance

The 670SQ is our latest thermometer, to be specifically

designed to give optimum performance up to the
aluminium point. Its construction permits the four internal
platinum lead wires to expand and contract in the same
manner as those of silver-point thermometers. The all-
quartz construction of the support members gives the
most stable performance with minimal drift, and a unique
platinum radiation shield prevents heat radiating up the
inside of the sheath.
The temperature range and design of this new unit
means that we can now offer 25.5 Ohm (Ro) and 100
Ohm (Ro). The construction, including the coiled
sensing element, heat-shunt baffles and light scattering
barriers, creates a thermometer of unsurpassed stability. Super Stable Standard Platinum
Resistance Thermometer
Because the 670SQ goes beyond the temperature range
of oxide growth to the level at which the oxide
dissociates, the 670 is filled with a unique argon/oxygen
mixture. A 2.5 metre length of low thermal EMF, high
temperature, screened cable is connected in the handle,
via a strain-relieving transition, to the all pure platinum
construction of the thermometer.
Gold-plated U-shaped terminals complete the cable
construction, and the 670SQ is delivered in an elegant
soft lined carry-case of our own design. A 670SQ is
supplied only after a stabilising process which is
complete when the reproducibility of RTPW is within
0.0005°C after excursions to the extremes of its Models 670SQ, 670SH, 670SL
temperature range. Values of RTPW and Wga are
Measuring Range -200°C to 670°C
routinely provided with the 670SQ.
Nominal Resistance 25.5Ω Ro or 100Ω Ro
The 670SQ can be supplied with RTPW and Wga only or
with full UKAS calibration. “With calibration” means that Resistance Ratio Wga>1.11807
you will get an Internationally accepted Fixed Point as required by ITS-90
calibration. For best accuracy, recommended maximum
Sensitivity 0.1Ω / °C (25.5Ω)
measuring currents for the 670SQ are 1mA for the 25.5Ω
0.4Ω / °C (100Ω)
(Ro) and 0.5mA for the 100Ω (Ro).
Long term drift from 0.001°C / year depending
A comprehensive handbook and tutorial will help you get
on use
the very best performance and stability from your
670SQ.
The 670SQ 650mm long is our recommended SPRT How to Order
offering ultra stability, and has superior vibration, shock, Model 670SQ, 670SH, 670SL / 25.5 or
immersion and self heating characteristics. From the Model 670SQ, 670SH / 100
success of the original Model 670 SPRTs we have
introduced new models into the 670 range offering metal State “with UKAS Calibration” or “without UKAS
sheathed and low temperature models. Calibration”.

SOLUTIONS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY LABORATORIES | 29

 Whilst metal sheathed thermometers appear more robust Having selected the finest cells and apparatus select
than the quartz glass models it should be noted that ALL Isotech SPRTs, with over thirty years experience of
SPRTs are fragile devices and must be handled with care. manufacturing platinum resistance thermometers it is not
Quartz glass thermometers have the advantage that the surprising we have developed the finest standard
internal components are visible and can be inspected thermometers.
and continue to be our recommended models.
Our preferred standards in our UKAS lab are the 670SQ
for up to 660°C and the 96178/0.25 for use up to the
The low temperature models have excellent immersion
silver point, 962°C.
characteristics and a significant cost saving when
compared to the higher temperature models. Benefits to your laboratory, ultra stability, best SPRT
vibration and shock resistance, best immersion
characteristics, low self heating, longer life and less
contamination.

650.00 90.00

38.00
7.50

QUARTZ SHEATH QUARTZ DISC

QUARTZ CROSS ASSEMBLY SENSOR HANDLE STRAIN RELIEF

BLACK SHRINK SLEEVE

10.00

25.00
150.00 2.5 METRES OF CABLE

Model Range (°C) Ro (Ohms) Sheath Diameter Length Sensing Comments

Length

670SQ -200 to 670 25.5 Quartz 7.5mm 650mm 35mm Recommended for
or wide range use in the
480mm Primary Laboratory

670SQ -200 to 550 100 Quartz 7.5mm 650mm 35mm 100 Ohm version
or
480mm

670SH -80 to 670 25.5 Metal 6mm 650mm 35mm Metal sheathed high
or temperature model
480mm

670SH -80 to 550 100 Metal 6mm 650mm 35mm 100 Ohm version
or
480mm

670SL -200 to 165 25.5 Metal 6mm 480mm 35mm Metal sheathed low
temperature model

30 | SOLUTIONS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY LABORATORIES

SPRT Calibration with ITS-90 Fixed Points: Premium Service
ISOTECH UKAS Calibration Uncertainties (k=2)

Suitable only for Quartz Sheath SPRTs such as the Isotech 670SQ Models or other Primary Standard SPRTS of similar
stability

Fixed Point °C Range Range Range Range Range Range

1 2 3 4 5 61

Typical Uncertainties ±

TP Argon 2 -189.3442 1mK 1mK 2mK 2mK

TP Mercury -38.8344 0.6mK 1mK 1mK 1mK 2mK

TP Water 0.01 0.5mK 1mK 1mK 1mK 2mK 4mK

MP Gallium 29.7646 0.6mK

FP Indium 156.5985 1mK 1mK

FP Tin 231.928 1mK 1mK 2mK 4mK

FP Zinc 419.527 1.2mK 2mK 4mK

FP Aluminium 660.323 2mK 4mK

Note: TP = Triple Point MP = Melting Point

FP = Freezing Point BP = Boiling Point

Note: The 100Ω 670 has a maximum temperature of 550°C and so cannot be UKAS certified over Range 4.
Please contact Isotech if calibration is required above Zinc.

Table shows Premium Calibration Service, Standard Service is also available, see page 17.

SOLUTIONS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY LABORATORIES | 31

 Silver Point SPRT
Model 96178
0 to 1000°C

g Unique Aspirated Design

g High Stability
g Ultra High Purity Quartz

Isotech has produced over 200 high temperature

thermometers which have been sold world-wide for use
up to the silver point. As a consequence of our pre-
delivery testing alone we have probably made more
silver point calibrations than anyone else in the world.
No one fully appreciates all the mechanisms at work
when a coil of pure platinum wire inside a quartz
envelope is taken to 1000°C and back. However, endless
hours of study at National and International level, plus
our own significant work at Isotech, have enabled us to
design, build and test a superior Silver-Point
Thermometer. This, we feel, is a significant contribution
to better high temperature calibration.
First, the 96178 can breathe, a valve in the handle can
be opened to allow oxygen depleted or moist air to
escape from inside the sheath and replacement by fresh
air containing 20% oxygen. The valve is normally opened
at elevated temperatures and closed to prevent moisture
ingress before water triple point measurements are
performed.
Model No 96178
Second, the 96178 is the only thermometer ever
Temperature Range 0°C to 1000°C
designed with platinum heat radiation shields built into
Resistance Value Ro = 0.25Ω (others to special request)
the sheath, to prevent heat radiating up inside the
sheath. Resistance Ratio Wga>1.11807
Dimensions Length 650mm
Third, a new ultra pure quartz, developed for the Diameter 7.5mm
semiconductor industry at a cost of between 20 and 30
Drift during use
million pounds, has been adopted for use in the
a. Smallest When taken to 970°C slowly over 1 to 2
construction of the 96178. This new thermometer
hours and cooled slowly again (overnight) to
exemplifies our commitment to achieve the highest 450°C, the triple point of water resistance will
possible quality and minimum of contamination. repeat to better than a temperature
How the thermometer is handled is most important for its equivalent of 0.0005°C.
stability and a purchaser will receive a comprehensive b. Largest When thermally shocked from 970°C to 20°C
manual and tutorial with each 96178. the triple point of water resistance will
increase by a temperature-equivalent of up
Under some circumstances, provided the interior of the to 35mK; this is mostly recoverable upon
thermometer is undamaged we can replace the outer annealing at 650°C for a few hours and then
quartz sheath. Please consult us if a replacement is cooling slowly (overnight) to 450°C.
required. Long term drift Most changes occur during heating and
cooling. If this process is done carefully, long
To exploit fully the accuracy of the 96178, a user will term stabilities of a few mK per year can be
need a furnace for warming and annealing the expected, with reproducibility at the silver
thermometer as well as one to house the silver-point/ point of 3 to 5 mK.
aluminum-point cells.
How to order
A Dual Calibration Furnace from Isotech combines these Model 96178/0.25
two features together with all the special accessories State “with UKAS calibration” or “without UKAS calibration”.
and handling know-how we have discovered. Refer to introduction for Calibration Uncertainties.

32 | SOLUTIONS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY LABORATORIES

Isotech Note
Why choose 0.25Ω for HTSPRTs?

Note1: It is necessary to make the former on which the Note2: Gases, like Iron, Chromium, Nickel under
platinum is wound of high-purity quartz. Even reducing conditions, can penetrate the quartz
quartz does not provide absolute isolation at the sheath and poison the platinum.
high temperature end of the range. The former,
It is necessary to purchase not only the 96178,
or mandrel, is thus a shunt resistance across the
but items such as the Dual Furnace to ensure
platinum winding, and because of the uncertainty
that your high temperature thermometer does
of the contacts between platinum and quartz, it is
not become contaminated.
uncertain and unstable in magnitude. The
practical solution is to reduce the element Only Isotech offers a comprehensive solution to
resistance so that the shunt resistance produces the measurement and use High Temperature
a smaller network effect. For example, for a Thermometry.
25.5Ω thermometer, suppose that the shunt
resistance were 20 MΩ. Then the network
resistance is 25.499967Ω. But we require Note3: Our know-how and expertise in the field of High
measurement assurance of better than 1 part per Temperature Thermometry has been written
million, so this won’t do, even if the shunt were a down and is available in the Isotech Journal of
constant (calibratable) value, which it is not. For Thermometry.
a 0.25Ω thermometer, a 20 MΩ shunt gives a
network resistance of 0.24999997Ω, which is
tolerable. The cost, and there is a cost, is
increased difficulty on the electrical
measurement side, particularly in the face of
noise, which is present at high temperatures.

650.00 90.00

40.00
7.50

ULTRA PURE QUARTZ DISC

QUARTZ SHEATH SENSOR HANDLE STRAIN RELIEF

QUARTZ SPADE ASSEMBLY

BLACK SHRINK SLEEVE

10.00

25.00
150.00 2.5 METRES OF CABLE

SOLUTIONS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY LABORATORIES | 33

 Working SPRTs
909 Family
-196 to 670°C

g Three Stem Lengths

g Wide Operating Range
g Proven Design

This economically-priced Standard Platinum Resistance

Thermometer, Model 909, is the workhorse of calibration
laboratories all over the world. During 2007 we reviewed
our range of SPRTs and now have new models in the 909
family, the 909L and 909H. The wide temperature ranges
and economic pricing make this thermometer ideal for the
secondary laboratory. For smaller uncertainties to suit
the Primary Laboratory refer to the Model 670 SPRTs.

The resistance element is of pure platinum, coiled and

mounted in a strain free construction. The former is of
pure alumina material and all parts have been pre-aged
to eliminate contamination and strain. All joints are
welded to minimize resistance changes. The leads are
brought to a handle assembly where they are connected
to a low loss cable, 2M long and screened.

The 909Q has a quartz sheath while the 909L and 909H
have metal sheaths. Whilst metal sheathed thermometers
appear more robust than the quartz glass models it
should be noted that ALL SPRTs are fragile devices and
must be handled with care.
Model 909
Three thermometer lengths are available, standard length
480mm, extra length 550mm or maximum length 600mm. RTPW 25.5Ω 100Ω

Quartz glass thermometers have the advantage that the Nominal Resistance 25.5Ω at 0°C 100Ω
internal components are visible and can be inspected Recommended
and continue to be our recommended models. The low Max. Current mA 1 0.5
temperature models have excellent immersion Nominal Sensitivity 0.1 Ω/°C 0.4 Ω/°C
characteristics and a significant cost saving when
compared to the higher temperature models. Resistance Ratio Wga>1.11807 as required by ITS-90
Self-heating 1mK / 25 microwatts
The Model 909 is supplied with a calibration certificate
giving RTPW and Wga. Alternatively we can provide a Stability Depends upon the temperature
complete UKAS calibration certificate, see table opposite. range of use. Typical annual stability,
For transportation and storage the Model 909 is supplied see the table on the next page.
in its own attractive carrying case. Internal leads 4 wire-platinum
External Leads Silver-plated multi-strand wires in a
low-loss insulation cable terminating
in gold-plated terminals.

How to Order
Model 909 Specify model, resistance and length.
State with UKAS Calibration or without UKAS Calibration.
at Fixed Points or by Comparison.

34 | SOLUTIONS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY LABORATORIES

 SPRT Calibration with ITS-90 Fixed Points: Standard Service
ISOTECH UKAS Calibration Uncertainties (k=2)

Suitable for Isotech 909 Family of SPRTs

Fixed Point °C Range Range Range Range Range

1 2 3 4 5
Typical Uncertainties ±
BP Nitrogen -195.798 10mK 10mK 10mK 10mK
TP Mercury -38.8344 2mK 2mK 2mK 2mK 5mK
TP Water 0.01 1mK 1mK 1mK 2mK 5mK
MP Gallium 29.7646 2mK
FP Indium 156.5985 3mK 3mK
FP Tin 231.928 3.5mK 3.5mK 5mK
FP Zinc 419.527 3.5mK 5mK
FP Aluminium 660.323 10mK
The latest schedule
can be found on the
Isotech website
or at www.ukas.org.

0175

Note: TP = Triple Point MP = Melting Point

FP = Freezing Point BP = Boiling Point

Note: The 100Ω 909 has a maximum temperature of 550°C and so cannot be UKAS certified over Range 4.
Please contact Isotech if calibration is required above Zinc.

Model Range Ratio Outer Construction Nominal Stem Sensor Notes

(°C) Wga Sheath Diameter Length Length

909Q -200 >1.11807 Quartz Sealed with 7.5mm 480mm 65mm Isotech
25.5Ω to dry oxygen 550mm recommended
670 / argon mix 600mm secondary
standard SPRT

909Q -200 >1.11807 Quartz Sealed with 7.5mm 480mm 65mm 100 Ohm
100Ω to dry oxygen 550mm secondary
550 / argon mix 600mm standard SPRT

909H -80 >1.11807 Metal Sealed 6mm 480mm 65mm Internal alumina
25.5Ω to 550mm tube protects
670 600mm sensor from
contamination

909H -80 >1.11807 Metal Sealed 6mm 480mm 65mm Internal alumina
100Ω to 550mm tube protects
550 600mm sensor from
contamination

909L -200 >1.11807 Metal Sealed with 6mm 480mm 65mm Optimised for low
25.5Ω to dry oxygen 550mm temperatures, less
165 / argon mix 600mm stem conduction
due to internal
construction

909L -200 >1.11807 Metal Sealed with 6mm 480mm 65mm Optimised for low
100Ω to dry oxygen 550mm temperatures, less
165 / argon mix 600mm stem conduction
due to internal
construction

SOLUTIONS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY LABORATORIES | 35

 Introduction to Standard
Thermocouples
n Thermocouples Fixed Point Calibration at the National Physical
Laboratory (NPL)
Isotech Model 1600 Platinum / Platinum Rhodium For lower uncertainty calibration
Available as Type R or Type S these thermocouples are Isotech can supply the Model
housed in a 99.7% recrystallized alumina sheath, 300 or 1600 with ISO 17025 (UKAS)
600 mm long and can be used to 1600°C. accredited fixed point calibration
up to 1330°C or even 1500°C benefiting from NPL’s newly
Isotech Gold / Platinum Thermocouple developed high temperature metal-carbon eutectic fixed
This model offers smaller uncertainties than Type R or S points. The uncertainty is then ±0.3°C to 1100°C rising
using only pure metals in the construction and can be to ±0.55°C at 1330°C or ±0.7°C at 1492°C. The fixed
considered as an alternative to HTSPRTs. points used are Zinc, Silver and the eutectic point of either
Cobalt-Carbon or Palladium-Carbon alloys.
NPL Platinum / Palladium Thermocouple
The Platinum/Gold Thermocouple can be supplied
This model manufactured by the National Physical
calibrated with uncertainties of ±0.07°C from 0°C to
Laboratory (NPL) was developed to operate reliably
400°C and ±0.05°C from 400°C to 1000°C using the fixed
and accurately to 1500°C and offers superior stability to
points of Zinc, Aluminium and Silver.
conventional platinum / platinum rhodium thermocouples.
They now can be purchased from Isotech, with NPL These calibrations are performed by NPL who established
calibration (UKAS) with an uncertainty of ±0.2°C, from 0°C the world-first ISO 17025 (UKAS) accredited calibration
to 1100°C rising linearly to ±0.55°C at 1330°C or ±0.7°C services using metal-carbon eutectic fixed-point cells.
at 1500°C.
www.npl.co.uk/temperature-humidity

n Calibration Options
Comparison Calibration
The Model 1600 includes UKAS calibration to 1100°C,
with options to extend this
http://www.isotech.co.uk
to 1200°C or 1300°C. The
thermocouples are calibrated
using comparison techniques
in the Isotech 877 Furnace.
Uncertainties for models with a
cold junction (recommended)
are ±0.7°C to 1100°C.

36 | SOLUTIONS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY LABORATORIES

 Thermocouple Standards
Platinum / Palladium
0 to 1500°C

g Superior stability to Platinum / Platinum Rhodium

g Very Low Uncertainties
g Use to 1500°C

These Platinum / Palladium Thermocouples (Pt/Pd) are

manufactured by the National Physical Laboratory (NPL)
who have developed a novel
physical mechanism which
mitigates the mechanical
stresses caused by the different
thermal expansion of Pt and Pd wires. This dispenses
with the fragile coil conventionally used with this type of
thermocouple.

Platinum / Palladium thermocouples are more costly than

Platinum / Platinum Rhodium types but benefit from
superior performance, both in terms of stability (less de-
calibration) and accuracy.

Gold / Platinum Thermocouples (Au/Pt) offer the best

performance but are limited to a maximum temperature Temperature Range 0 to 1500°C
of 1000°C.
Sheath Materials 4mm x 710mm, fits into a
These Pt/Pd thermocouples offer lower drift than Platinum Measuring Junction removable 7mm x 700 mm
/ Platinum Rhodium (Pt/Pt-Rh)and with higher operating protective outer ceramic sheath
temperatures than Au/Pt. They are suitable for a range of
applications including transfer standards. Reference Junction Enclosed in a Quartz Sheath

In addition to developing the novel structural design Applicable Standard IEC 62460 Edition 1.0
along with new annealing and construction procedures
NPL have established the world’s first ISO 17025 (UKAS)
accredited calibration services using metal-carbon How To Order
eutectic fixed point cells. Model Type: NPL Pt/Pd Thermocouple
We are pleased to be able to offer the NPL Pt/Pd Includes UKAS Calibration, specify range from either:
thermocouple with calibration alongside our own Pt/Pt-Rh
and Au/Pt Standards. 0°C to 1100°C Uncertainty of ±0.2°C
Calibrated at Fixed Points Zn, Ag and Cu

0°C to 1330°C Uncertainty of ±0.2°C from 0°C to 1100°C

rising linearly to ±0.55°C at 1330°C
Calibrated at Fixed Points Zn, Ag and Co-C

0°C to 1500°C Uncertainty of ±0.2°C from 0°C to 1100°C

rising linearly to ±0.7°C at 1500°C
Calibrated at Fixed Points Zn, Ag and Pd-C

SOLUTIONS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY LABORATORIES | 37

 Thermocouple Standards
Platinum / Platinum Rhodium
0 to 1600°C

Type R & S Standard Thermocouple, Model 1600,

Premium grade wire, gas tight assembly,
g Type R and Type S No intermediate junctions.
g Gas Tight Assembly
g Premium Grade Wire

The Isothermal range of Thermocouple Standards are the

result of many years development. The type R and S
standards will cover the range from 0°C to 1600°C.

The measuring assembly comprises a 7mm x 300mm or

600mm gas tight 99.7% recrystallized alumina sheath
inside which is a 2.5mm diameter twin bore tube holding
the thermocouple.

The inner 2.5mm assembly is removable since some

calibration laboratories will only accept fine bore tubed
thermocouples and some applications require fine bore
tubing.

The covered noble metal thermocouple wire connects the Also available without the physical cold junction - Specify No Cold Junction (NCJ).

measuring sheath to the reference sheath which is a

4.5mm x 250mm stainless steel sheath suitable for Model 1600
referencing in a 0°C reference system. Two thermo
electrically free multistrand copper wires (teflon coated) Hot Sheath
connect the thermocouple to the voltage measuring device. Temperature Range 0°C to 1600°C (R or S)
Emf Vs Temperature According to relevant document
The thermocouple material is continuous from the hot or
measuring junction to the cold, or referencing junction. Response Time 5 minutes
Hot Junction see diagram
Calibration
Dimensions
The 1600 is supplied with a certificate giving the error
Connecting Cable see diagram
between the ideal value and the actual emf of the thermo-
couple at the gold point. For types R and S thermocouples, Cold Junction 250mm long x 4.5 diameter
manufacturing tolerances are small and, therefore, the use
Copper Extension Wires 2000mm
of a standard reference table is particularly apt. A few
calibration points, only, are required to determine the small Immersion 100mm min.
differences between the characteristics of an individual Case Dimensions Height 65mm
thermocouple and the standard reference table. As an Width 710mm
example of consistency, 48 Isotech thermocouples Depth 165mm
calibrated at NPL, had a standard deviation of the Gross Weight 900g
differences from the reference table value at the gold
point (11, 364µV) of only 7µV, equivalent to about 0.5°C. Feature Removeable inner assembly

Thermocouple characteristics are sufficiently smooth to The standard thermocouple described can be supplied
allow interpolation of deviations from the reference table in the following noble metal combinations
to be carried out over fairly wide temperature spans TYPE R: Platinum vs Platinum 13% Rhodium
without introducing unacceptable errors. Isotech can TYPE S: Platinum vs Platinum 10% Rhodium
offer a 4-point UKAS calibration for temperatures up to How to order
1100°C (supplied as standard), a 6 point UKAS calibration Model 1600 Type R/300
up to 1300°C with the option of a table of millivolts to Model 1600 Type R/600
degrees Celsius in 10°C steps or, alternatively, arrange Model 1600 Type S/300
for an NPL calibration at fixed points, see page 36. Model 1600 Type S/600
Please contact Isotech to obtain current prices for If cold junction not required, specify NCJ.
calibration. UKAS calibration is included

38 | SOLUTIONS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY LABORATORIES

 Thermocouple Standards
Platinum/Gold
0 to 1000°C

g Pure Metal Construction

g Best Homogeneity
g Alternative to HTSPRTs

Since 1995 Isotech have been producing various designs

of special Au/Pt, Pt/Pd, Pd/Au thermocouples for researchers.
From our experience we can now offer the most popular
of these, the Au/Pt thermocouple in a standard form.
All wires are 99.999+% pure and are fully annealed
according to the recommendations of McLaren.
Assembly also follows his prescriptions which have never
been bettered.
Alternative to HTSPRTs
After final assembly and annealing the Au/Pt thermocouples Construction allows for differential expansion
will conform to IEC 62460, Edition 1 2008-07. Accuracy of up to ±0.05°C

For the smallest uncertainties we calibrate the thermocouple

at the Zinc, Aluminium and Silver Fixed Points.

We achieve these results because:

1. All materials are selected for their purity and high quality.
2. All parts are pre-aged and annealed prior to construction.
3. The construction allows for differential expansion of
the Gold and the Platinum by having a coil of platinum
bridge the two thermo elements at their measuring
junction.
4. There are no joins between the measuring and 6. The reference junction needs to be placed in an accurate
reference junctions. reference system such as a Water Triple Point Cell or an
Isotech ice point reference.
5. The reference junction is also researched and we use
thermally pure copper wire of selected diameter which 7. An article describing in detail the construction, handling
has been pre-annealed in inert gas to maintain the and operation of the thermocouple is provided free with
accuracy of the measuring junction. each unit.

Temperature Range 0°C to 1000°C Dimensions Refer to diagram

Sheath materials Carrying Case Included as standard
Measuring Junction Quartz
Reference Junction Stainless Steel
Thermo-element Purities
How to order
Platinum 99.999% Pure
Gold 99.999% Pure Model type: Au/Pt Thermocouple
Calibration Isotech Traceable Including emf vs. temperature traceable calibration
Options Calibration at Zinc, certificate and carrying case.
Aluminium and Silver Fixed
Points.
NPL: Fixed Point
Calibration: Calibrated at
Fixed Points of Zn, Al and
Ag (UKAS)
Uncertainty: 0 - 400°C ±0.07°C
400 - 1000°C ±0.05°C

SOLUTIONS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY LABORATORIES | 39

 Precision Thermometry Bridges
Isotech have a range of innovative precision thermometers to match the calibration
requirements of all labs, from most demanding of National Metrology Institutes
through to the needs of those calibrating industrial sensors.

Precision Thermometry Bridges

The microK instruments and the
matching microK channel expander
can be used with the best of
Standard Platinum Resistance
Thermometers, Thermistors and
Thermocouples with uncertainties of
better than 0.0001°C.

The microK family has unrivalled

convenience and flexibility with
performance that was previously only
attainable with the best of the AC
Resistance Bridges.
Precision Thermometers
This range includes two high
accuracy bench top thermometers.
The TTI-22 offer performance to 1mK
at a ground breaking new price. The
milliK can be used with SPRTs, PRTs,
Thermistors, Thermocouples and
Current Transmitters.

Selection Guide

Model SPRTs PRTs Thermistors Thermocouples Accuracy Application Features

at 0°C
Precision Thermometry Bridges
microK
70 g g g g 0.017ppm Primary Three Input Channels
Touch Screen
microK Adjustable Current
125 g g g g 0.03ppm Primary Source
Keep Warm Currents
microK Touch Screen
250 g g g g 0.06ppm Secondary
microK
500 g g g g 0.125ppm Secondary
Precision Thermometers
milliK g g g g 0.003°C Secondary Current Input
TTI-22 g g 0.001°C Secondary Sets new Standard for
Price to Performance
Scanners
microsKanner Add up to 90 Channels to microK family
Plug and Play Operation
Model 954 8 Channel PRT Switch for TTI-22 and
TTI-7 PLUS
Model 958 8 Channel Thermocouple Switch for
TTI-22 and TTI-7 PLUS

40 | SOLUTIONS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY LABORATORIES

Resistors
To enable the smallest of measurements Standard Resistors are used, and in the Primary Lab these resistors require to
be kept at a precise and constant temperature. Isotech can supply and calibrate Standard Resistors to uncertainties less
than 0.08ppm.

Resistor Selection Guide

Model SRA & SRB 456 455

Values SRA: 1, 10, 25 and 100 Ohm 10, 25, 100, 1000, Standard Resistor
400 Ohm to special order 10,000 Ohm Maintenance Bath

SRB: 1000 and 10,000 Ohms

Application Primary and Secondary Affordable Resistors with Precisely Maintains SRA
Lab microK inbuilt temperature control Primary Resistors at Fixed
Temperature

RBC: Resistance Bridge Calibrator

The RBC is designed for quick and simple, in-house calibrations of AC and DC thermometry bridges, with an accuracy
of better than 0.1 ppm at 100 Ω. The calibrators are supported by software for analysis of the results.

http://www.isotech.co.uk

SOLUTIONS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY LABORATORIES | 41

 Precision Thermometer
microK
-200 to 1800°C

g Ratio Accuracy to <0.02ppm (20ppb) with Zero Drift

g SPRTs, PRTs, RTDs, Thermistors and Thermocouples
g Reliable 21st Century 100% Solid State Design

The microK family of precision thermometry bridges use a

completely new measurement technique to achieve
accuracies to better than 0.02ppm.

There are four models to suit all levels of temperature

metrology from National Measurement Institutes to those
wanting a solution to make low uncertainty temperature
measurements in a range of applications.

In addition to making the best resistance measurements,

the microK makes high accuracy thermocouple
measurements with a voltage uncertainty of <0.25µV. The Unequalled combination of accuracy, stability and versatility.
microK can be used with all standard thermometer types
including SPRTs, Standard Thermocouples, Industrial
PRTS and thermistors.

First introduced in 2006 the microK is rapidly becomming

the instrument of choice at the world’s leading NMIs and To be clear, as a ratio bridge the microK is drift free. This
many commercial laboratories. All microK models now is a benefit of the substitution topology used and provides
include IEEE-488 General Purpose Interface Bus as well as one of the microK’s most exciting features, it is inherently
RS232 and USB. The microK 70 and microK 125 also drift free.
feature an Ethernet port and can be monitored and
It doesn’t have compensation or adjustment circuits, it
controlled across a LAN.
doesn’t have software offsets, it doesn’t self-calibrate, it
Performance by Design - Drift Free never needs adjusting, never needs a service engineer, in
ratio measurement it is drift free by design.
“Performance by Design” was the mantra and passion
behind the development of the microK. On Day 1 a For more details read, “Using a Substitution Measurement
decision was made, “no tweak pots” (such as used on AC Topology to Eliminate the Effect of Common Mode Errors
Bridges to correct for flux leakage), no software in Resistance Measurements used in Temperature
adjustment, no “self-calibration” but performance by design. Metrology” available on the Isotech Website which also
The microK achieves its resistance ratio accuracy by explains why the performance of the microK is superior to
design, not adjustment and is uniquely drift free. DC potentiometric instruments.

Accuracy Key Features

Model Ratio Accuracy n Resistance Thermometry n Three Input Channels
Accuracy (Whole - 0.1Ω, 0.25Ω, 1Ω, 10Ω, 25.5Ω, 100Ω Best Practice Ready
Range) SPRTs - Expandable to 92
- Industrial PRTs
ppm* ppm n Ease of Use
- Thermistors
- Intuitive Touch Screen Operation,
microK 70 0.017 0.07 n Voltage Measurement Store all Standard Thermometer and
- Laboratory Standards: Platinum / Standard Resistors internally
microK 125 0.03 0.125 Rhodium, Platinum / Gold and Base - Log to internal memory or USB
Metal, Accuracy to 0.25µV Memory Drive
microK 250 0.06 0.25
n Display Modes n Reliable
microK 500 0.125 0.5 - Numeric and Graphical - 21st Century Solid State Design, no
- Ratio, Resistance, Voltage, °C, °F, K moving parts
n Stable
* At Ratio: 0.95 to 1.05 - ZERO drift in ratio measurement

42 | SOLUTIONS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY LABORATORIES

Performance by Design - More Advantages Keep Warm Currents
In making ratio measurements other benefits by design The microK includes keep-warm current sources to
include:- maintain the power in a PRT when it is not being
measured, eliminating uncertainty resulting from power
n Zero Hysteresis
coefficients. Each channel, whether on the microK or a
There is no hysteresis effect by design
microsKanner can be individually programmed.
n Zero Channel to Channel Variation
Even with a microsKanner, as the channel expander Zero Current Resistance
duplicates the front end of the microK for each
The microK was the first Bridge to have the ability to
input rather than just being a switch box
automatically compute and display the zero current
n Zero Temperature Coefficient
resistance with no manual correction, this feature is
Temperature Coefficient is 0ppm/°C, another benefit of
available on the microK 70 and 125 models.
the substitution technique. No need for warm up or
stabilisation periods. Low Noise
n Complete Line Frequency Rejection
The new ADC, together with the low noise pre-amplifiers
Total rejection of 50 and 60Hz line frequency
used in the microK, means you achieve a lower
Thermocouple Measurements measurement uncertainty in a shorter time.

When used with an external 0°C cold junction reference Parallel Processing Technology
unit (or by measuring the junction temperature with a The microK 70 and 125 incorporate additional technology
PRT on another channel) the microK can be used for low (compared to the micro 250 and 500) to deliver superior
uncertainty precision thermocouple measurements. The performance for the Primary Laboratory. A new technique
microK is designed for ALL the thermometer types used of Analogue Parallel Processing is used to lower noise to a
in a laboratory including Standard Thermocouples. The level that previously could only be achieved by the best
voltage uncertainty is 0.25µV, equivalent to 0.01°C for a AC Bridges. These models also feature an Ethernet port
Platinum / Gold thermocouple at 1000°C.

ADC Learn more

Download the
The microK realises its superior 12 page brochure at
linearity and low noise through a
www.isotech.co.uk/microk
number of novel approaches,
including a new noise reduction
technique, new solid state switching,
new guarding arrangements and a
sophisticated substitution topology
to achieve zero drift.

microK with microsKanner

SOLUTIONS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY LABORATORIES | 43

 microK Universal Specifications
Accuracy - Voltage uncertainty: Expandable Add up to 90 expansion channels
Thermocouples Range 0-20mV 250nV. Equivalent to 0.01°C
Probes Supported PRT’s, Thermistors & Thermocouples
for Gold Platinum thermocouples at 1000 °C
Units Ratio, V, Ω, °C, °F, K
Measurement Time Resistance: <2s (1s using the RS232 or
(Per Channel) GPIB interface) Switching Solid state
Voltage: <1s (0.5s using the RS232 or Technology
GPIB interface) Sensor Current 0 – 10mA in 3 Ranges
Temperature PRTs: ITS-90, Callendar-van 0 – 0.1mA ±0.4% Value
Conversions Dusen. Thermocouples: IEC584-1 1995 (B, E, ±70nA (Resolution 28 nA)
J, K, N, R, S, T), L and gold-platinum. 0.1 – 1mA ±0.4% Value
Thermistors: Steinhart-Hart ±0.7µA (Resolution 280nA)
1– 10mA ±0.4% Value
Cable Length Limited to 10Ω per core and 10nF shunt ±7µA (Resolution 2.8 µA)
capacitance (equivalent to 100m of RG58
coaxial cable) Keep Warm Adjustable 0-10mA
Current Each Channel Adjustable
Input Connectors Cable Pod connector accepting:
TM
0-10mA ±0.4% Value ±7µA (Resolution 2.8 µA)
4mm plugs, spades or bare wires
Contact material: gold plated tellurium copper Internal Data 2Gb: For > 4 years storage
Storage (Timed Stamped Measurements)
Interfaces RS232 (9600 baud), USB (1.1) - host,
IEEE-488 GPIB Operating For Full Specification:
Conditions 15 - 30°C 10 - 80% RH
Ratio Range Unlimited
Operational: 0 - 40°C 0 - 95% RH
Display 163mm / 6.4” VGA (640 x 480)
Supply 88-264 Vac, 47-63Hz
Colour TFT LCD
Size W x D x H 520mm x 166mm x 300mm /
Channels 3
20.5” x 6.6” x 11.9” (19” Rack Mountable)
Cold Junction Mode External and Remote with PRT

microK Specifications (Specifications are subject to change without prior notice)

Parameter microK 70 microK 125 microK 250 microK 500

Accuracy Whole Range 0.07ppm 0.125ppm 0.25ppm 0.5ppm

(SPRT Ro ≥ 2.5Ω)[1]

Accuracy Ratio 0.95 to 1.05[2] 0.017ppm 0.03ppm 0.06ppm 0.125ppm

Equivalent Temperature Accuracy[2] 0.017mK 0.03mK 0.06mK 0.125mK
Resolution 0.001mK 0.001mK 0.01mK 0.01mK
Resolution Voltage 10nV 10nV 10nV 10nV
Stability 0ppm/yr [3] 0ppm/yr [3] 0ppm/yr [3] 0ppm/yr [3]
TC (resistance ratio)[4] 0ppm/°C [3] 0ppm/°C [3] 0ppm/°C [3] 0ppm/°C [3]
Resistance Range 0 - 100 kΩ 0 - 100 kΩ 0 - 500 kΩ 0 - 500 kΩ
Voltage Range (Thermocouple) ±125mV ±125mV ±125mV ±125mV
Internal Resistance 25, 100, 400Ω 25, 100, 400Ω 1, 10, 25, 100, 400Ω 1, 10, 25, 100, 400Ω
Standards
Internal Standard TCR <0.05ppm/°C 1, 10Ω <0.6ppm/°C <5ppm/year
Resistor Stability Annual Stability <2ppm/year 25,100,400 <0.3ppm/°C <5ppm/year
Interfaces RS232, GPIB & USB & Ethernet RS232, GPIB, USB
Power 25W maximum, 1.5A (RMS) maximum 20W maximum, 1.5A (RMS) maximum
Weight 13.3kg 13.3kg 12.4kg 12.4kg

Notes: 1. Over whole range of SPRT, -200°C to 962°C. For Ro=0.25Ω increased by a factor of 2.5
2. E.g.: 25Ω SPRT with 25Ω standard resistor at water triple point or with direct comparison of similar SPRTs.
3. The microK uses a “substitution technique” in which the Device-Under-Test and the Reference are successively switched into the same position in the
measuring circuit. This means that the stability of resistance ratio measurements is immeasurably small.
4. Using external reference resistors.

44 | SOLUTIONS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY LABORATORIES

 Channel Expander
microsKanner
-200 to 1800°C

g Expandable to 90 channels
g Supports PRTs, thermocouples & thermistors
g Plug-and-play operation

The microsKanner can be used with any member of the

microK family to add further channels, up to a maximum
of 90 expansion channels.

Easy to Use: The use of plug-and-play technology means

that the extra channels appear automatically on your
microK bridge when connected to a microsKanner. You
can configure the new input channels in exactly same
way as any of the microK’s existing inputs (through the
microK’s touch screen or a PC, via an RS232 connection).
You just plug in a microsKanner and immediately gain
the benefit of the additional channels, making this the
easiest channel expansion system of its type.

Accurate: The microsKanner replicates the input system

of the microK bridge for all 10 of its input channels
Measurements made with a microsKanner are therefore
to the same accuracy as the microK bridge it is
connected to. By adding further scanners the microK
system can be expanded to 92 channels without losing Model microsKanner
measurement performance.
Channels 10
Versatile: Like the microK bridge, the microsKanner
works with PRTs, thermocouples and thermistors giving Keep-Warm Currents 0-10mA ±0.4% of value, ±7µA,
you unparalleled flexibility. resolution 2.5µA

Keep-Warm Currents: The micosKanner has 10 Input connectors Cable Pod™ connector accepting:
individually programmable keep-warm current sources 4mm plugs, spades or bare wires
to maintain the power in PRTs when they are not being Contact material Gold plated tellurium copper
measured, eliminating uncertainty caused by power
coefficients. Interface RS232 (9600 baud)

Cable Pod™ Connector System: The connectors Operating conditions 15-30°C / 50-85°F, 10-90% RH
accept 4mm plugs, spades or bare wires. The standard (for full specification)
¾” separation is compatible with standard 4mm to BNC 0-50°C / 32-120°C, 0-99% RH
adaptors, so you can use thermometers with any standard (operational)
termination type. The Cable Pod™ connector system uses
gold-plated, tellurium-copper to give the lowest possible Power 88-264V (RMS), 47-63Hz (Universal)
thermal EMF and the best measurement uncertainty. 10W maximum, 1.2A (RMS) maximum

Reliable: Like the microK, the microsKanner uses the Size 520mm x 166mm x 300mm /
latest semiconductor technology for channel selection 20.5” x 6.6” x 11.9” (W x D x H)
and signal routing. This completely solid-state design
Weight 12.6kg / 28lb
therefore provides the highest possible reliability.

SOLUTIONS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY LABORATORIES | 45

 DATA
PROVISIONAL

Resistance Bridge Calibrators

RBC100A/M & RBC400A/M
Calibrate thermometry bridges quickly,
simply and in-house

g Calibrate ac and dc thermometry bridges

g High accuracy - better than 0.01 ppm at 100 Ohms
(RBC100A)
g Patented design licensed from IRL
g Windows application for full analysis and reporting

Operating principles
The problem: Temperature measurement is one of the most
demanding applications of resistance measurement. It
requires the measurement of resistance ratios to accuracies
of 1 part in 107 or better. While dc resistance standards are
sometimes available at this level, ac resistance standards Manual
are generally not. So how can we show our bridges
are accurate at this level, and that our resistance and
temperature measurements are traceable?
Automatic
The linearity check:
One simple method for checking a resistance bridge is to
measure a pair of resistors separately, and then measure the
two in series. Ideally the series measurement should equal
the sum of the two individual measurements. If not, then the
measurements give us a little bit of information about the
errors in the bridge readings. Note that we do not need to
know the values of the resistors to make this test work.

The complement check:

Another check is to measure the ratio of two resistances,
say R1/R2, then swap the resistors and measure the
reciprocal ratio (or complement), R2/R1. Ideally the product
of the two measurements should equal 1.0 exactly, if not,
the measurements give us more information on the bridge
errors. Once again, we do not need to know the values of
the resistors to make this test work.

The combinatorial method:

The combinatorial calibration method is particularly powerful
The RBC exploits the same principles as the linearity and because it is not necessary to know the actual values of the
complement check. It uses a network of four stable four- four resistors, or their frequency dependence. This means
terminal resistors that can be connected in 35 different we can calibrate any ac or dc bridge to any accuracy, so
series and parallel combinations. By measuring each long as the various resistance combinations are accurate.
RBC combination in the two different ways (as with the
complement check) up to 70 different measurements can The patented RBC Calibrators are a result of research
be made. Since the RBC has just four unknown resistance carried out by Rod White at the Measurement Standards
values, we have up to 66 independent measurements Laboratory of New Zealand, which operates within Industrial
containing information about the errors in the bridge readings. Research Ltd (IRL). Isothermal Technology Ltd has an
exclusive license from IRL to develop, sell and produce
the RBC.

46 | SOLUTIONS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY LABORATORIES

 Automatic vs Manual
The manual model is operated from switches, and the data The RBC 100A / 400A benefits not only from automatic
manually entered into the software for analysis and reporting. operation but with changes to the internal circuitry to increase
the accuracy and they can be immersed in oil to allow for
The new automatic model is operated from a PC via a USB
temperature control.
connection. There are drivers for the Isotech milliK and AC
and DC bridges from other manufactures that allow for fully
automatic and unattended calibration of commonly used For further information,
thermometry bridges. The software design allows for new see our website
drivers to be created as DLLs and we expect to support a http://www.isotech.co.uk/rbc
growing number of bridges, check the website for full details.

Manual Specifications Automatic Specifications

Accuracy: <0.1ppm at 100Ω Accuracy: <0.01ppm at 100Ω
(For DC and AC to 400 Hz) (For DC and AC to 400 Hz.
When RBC is temperature controlled)
Temperature < ±0.3 ppm/ °C.
Coefficient: Temperature < ±0.3 ppm/ °C
Coefficient:
Maximum RBC100M: 10mA
Sensing current: RBC400M: 5mA Maximum RBC100A: 5mA
Sensing current: RBC400A: 3mA
Resistance range: RBC100M: 16Ω to 127Ω
Resistance range: RBC100A: 16Ω to 127Ω
RBC400M: 43Ω to 346Ω
RBC400A: 43Ω to 346Ω
Power supply: None - the RBC is completely passive Power supply: 5V, via the USB cable. Idle current
typically less than 5mA, switching
Connections: Four-terminal coaxial using separate
currents less than 200mA.
BNC for the current and voltage leads
Connections: Signal: Five-terminal guarded dc
Case Dimensions: Width 215mm spade lugs.
Height 105mm
Depth 200mm Digital control: USB.
(2U height by half rack width) Case Dimensions: Diameter 88mm
Height 140mm
Weight: 2.5 kg Identical to Tinsley type standard
resistors.
Weight: 1.25 kg

Software Minimal hardware requirements:

Tabular and graphical representation of data 486/66 PC
Least-squares fit to determine model of bridge error 8 Mb RAM (16 Mb for NT)
Tabular summary of data and results SVGA (800 x 600) monitor
Print calibration report Compatible with Microsoft Windows platforms

The RBC software in use: the data is input on the left and the Can you trust your bridge?
results of the analysis are seen in the right-hand windows.
In the paper “A Method for Calibrating Resistance
Thermometry Bridges” Rod White evaluated 38
Bridges, small but significant faults were found
with 15% of those tested, but “like the walking
wounded” they continued to provide a plausible
reading.
The RBC allows easy verification and calibration of
your bridge ensuring measurements are accurate
and traceable, use it to Restore Bridge Confidence

The RBC in use

SOLUTIONS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY LABORATORIES | 47

 True Temperature Indicator
TTI - 22
-250 to 962°C

g No mechanical relays, long life

g Warns if calibration due date exceeded
g Accuracy to 0.001°C, 1mK

Quite simply the Isotech TTI-22 High Accuracy

Thermometer sets new standards in the price to
performance ratio for industrial and secondary
resistance thermometry. If you need high accuracy at an
affordable price you have to look at the TTI-22.

The TTI-22 has an accuracy of 0.001°C and a resolution of

0.0001°C (0.00004 Ohms). It has two input channels, is
lightweight (1.8kg) and will operate for more than 10
hours from two small AA cells. It has both RS232 and Simple to use
Ethernet ports. High Accuracy
High Resolution
Simple to use, supporting both Industrial 100 Ohm probe
and SPRTs to ITS-90, 25.5 and 100 Ohm. Up to 30 probe
calibrations can be stored along with the calibration
expiry date so the instrument can warn when the
calibration time has been exceeded. Model TTI-22

Built in statistics calculation can show you both the Inputs 2 channel
measured and average values along with the standard Pt100 (BS EN 60751 / IEC 751) or
deviation over previous measurements. 25.5/100Ω SPRT to ITS-90
Measuring 0.41mA
The Isotech TTI-22 is ideal as a reference standard Current
alongside liquid calibration baths, for the smallest
Self Heating 0.29mA (0.41mA / √2)
uncertainty calibration with Dry Blocks or for demanding
Test Current
stand alone measurement applications.
Measuring Time 1.44 seconds for both channels
Previously this level of performance was confined to
Measuring -250 to 960°C (0 to 440 Ohm)
specialist laboratories with expensive thermometry bridges;
Range
TTI-22 delivers 5 to 10 times the performance of
comparably priced instruments. Resolution Temperature: 0.0001°C, 0.1mK
Resistance: 0.00004Ω, 40 μΩ

g The TTI-22 uses the same patented measurement Uncertainty of Temperature: 0.001°C, 1mK 100 Ohm PRT
technique as the earlier TTI-2. Measurement Resistance: 0.4mΩ @ 20°C
Instrument only, uncertainty with sensor dependant
g Each measurement performs a zero point and gain on range and sensor type.
correction. Reference Internal 380Ω
g The switched polarity DC measuring current (0.4mA) Resistor TCR ±0.3ppm / °C
eliminates thermal EMFs. Stability ±5ppm / year

g
Interface RS232, Ethernet, built-in web server
Surface mount construction ensures long term
provides simple temperature display
reliability.
Ambient Temp. 10°C to 30°C
Range
Power Supply 7.5VDC, 250mA power adaptor or 2 x AA
batteries (typically >10 hours operating time)
Case Width: 190mm
Dimensions Height: 112mm
Depth: 240mm
Weight: 1.8kg

48 | SOLUTIONS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY LABORATORIES

The TTI-22 continually compares the The instrument can be configured Recommended probes include the
connected sensor to a highly stable to measure ratio of the measured Isotech 909/100 and 670SQ /100,
precision internal reference resistor. resistance of the two input channels, 935-14-16, 935-14-95L and H.
For a Pt100 at 0°C the annual stability a technique familiar to users of older
for absolute measurement is typically style thermometry bridges. The TTI-22 includes Cal Notepad
±1.3mK (5ppm x 100Ω = 0.5mΩ / software for easy monitoring and
1.3mK). The overall uncertainty of the logging of data. It is fully compatible
instrument and probe together will with Isotech I-Cal Easy which can
For comparison calibration, when be determined by the model of automate comparison calibration.
a reference probe is compared probe and the temperature range.
to a calibrated standard, the long For the majority of applications
term stability is not important as the contribution of the instrument
any change of value is cancelled in uncertainty will be negligible
the comparison. The temperature compared to the uncertainty of the
coefficient is 0.3ppm / °C and the calibrated probe.
measuring time, for both channels, is
just 1.44 seconds.

http://www.isotech.co.uk

SOLUTIONS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY LABORATORIES | 49

 Precision Thermometer
milliK
-270 to 1820°C

g Wide Range of Sensors, SPRTs, PRTs, Thermistors,

Thermocouples and 4-20mA Transmitters
g High Accuracy, < ±5ppm for PRTs, ±2µV for
Thermocouples and ±1µA for Transmitters
g Logs and Controls Isotech Temperature Sources
Massive logging capacity - supports Dry Blocks and
Liquid Baths

The milliK Precision Thermometer from Isotech sets a new

standard for the high accuracy measurement and calibration
of Platinum Resistance Thermometers, Thermistors,
Thermocouples and Process Instrumentation (4-20mA) over
the range -270°C to 1820°C.

In addition to low uncertainty measurements from Reference

Standards and Industrial sensors, the milliK can control The Isotech milliK
Isotech temperature sources, sequencing through a High Accuracy Measurement
Controls Calibration Baths
programmable list of temperature set points and log data to Logs Data
internal memory or a USB drive.

The milliK has two input channels for sensors and a third
channel for current. It can be expanded to become a
measuring system with up to 33 channels reading SPRTs,
RTDs, Thermistors, or Thermocouples with the option to
control calibration baths and log readings accurately.
No Compromise Design
Benefiting You The design team have considered industrial users and
The milliK sets a new standard for value, versatility and applications in order to avoid measurement errors and
accuracy - < ±5ppm over range for PRTs, ±2µV for problems encountered in some instruments from other
Thermocouples and ±1µA for current transmitters, see table. manufacturers:
Supporting a wide range of sensors and functions it n Eliminates Thermal EMF Errors in PRTS
replaces individual devices making it a cost effective Fast current reversal technology and solid state switching
calibration solution. eliminate thermal EMF effects avoiding the errors that
occur with fixed DC instruments.
A robust design and operation from AC or DC power allows n Lead Wire Correction
the milliK to be used in the laboratory, test room or out in the PRT lead wire errors are eliminated for up to 30m of four
field. core screened cable. Also supports lead wire wire
correction for three wire PRTs.
The milliK can display in °C, °F, K, Ohms, mV and mA with
numeric and graphical display modes. The large back lit n Galvanic Isolation
display makes configuring the instrument and setting the Not only are the two sensor channels galvanically
scrolling strip charts intuitive. The USB port allows for the isolated, the 4 - 20mA input is also separately isolated.
use of a mouse, keyboard or USB Drive. The benefits of the advance design are no ground loops,
improved safety and noise immunity.
Built on World Leading Technology
In 2006 Isotech launched the microK range of thermometry High Resolution
bridges which quickly established themselves as the instrument The display resolution is 0.0001°C (0.1mK) made possible
of choice for National Metrology Institutes and Primary by using a powerful Sigma Delta Analogue to Digital
Laboratories with innovative features, accuracy and versatility. converter to achieve a true measuring resolution of just
28µΩ equivalent to 0.00007°C (0.07mK) for PRT inputs.
In response to industry demands for greater accuracy,
the milliK now brings the same design philosophy used in Expandable
the microK to those outside the Primary Laboratory. Users The millisKanner adds eight channels, and each can be
calibrating industrial sensors in the laboratory, pharmaceutical configured individually as a SPRT, PRT, Thermistor or
plants, food and beverage plants, aerospace, power Thermocouple input. A maximum of four millisKanners can
industries and service companies will welcome the milliK as be added, providing up to 32 channels - all controlled from
a solution to increase measurement confidence, ensure high the milliK touch screen or an RS232 connection.
accuracy traceable calibration, improve quality as well as
ensure safety and lower energy consumption.

50 | SOLUTIONS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY LABORATORIES

Reliable junction with a probe on an unused Data Management
Like the award winning microK range, channel, useful for automated systems. Probe data and logged measurements
the milliK is all solid state. There are can be exported to a USB Memory
no mechanical relays, switches or 21st Century Design drive at the push of a button.
potentiometers which would reduce Utilising a powerful internal operating Additionally, the instrument is future
reliability. system and fast 32 Bit processor the proof with future software updates
milliK has the power and capacity to applied from a USB drive.
Input Connectors overcome the memory limitations of
No compromise design ruled out older instruments. Connectivity and Communications
lower cost problematic connectors With USB host, two serial interfaces
and the SPRT / PRT inputs are via Store Probe Data and Ethernet it is easy to communicate
the highest quality gold plated push / There is sufficient memory for an almost with the milliK whether it is on the
pull self latching circular connectors unlimited number of standard probes, bench next to a PC or remotely using
overcoming the problems seen allowing the storing of calibration data a LAN or WAN connection. These
elsewhere where thermometers have for both resistance thermometers and interfaces are fitted as standard.
been designed to a budget. thermocouples. The digital matching of
probe data allows the instrument to show The milliK includes a PC lead and
Outstanding CJC Performance and the true temperature. The instrument will software.
Flexibility warn if a probes calibration time has
Again, the no compromise design expired. Open Calibration
philosophy led to a specially developed The milliK is readily calibrated against
rugged thermocouple connector made Data Logging resistance and voltage standards.
from alumina and incorporating a Older instruments are limited to a There are no internal adjustments and
digital temperature sensor for optimal maximum number of logged data points, the calibration commands are simply
cold junction accuracy. the milliK is limited only by storage sent via RS232 or from the front panel
space. The internal memory can store (password protected). The procedure
Three CJC modes allow thermocouple more than six months of data, and with is open and fully documented unlike
operation with internal automatic a low cost USB Memory stick the milliK some other instruments where there
compensations, external 0°C reference can log continuously for a lifetime is no choice but to return to the
systems or the milliK can measure the manufacturer.

1 The milliK can connect to Isotech 2 Wide range of sensors 3 Expandable

temperature sources The milliK can use Standard Reference The milliK can be expanded to have
Dry Blocks, Liquid Baths and Furnaces probes and read from industrial sensors a maximum of 33 high accuracy
Can cycle the bath through a series being calibrated, including 4 - 20mA channels. The millisKanner has eight
of temperatures logging the data - all transmitters - all to high accuracy. expansion channels, with each channel
without a PC. configurable for SPRT, PRT, Thermistor or
Thermocouple input type.

1300°C

4 Logs 5 Safety 6 Designed to eliminate and protect

The milliK can record time stamped The milliK inputs are galvanically against real world problems
data to internal memory or a USB isolated, with the 4 - 20mA input The milliK eliminates thermal EMF
Memory Drive. separately isolated avoiding problems errors, compensates for lead wire
with high voltage pick up common resistance and warns if a probe is out of
when using thermocouples in high calibration.
temperature furnaces.

SOLUTIONS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY LABORATORIES | 51

 Specifications
Input Channels 3 Input Connectors SPRTs/PRTs: LemoEPG.1B.306.
Channels 1+2 SPRTs, PRTs, Thermistor and HLN 6-pin gold
Thermocouples plated contacts
Channel 3 Process Inputs 4 - 20mA Thermocouples: Miniature
Isolated 24VDC Power Supply Included Thermocouple
socket (ASTM E
Ranges SPRTs: 0-115Ω 1684-05)
PRTs: 0-460Ω 4-20mA: 4mm sockets
Thermistors: 0-500kΩ
Thermocouples: ±115mV Interfaces 10/100MBit Ethernet (RJ45 socket)
4-20mA: 0-30mA USB (2.0) host
2 x RS232 (9-pin D-type plug, 9600
Display Units °C, °F, K, Ω, mV, mA Baud)

Accuracy Initial Over 1 year Display 89mm / 3.5” QVGA (320 x 240) colour
SPRTs/PRTs: 5ppm 7ppm TFT LCD with LED backlight
Thermistors: 50ppm 150ppm
Thermocouples: 2µV 4µV Operating Operating: 0-45°C / 32-113°F,
4-20mA: 0.01% 0.02% Conditions 0-99% humidity
Full Specification: 15-30°C / 50-85 °F,
Temperature Accuracy Initial Over 1 year 10-90% humidity
SPRTs/PRTs (at 0°C): 3mK 4mK
(over full range): 5mK 7mK Statistics In Addition to Instantaneous Display
Thermistors: 50ppm 150ppm user can select mean of 2 - 100
Thermocouples: measurements with Standard Deviation
Type B: ±0.23°C ±0.46°C
Type E: ±0.03°C ±0.06°C Measurement 950mS
Type J: ±0.04°C ±0.07°C Time
Type K: ±0.05°C ±0.10°C
Type L: ±0.04°C ±0.07°C Cable Length Limited to 10Ω per core and 10nF shunt
Type N: ±0.06°C ±0.12°C capacitance (equivalent to 100m of
Type R ±0.17°C ±0.34°C typical 4-core screened PTFE cable)
Type S: ±0.19°C ±0.38°C
Type T: ±0.05°C ±0.09°C Logging Capacity to store > 180 Days of time
Au-Pt: ±0.12°C ±0.23°C stamped measurements to internal
memory
Resolution Resistance (PRTs): 0.00001Ω
(Thermistors): 0.001Ω Recommended Isotech Semi Standard PRTs
Voltage: 0.00001mV Probes Isotech Model 909 SPRT
Current: 0.001mA
Temperature: 0.0001° Power 88-264V (RMS), 47-63Hz (universal),
6W maximum or 4 x AA cells
Temperature PRTs: IEC60751(2008),
Conversions Callendar-van Dimensions 255mm x 255mm x 114mm / 10” x 10” x
Dusen, ITS90 4.5” (W x D x H)
Thermocouples: IEC584-1 1995
(B,E,J,K,N,R,S,T), Weight 2.25kg / 5lb
L, Au-Pt
Optional 931-22-102
Thermistors: Steinhart-Hart,
Carring Case
polynomial

Sensor Currents SPRTs/PRTs: 1mA and 1.428mA

±0.4% (reversing)
Thermistors: 5µA (reversing)

Keep-Warm SPRTs/PRTs: 1mA and 1.428mA

Current

NOTE: Due to our program of continual development and improvement, we reserve the right to amend or alter characteristics and design without prior notice.

52 | SOLUTIONS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY LABORATORIES

 Channel Expander
millisKanner
-270 to 1820°C

g Expands milliK to a maximum of 33 Channels

g Supports SPRTs, PRTs, Thermistors and
Thermocouples
g Universal Inputs for Flexibility

The millisKanner channel expander has eight input

channels, and each can be configured individually for
SPRT, PRT, Thermistor or Thermocouple input. This gives
ultimate flexibility with no need for separate devices for
resistance or thermocouple inputs. A maximum of four
devices can be added to the milliK providing 33 sensor
inputs as well as the 4 - 20mA Process Input.

With no loss of accuracy and total flexibility a milliK and also from the control circuitry which allows for better
system can be configured to suit a wide range of measurements and lower noise.
reference thermometers and units under test. This The millisKanner is controlled from the milliK with plug
adaptable system saves on cost with no need for and play operation.
separate dedicated expansion modules and the flexibility
For use as a standalone switch for PRTs, the device
maximises the usefulness of each channel.
has UP / DOWN touch buttons or can be operated via
A solid state design avoids mechanical relays and RS232. The temperature of the input thermocouple
provides high reliability. The inputs are isolated with connectors can be read directly over RS232 to facilitate
galvanic isolation between the contacts and the PSU reference junction compensation.

Model millisKanner Max devices per milliK 4

Channels 8 Power 5V DC at 100mA
Channel Indication LED (mains power supply provided)

Input Connectors Terminal Post, accepts 4mm CJC Sensor Digital

plugs, spades and bare wires Size 255 x 255 x 80mm
Miniature Thermocouple Sockets Weight 2.3kg
Control Automatic:
Plug and Play from the milliK
Manual:
UP / DOWN buttons or RS232

n Recommended Probes (Fit milliK Case)

Sensing Element

Length Sensing Handle Cable Application

Model Maximum Diameter
Range (A) Length (B) (C)

300mm 6mm 19 x 120mm 2m PTFE Fast Response, Low
935-14-61/TTI -50°C to 250°C 4mm
Stem Conduction
General Purpose
6mm 350mm 25mm 19 x 120mm 2m PTFE
935-14-116/TTI -100°C to 450°C
rds, in Isotech catalogue Volume 2 or online.
For further options and details, see Reference Probes - Semi Standa
the Isotech Model 909Q and for thermocouples the
For laboratory standard thermometers we recommend for SPRTs
& Second ary Laboratories.
Model 1600 Type R, see Catalogue 1: Solutions from Primary

SOLUTIONS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY LABORATORIES | 53

 20°C
AC/DC Standard Resistors
Models SRA & SRB
Eventually all resistance thermometry refers back to one
or more fixed resistors. These are a key element in any
laboratory which measures temperature. The resistors
need to be very stable with time, temperature and
transportation, and they need to have negligible
inductance and capacitance.

They also need to have a long and successful history of

use. Wilkins and Swan at our National Physical
Laboratory (NPL) developed a resistor design flexible
enough to allow windings with various resistance values
to be made available and stable enough to be accepted
world-wide as resistance standards. Particularly
important is that the AC/DC characteristics are the same
up to about 1000 Hz.

This design has been licensed to H. Tinsley & Co. who

have been producing (and have made further
improvements to) this product since 1970.

Isotech are pleased to be able to offer this design of

resistor made for us by Tinsley with 1 of 2 calibration
possibilities:

UKAS with an uncertainty of ±0.3ppm (SRA models).

NPL with an uncertainty of ±0.1 ppm (dependant on

resistance value).

TYPE SRA Values 1, 10, 25 and 100 Ohms Construction

400 Ohms to special order
Element Strain free, immersed in dry
TYPE SRB Values 1000, 10,000 Ohms oil (No. 4 Kerosene)
Calibrated uncertainty 0.3ppm (see UKAS schedule) Top panel Bakelite with PTFE inserts
and engraved lettering
Accuracy of adjustment ±20ppm
Terminal - Current 0BA copper
Stability 2ppm/year
(0.5ppm/year to special order) Terminal - Potential 4BA copper
Temperature coefficient 2ppm/°C Earth 6BA brass
of resistance 0.5ppm to special order
Dimensions Container 114 x 76mm dia.
Recommended 10 mW
Overall 140 x 83mm dia.
dissipation
Weight 680g
Maximum dissipation 1 Watt
Approximate load 6ppm/Watt
coefficient How to order
A.C./D.C. transfer 1ppm 10Ω - 10kΩ Standard Resistor
error at 1kHz 5ppm 1Ω Please specify type, resistance value and calibration
option.

54 | SOLUTIONS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY LABORATORIES

 Resistor Maintenance Bath
Model 455
Dew point to 40°C

g Wide Temperature Range

g +/-0.005K Stability / Gradients
g Will House Several Standard Resistors

As a result of many years development, Isothermal are

now able to offer a temperature controlled Standard
Resistor Maintenance Bath. Using Peltier heating/cooling
modules, temperatures 20°C either side of ambient
temperature may be set to a resolution 0.01°C.

Stability and temperature differences total less than

±0.015K when measured directly in the oil of the bath
and ±0.003K when measured inside a Fixed Standard
Resistor.

The bath will house several Resistors depending on their

size and is ideal for measuring the temperature
coefficients of Fixed Resistors, as well as maintaining
them at a selected temperature.

The oil used in the bath is very special, it has to be very

high resistance and very low viscosity. Wrong choice of
oil will cause larger temperature gradients and may
cause the motor to burn out.

Model 455

Temperature Dew point to 40°C

Range

Accuracy ±0.005°C stability and gradients

Control 0.01°C Resolution

Power 15w typical,

100-130 or 208-240VAC*, 50/60Hz
* field changeable

Dimensions Height 910mm

Width 635mm
Depth 710mm
Weight 66kgs

Accessories
932-19-72 35 litres of special oil

How to order
455 Standard Resistor Maintenance Bath

Please specify voltage required Internal Assembly

Please specify number and type of Resistors

SOLUTIONS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY LABORATORIES | 55

 Temperature Controlled AC/DC Resistors
Model 456
g Nominal Temperature Coefficient of Resistance:
+0.02ppm/°C (with temperature control on) 18 to 25°C
g Power Rating: 0.5 Watt at +25°C
g Resistance Tolerance (Initial Resistance Accuracy):
±0.005%
g Standard models: 10, 25, 100, 1000 and 10,000Ω
g Current Noise: <0.010μV (RMS) / Volt of Applied
Voltage.
g Thermal EMF: 0.1μV/°C Max; 0.05μV/°C Typical
g The most precise and stable resistors available.
g Impervious to harmful environments - oil filled.

By temperature controlling an otherwise very stable

resistor a performance close to the very best available
World-wide can be achieved at a surprisingly low price.
The resistor itself is oil filled and hermetically sealed.
The function of hermetic sealing is to eliminate the
ingress of moisture and oxygen both of which play a role
in the long term degradation of unsealed resistors. A
further enhancement in both short and long term stability Model 456
is achieved by oil filling. The oil also acts as a thermal Rating 0.5 Watt
conductor allowing the device to accept short periods of Stability Typically 1ppm per year at 1mA
overload without degradation. Traceability A Traceable Certificate accompanies your 456 to
the 2 sigma uncertainties shown.
With accuracies of ±0.005%, a wide resistance range Induction 0.08μH typical
and long term drift of less than 5ppm, these devices are Capacitance 0.5pF
virtually secondary standards that can be kept in a Dimensions 144 x 110 x 96mm (in box)
laboratory as references to calibrate other devices. Weight 1kg (including box)
550g (excluding box)
The Resistor is held in a temperature controlled
environment heated to 30°C ±0.1°C other temperatures How to Order
are available to special order. The heater requires 2 watts 456 Temperature Controlled Fixed AC/DC Resistor
at 5V which can be supplied by a battery or an Please specify ohmic value
State with UKAS Calibration or without UKAS Calibration.
unregulated DC supply. In an ambient of 20°C the
Resistor’s heater will warm up in typically 30 minutes, and
a LED shows when the temperature has been reached. A Isotech UKAS Calibration Uncertainties (k=2)
test pocket is provided so that the resistors’ temperature Measured Quantity Range/ Best measurement
can be monitored if required. Instrument or Frequency Capability expressed
Gauge as an Expanded
Stability of 0.1 ppm/month or better can be expected. Uncertainty
Standard models are: 10, 25, 100, 1000, 10,000Ω. DC Resistance
For other values please contact Isotech. 0.1Ω to 1000Ω ±5ppm
For the highest quality traceability we recommend that 1kΩ to 100kΩ ±12ppm
the 456 be UKAS Certified. We can offer the 2 Sigma AC Resistance
Uncertainties shown in the table. 2.5Ω to 400Ω 75Hz ±15ppm
400Ω to 1000Ω 75Hz ±100ppm

The latest schedule can be found on the

Isotech website or at www.ukas.org.
0175

56 | Primary Laboratory | SOLUTIONS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY LABORATORIES

The Best Comparison
Calibration Equipment
Isotech have a range of professionally engineered comparison calibration equipment covering
the temperature range -200°C to 1300°C. Isotech have equipment to match the requirements of
National Metrology Institutes, Accredited Calibration Laboratories and in house calibration labs.

Comparison Calibration This can be rephrased to explain

comparison calibration “if a
With comparison calibration a
calibrated thermometer is at the
thermometer with known
same temperature as a calibration
characteristics is compared to the
bath, and a thermometer under test
thermometer we want to calibrate.
is at the same temperature as that
Relying on the “Zeroth Law of
calibration bath, then the calibrated
Thermodynamics”.
thermometer and the thermometer
There are four “Laws of under test are at the same
Thermodynamics”, the Zeroth Law temperature.”
was only formulated in 1931 by
Fowler - it is more fundamental than
the other three existing laws so it
became known not as the fourth law,
but the “Zeroth” law.
It states, “If two systems are in
thermal equilibrium, each having the
same temperature as a third system,
the two systems have the same
temperature as each other”.

Isotech Comparison Equipment

Isotech products are designed to be calibration schedule below is from Evaluation reports describing the
deep enough, to be stable enough Isotech’s UKAS accredited calibration performance of Isotech equipment
and to have sufficient uniformity to laboratory. The performances are are freely available.
enable calibration to the smallest of achieved using Isotech Baths and
uncertainties. The comparison Reference Thermometers.

Isotech UKAS Calibration Uncertainties (k=2)

The latest schedule
Platinum Resistance Thermometers
can be found on the
Isotech website
Calibration by -80 °C to -40 °C 7.0 mK or at www.ukas.org.
comparisons -40 °C to +50 °C 4.0 mK
50 °C to 156 °C 5.0 mK
156 °C to 300 °C 6.5 mK
300 °C to 420 °C 20 mK
420 °C to 660 °C 35 mK
0175

Evaluation reports describing the performance of Isotech equipment are freely available.

SOLUTIONS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY LABORATORIES | 57

 Types of Equipment Isotech baths employ sophisticated
designs to ensure calibration to the
Cryogenic smallest of uncertainties
A Liquid Nitrogen Comparator
provides a convenient calibration Parallel Tube Design
point at a nominal -196°C. The Here the heating, cooling
Model 459 Cryostat employs and mixing take place
Liquid Nitrogen to operate over in one of two parallel
the range -180C to -80C tubes. The second tube
is the calibration volume
and again the excellent
Low Temperature temperature uniformity
Range -80°C to 250°C gives small calibration
uncertainties.
Over this range Isotech Stirred
An added benefit of these
Liquid Baths of parallel tube
tube design of bath over
design provide outstanding
large square tank designs
temperature uniformity with low
is that to fill the bath much
filling costs. less liquid is required. For
high temperature work it is
usual to use Silicone Oils
Medium Temperature which have both a high
Range 50°C to 700°C cost and finite life.
The Isotech Fluidized Furnace
Model 875 is a concentric tube
Concentric Tube Baths
design that uses safe inert
alumina oxide powder in place of In this design liquid is
oil or dangerous salt mixes and forced down an outer
operates up to 700°C without tube and flows up an
hazard. The sealed design inner concentric tube. The
ensures no powder loss into the heating and cooling takes
laboratory. place in the outer tube
leaving the inner tube as
the calibration volume into
which the thermometers
High Temperature
are immersed. This design
Range 150°C to 1300°C
gives very small vertical
The concentric design of the and axial temperature
Isotech 877 Thermocouple gradients
Calibration Furnace avoids the
large temperature gradients
present in simple tube furnaces.

g The following pages describe the Isotech

range of comparison equipment.

Photograph by kind permission of

ThyssenKrupp Steel AG -
Werkstoffkompetenzzentrum

58 | SOLUTIONS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY LABORATORIES

 Boiling Point Apparatus
Nitrogen
-185 to -196°C

g Boiling Point of Liquid Nitrogen

g Gas Manifold for Thermometers
g Self Contained - Bench Mounted

Isotech Nitrogen Boiling Point Apparatus is designed

specifically to realize and maintain the liquid/vapour
equilibrium (boiling point) of nitrogen or argon, for the
calibration of thermometers on the International
Temperature Scale of 1990.
The Boiling Point Apparatus is self-contained and
refrigerated by liquid nitrogen or liquid argon, which must
be supplied by the user. Either liquid is suitable for the
purpose. Liquid nitrogen is generally less costly and
more readily available than liquid argon. The Apparatus
does not require electrical power for its operation.
The Boiling Point Apparatus will maintain the liquid-vapour
equilibrium of nitrogen (-195.798°C) or of argon
(-185.8468°C) indefinitely, provided boiled-off gas is
replenished.
ITS-90 specifies the triple point of argon (-189.3442°C)
as the low end of the long-stem Standard Platinum
Resistance Thermometer range. As a practical matter,
Boiling point of
realization of this triple point is a costly (in equipment
Liquid Nitrogen, -195.798°C
and time) and complicated process. High Accuracy ±0.002K,
Handbook/Tutorial supplied
Most laboratories will choose to calibrate this end of the
Self-contained, Bench mounted
platinum range by comparison of the thermometer under
test with a thermometer of known calibration. National
Laboratories themselves will invariably calibrate
Model ITL-M-18205
thermometers submitted to them by comparison, realising
the actual argon triple point only infrequently for calibration Temperature Range -185°C or -196°C nominal
of their own reference thermometers. The National Uncertainty ±0.002°C
Physical Laboratory of England makes this statement:
The temperature distrbution across the
“Most thermometers (submitted for calibration) will copper block is less than 2mK. To this
involve measurements (by) ... comparison with NPL must be added the uncertainty issued with
the calibration certificate from the National
standards in a bath of liquid nitrogen (about -196°C)”
Laboratory.
Model 18205 Comparator is designed for precisely such Extra uncertainties will also exist if
comparison calibration. It comprises a stainless steel dissimilar probes are compared.
dewar, an inner equalizing block having wells for 3 Power NA
thermometers, top connections for filling and monitoring
Dimensions Below flange 430mm
the level of liquid coolant, a pressure safety blow-off and
Diameter below flange 127mm
a manifold which may be used to thermally tie the
Flange diameter 165mm
thermometers under test to the equalizing block with Weight 14kgs
helium gas (optional).
Since the slopes (dR/dT) of Standard Platinum Resistance How to order
Thermometers are very similar at any temperature, ITL-M-18205 Nitrogen Boiling Point Apparatus
calibration uncertainties not larger than 0.002K can be
Note
obtained at a small fraction of the cost of an absolute The Nitrogen Point Apparatus may be adapted for use with
calibration. liquid argon. Please contact the factory for details

SOLUTIONS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY LABORATORIES | 59

 Simple Liquid N2 Apparatus
Model 461
-195.798°C

g Safe to use
g Economical

This model is a lower cost alternative to the ITL M 18205.

This model is a simple apparatus open to the atmosphere
comprising a stainless steel dewar flask filled with liquid
Nitrogen, an insulating layer which houses a metallic
equalising block and thermometer holder. Lastly a split
insulated lid reduces evaporation and permits easy
addition of liquid Nitrogen.
From time to time extra liquid Nitrogen must be added,
approximately every 30 minutes, to keep the dewar
flask full.
The dewar flask is 100mm inside diameter and 280mm
deep. The standard equalizing block houses four SPRTs
or industrial thermometers up to 8mm in diameter, giving
±0.002°C temperature uniformity.

Method of Operation
A standard calibrated SPRT is placed in the equalizing
block together with the sensors to be calibrated. The
whole is allowed equilibriate.
The level is checked and Nitrogen added as necessary
and readings taken 10 minutes afterwards.
The Isotech Simple Liquid Nitrogen Apparatus is safe to
use, having no glass dewar flask internally to explode.
A comprehensive handbook accompanies the apparatus
which includes an article by Henry E. Sostmann on the
corrections required to convert the calibration to the ITS-
90 value of the Argon Triple Point.
Model 461
Technical Note: Simple Liquid Nitrogen Apparatus
Temperature Range -196°C Nominal
The Simple Liquid Nitrogen Apparatus, because there is
air access will slowly condense oxygen from the Uncertainty ±0.002°C
atmosphere increasing the temperature of the Boiling The temperature distribution across
Point. the block is typically 2mK. To this must
be added the uncertainty issued with
This is of small importance provided a calibrated SPRT is the calibration certificate from the
being used as the reference and simultaneous ratios of National Laboratory.
SPRT and unknown thermometers are being recorded, Extra uncertainties will also exist if
with a bridge such as the Isotech microK. dissimilar probes are compared.
Liquid Nitrogen is not supplied with the apparatus. Power NA
Dewar Dimensions Inside diameter 100mm
Depth 280mm
Volume 3 litres
Thermometer wells Four 8mm as standard, others to
special orders

How to order
461 Simple Liquid N2 Apparatus

60 | SOLUTIONS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY LABORATORIES

 Cryostat
Model 459
-80 to -180°C

g Extreme Low Temperature Calibration

g High Stability

When we considered low temperature comparison

calibration, we had to take into account Health and Safety
considerations, both of the liquids used in compressors to
generate low temperatures and also the liquids used in the
calibration volume itself. The cost of chillers increases
considerably for very low temperatures. We concluded that
using chillers for very low temperatures was expensive,
unsafe and unreliable.
Our solution is a simple heated metal block design using a
single, safe surrounding liquid, liquid nitrogen.
An apparatus immersed in liquid nitrogen will cool to
approximately -195°C. Our design, using a controller and
heater, permits the cryostat to be set at any temperature
above liquid nitrogen temperature.
The Cryostat comprises an insulated machined copper
equalizing block inside an 80mm diameter tube 480mm
long, attached via a flange to a lid giving access for three
thermometers, a vacuum port and a Lemo connector for
the temperature sensor and heater. A cable runs to a
controller which sets the temperature. An RS422 connector
permits the calibration to be automated using one of our
Software programs.
Optional Container for Cryostat
Evaluation
The most used range for the Isotech Cryostat is between
Model 459
-80°C to -180°C. This temperature range is selected
because Oxygen condenses at -186°C and if this is then Cryostat Temperature: -80°C to -180°C
accidentally boiled off it can cause a health and safety Absolute Stability ±0.005°C at -80°C
issue. The performance of the Cryostat actually improves (over 30 minutes) ±0.0015°C at -150°C
as the temperature is lowered because the temperature (as measured by one of the 670 thermometers in the bottom of one of
difference between Cryostat and it’s surrounding liquid the pockets of the cryostat)
nitrogen is smaller. The measurements were made with Homogeneity ±0.005°C
two model 670 thermometers. pocket to pocket
Method Vertical Profile ±0.005°C at -80°C
(over bottom 50mm) ±0.01°C at -150°C
The Cryostat is connected to a vacuum pump. It is
pumped for five minutes and then sealed. The Cryostat Immersion Depth 560mm
is connected to the controller, switched on to check the Neck Diameter 120mm
connections. The Cryostat is then lowered into the
Compatibility Liquid Nitrogen Containers
container of liquid nitrogen, which should come between
25mm and 75mm below the flange. Three thermometer Nitrogen Capacity 35 litres
tubes exit the Cryostat and have nylon compression
fittings. The standard PRT and unknown thermometers How to Order
459 Cryostat
to be calibrated are lowered into the wells and the nylon
fittings are hand tightened until the nylon grips the Accessories
thermometer without damage. The controller is set to the 459-01-01 Hand Vacuum Pump
required temperature and the Cryostat left to stabilize 459-01-02 Electric Vacuum Pump
before comparison readings are made. 459-01-03 35 Litre Cryostat Container
459-01-04 25 Litre Container for topping up

SOLUTIONS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY LABORATORIES | 61

 -100°C Dry Block
Isis
-100 to 40°C

g 20,000 hours testing, equal to 10 years use

g Minimum Temperature -100°C (-148°F)
g No expensive liquids

The Isis Dry Block offers operation to temperatures as

low as -100°C, and is the only block bath working to
such a low temperature. Now it is possible to calibrate
temperature sensors such as PRTs, Thermocouples and
Thermistors at ultra low temperatures without the need
for a liquid bath.

Portability and Safety

Unlike a liquid bath the Isis requires no costly, or
hazardous fluids and offers greater portability. This will
be of particular value to calibration engineers working on
site with low temperature freezers as encountered in
pharmaceutical, aeronautical and food environments.

The minimum operating temperature is less than stirred

liquid laboratory calibration baths and users in
laboratories will also benefit by avoiding the ongoing
need for expensive fluids.

The maximum operating temperature is 40°C, a little

higher than the minimum operating temperature of
Isotech Hot Blocks. This permits covering the range from
-100°C to 650°C or higher with just two Isotech blocks.
By limiting the maximum temperature the reliability and
operating life of the cooling engine is maximised, and
has been agreed in consultation with the licensee of the
cooling technology, see below.
Benefits
Cooling Technology
The Isis makes use of a Free Piston Stirling Cooler Isotech can offer full support with options for UKAS / ILAC
(FPSC) which provides a massive 80 Watts of cooling calibration, tutorial on getting the best calibration
power to the calibration block. Specialist materials, uncertainties and a full range of supporting reference
patent applied for, are used for the heat transfer from the thermometers, indicators and software.
FPSC to the block.
The Isis has a large insert 35mm diameter by 160mm
Operating Life deep. This allows for calibration of multiple sensors. For
Reliability is a prime attribute of this revolutionary new thermal validation applications there is an insert with
product. Testing at 20,000 hours (nominally equivalent to pockets for a reference probe (6.5mm) and 20 x 3.5mm
10 years at 40 hours use each week) shows that -100°C pockets for thermocouples. This allows a single
is still possible, with an increase in cooling time <10%. calibration cycle to validate up to 20 probes at a time.

http://www.isotech.co.uk

62 | SOLUTIONS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY LABORATORIES

 METAL BLOCK INSERTS
Standard Insert A
9.5mm, 8.0mm,
6.4mm, 6.4mm,
4.5mm, 4.5mm
All 157 deep

ALTERNATIVE INSERTS
Standard Insert B
13mm, 10mm,
8mm, 5mm
and 3.5mm
All 157 deep

Standard Insert C
8mm and
6 x 6.5mm
All 157 deep

The Isis Dry Block Model 525

The only Dry Block working to -100°C Validation Insert
6.5mm and
20 x 3.5mm
All 157 deep

Model 525 Isis

Temperature Range -100°C to +40°C
Approximate time -20°C 20 minutes
to Temperature -40°C 30 minutes
from Ambient -60°C 40 minutes
-80°C 60 minutes
-100°C 90 minutes
Absolute Stability At 0°C ±0.03°C (30 minutes)
At -90°C ±0.02°C (30 minutes)
Radial Homogeneity 0.01°C
(similar pockets)
Vertical gradients 0°C 0.1°C
(over bottom 40mm) -90°C 0.2°C
Calibration Volume 35mm diameter x 160mm deep (Excludes Insulating Cap)
Standard Insert 6 thermometer wells as standard (9.5mm, 8.0mm, 6.4mm, 6.4mm, 4.5mm and 4.5mm
All 157 deep)
Power 200W
Voltage 100-240Vac, 50/60Hz
Dimensions 215mm(W) x 420mm (D) x 640mm (H)
Weight 22.7kg

SOLUTIONS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY LABORATORIES | 63

 Stirred Liquid Baths
915 Parallel Tube
-65 to 300°C

g Three Models Covering -65°C to 300°C

g Excellent Uniformity
g Uncertainties to 0.0005°C

The 915 is, no question, the finest stirred liquid parallel tube
bath produced.
Using best practise ratio methods of comparison calibration
uncertainties of less than 1mK can be obtained. The bath
can also be used to realise ITS-90 Fixed Point Cells (Mercury to
Tin Points) with absolute uncertainties to less than 1mK.
The Isotech Parallel Tube Liquid Bath is a development of the
previous 815 model and has many features which enhance
its performance and enable ease of operation. It is suitable
for the calibration of Liquid in Glass Thermometers, Industrial
Platinum Resistance thermometers, Standard Platinum
Resistance Thermometers, Thermocouples and Industrial
Temperature sensors. It can also be used with fixed point cells.
The temperature range of the standard 915 liquid calibration
bath (915H) is 40°C to 300°C. When the 915 is used in
conjunction with our external chiller the low temperature limit
can be extended to -65°C.
The 915 has a wide temperature range using silicon oils and
The standard temperature controller has resolution from 0.01°C
other suitable liquids. All components in contact with the
to 0.1°C which auto scales to suit the four digit display (all digits
liquid are of stainless steel and are insulated with materials
can be read with the Cal NotePad Software).
which are completely safe in use. The 915 used in conjunction
with a chiller, utilizes the latest ozone friendly gases. The standard controller can be replaced with a model offering a
Liquids are circulated by a propeller which mixes and forces display resolution of 0.01°C over the whole range. This High
the liquid through a specially designed orifice in the rear of Stability controller (Option 915/E) also offers better short term
the two parallel tubes. A variable speed motor optimizes the temperature stability, see table.
flow as the viscosity of the liquid changes. Below the orifice
With the high cost of some silicon oils the 915’s seven litre
plate liquid is circulated over a mineral insulated heater and
capacity makes it relatively inexpensive to fill compared to
temperature sensors which control the temperature of the bath.
many other baths.
The liquid flows up the calibration tube and weirs over the tube
into a collection tray where it returns to the rear tube for The changing of liquid is easily enabled by using the fitted drain.
recirculation. An angled side entry tube enables a refrigeration The design also allows for the expansion of liquids when being
cooling probe to be inserted in the rear of the two parallel tubes. raised to a particular calibration temperature.

Model 915LW 915MWE 915H

Temp Range -65°C – 40°C -30°C – 40°C 30°C – 300°C
Volume 98mm diameter, 400mm deep (7 litres)
or 98mm 530mm deep (Option 915D)
Absolute Stability:
High Stability Controller ±0.0006°C (Water, 50°C) ±0.002°C (Oil, 100°C)
Standard Controller ±0.004°C (Water, 50°C) ±0.007°C (Oil, 100°C)
Vertical Uniformity ±0.0002°C (Water, 50°C)
Communications Includes Serial Interface, PC Cable and Software
Dimensions 580mm wide, 640mm deep, 1020mm high
Weight 90kg 75kg 45kg
Safety Compliant to CE Regulations
Power 1kW (excluding Chiller) 108-130 or 208-240V, 50/60Hz
How to Order 915LW 915MWE 915H

64 | SOLUTIONS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY LABORATORIES

For customers who require lower temperatures the range Important
of the 915 bath can be extended by the addition of a chiller Chiller probes must be removed from the Calibration Bath
unit, see photograph below and the chart of model types when used above their maximum temperature as stated
available. above.
The chiller unit’s probe (203mm long by 32mm diameter)
Health and Safety Notice
is inserted into the angled side entry tube, accessible from
Rooms in which high temperature liquids are used should be
the top of the cabinet, leaving the calibration volume of the
ventilated or have extraction facilities. Although the overall
bath unchanged.
temperature range of the bath is -65°C to 300°C the practical
The following chiller options are available, we recommend temperature range which can be achieved is dictated by
and supply the following: the liquid being used and the ambient temperature.

Order Description Temperature Refer to ‘Liquid Selection Guide’ on page 77.

Code Range min/max
915/10 Single Stage Wide Range Chiller -30°C 40°C
915/11 Dual Stage Wide Range Chiller -65°C 40°C

These chillers have both good reliability and wide operating

ranges. They contain safe, ozone friendly gases.
The temperatures stated above assume an ambient within
the range of 20°C to 25°C.

Controller Note:
The standard and enhanced controllers include features
custom designed for Isotech by a world-leader in temperature
control technology. Power feedback is used to stabilise
against supply voltage changes, leading to greater
stability. A digital filter circuit ensures high integrity of
measurement correcting for drift, rejecting 50/60Hz
pick-up and filtering out other sources of input noise.
The High Stability Controller (Option 915/E) has a resolution of
better than 0.25µV which combined with powerful filtering
provides outstanding temperature stability.

915/11

915-05-38

915/05
(Block not
included)

915/03

915/02

915/01a

915/01b
See page 68

SOLUTIONS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY LABORATORIES | 65

 Stirred Liquid Baths
785 Parallel Tube
-65 to -80°C

g Uncertainties to <1mK
g Physical separation of heating from Calibration Volume
g Three models covering -80 to 300°C
Isotech calibration baths employ sophisticated designs to
ensure calibration to the smallest of uncertainties. In 1986
Isotech purchased the interests of H N Irving & Sons
Temperature division which had specialised in providing high
quality baths to NPL and other international laboratories.
The knowledge and concepts from this scientific instrument
manufacturer were used in the development of the Isotech
815 and 915 Parallel Tube Liquid Baths. Whilst there is a
higher cost compared to simple designs the quality and
pedigree is unmatched.
The key feature is the physical separation of the chamber in
which the liquid is heated or cooled from the chamber that
contains the calibration volume in which the thermometers are
placed.
The geometry of parallel tube is also important, with the shape
and angle of the curves optimised for temperature uniformity.
The new Libra Model 785 achieves this with the same parallel
tube assembly as used in the 915 packaged into a different
case and now with internal refrigeration can be used to lower
Whilst the bath has a maximum immersion of 485mm the fluid
temperatures.
requirement is just 8.5 litres. This helps to lower operating
The cooling power varies dynamically with the benefit of costs as many other baths require a much larger volume of
giving greater stability at lower temperatures. fluid, which in turn can be costly.

Model All Models 785L 785M 785H

Temp Range -80°C - 125°C -40°C - 125°C 30°C - 300°C
Volume 98mm Diameter, 485mm Deep
Absolute Stability ±0.0025°C ±0.006°C ±0.006°C ±0.006°C
Direct in Liquid (Water, 50°C) (Methanol, -80°C) (Methanol, -40°C) (C10 Oil, 125°C)
Vertical Uniformity From <1mK - See evaluation report
Heating time 25°C to 125°C < 50 mins (C10 Oil) 30°C to 250°C < 150 mins (VH Oil)
Cooling time 0°C to -80°C < 300 mins 10°C to -40°C < 180 mins -
(Methanol) (Methanol)
Display Resolution (Whole Range): 0.01°C 0.01°C 0.01°C
Liquid Height (Above Surface) 3mm 3mm 3mm
Design Parallel Tube: Separate Calibration and Mixing Chambers
Communications Includes Serial Interface, PC Cable and Software
Dimensions 485mm wide, 525mm deep, 1150mm high
Weight 78kg 68kg 48kg
Safety Compliant to CE Regulations
Power 2.8kW 1kW 800W
108-130 or 208-240V, 50/60Hz

How to Order 785L 785M 785H

Refer to Evaluation Report for Full Details

66 | SOLUTIONS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY LABORATORIES

785 Operation
1. The Liquid Flows Down into the
Mixing Chamber through an orifice 4
plate, the flow rate of which is
5 Liquid height
adjustable from the front panel. typically 3mm
2. Cooling / Heating Chamber, above top
circular design for optimum flow surface
and uniformity.

3. The calibration chamber is

separate from the cooling /
heating chamber.
1
4. The Liquid flows over a weir a little Seperate
higher than the bath lid suiting callibration
total immersion liquid in glass volume
thermometers.

5. The Liquid flows into a large

volume liquid tray which caters for 2
the expansion of the liquid as it
is heated. The liquid re-circulates
around the bath.
3
6. High Efficiency Thermal Insulation.

Advanced parallel tube design

Lowest Comparison Calibration Uncertainties

Isotech best practise for comparison calibration of
resistance thermometers is to determine the resistance
of the thermometer under test by directly comparing it
to a Standard Platinum Resistance Thermometer.
The comparison is made using a thermometry bridge,
such as the microK, to measure the resistance ratio of
the two thermometers. An advantage of this approach
is that if both thermometers are of the same type both
will follow the same temperature fluctuations and the
resistance ratio will remain very stable. This method can
largely eliminate the effects of the bath stability, what
is needed is temperature uniformity in the calibration
volume, it needs to be isothermal.
The physical separation of the calibration chamber
from the heating and cooling chamber along with
the attention to the segments and contours provide
an isothermal volume that is superior to other baths.
The result a comparison bath providing the lowest
comparison calibration uncertainties, reflected in our
UKAS schedule.

SOLUTIONS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY LABORATORIES | 67

 Accessories for 785 & 915
These baths can be supplied with a range of accessories including equalising blocks, a support assembly for up 12 LIG
thermometers and a monocular to aid reading the scale of a L.I.G. Thermometer.
There are a range of supports to hold various fixed point cells, Slim and Optimal, allowing the bath to realise ITS-90 fixed
point cells to sub mK uncertainties.
Refer to ‘Liquid Selection Guide’ on page 77 for information on liquids and important Health and Safety Information.

915/01a Variable depth aluminium equalising block 915/05 Calibration Tube Cover. The cover consists
containing four drilled pockets 8mm of a square enclosure containing baffles
diameter by 160mm deep in which and fits over the calibration tube area
temperature sensors can be placed and is insulating the circulating liquid from
suitable for use with silicon oils. ambient air. Access for temperature probes
The equalising block is suspended centrally remains at the top of the enclosure. An
within the calibration tube and is easily equalising block may also be supported
removed. from this assembly. Maximum operating
temperature 180°C.
915/01b As an alternative to the above a copper
equalising block, dimensionally the same
as 915/01a, may be supplied. This block is
more suitable for use in water and other
liquids.

915/D Increased depth Calibration Tube

Assembly. Working volume is 100mm
(915 only) diameter by 530mm deep. This variant
allows for the calibration of very long
thermometers, typically the calibration of
long liquid in glass thermometers.

915/02 This assembly will hold up to 12 liquid in

glass thermometers (maximum diameter
12.7mm) radially and a centre mounted
standard sensor. The assembly may be
rotated allowing systematic calibration.
The assembly is designed for partial or full
immersion thermometer types.

915/03 Monocular and Support. Useful for viewing

and magnifying the liquid column within the
thermometer being calibrated. This
ancillary piece of equipment is used in
conjunction with 915/02 Liquid in Glass
Thermometer Support Kit.

NOTE: Read all safety information concerning

liquids which you intend to use in the
bath and use only approved liquids.

Fixed Point Calibration ITS-90

Cell Basket Assemblies
(Excluding Cells)
915-05-43 Small Mercury Cell Kit
915-05-44 Large Mercury Cell Kit
915-05-41 Small Water Triple Point Cell Kit
915-05-40 Large Water Triple Point Cell Kit
915-05-39 Small Gallium Cell Kit
915-05-38 Large Gallium Cell Kit
915-05-42 Slim Cell Kit

68 | SOLUTIONS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY LABORATORIES

 Stirred Liquid Baths
Orion 796
-80 to 300°C

g Can accept large Water Triple Point Cells

g Variable Cooling Power
g Low Filling Cost

The Isotech Hydra range of calibration baths have proved

very successful since their introduction in 2003. The Orion
range has been introduced to fit alongside the Hydra models.

The Orion calibration baths offer deeper calibration

volumes than the Isotech Hydra series with world class
temperature stability. There is a high temperature model
(30°C to 300°C) and two models with built in refrigeration
(-40°C to 125°C) and (-80°C to 125°C).

These deep stirred liquid baths are suitable for the low
uncertainty calibration of long thermometers including
liquid in glass and extended length SPRTS.

The Orion unit has sufficient depth, 470mm (18.5”), to

accommodate Isotech’s largest Water Triple Point Cells
providing a cost effective sub mK calibration system.
There are accessories to hold Mercury, Water, Gallium
and Indium ITS-90 Fixed Point Cells.

Isotech baths have always been designed for thermometer

calibration, setting the standard for immersion depth versus
filling costs. As the Orion requires just 8.5L of fluid it offers
significant cost savings, both initial and the on going
running costs, when compared to other larger volume baths.

In operation the liquid level is within 10mm of the top lid

allowing calibration of liquid in glass thermometers
without the need for complicated accessories.

In addition to using a monocular to aid reading the scale

I-Cal Easy automatic calibration software can capture
images with low cost digital webcams.

The Isotech Orion range provides many features that

laboratories need but which other manufacturers often
cannot supply.

g Deep immersion depth (470mm / g Over and Under Temperature g Automatic Power Up - no manual
18.5”) with low filling costs Protection - protect expensive intervention needed - easier
Water Triple Point Cells as well as automation - energy saving
g Variable Speed Stirring - allowing
over temperature conditions
optimum performance for a wide g LiquidLevel to suit Liquid in Glass
range of liquid viscosities g Connections for easy drain and Thermometers
overflow - no level adaptors required
g Modular design for easier
maintenance

SOLUTIONS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY LABORATORIES | 69

 150mm

Calibration

90mm
Area

The diagram (left) shows a section

view of the Orion showing its ability
to house even the largest of cells

The cell shown is a Jarrett- Isotech B-11,

450mm total length and 65mm diameter.

Model 796L 796M 796H

Temp Range -80°C - 125°C -40°C - 125°C 30°C - 300°C
Volume 150mm Diameter, 470mm Deep (8.5 litres)
Absolute Stability ±0.006°C ±0.006°C ±0.006°C
(Methanol, -80°C) (Methanol, -40°C) (C10 Oil, 125°C)
Vertical Uniformity ±0.005°C 0.005°C ±0.007°C
(Methanol, 0°C) (Methanol, 0°C) (C10 Oil, 125°C)
Heating time 25°C to 125°C < 50 mins (C10 Oil) 30°C to 300°C < 120 mins (VH Oil)
Cooling time 0°C to -80°C < 240 mins 10°C to -40°C < 180 mins -
(Methanol) (Methanol)
Communications Includes Serial Interface, PC Cable and Software
Dimensions 485mm wide, 525mm deep, 1150mm high
Weight 78kg 68kg 48kg
Safety Compliant to CE Regulations
Power 2.8kW 1kW 800W
108-130 or 208-240V, 50/60Hz

How to Order 796L 796M 796H

Refer to Evaluation Report for Full Details

Accessories: Thermometers. A monocular is available to aid reading

the scale of a L.I.G. Thermometer.
The Orion can be supplied with both copper and
aluminium equalising blocks. Aluminium is recommended The liquid level is typically within only 10mm of the lid, so
for use only with oils. Copper, with it’s better corrosion complicated fluid level adaptors are not essential.
resistance, is recommended for oils, alcohol and water.
There are a range of supports to hold various fixed point
Refer to ‘Liquid Selection Guide’ on page 73 for cells, Slim and Optimal, allowing the bath to realise ITS-90
information on liquids and important Health and Safety fixed point cells to sub mK uncertainties.
Information. The standard probe holder can support
Isotech has a full range of fixed point cells, for more
RTD’s, Thermocouples and Liquid in Glass
details visit our web-site: www.isotech.co.uk

70 | SOLUTIONS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY LABORATORIES

Accesories - Refer to ‘Liquid Selection Guide’ on page 77 for information on liquids and important Health and Safety Information

Lid 798-05-01 Liquid Volume Lid Sensor Holder 798-05-04 Thermometer

Included Support Kit
Holds up to 12 sensors
between 3mm diameter
and 8mm diameter

Equalizing Block 798-05-02A Aluminium Equalizing Overflow Adapter 796-02-10 The Orion liquid level is
Block, 4 pockets, within 10mm of the top
8mm diameter, lid allowing most liquid
160mm deep in glass thermometers
798-05-02B Copper Equalizing to be calibrated.
Block, 4 pockets,
8mm diameter, For applications where
160mm deep the liquid level needs to
798-05-02C Special Aluminium be higher than the lid
Equalizing Block the Overflow Adapter
To suit customer can be be fitted to the
requirements. Orion L and M
798-05-02D Special Copper This assembly includes
Equalizing Block a motor to pump the
To suit customer liquid and raises the
requirements. liquid level 20mm above
the top lid
Dual Cell Holder 796-05-01 Standard Dual
Cell Holder Includes Power Supply
Includes
interchangeable
Cell adaptors Monocular and Support 796-03 Monocular with x8
magnification to ease
reading liquid in glass
thermometers
Includes Tripod
Fixed Point Cells
17724 Mercury
Triple Point Cell
-38.8344°C

B12 Water
Triple Point Cell
0.01°C

17401 Gallium
Melt Point Cell
29.7646°C

17401M Slim Gallium

Melt Point Cell
29.7646°C

17668ML Indium
Freeze Point Cell
156.5985°C

SOLUTIONS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY LABORATORIES | 71

 Stirred Liquid Baths
Hydra 798
-80 to 300°C

g Four Models, -80°C to 300°C

g Stability 0.01°C
g Excellent Uniformity

Precision calibration of thermometers calls for the use of

stirred liquid calibration baths. The Hydra models set new
standards in terms of price to performance ratio. Now
Calibration Engineers and Metrologists can choose from
a range of baths that offer good immersion depth, parallel
tube action, giving the best uniformity and smallest
calibration uncertainties, and wide temperature ranges.
Hydra offers these features in a new price class, don’t
settle for a bath with shallow immersion or simple stirred
action when with these Isotech baths provide good depth
of immersion and good temperature uniformity along with
the other benefits Isotech baths offer.
The immersion depth of 300mm allows the requirements
of “Supplementary Information to the ITS-90” to be met.
This publication from BIPM recommends immersion
depths of 15 to 20cm from -50°C to 50°C, and from 20 to
27cm at 200°C. Many baths in this price range are simply
not deep enough to meet this requirement. Rather than
simply stirring a square tank of liquid the Hydra uses
parallel tube action for superior temperature uniformity.
Like other Isotech liquid baths the calibration volume is
cylindrical to suit thermometers, not a large square tank.
The bath is filled with just 5 litres of liquid reducing filling
and ongoing cost of ownership as liquids are replenished.
The 798H and 798EHT feature a cooling coil which can
be attached to an external source of either cold water or
gas to further reduce cool down times.
Hydra benefits from Isotech’s experience, it drains faster,
is easier to use, is safer, and is more convenient.
Accessories allow a wide range of thermometers, for
example, to be readily clamped by the Sensor Support
and ITS-90 fixed points cells are accommodated with the
adjustable cell holder.

g Parallel Tube Action... g Cooling... g Commercial Grade Chillers...

Liquid flows up the rear volume of the The cooling is built-in and also The chillers are one third horse power
bath and down the working volume. surrounds the calibration volume commercial grade units, not cheaper
This action creates very small vertical creating a low temperature ambient in domestic grade as used by some
and axial gradients. This gives the which the heater can function manufacturers.
smallest overall uncertainties. efficiently.
g Calibration Depth...
g Heating... g Wider Temperature Range... Double the depth of some baths. The
All heating is outside the container. By A unique cooling system cools the Hydra Range has up to 300mm depth
using a large area nickel foil heater the unit as well as enabling the bath to of immersion.
complete bath wall is heated uniformly. heat up to 125°C (121°C is a key
sterilization temperature). g Circular Design...
g Fast Cool Down... The circular design eliminates ‘cold
The Hydra cools from ambient to corners’ found in tank shaped
-80°C in just 180 minutes. calibration baths.

72 | SOLUTIONS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY LABORATORIES

 SET / RESET
POWER
CONTROLLER
OVER-TEMPERATURE
SET / RESET POWER CONTROLLER OVER-TEMPERATURE

Over
Temperature Calibration
Controller Volume
Temperature
Controller
Overflow
Power
Set / Reset Drain

Cooling
(798H and
798EHT only)

Model 798L 798M 798H 798EHT

Temp Range -80°C – 125°C -40°C – 125°C 30°C – 200°C 30°C – 300°C

Volume 150mm Diameter, 300mm Deep (5 litres)

Absolute Stability ±0.030°C ±0.017°C ±0.015°C ±0.015°C

(Methanol, -80°C) (Methanol, -40°C) (Oil, 125°C) (Oil, 250°C)

Vertical Uniformity ±0.002°C ±0.002°C ±0.002°C ±0.005°C

(Oil, 50°C) (Oil, 50°C) (Oil, 125°C) (Oil, 200°C)

Heating time 25°C to 200°C < 60 minutes (C10 Oil)

Cooling time Ambient to -80°C < 130minutes (Methanol)

Communications Includes Serial Interface, PC Cable and Software

Dimensions 405mm Wide, 610mm Deep, 940mm High (870mm to Top Panel)

Weight 59kg 46kg 33kg 33kg

Safety Compliant to CE Regulations

Power 2.5kW 1.5kW 800W 800W

110V 50/60Hz or 110V 50/60Hz or 110V 50/60Hz or 110V 50/60Hz or
230V 50/60Hz 230V 50/60Hz 230V 50/60Hz 230V 50/60Hz

How to Order 798L 798M 798H 798EHT

Refer to Evaluation Report for Full Details

SOLUTIONS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY LABORATORIES | 73

 Cool Down Graph Heat Up Graph
125°C 125°C

100°C 100°C

75°C 75°C

50°C 50°C
TEMPERATURE (°C)

TEMPERATURE (°C)
25°C 25°C

0°C 0°C

-25°C -25°C

-50°C -50°C

-75°C -75°C

-100°C -100°C
0 30 60 90 120 150 180 0 20 40 60 80 100 120
TIME (minutes) TIME (minutes)

Calibration
Area 100mm

150mm

Accesories - Refer to ‘Liquid Selection Guide’ on page 77 for information on liquids and important Health and Safety Information

Lid 798-05-01 Liquid Volume Lid Sensor Holder 798-05-04 Thermometer

Included Support Kit
Holds up to 12 sensors
between 3mm diameter
and 8mm diameter

Equalizing Block 798-05-02A Aluminium Equalizing Fixed Point Cells

Block, 4 pockets, 17724 Mercury
8mm diameter, Triple Point Cell
160mm deep -38.8344°C
798-05-02B Copper Equalizing
Block, 4 pockets, B12 Water
8mm diameter, Triple Point Cell
160mm deep 0.01°C
798-05-02C Special Aluminium
Equalizing Block 17401 Gallium
To suit customer Melt Point Cell
requirements. 29.7646°C
798-05-02D Special Copper
17401M Slim Gallium
Equalizing Block
Melt Point Cell
To suit customer
29.7646°C
requirements.
17668ML Indium
Dual Cell Holder 798-05-03 Standard Dual Freeze Point Cell
Cell Holder 156.5985°C
Includes
interchangeable
Cell adaptors

74 | SOLUTIONS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY LABORATORIES

 Stirred Ice / Water Bath
813
0°C

g 350mm Immersion Depth

g 8L Capacity
g 0°C created by stirred ice/water mixture

The most used temperature for calibration is 0°C.

The normal way of creating 0°C is via a mixture of ice and

water in a Dewar Flask.

However, this can give errors of up to 4°C because water

is densest at 4°C and so as the ice melts the temperatures
at the bottom of the flask can rise to 4°C.

In the design of the ice flask offered by Isothermal

Technology Ltd., these problems have been eliminated by
stirring the water/ice mixture and segregating the ice
from the water in the measuring zone.

This stirred ice/water bath is designed and built according

to National Laboratory recommendations.

Using demineralised water, accuracies of ±0.005K are

obtainable. Typically the bath will last for 4 hours before
recharging with ice.

The ice is contained around and below the compartment

where up to 4 probes can be placed for calibration or
referencing purposes.

An option permits a water triple point cell to be maintained Model 813

within the stirred ice bath.
Accuracy using 0°C ±0.005K
Demineralised water
Capacity 8 litres (approx.)
Depth of immersion 350 mm
Accuracy using ±0.001°C
comparison techniques
Power 50W, 108-130 or 208-240VAC,
50/60Hz
Dimensions Height 580 mm
Width 420 mm (including handle)
Depth 250 mm
Weight 15 kgs
Options
814/01b Copper Equalising Block
814/02 Mercury Thermometer Support Kit
814-06-02 Small Water Triple Point Cell Kit
814-06-04 Large Water Triple Point Cell Kit
How to Order
813 Stirred Ice Bath
Please specify voltage required

SOLUTIONS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY LABORATORIES | 75

 Large Volume Calibration Bath
Model 820
30 to 200°C

g Large volume for calibration of a number of sensors,

g Wide temperature range 30°C to 200°C
g Good comparison accuracy ±0.01°C

If you have a large number of sensors to calibrate then

this economically priced stirred liquid bath is the
solution.

The 820 bath has been introduced to provide a liquid

calibration bath with a large volume. This is to allow the
bath to be used with many temperature probes
simultaneously immersed in the bath or with accessories.
It may also be used to maintain standard resistors at a
constant temperature.

The liquid in the bath is heated to the set temperature

and circulated by a propeller system.

The Aquarium is of robust construction and the liquid is

contained in a stainless steel insulated enclosure which
has a calibration volume 185mm long x 140mm wide x
300mm deep.
Refer to ‘Liquid Selection Guide’ on page 77 for information
on liquids and important Health and Safety Information.

Model 820 Accessories

Temp Range 30°C – 200°C 820/01 Standard Resistor Holder
820/02 Standard Aluminium Equalising Block
Volume 185 x 140 x 300mm (15 litres)
820/02S Special Drilling Equalising Block
Absolute ±0.003°C (Direct in water, 50°C)
915/07 Medium Viscosity Oil 40°C to 180°C
Stability ±0.020°C (Direct in VH Oil, 200°C)
915/08 High Viscosity Oil 150°C to 250°C
Uniformity 0.005°C - between corners at 100mm depth
915/09 VH Temperature Oil 50°C to 288°C
Heating time 50°C to 200°C < 145 minutes (VH Oil) 932-19-72 Standard Resistor Oil
Communications Includes Serial Interface, PC Cable and
Software
Dimensions 240mm wide
378mm deep How to Order 820 Large Volume Liquid Calibration Bath
645mm high overall Please specify voltage required
Weight 17kg
Safety Compliant to CE Regulations
Power 1kW 108-130 or 208-240V, 50/60Hz

Refer to Evaluation Report for Full Details

76 | SOLUTIONS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY LABORATORIES

Liquid Selection Guide
When selecting a liquid for a calibration bath a number for factors need to be taken
into account, temperature range, health and safety considerations, cost and operating
life. For a specific fluid its properties such as boiling point, viscosity, specific heat and
expansion coefficient need to be considered.

If calibrating over a limited range, say There are non toxic alternatives to The practise at Isotech is to use one
from 5°C to 90°C then water may be Methanol, including FlorinertTM from bath with a low temperature liquid,
used with is ideal in many ways - low 3MTM and Halocarbon 0.8 from and a second with oil for higher
cost, safe and readily available. Halocarbon. The disadvantage is temperatures and this is our
that these fluids are expensive recommendation. If an oil is used
For many labs though there will be a
compared to Methanol see www.3m. below the dew point water will
requirement to calibrate over much
com and www.halocarbon.com for condense into the open bath. If the
wider ranges.
further information. bath is then used above 100°C the
For low temperature calibration expansion of water present in the bath
For high temperature calibration the
alcohol or a mixture of alcohol and to steam can force the liquid from the
choice is usually that of a silicone oil.
water can be used. Methanol is bath creating a serious hazard. This
Silicone oils can be used at low
commonly chosen as it is easily is true for all open oil baths and the
temperatures too but icing can be a
obtained and relatively low cost. reason why Isotech do not
problem, particularly if a bath is used
Methanol is both toxic and flammable recommend using an oil both below
for long periods at low temperatures.
and must be used with care. the dew point, and then above 100°C

Isotech Oils for Hydra, Orion, 785 and 915

Minimum Temperature Maximum Temperature
915/07 Medium Silicon Oil 40°C 180°C
915/08 High Silicon Oil 150°C 250°C
915/09 Very High Silicon Oil 40°C 288°C
936-06-07 C10 Silicon Oil -35°C 140°C
580-06-09 C20 Silicon Oil 20°C 200°C

g Provision for adequate fume

extraction needs to be made when
using any open liquid bath.
The requirement will vary
depending on the liquid used, and
the temperature range.

SOLUTIONS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY LABORATORIES | 77

 Fluidized Calibration Bath
Model 875
50 to 700°C

g Wide Temperature Range, High Accuracy

g Safe, sealed no powder loss into laboratory
g Comparison Calibration or use with Fixed Points

The Isotech fluidized calibration bath out performs

dangerous salt baths in all respects: wider temperature
range, less hazardous and better uncertainties. The bath
is the result of 20 years research and development into
flow patterns, powder technology and filtration. Recent
developments have enabled the baths facilities to be
extended even further, it is now eminently suitable for
Liquid in glass thermometer calibration. To achieve this
the filter and exhaust system were re-designed to cope
with the increased level of powder needed for Liquid In
Glass thermometer calibration.
The result is a calibration system to National Standards.
The performance is only matched by heat pipe
technology. The profiles are so small that the bath has
been used by National Laboratories for fixed points of
Indium through Aluminum, with great success. In
comparison mode 2 sigma uncertainties of ±0.020°C at
300°C and ±0.035°C at 660°C can be obtained.
This is the only product capable of covering a very wide
temperature range without a change of thermal media. A disadvantage of many fluidized-bed baths is that good
Like most fluidized bed baths, the 875 bath consists of a temperature stability and uniformity cannot be achieved in the
container of aluminum oxide powder with a porous base fluidized medium itself. They are obtained by using large metal
plate. Sufficient air is passed through the base plate to blocks or by inhibiting the fluidizing action in the powder around
motivate the powder into a fluid like state so that it will the work piece - either locally, or by completely collapsing the
flow, display buoyancy effects and have good heat bed at the required temperature, this is not the case with the
transfer characteristics. 875. A full evaluation report is available upon request.

Model 875
Temp Range 50°C - 700°C
Volume (875/02) 67mm diameter, 475mm deep
Absolute Stability: ±0.005°C at 150°C
In Equalising Block ±0.005°C at 450°C
(875/09a) 10 Minutes ±0.020°C at 660°C
Vertical Uniformity ±0.005°C at 350°C
±0.005°C at 420°C
±0.026°C at 660°C
Heating time 50°C to 700°C < 240 minutes
Compressed Air Supply 1 BAR, 30 litres/minute at 100°C (50 L max)
Communications Includes Serial Interface, PC Cable and Software
Dimensions 580mm Wide, 640mm Deep, 1570mm High (880mm to Top Panel)
Weight 85kg (including 22Kg of Alumina Powder)
Safety Compliant to CE Regulations
Power 3kW (3 x 1kW heaters), 208-240V, 50/60Hz
How to Order Model 875 Fluidized Calibration Bath
Refer to Evaluation Report for Full Details

78 | SOLUTIONS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY LABORATORIES

 875/02

875/07

875/03

875/08
875/09A

875/06

Accessories
The following options are available:

875/09a Adjustable height aluminium bronze equalising block.

Eight 8mm pockets x 240mm deep.

875/02 Calibration Tube. As fitted as standard. This enables a calibration volume of 67mm inside diameter and 475mm
deep. This calibration tube is supplied and fitted as standard.

875/03 Oil free compressor and connecting tube. Used to supply air to the fluidized bed where an independent air
supply is not available within the laboratory.

875/04 Alumina powder specifically chosen for this application, supplied in a 25kg container.

875/06 Liquid in Glass Thermometer Support Gantry System consisting of a multi-tube probe holder with ten 10.80mm
by 470mm deep pockets, four support pillars and an adjustable stainless steel gantry with holes corresponding
to the probe holder, to locate up to ten thermometers simultaneously. Thermometer collars and ‘O’ rings (10 off)
are included with the assembly.

875/07 The multi-tube probe holder, described under 875/06 is available separately upon request.

875/08 Monocular and Support. Useful for viewing and magnifying the liquid column within the thermometer being
calibrated. This ancillary piece of equipment is used in conjunction with

Note: The bath is fully commissioned, tested and charged with the correct amount of aluminium oxide powder before despatch.

SOLUTIONS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY LABORATORIES | 79

 100 to 1300°C
Thermocouple Calibration Furnace
Model 877
g Accuracy 0.25°C at 1000°C
g Central Zone of Zero Heat flux
g Range 100°C to 1300°C

The Saturn spherical furnace comprises a number of

concentric shells. The outer shell of spun metal is for
containment and support. Inside this is a layer of
ceramic fibre. Within the fibre is a ceramic spherical
mantle containing the heater windings. In the centre of
the furnace is a solid cast ceramic sphere with 8 or 16
tubes, to be used for the thermocouples requiring
calibration.

Isotech’s calibration furnace is revolutionary from a

number of aspects:

It is spherical, and its design ensures a central zone of

constant temperature.

Thermocouples are inserted around the circumference

of the furnace. When fully inserted the measuring
junctions are within a few millimeters of each other at the Model 877
centre of the sphere. Temperature Range 100°C to 1300°C
Up to 15 thermocouples can be calibrated Number of 8 as standard
Calibration Points 16 to special requirements
simultaneously. The accuracy is between ±0.25°C and
±0.1°C at 1000°C. Diameter of Sensors 4 x 6mm + 4 x 8mm
Depth of immersion 180mm
Larger tube diameters will give larger gradients, as will Accuracy ±0.25°C to ±0.1°C at 1000°C
larger numbers of tubes. The precision of this furnace (using comparison techniques.)
has previously been achieved only by using heat pipes.
Warm-up times* 1 hour to 700°C 3 hours to 1300°C
Because of the design the price is only one half to one Stabilisation time* 1 hour to ±0.25°C
third that of a bath with comparable accuracy and much Communications Supplied as standard with serial
smaller capacity of calibration. interface. PC adaptor cable, and Cal
NotePad.
The use of newly developed modern ceramic materials Power 3kW, 208-240Vac, 50/60Hz
has enabled high accuracy, low mass and high stability 3kW, 115Vac, 50/60Hz
to be obtained. The Saturn system will not contaminate Dimensions 425 mm Diameter
your thermocouples unlike some furnaces that have Weight 25 kgs
metal equalizing blocks.
* These times may increase as the windings age or if the
supply voltage is low.

Accessories
877/01 Equalising Block 4 x 8mm + 4 x 6mm i.d.
(standard)
877/01S Equalising Block 16 x 6mm (special)
877/01E Equalising Block - Other configurations
(consult Isotech)
877/02 Platinum Foil Temperature Barrier

How to Order
877 Thermocouple Calibration Facility including Standard
Equalising Block.
Please specify voltage required

80 | SOLUTIONS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY LABORATORIES

 Blackbody Option Thermocouple Calibration

Note:
Spherical furnaces are normally supplied 240 Volts, 50 Hz, 3 kW with 8 sensor
insertion points, one of which is used to house the control thermocouple.
Eight tubes with a nominal internal diameter of 6 mm have been found to give
a very good and stable performance. It is the configuration around which the
specification has been written.

Each thermocouple is completely isolated in a gas

OPTIONS tight closed end tube to prevent any contamination
problems during calibration.
To special order, the following options are available,
please contact Isotech for details. Normally the windings will require replacing after a
1 16 Thermocouple Inserts. Because of the extra few years of operating (dependent on work cycle) and
thermal mass involved in offering this option, an extra so the furnace has been designed with ease of
30 minutes should be allowed for full stabilisation. maintenance in mind. A spare set of windings is
provided free with each furnace, as is a
2 Larger Thermocouple Inserts. Inserts of up to 10mm comprehensive handbook.
(0.4 inches) diameter can be accommodated in the
furnace. Please consult Isotech.
3 Platinum wrap can be fitted. Isotech wrap the insert of
the Saturn in Platinum foil. Reducing the gradient at The external control
1000°C to an unmeasurable value (less than 1μV system uses power
feedback to stabilise
difference from 2 type R Thermocouples). against supply voltage
changes providing
4 Blackbody Option. greater stability.
A digital filter circuit
ensures high integrity
of measurement,
correcting for drift
and noise

SOLUTIONS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY LABORATORIES | 81

 Introducing Absolute Calibration with
ITS-90 Fixed Point Cells
For calibration to the smallest of uncertainties thermometers are calibrated by placing them
into a series of Fixed Point Cells. For example pure aluminum freezes at 660.323°C so by
first melting a cell containing pure aluminum, then placing a thermometer into it as the
metal changes state, from a liquid to a solid, a very precise calibration point is realized.
This absolute or fixed point calibration between calibrations, and to help for immersion depths of up to 300mm
is performed by National Metrology determine when a thermometer - ideal for larger sensors.
Institutes providing primary standards needs recalibration. Water triple point
* Patents applied for
and directly realizing the International cells have uncertainties less than
Temperature Scale, ITS-90. Isotech’s 0.001°C at a very modest cost.
solutions for Primary Standards are
In order to use an ITS-90 Fixed Point
found in a separate publication,
Cell, apparatus is needed, it must
“Volume 1: Solutions for Primary &
create a zone of constant
Secondary Laboratories.”
temperature around the cell so that
Isotech also offer a range of ITS-90 the cell can melt of freeze uniformly.
Fixed Point systems that are less Isotech equipment uses multi zone
expensive, easier to use and more heating or for optimal performance a
robust than the larger cells used by heat pipe or heat siphon. To calibrate
the international NMIs. a thermometer it must be sufficiently
immersed that further immersion
For some countries, where the local
would make no temperature change
industry needs are less demanding
to the thermometer.
Slim Cells are used by NMIs and
Isotech can offer UKAS calibration A new innovation from Isotech is
with uncertainties from 0.5mk to 2mK the Isothermal Tower, which
over the range -38°C to 660°C. combines apparatus, a heat
siphon, fixed point cell and an
Users in industrial and secondary
immersion compensation device.*
laboratories benefit from using Slim
The Isothermal Towers are
Cells to calibrate to smaller
simple to use integrated devices
uncertainties than is possible with dry
providing optimal performance.
blocks or liquid baths. The Isotech
Slim Water Triple Point Cell is There are also ranges of
comparable in cost to a specially apparatus that can accept a
drilled metal insert, putting it in the range of cells, see table
reach of all calibration engineers. opposite. These models can
Using a Water Triple Point Cell allows also be used without cells,
cost effective checking of standards including use as Dry Blocks

Fixed Point State Temperature °C

Argon Triple Point -189.3442
Mercury Triple Point -38.8344
Water Triple Point 0.010
Gallium Melt Point 29.7646
Indium Freeze Point 156.5985
Tin Freeze Point 231.928
Zinc Freeze Point 419.527
Aluminium Freeze Point 660.323
Silver Freeze Point 961.78

82 | SOLUTIONS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY LABORATORIES

Equipment
The ITS-90 Cell needs equipment in order to melt, freeze or maintain it. Many combinations of Isotech equipment can be
used; liquid baths, dry blocks and furnaces.
Isotech have a range of Dry Blocks that allow the fixed points to be easily realized at an affordable price.
The combination allows you to calibrate at a “Point On The Temperature Scale” hence the name POTTS.

Point Temperature Suitable Apparatus

Mercury -38.8344°C Europa

B8 Water Triple Point 0.01°C Europa

Venus

B12 Water Triple Point 0.01°C Oceanus

Gallium 29.7646°C Europa

Venus
Calisto

Indium 156.5985°C Medusa 510

Medusa 511
ISOTower 490

Tin 213.928°C Medusa 510

Medusa 511
ISOTower 491

Zinc 419.527°C Medusa 510

Medusa 511
ISOTower 492

Aluminium 660.323°C Medusa 510

Medusa 511
ISOTower 493

Silver 961.78°C Oberon

Copper 1084.62°C Oberon

ISOTowers are intergrated devices including the ITS-90 Fixed Point Cell

SOLUTIONS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY LABORATORIES | 83

 156 to 660°C
ITS-90 Isothermal Towers
ISOTower
Across range

g High accuracy
g Fast to temperature
g Simple to use

The most accurately defined temperatures are those

defining points (fixed points) of ITS-90.

The leading Primary Laboratories use large fixed point

cells in deep calibration furnaces that utilise Heat Pipes
to eliminate temperature gradients. This combination of
cell and furnace gives the smallest of uncertainties.

In Isothermal Towers the fixed point cell and heat pipe

(or heat siphon) have been combined (patent applied
for) to produce the ideal realisations for calibrating
standard thermometers.

Thermometers can only be calibrated accurately if they

are immersed sufficiently.

In Isothermal Towers a heated block (Immersion

Compensator, patent applied for) sits on top the heat
siphon/cell to fully compensate for the immersion
characteristics of the unit under test.

The Isothermal Towers performance has been fully

evaluated against the most detailed and demanding
requirements ever written: CCT/2000-13.

All Isothermal Towers; Indium, Tin, Zinc and Aluminium

meet all the requirements of CCT/2000-13 allowing Isothermal Towers are simple to use, and very robust.
laboratories to realise the smallest uncertainties, at a Operation is risk free, as a combined apparatus there is
fraction of the cost of conventional Metrology Furnaces no need to handle a fragile cell. No need for specialist
with Primary Standard Cells training courses. Isothermal Towers remove the mystery
from fixed point calibration.
You can purchase three Isothermal Towers; Tin, Zinc and
Aluminium for a similar price as one conventional cell Easily set to provide a melt or freeze of 24 hours or
and heat pipe apparatus! more, lending themselves for automatic calibration and
providing your lab with an all day long plateau.

84 | SOLUTIONS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY LABORATORIES

Perfect Audit Item Available to Hire
As an audit item, an accreditation authority can send the Additionally Isothermal Towers are available to hire from
device to laboratories for intercomparison. Isotech and a growing number of Isotech Distributors to
allow laboratories to audit themselves by intercomparing
Because the cell, apparatus and immersion
their cells and standard thermometers to a UKAS
compensator are a single entity, the performance is
calibrated Isothermal Tower.
unambiguous unlike existing systems where cell and
apparatus are often separated during intercomparison. Transportable
Accreditation authorities love them. ITS-90 Isothermal Towers are transportable by carrier;
there are no fragile glass parts!

New
Conventional
Integrated Device

Isothermal
23 Hour Melt / 80% 1mK
Zone, T1
Ceramic Insulators
Reflectors
Air QFP

Immersion
Compensator
Q+
Q-
2 Hours

3mK Cell, T1

Heat Siphon
Cell

Q+
Q-

30 Hour Freeze / 50% 0.3mK

A fixed point cell is not long enough to eliminate heat

3 Hours
conductance along the thermometer calibrated in it.
6.5mK
Currently, using long furnaces, heat shunts and reflective
baffles an attempt is made to reduce these losses.

The ISOTower uses a combined metal clad fixed point cell

and heat siphon, which when heated provides an isothermal
n Isothermal Towers include a traceable calibration certificate. environment for the metal within to change state. The outer
wall of the cell becomes the inner wall of the heat siphon with
This includes a graph of one freeze, one melt plateau and a
cost as well as performance benefits.
certificate of purity for the metal inside the siphonic cell.
Additionally an Immersion Compensator is used to
As an option, UKAS calibration is available to one of two
compensate for the stem conduction problems caused when
services, see table over for the uncertainties.
a thermometer under test is not sufficiently immersed into a
Full data available at www.isotech.co.uk/isotower fixed point cell.

Benefits of the ISOTower over a conventional

Quartz Cell and Apparatus
ISOTower Conventional Quartz Cell and Apparatus
n Robust - no glass parts n Fragile and Risk of Breakage
n Easily Transported n Difficult and expensive to Transport
n Integrated Device - known immersion characteristics n Cell certified separate from apparatus, stem
n Uniquely integrated cell, apparatus and correction for conduction unknown
thermometer stem conduction
n Simple and safe to use with increased confidence in
results

SOLUTIONS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY LABORATORIES | 85

 Specification
Model 490 491 492 493
ITS-90 Point Indium Tin Zinc Aluminium
Temperature 156.5985°C 231.928°C 419.527°C 660.323°C
Metal Purity 6N 6N 6N 6N
Plateau Duration Up to 30 hrs
UKAS Uncertainty: Premium Service* ±0.7mK ±0.8mK ±1mK ±2mK
UKAS Uncertainty: Standard Service* ±2mK ±2mK ±2mK ±6mK
Heating Time 2 hrs 2 hrs 2 hrs 2 hrs
Pocket Diameter 8 mm
Total Immersion Depth 290 mm
Depth of metal surface to bottom of reentrant tube 180 mm
PC Interface Supplied with PC Cable and Software
Power 900 Watts
Voltage 110 Vac or 230 Vac 50/60Hz
Dimensions H 430 mm x W 310 mm x D 300 mm
Weight 15kg

* UKAS Calibration is Optional, Uncertainties apply to whole system

n Immersion Compensator*
Fully compensates for the
immersion characteristics of the
thermometer under test.

n Siphonic Cell*
A combined Fixed Point Cell and
Heat Pipe
The outer wall of the fixed point cell
is the inner wall of the heat pipe or
siphon, thus integrating the cell and
its apparatus, giving a guaranteed
performance from the cell.

*Patent applied for

86 | SOLUTIONS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY LABORATORIES

 GET INFO

For more information about ISOTowers or any other services

or products in the Isotech range, please refer to our website
www.isotech.co.uk

http://www.isotech.co.uk/isotower_certificate.html

SOLUTIONS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY LABORATORIES | 87

 Slim Fixed Point Cells
Sealed
156 to 1084°C

g Ultra Pure >99.9999% 6N

g 35 Year Plus History
g For Optimal Realisations
Water
The Isotech B8 30 130 Cell is small enough to fit into
portable Dry Blocks such as the Venus and Europa models.
For the larger blocks like the Oceanus Isotech recommend
the B 12 46 210 with its increased immersion depth
Gallium and Mercury Cells
Like the B8 Cell the Slim Gallium Cell can be used in
portable blocks like the Venus and Europa, or in stirred
liquid baths. The Hydra and Orion have accessories
available to support the cells.
Indium to Copper
Isotech’s Slim Cells have been in constant use since their
introduction in 1990. The cells have always been made from
the highest quality graphite and 6N (99.9999%) pure metals.
After further investment in the lab, and gaining smaller
uncertainties from UKAS, we reviewed and further refined
our range of metal clad cells to give better accuracy and
performance. The new professional ranges of cells have
more metal inside providing an active immersion depth in
the metal of 160mm. Cost effective dedicated desktop apparatus like the
POTTS, “Points on the Temperature Scale” can be used
Metal Clad
to automatically bring the cell to the plateau. These
Isotech produced the first metal clad cells in 1990 and
simple to use systems conveniently provide long flat
have much experience in the manufacture and calibration
plateau for low uncertainty calibration of thermometers.
of high quality proven metal clad cells.
Metal clad cells are recommend for all points from Indium
UKAS certification of our Slim Cells
The new, longer metal clad fixed point cells are intercompared
to Aluminium.
to our reference cells for smallest uncertainties. Isotech
Quartz Clad now offer two UKAS services depending on the amount
These cells are recommended for Silver and Copper points, of measurements we make on the cell under test.
whilst available for the lower temperature points the metal
clad versions are recommended as they are more robust, In our standard and recommended service we perform one
have the same performance and are more cost effective. melt, one freeze and one intercomparison. In our premium
service, in order to reduce uncertainties we perform two or
Equipment for Slim Cells three melts, two or three freezes and two intercomparisons.
The Slim Cells can be used in the same apparatus as the
larger cells, and the greater immersion depth will give the The two optional UKAS services with the uncertainties are
lowest uncertainties. tabulated below:

Isotech UKAS Calibration Uncertainties (k=2)

Cell Premium Service Standard Service

UKAS Schedule Note 4 UKAS Schedule Note 5
Mercury ±0.5mK ±1mK
Water ±0.1mK (B12) ±0.5mK
Gallium ±0.5mK ±1mK
Indium ±0.7mK ±2mK 0175
Tin ±0.8mK ±2mK The latest schedule can
Zinc ±1mK ±2mK be found on the Isotech website
Aluminium ±2mK ±6mK or at www.ukas.org

88 | SOLUTIONS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY LABORATORIES

 Available Types
Additional Model
Cells Temperature Uncertainty 1
Uncertainty2 Metal Clad Model
Water 0.01°C ±0.5mk ±0.3mk N/A B8 30 130
Water 0.01°C ±0.1mk ±0.3mk N/A B12 40 210
Water 0.01°C ±0.1mk ±0.3mk N/A B12 46 210
Gallium 29.7646°C ±0.5mk ±0.3mk 17401M N/A
Mercury -38.8344°C ±0.5mk ±0.1mk 17724M N/A

Higher Temperature Quartz Clad

Indium 156.5985°C ±0.7mk ±0.7mk 17668ML 17668QS
Tin 231.928°C ±0.8mk ±0.8mk 17669ML 17669QS
Zinc 419.527°C ±1mk ±1.5mk 17671ML 17671QS
Aluminium 660.323°C ±2mk ±3mk 17672ML 17672QS
Silver 961.78°C ±30mk N/A 17673QS
Copper 1084.62°C N/A 17674QS

Isotech cells are of the highest purity available. Open cells conform to CCT/2000-13. Sealed cells are sealed to one
atmosphere with 6N pure argon at the freeze temperature.

Metal Quartz Slim Gallium Slim Mercury Water Triple

g Robust g Silver and g Robust g Robust g Low cost

g Protected Against Copper points g Fits in Isotech g Fits in Europa-6 g Fits in Dry Blocks
Contamination available Dry Blocks
and Ambient
Pressure Effects
g Easily
Transportable
Between Labs

Nominal Dimensions
Cell Outside Dia. Inside Dia. Height Material Depth
Slim Metal 37 8 220 160
Slim Quartz 38 8 226 160
Slim Mercury 36 9 235+140 130
Slim Gallium 35 10 200+45 140
Water B8 30 130 30 8 160 130
Water B12 40 210 40 12 365 210
Water B12 46 210 46 12 365 210

A free report is available, www.isotech.co.uk/pdfs/SlimCells.pdf

N.B. Other SPRTs may give different results depending on the stem conduction properties.
1. The uncertainty applies when the cells are sufficiently immersed in deep apparatus.
2. When these cells are used in bench-top apparatus the additional uncertainty should be included for stem conduction effects. The value is typical for the 670 SPRT, others
SPRTs may give different results depending on the stem conduction properties.

SOLUTIONS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY LABORATORIES | 89

 POTTS
Europa-6
-45 to 140°C

g Use with Mercury, Water or Gallium Cells

g Multi Function Calibration Service
g Fast Response

The multi-functions of the Europa-6 is a unique award

winning concept from Isotech.

The Europa-6 is a complete calibration laboratory

working over the temperature range 65°C below ambient
temperature to +140°C. It permits the calibration of
temperature sensors absolutely (at fixed points of the
ITS-90 scale) or by comparison to a reference standard.

It will calibrate both contact and non-contact thermometers

such as optical pyrometers, surface sensors, as well as
thermistors, thermocouples and resistance thermometers,
whether they are short, long or odd shaped. Further it
permits maintenance of reference standards by
confirming the Water Triple Point at regular intervals.

The Europa-6 has a calibration volume of 35mm

diameter by 160mm deep and is supplied with the very Model 520
latest technology digital indicator and controller making
the Europa-6 a complete self-contained calibration Temperature Range 65°C below ambient to +140°C
laboratory. Absolute minimum -45°C
temperature
The Europa-6 offers unprecedented accuracies of
Absolute stabilities over 30 minutes:
0.001°C (2 Sigma) at the Water Triple Point and the
Metal Block Bath ±0.03°C
Gallium melt temperature of 29.7646°C and the Mercury
Stirred Liquid Bath ±0.025°C
Triple Point of -38.8344°C. Ice/Water Bath ±0.001°C
Black Body Source ±0.3°C
Surface Sensor
Calibrator ±0.5°C
ITS-90 Fixed Point ±0.001°C
Heating / Cooling See Graph (opposite)
Stabilisation Times 10 minutes
Calibration volume 35mm diameter x 160mm deep
Uniformity ±0.018°C
Controller Resolution 0.1 to 0.01 (4 digit display)
Indicator Resolution 0.1 to 0.01 (4 digit display)
Indicator Units °C, °F, K
Communications Supplied as standard with serial interface,
PC adaptor cable and Cal Notepad.
Power 300W, 108-130 or 208-240VAC, 50/60Hz
Dimensions Height 322mm
Width 176mm
Depth 262mm
Weight 14kg
How to order
520 Europa-6 POTTS
Please specify voltage required

90 | SOLUTIONS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY LABORATORIES

 Slim Gallium Cell

EUROPA-6 Heat Up / Cool Down

GRAPH with insert fitted

140
Heat up
120

100
Temperature (ºC )

80

60

40

20

-0

-20
Cool Down
-40

0 10 20 30 40 50 60
Time (minutes)

Accessories
Metal Block Bath Standard Insert 2 x 4.5 mm, 2 x 6.4 mm, 1 x 8 mm and 1 x 9.5 mm holes x 155 mm deep.
Non-standard Insert - please consult Isotech
Stirred Liquid Bath Stirred Liquid Container (For alcohols, water & oil)
C10 Oil (-35°C +140°C) 0.1 litre required
Liquid in Glass Thermometer Support kit
Stirred Ice/Water Bath Stirred Liquid Container (For alcohols, water & oil)
Liquid in Glass Thermometer Support kit
Blackbody Source Blackbody Target
Surface Sensor Calibrator Surface Sensor Calibrator Kit
ITS-90 Fixed Point ITL M 17724M Slim Triple Point of Mercury Cell
ITL M 17401M Slim Gallium Melting Point Cell
B8 Slim Triple Point of Water Cell
Semi-Standard Probe 935-14-82
Carrying Case 931-22-64
UKAS 5 Point Comparison Calibration

SOLUTIONS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY LABORATORIES | 91

 POTTS
Oceanus-6
-25 to 140°C

Automated Calibration using Fixed Point Cells.

g Use with Water and Gallium Fixed Points Temperature range 45°C below ambient to +110°C.
Calibrate absolutely at the fixed points of ITS-90 or by comparison
g Can also be used as a Dry Block, Liquid Bath
g -25°C to 140°C

The multi-functions of the Oceanus-6 is a unique

concept from Isotech, so unique that it is currently the
subject of a patent application.

The Oceanus-6 is a complete calibration laboratory

working over the temperature range 45°C below ambient
temperature to +140°C. It permits the calibration of
temperature sensors absolutely (at fixed points of the
ITS-90 scale) or by comparison to a reference standard.

It will calibrate both contact and non-contact thermometers

such as optical pyrometers, surface sensors, liquid in glass
thermometers as well as thermistors, thermocouples and
resistance thermometers, whether they are short, long or
odd shaped. Further it permits maintenance of reference
standards by confirming the Ice or Water triple point at
regular intervals.

The Oceanus-6 has a calibration volume of 52mm

diameter and 300mm deep and is supplied with the very
latest technology digital indicator, timer and controller
making the Oceanus-6 a complete self-contained
calibration laboratory.

The Oceanus-6 offers unprecedented accuracies of

±0.0002°C (2 Sigma) at the Water triple point and the
Gallium melt temperature of 29.7646°C and up to
±0.005°C in the stirred liquid bath option (by
comparison).

Model 580 Uniformity ±0.018°C

Temperature Range 45°C below ambient Controller Resolution 0.1 to 0.01 (4 digit display)
to +140°C
Indicator Resolution 0.1 to 0.01 (4 digit display)
Absolute minimum -45°C
temperature Indicator Units °C, °F, K
Absolute stabilities over 30 minutes: Communications Supplied as standard with serial
Metal Block Bath ±0.03°C interface, PC adaptor cable and
Stirred Liquid Bath ±0.025°C Cal Notepad.
Ice/Water Bath ±0.001°C Power 300W, 108-130 or 208-240 VAC,
Black Body Source ±0.3°C 50/60Hz
Surface Sensor ±0.5°C Dimensions Height 430mm
Calibrator Width 310mm
Depth 300mm
ITS-90 Fixed Point ±0.0002°C
Weight 17kg
Heating / Cooling See Graph
Stabilisation Times 10 minutes How to order
Calibration Volume 52mm x 300mm deep 580 Oceanus-6 POTTS
Please specify voltage required

92 | SOLUTIONS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY LABORATORIES

 Type B-12
Water Triple Point Cell

Oceanus-6 Cool Down Graph

30

20

10
Temperature (ºC)

-10

-20

-30
0 1 2
Time (hours)

Gallium
Cell
Accessories
Metal Block Bath Standard Insert 6 x 8mm holes x 250mm
deep.
Adjustable Equalising Block
Non-standard Insert - please consult
Isotech
Stirred Liquid Bath Stirred Liquid Container (For alcohols,
water & oils)
C10 Oil (-35°C to 140°C) 1L required
Liquid in Glass Thermometer Support kit
Stirred Ice/Water Bath Stirred Liquid Container (For alcohols,
water & oils)
Liquid in Glass Thermometer Support kit
Blackbody Source Blackbody Target
Surface Sensor Calibrator Surface Sensor Calibrator Kit
ITS-90 Fixed Point B12 Water Triple Point Cell
ITL M 17401 Gallium Melting Point Cell
Semi-Standard Probe 935-14-85
Carrying Case 931-22-58
UKAS 5 Point Comparison Calibration

SOLUTIONS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY LABORATORIES | 93

 POTTS
510 Medusa & 511 Medusa
30 to 700°C

g High Capacity Deep Block

g Use for Comparison and Fixed Point Calibration
g Use with very long thermometers

Isotech have a wide range of Dry Blocks to suit probes requiring

a large immersion depth. These products feature large and
deep calibration volumes. As such they are less portable
than the earlier Dry Blocks, but have higher capacities and
retain outstanding temperature uniformity, this uniformity is
so good that these larger products are also apparatus for
Secondary Laboratories to realize the Fixed Points of ITS-90.

Medusa 510 has a maximum operating temperature of 550°C.

The Medusa Model 511 can be used to 700°C and features
three zone control. In addition to the main heating zone there
are additional top and bottom heaters which compensate for
the end losses creating a constant temperature zone across
the well.

For Comparison Calibration the Medusa should be used with

an insert, the standard insert has six 8mm pockets 250mm
deep. Also available is an insert 44mm diameter x 170mm
deep which is suspended from the top of the block so that
the height is user adjustable. For flexibility the Medusa can
also be used with accessories for infrared thermometers and
surface sensors. The Medusa is available in two models, the
BASIC (B) and the SITE (S). The B model includes a
sophisticated temperature controller with a dual display for
Set Temperature and Dry Block Temperature.

The S model includes a built-in digital thermometer to which

an external standard thermometer can be connected giving
greater accuracy, eliminating temperature gradient and loading
errors. Also included in the site model is a timer which can
set the bath between two temperatures, and automate ITS-
90 fixed point operation. For Surface Sensor and Blackbody
use an external thermometer is recommended. For laboratory
accuracy the Medusa can be used with a high-end
temperature indicator such as an Isotech TTI model.

Includes as standard: Windows Software, Computer

Interface and a Ramp to Set Point Feature. Increased
resolution of ±0.01 available throughout the range via the
PC interface and from 0.01 to +99.99 locally on the auto- Fixed Point Cells Available
ranging front display. The controller features multi-point
Material Temperature Uncertainty
block to display correction giving good absolute accuracy.
Gallium 29.7646°C ±0.0005°C
The S model has universal sensor input allowing Platinum Indium 156.5985°C ±0.0007°C
Resistance Thermometers, Thermocouples (types K, N, R,
Tin 231.928°C ±0.0008°C
S, L, B, PL2, T, J and E) along with Linear Process Inputs
including 4-20mA current transmitters to be displayed on the Zinc 419.527°C ±0.001°C
in-built indicator. The indicator can be programmed with up Aluminium 660.323°C ±0.002°C
to five calibration points to provide high accuracy digital
probe matching. The indicator and controller are both Premium calibration service uncertainties shown.
addressable over the communications link. See page 80 for full details.

94 | SOLUTIONS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY LABORATORIES

510 Metal Block Insert 510-06-01 Standard Insert 511 Surface Sensor Kit 511-06-06 Includes an insert and
510-06-02 Blank Insert angled thermocouple
Insert without pockets for
local machining ITS-90 Fixed Points ITL17401M Gallium Slim Cell
510-06-03 Special Insert (510 only)
Contact Isotech with your ITL17668M Indium Slim Cell
requirements ITL17669M Tin Slim Cell
510-06-04 Adjustable Equalising ITL17671M Zinc Slim Cell
Block ITL17672M Slim Aluminium Cell
(511 only)
511 Metal Block Insert 511-06-01 Standard Insert Slim Cell Holder
511-06-02 Blank Insert
Insert without pockets for UKAS Calibration UKAS Calibration available to Order
local machining
511-06-03 Special Insert Standard Probe 935-14-95 Platinum Resistance
Contact Isotech with your Thermometer for use up
requirements to 650°C
511-06-04 Adjustable Equalising
Block Carrying Case 931-22-58 Sturdy case
accommodates the unit
510 Blackbody Kit 510-06-05 Includes a Blackbody with room for accessories
target and Sensor
511 Blackbody Kit 511-06-05 Includes a Blackbody
target and Sensor
510 Surface Sensor Kit 510-06-06 Includes an insert and
angled thermocouple

510 Medusa Performance

Calibration and Uncertainty
A certificate, traceable to National Standards, 0.3
is included as standard. Recommended is an
optional UKAS five-point calibration. 0.25 Medusa 3 Audit Calibration (Similar Sensors)
S Model with 935-14-95 Sensor and UKAS
The accuracy of the Medusa will depend very 0.2
much on the mode of use, see the Uncertainty °C 0.15 Medusa 2 Audit Calibration (Similar Sensors)
Graph for typical uncertainties. NTPL calculate S Model with 935-14-95 Sensor and UKAS
the uncertainties to UKAS requirements. 0.1
The Medusa meets the Calibration Capacity Medusa 3 Medusa 2
0.05 Radial Homogeneity
requirements of EA-10/13, “EA Guidelines Radial Homogeneity
on the Calibration of Temperature Block 0
Calibrators.” 0 100 200 300 400 500 600
°C

Model 510 MEDUSA 511 MEDUSA 3 Indicator units °C, °F, K

Temperature 30°C to 550°C 50°C to 700°C Power 108 to 130V or
Range 208 to 240V
50 / 60Hz
Absolute stability Metal Block Bath ±0.03°C 510: 1000 Watts 511: 1800 Watts
over 30 minutes Blackbody Source ±0.1°C
Surface Sensor Calibrator ±0.5°C Overall dimensions Height 430mm
ITS-90 Fixed Point ±0.001°C Width 310mm
Depth 300mm
Computer Interface Included with Software Weight 510: 17kg 511: 25kg
Cools from 550°C to 30°C in 5 hours
Heats from 30°C to 550°C in 90 minutes How to Order
Uncertainties Refer to Uncertainties Graph 510 Medusa or 511 Medusa
Please specify model type, voltage and options required
Calibration volume 45mm diameter by 285mm deep
Standard Insert Six 8mm pockets all 250mm deep
Display Resolution 0.01 to 99.99
0.1 100.0 to 650.0
PC can display 0.01 across whole
range with the software included

SOLUTIONS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY LABORATORIES | 95

 POTTS
Oberon
450 to 1100°C

g Compact Heatpipe Furnace

g Suits Aluminium, Silver or Copper Fixed Points
g Can be used for comparison and infrared calibration

Model 426 is for Aluminium, Silver, Gold or Copper slim

fixed point cells as well as for comparison calibration.
Heatpipes provide the ideal conditions for the creation
and maintenance of slim ITS-90 cells.

The furnace core is a specially-designed stress-free

isothermal heat pipe, which provides a very low thermal
gradient along the core working length.

The heatpipe is designed so that the inner wall is not

subject to thermal expansion stresses from the outer wall
before the heat pipe reaches conduction temperature.
The working fluid is permanently and safely sealed within
the plasma-arc welded enclosure.

The Oberon can be used with Blackbody Fixed Point

Cells.

Oberon for Aluminium or Copper Slim Fixed Point Cells

Model 426 Accessories

Metal Block Bath 426-06-05 Adjustable Equalising
Temperature Range 450°C to 1100°C
Block. Six pockets 8mm x 160mm
Stability ±0.05°C deep.
Display resolution 0.1°C ITS-90 Fixed Point ITL M 17672QS Aluminium Quartz
Clad Slim Cell
Cavity size 50mm diameter
300mm deep Apparatus ITL M 17673QS Silver Quartz Clad
Slim Cell
Time to temperature 4 hours
ITL M 17674QS Copper Quartz
Communications Supplied as standard with serial
Clad Slim Cell
interface, PC adaptor cable and
Cal NotePad Inconel Basket 426-04-00
including insulators
Power 110 Vac, 1.5kW, 50/60Hz
(230 Vac Transformer available) 230/110V 935-19-43
Dimensions Height 410mm Transformer
Width 415mm
Depth 280mm How to order
Weight 30.5kgs 426 Oberon High Temperature Furnace
Please specify voltage required

96 | SOLUTIONS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY LABORATORIES

POTTS Ease of Use
Using the metal clad slim cells couldn’t be easier!

Long term stability An Example with a Medusa

For the past seven years a set of Set the Medusa to a temperature 1°C above the cell’s melt and wait!
metal clad slim cells have been part
Once the cell starts to melt you can use it all day to calibrate.
of our UKAS Secondary laboratory.
An automated system puts the cells As you go home lower the Medusa temperature by 5°C and the cell will
onto their melt plateau each day, refreeze overnight ready for use again the next day.
every day of the year.
Or like us, automate the process using a wall timer, to have cells melting
Complete melts and freezes are all day every day.
recorded each two years as part of
With cells, apparatus and SPRT’s you still need fixed resistors and an
our quality assurance program with
instrument. If you chose the standard recommended UKAS uncertainties
the following results:
you need a microK 250, two Standard Resistors with UKAS certificates
and a temperature controlled environment to put them in.
In No change If you chose the premier UKAS route then you need a microK 70 bridge as
Sn No change well as the resistors and temperature controlled environment.
Zn No change
Al No change

International Intercomparison
A set of metal clad slim cells from
mercury through aluminium were
tested at PTB by comparison to
PTB’s reference cells. All cells were
within PTB’s uncertainties.
Their results are summarised

Slim Cells ∆T Uncertainties

Hg 137 0 ±1.5mK
In 125 -1.4 ±2mK
Sn 132 +1.4 ±2mK
Zn 64 +0.3 ±3.5mK
Al 160 +1 ±5mK

SOLUTIONS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY LABORATORIES | 97

 Introduction to Temperature
Calibration Software
Software Cal NotePad
Isothermal Technology’s range of calibration software Isotech calibration equipment is supplied with Cal
saves you time, and lowers calibration costs. Isotech have NotePad. This software allows equipment to be remotely
a tested solution to calculate coefficients for Industrial controlled, monitored and the logging of data which can
Probes, for SPRTS, fit thermocouple error curves and fully be imported into spreadsheet software. Cal NotePad
automate the calibration of sensors. supports the connection of both an Isotech Furnace,
Bath, Block and an Isotech TTI Temperature Indicator.
ITS-90 Software
Icarus is software for the ITS-90 Laboratory to calculate I-Cal Easy Software
between resistance and temperature for SPRTs. It allows I-Cal Easy allows for the automatic calibration of
for the calculation of coefficients and the printing of charts temperature sensors, from controlling the calibration run
and certificates. to printing certificates and calculating coefficients.

Demonstration
versions of our software
are available to download
for evaluation:

http://www.isotech.co.uk/software.html

98 | SOLUTIONS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY LABORATORIES

 Calibration Software
Icarus
g Calculate SPRT Coefficients
g Print and Design Certificates
g Evaluation Version Available

Software for the Primary Laboratory

Icarus is designed to calculate and display the relationship
between resistance and temperature for Standard
Platinum Resistance Thermometers between the triple
point of Hydrogen and the freezing point of Silver. All
calculations are performed using the equations and
values defined in the International Scale of 1990 (ITS-90).

Calculate ITS-90 Coefficients

Generate coefficients from data or data from coefficients

Design and Print Certificates

Use built in layouts including R vs T, T vs R, W vs T etc.
Design your own certificates using HTML.
Use powerful keywords and additional statements.

Check the calibration quality

Fit extra calibration points to the curve.
Create a distributable “Calculator” for any individual
SPRT.

Accuracy Estimator

See Graphical Representation of data

Icarus is used at NTPL, if you have a recent certificate
from Isotech for an SPRT it will have been created with
Icarus.

Icarus has been tested and verified by Isotech and is http://www.isotech.co.uk/icarus

available to save you lab time and increase confidence.
The features of Icarus are as a result of requests made
from Isotech Calibration Engineers. Quite simply if you
calibrate SPRTs you need Icarus!

SOLUTIONS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY LABORATORIES | 99

 Calibration Software
Cal NotePad
g Easy to use Win98 - Win XP
g Interface to Isotech Block Baths & Temperature Indicators
g Log Chart and Export data - Control Calibration Bath
- Read Standard

The purpose of Cal NotePad (CNP) is to automatically log

and display the temperature of an Isotech calibration bath
together with the unit under test. Cal NotePad can be used
with baths (or indicators) without PC interfaces by the user
typing in values from the keyboard. The Cal NotePad can
be used to identify the operator and the unit under test.
With the click of a button data is logged with time
information, it is also possible to log continually.
The calibration bath temperature can be changed from the
PC or from the calibration baths controller - Cal NotePad
will display the temperature changes as they occur on the
re-scalable chart display.
For traceable calibration the unit under test should be
compared to a calibrated standard thermometer. Cal
NotePad can record the actual temperature of the bath
from either the in-built indicator of an Isotech SITE model
or from a variety of external instruments see list. If the
external instrument has two channels (e.g. Isotech TTI) http://www.isotech.co.uk/calnotepad.html
then the unit under test may be connected to channel B for
logging with CNP. Alternatively the value can be typed in
from the keyboard. Similarly the calibration bath controller
value, actual temperature, SITE indicator value or unit
under test value may also be entered manually.
Then the manually entered data is combined with that
gathered automatically and the resultant file can be
opened in an external application such as Excel for the
preparation of reports, certificates etc.
Cal NotePad is designed for ease of use, it will give a chart
of the system. When the operator determines the system is
stable - easily seen from the chart then clicking a button
will record time, operator, serial numbers of unit under test
along with controller and indicator values.
Cal NotePad can be used for semi-automatic calibration,
see I-Cal Easy for a fully automated calibration solution.

System Requirements Temperature Indicators:

Laptop or Desktop Isotech milliK, TTI-1, TTI-2, TTI-5, TTI-6, TTI-7, TTI-10
Windows 98/2000/XP and TTI 22
Serial Ports: RS232 or Adapaters

CNP is compatible with the following Isotech calibration

equipment:-
Calibration Baths, Furnaces, Dry Block and POTT models
with a serial interface.

100 | SOLUTIONS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY LABORATORIES

 Calibration Software
Easy
I-Cal Easy
g Fully Automatic Calibration
g Design and Print Certificates
g Calculate Coefficients
g Prints PRT and TC tables
g Supports more equipment
g Try the full version free for 30 days

Use I-Cal Easy to automate sensor calibration, enter up

to 20 calibration points and let the software set the bath,
wait for stability and log the data automatically. Choose
the stability criteria and how many points to record at
each calibration temperature. Automatic temperature
calibration the easy way.

I-Cal Easy lets you use a built-in template or design your

own certificate. Add text, data fields and graphics on
single or multiple pages, then publish the calibration data
to the certificate. Do you want to include or calculate
coefficients? Then drag your data to the ITS-90 or
Calender Van Duesen calculators. For thermocouples
use the powerful regression calculator to fit error curves.

Other systems have limited the user with a built-in

template and the need to pay extra for any changes, with
I-Cal Easy just build in your own certificate in minutes!

http://www.isotech.co.uk/icaleasy

SOLUTIONS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY LABORATORIES | 101

 I-Cal Easy supports the TTI-7 and The criteria for stability can be set to and for thermocouples you can
Isotech Dry Blocks, Liquid Baths and suit all types of equipment; Dry Blocks, choose what order of regression to fit
Calibration Furnaces. Additional Liquid Baths and High Temperature an error curve. Try the demo version
support for other and third party Furnaces. Once the system is stable and see how easy it is to drag data
instruments is available, contact choose how many measurements to to the calculator and export the results
Isotech for details. take at each calibration point and straight to a certificate.
have the average value appear on
I-Cal Easy provides a powerful but Judge for yourself how this compares
the certificate. Create one or multiple
easy to use automatic calibration to any other software. The demonstration
page certificates, as many as
system. A graphical setup lets you version will run without restriction for
required to suit different customers
drag and drop instruments and 30 days and enable you to learn how
and different types of calibration,
equipment onto the appropriate PC to use I-Cal Easy and save time by
Thermocouple, Industrial PRTs and
port - no need to create config files. rapidly producing certificates to your
SPRTs. Drag and drop data and text
In addition to the comprehensive own requirements. Try it and see why
fields onto the certificate, link to logos
manual balloon tips guide you as to we are confident that I-Cal Easy is
and other graphic elements.
the operation of each control. Once the market leader.
familiar with the system this balloon The in-built calculator will calculate
help feature can be turned off. coefficients for both IEC 751, ITS-90

Build an automatic calibration

system with I-Cal Easy
SELECTOR
SWITCH

milliK
SYSTEM CONNECTIONS

The number of sensors that can be calibrated depends upon the

equipment used. Calibrate up to 16 sensors with two switch boxes,
expandable to 32.

System Requirements
Computer Desktop or Notepad PC
Operating System Windows 98/2000/XP
Display 800 X 600 / 16 bit display
(1024 X 768 recommended) Note:
Available in different languages -
I-Cal - Supported Camera Check with Isotech for supported models Spanish and Chinese currently available.

Serial Ports A maximum of three ports are required, one for the dry
block, one for the TTI and one for the Switchboxes
http://www.isotech.co.uk/icaleasy
(Two Switchboxes can be operated from a single port)

102 | SOLUTIONS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY LABORATORIES

Calibration Services
Isotech’s UKAS accredited calibration laboratory, Northern Temperature
Primary Laboratory (NTPL), was established in 1980 and has grown to be
a full scale laboratory providing calibration to the smallest of uncertainties.
Isotech was the first UKAS laboratory to be accredited to calibrate ITS-90
Fixed Point Cells. Our accredited uncertainties are now smaller than many
the scope of other accredited laboratories and smaller than most National
Measurement Institutes.
NTPL comprises of three physically separate laboratories, A Primary
Laboratory, A Secondary Laboratory and Calibration laboratory for Industrial
products. Isotech can offer a tailored service to meet your needs be it a
Dry Block calibration of the calibration of a standard for the primary lab.
NTPL is regularly visited by scientists form the the leading NMIs and
provides a range of highly regarded training courses.

Extracts from the Schedule 42

Isotech UKAS Calibration Uncertainties (k=2)

Calibration of SPRTs at Fixed Points
Temperature Uncertainty
BP Nitrogen -195.798°C 5mK
TP Argon -189.3442°C 0.5mK
TP Mercury -38.8344°C 0.24mK
TP Water 0.01°C 0.07mK
MP Gallium 29.7646°C 0.15mK
FP Indium 156.5985°C 1.0mK
FP Tin 231.928°C 1.0mK
FP Zinc 419.527°C 1.2mK
FP Aluminium 660.323°C 2.0mK http://www.isotech.co.uk/lab
FP Silver 961.78°C 7mK

Calibration of ITS-90 Fixed Point Cells

Temperature Uncertainty
TP Mercury -38.8344°C 0.22mK
TP Water 0.01°C 0.07mK
MP Gallium 29.7646°C 0.07mK
FP Indium 156.5985°C 0.65mK
FP Tin 231.928°C 0.6mK
FP Zinc 419.527°C 0.9mK
FP Aluminium 660.323°C 1.1mK
FP Silver 961.78°C 2.0mK
The latest schedule can be found on the Isotech website
or at www.ukas.org

Training
Our training course, “From Industry to ITS-90” has been
attended by several hundred delegates at venues across the
world. Many more have completed the content via our
E-Learning system. We also provide specialist courses
relating to the use of Primary Standards
http://www.isotech.co.uk/training.html

Journal of Thermometry
Published over ten years this remains a valuable resource for
temperature metrologists.
http://www.isotech.co.uk/journal.html

SOLUTIONS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY LABORATORIES | 103

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