Calibration of Bimetallic Temperature Gauge
Scope
Calibration of analog, Dial-type bimetallic actuated thermometers utilizing helical bimetallic elements
that mechanically sense the temperature and indicate it by means of a pointer moving over a scale.
Reference standard
This calibration Procedure is developed from ASME B40.200-2008 (B40.3) Standard for Thermometers
Direct Reading & Remote Reading (revision of B40.200-2001).
Purpose of Method Statement
The purpose of the Method statement is to ensure that the Calibration & Certification of Temperature
gauges are calibrated according to the regulations, and with quality workmanship
Calibration Steps
1. Accuracy Test
Purpose:
To determine the accuracy of the thermometer under test.
Procedure:
Throughout this test, the bath temperature shall be measured using a calibration standard. The accuracy
of the standard should be at least four times that of the thermometer under test. The bath must be
properly agitated.
Immerse the stem of the thermometer to be tested to the manufacturer’s recommended depth.
Precycle by immersing the stem at least once in hot and cold baths with
temperatures close to the high and low values of the span.
Readings are to be taken after gently tapping, at approximately 10%, 50%
and 90% of the span, both increasing and decreasing temperatures.
Compare with calibration standard at each point.
Readings should be taken before and after gently tapping the thermometer.
The difference between the readings at a given temperature is the friction
error expressed as percentage of span.
2. Under-/Over-Temperature
Purpose:
To determine the short term exposure to process temperature either above or below the indicated
range limits. Mostly for liquid-in glass thermometer
Procedure:
Test for Accuracy (a)
Raise temperature of stem by approximately 10% of the span over the highest indicated value.
Maintain for approximately 5min
Repeat accuracy test (b)
The difference between the reading in (a) and (b) is the effect of over-temperature.
Lower temperature of stem by approximately 10% of span below the lowest indicated value.
Maintain for approximately 5 min.
Repeat accuracy test (c)
Difference between readings in (b) and (c) is the effect of under-temperature.
3. Storage
Purpose:
To determine the effect of temperature extremes that may be encountered during storage
Procedure:
Test for accuracy
Place the thermometer in a temperature chamber at the manufacture’s recommended high
limit of storage temperature for period of 24 hrs.
Place the thermometer in a temperature chamber at the manufacture’s recommended low limit
of storage temperature for a period of 24 Hrs.
Repeat this 48-Hr cycle for a total of two complete tests
Allow the thermometer to stabilize at room temperature at least 24 Hrs.
Repeat accuracy test.
Difference between 2 accuracy tests is the effect of storage temperature, expressed as a
percentage of span.
4. Load
Purpose:
To determines the effect of specified external load applied to a thermometer supplied with a threaded
connector.
Procedure:
Test for accuracy
Mount the thermometer using connector.
Gradually apply a load of 150 lb, and maintain for at least 1 min.
Repeat accuracy test
Difference between 2 accuracy tests is the effect of the load test, expressed as a percentage of
span.
Any obvious damage or severe distortion should be noted.
5. Vibration
Purpose:
To determine the effect of 6Hr of exposure to the test described below.
Procedure:
Test for accuracy
Each of the tests specified below shall be conducted separately in each of the three mutually
perpendicular axes. All tests in one axis shall be completed before proceeding to test in another
axis.
The thermometer under tests hall be secured to the vibration table in the same manner that it
will be secured in service. The mounting device shall be sufficiently rigid to ensure that its
motion will be essentially the same as the motion of the table of the vibration machine.
To determine the presence of resonances, the thermometer under test shall be vibrated at
frequencies from 5Hz to 60Hz at peak - to – peak amplitudes, as per Table 1. The change in
frequency shall be made in discrete frequency intervals at approximately 1 Hz and maintained at
each frequency for 15 sec. The frequencies and location at which resonances occur shall be
noted.
The thermometer shall be tested for a period of 2hr in each of the mutually perpendicular axes
(6hr in total) at the resonant frequency. If more than one resoant frequency exists, the rest shall
be conducted at the highest resonant frequency. If no resonance is observed, the test shall be
performed at 60Hz. The amplitude of vibration shall be in accordance with Table1.
Repeat accuracy test
The difference between the two accuracy tests is the effect of vibration, expressed as a
percentage of span.
6. Hermetic Seal
Purpose:
To determine if a sealed case can be described as hermetically sealed as it pertains to a bimetallic
actuated thermometer.
Procedure:
NB: All tests involve a complete thermometer, without a thermowell
Fully immerse the thermometer in water with the dial did not more than 6 in. below the surface.
Transfer from one water bath to the next within 30 sec.
Subject the thermometer to the following sequence of temperature change:
o Air at 65 F/160 F for a minimum of 2 hr
o Water at 150 F/160 F for 15 min
o Water at 40 F/50 F for 15 min
o Water at 150 F/160 F for 15 min
o Water at 40 F/50 F for 15 min
o Air at 35 F/40 F for 1 Hr.
Examine the thermometer.
Evidence of leakage, condensed moisture, or fog within the thermometer at any point during or
subsequent to the test procedure indicates that the thermometer does not meet this definition
of hermetic seal.
Uncertainty Budget Preparation
Probability
Distributio
deg of Standard
Symbo Source of n
freedo Divisor Uncertainty
l Uncertainity Type A or B
m °C
Factor
Repeatabilit Type A -
Ua 4 √3
y Normal
Type B -
Uc of
Ub1 Rectangula infinity √3
master
r
√3
Type B - (considerin
Ub2 Resolution infinity
Normal g Half of
resolution)
Type B -
Ub3 Accuracy Rectangula infinity √3
r
C Uc Combined Std Uc
Exp Uc k=2 Expanded Uc
