europascal CH2 is a powerful high-performance hydraulic pressure comparator designed for professional calibration of pressure gauges, pressure transmitters, sensors and pressure switches. With available pressure ranges from 125 bar up to 7000 bar, robust construction, precise manual pressure generation and the option to upgrade the system into a BH2 deadweight tester, the CH2 provides a flexible platform for demanding pressure calibration laboratories and industrial applications.
The CH2 belongs to the manufacturer’s High Performance range of comparison test pumps. Unlike the pneumatic CA2, the CH2 operates hydraulically with oil. Current CH2 models cover 0–125 bar, 0–1250 bar, 0–2000 bar, 0–4000 bar and 0–7000 bar.
The comparator is designed for calibration by comparison. A calibrated reference pressure instrument and the device under test are connected to the same hydraulic system. Pressure is generated manually using the capstan mechanism and the indication of the device under test is compared directly with the reference.
The hydraulic system incorporates a 125 cm³ reservoir and can displace up to 61 cm³ of fluid. Depending on the CH2 version, one or two pistons are used to generate pressure efficiently across the respective range.
One of the most important advantages of the europascal CH2 is its modular design. A CH2 comparator can later be converted into a BH2 deadweight tester by adding the appropriate piston-cylinder unit and mass set. This makes the CH2 an attractive long-term platform for laboratories that initially require comparison calibration but may later need a pressure balance.
At europascal, we provide complete solutions for pressure calibration, including comparators, pressure balances, reference pressure instruments, adapters, accessories and professional calibration services.
For professional calibration and metrological traceability of pressure measuring equipment, visit the europascal Calibration Service.
Your Benefits at a Glance
The europascal CH2 combines high-pressure capability, precise manual control and a robust modular design.
Key benefits include:
- High-performance hydraulic pressure comparator
- Pressure ranges from 0 to 7000 bar
- Five CH2 pressure ranges available
- Hydraulic operation with oil
- Designed for professional comparison calibration
- Suitable for regular calibration workloads
- Calibration of pressure gauges
- Calibration of digital pressure gauges
- Calibration of pressure sensors
- Calibration of pressure transmitters
- Testing of pressure switches
- 125 cm³ fluid reservoir
- Up to 61 cm³ displaced fluid volume
- One- or two-piston design depending on model
- Precise capstan pressure adjustment
- G1/2 HP swivel instrument connection
- Integrated leveling bubble
- Adjustable feet
- Robust aluminum housing
- Removable capstan for transportation
- Numerous accessories and options
- Optional reservoir pump
- Optional fine adjustment equipment
- Upgradeable to BH2 deadweight tester
- Suitable for laboratories and industrial applications
High-Performance Hydraulic Pressure Comparator
The europascal CH2 is designed for regular professional calibration work.
The manufacturer’s current pressure range divides its comparison benches into different performance categories. The CH2, CO and CA2 platforms form the High Performance category, while simpler comparators such as the CH1 and CA1 are positioned in the Eco and Standard range.
The CH2 is therefore particularly suitable for laboratories and industrial users requiring a robust comparator for frequent calibration.
The manufacturer states that the hydraulic high-performance range has been developed and used for more than 35 years.
Pressure Ranges up to 7000 bar
The europascal CH2 is available in several pressure ranges.
Current models include:
| Model | Pressure Range |
|---|---|
| CH2-125B | 0 to 125 bar |
| CH2-1250B | 0 to 1250 bar |
| CH2-2000B | 0 to 2000 bar |
| CH2-4000B | 0 to 4000 bar |
| CH2-7000B | 0 to 7000 bar |
The corresponding maximum pressure extends from approximately 2000 psi to 100,000 psi.
This broad model range allows users to select a comparator according to their actual pressure calibration workload.
Hydraulic Pressure Generation
The europascal CH2 uses hydraulic pressure generation.
A reservoir supplies the hydraulic fluid to the internal variable-volume system. Turning the capstan moves the piston mechanism and pushes fluid toward the connected pressure instruments.
This changes the internal volume and generates the required calibration pressure.
Compared with pneumatic pressure generation, hydraulic systems are particularly suitable for high-pressure applications because liquids have very low compressibility.
This allows the CH2 platform to reach pressures as high as 7000 bar while retaining controlled manual adjustment.
125 cm³ Fluid Reservoir
The CH2 platform incorporates a fluid reservoir with a capacity of:
125 cm³.
The reservoir has a visible fluid level, allowing the operator to monitor the hydraulic medium during operation.
The system can displace a maximum fluid volume of:
61 cm³.
This relatively large displacement capacity is useful when calibrating instruments with larger internal volumes or when several instruments are connected to the calibration setup.
Oil as Pressure Medium
The CH2 range operates hydraulically using oil.
The exact oil depends on the selected model. For example, the CH2-1250B uses H40 oil, while the CH2-4000B specifies sebacate oil.
The pressure medium must always be compatible with:
- The CH2 comparator
- The reference pressure instrument
- The device under test
- Pressure adapters
- Seals and O-rings
- Additional accessories
Where water rather than oil is required as the pressure medium, the manufacturer offers the related CO high-performance comparator series.
Comparison Calibration Principle
The europascal CH2 is designed for calibration by comparison with a reference pressure instrument.
A typical calibration workstation consists of:
CH2 pressure comparator
Reference pressure instrument
Device under test
The hydraulic pressure generated by the comparator acts on both pressure instruments.
The reading of the device under test is then compared with the reference value.
The deviation can be determined as:
Deviation = DUT indication – Reference value
Measurements can be performed at several pressure points across the complete calibration range.
Increasing and Decreasing Pressure
During a typical pressure calibration, measurement points are approached first with increasing pressure.
After the maximum calibration point has been reached, the same points can be approached again with decreasing pressure.
This procedure allows the calibration to identify differences between increasing and decreasing pressure indications.
Such differences can provide information about the hysteresis behavior of the device under test.
Calibration of Pressure Gauges
One of the main applications of the europascal CH2 is the calibration of analog and digital pressure gauges.
The reference pressure gauge and the device under test are connected to the hydraulic system.
The operator generates the required pressure using the capstan and compares both indications at defined pressure points.
The CH2’s broad range makes it possible to create calibration workstations for conventional industrial pressure gauges as well as very high-pressure instrumentation.
Pressure Transmitter Calibration
The CH2 can also be used for pressure transmitter calibration.
In this application, the CH2 generates the hydraulic pressure while a suitable reference instrument measures the actual pressure.
An electrical calibrator or precision multimeter simultaneously measures the output signal of the transmitter.
Typical transmitter outputs include:
- 4–20 mA
- 0–10 V
- mV/V
- Digital signals
The complete setup therefore combines accurate hydraulic pressure generation with electrical signal measurement.
Pressure Sensor Calibration
Pressure sensors without an integrated display can also be calibrated using the europascal CH2.
The pressure sensor is connected to the hydraulic system together with a reference instrument.
Its electrical output is measured using suitable electrical measurement equipment.
This makes the CH2 suitable as the pressure generation component in both manual and automated sensor calibration workstations.
Pressure Switch Testing
The europascal CH2 can also be used to test pressure switches.
Pressure is increased until the switch changes state.
The corresponding switching pressure is recorded using the reference pressure instrument.
The pressure is then reduced until the switch returns to its original state.
This allows determination of:
- Switching pressure
- Reset pressure
- Switching hysteresis
A suitable electrical instrument is required to detect the switching state.
Precise Pressure Adjustment
The capstan mechanism provides controlled manual adjustment of the generated pressure.
The achievable sensitivity depends on the selected CH2 model and the pressure level.
For example, the CH2-1250B specifies sensitivities of:
0.01 bar at 10% of maximum pressure
0.1 bar at 50% of maximum pressure
1 bar at maximum pressure.
For the CH2-2000B, the corresponding values are:
0.02 bar at 10%
0.2 bar at 50%
2 bar at 100% of maximum pressure.
The actual sensitivity therefore depends on the selected CH2 configuration.
One- and Two-Piston Systems
Different CH2 versions use different piston arrangements.
The CH2-125B uses one piston.
The higher-pressure versions from CH2-1250B through CH2-7000B use two pistons.
The two-stage concept enables efficient pressure generation across the very wide pressure ranges required for high-pressure calibration.
G1/2 HP Instrument Connection
The CH2 platform is supplied with a:
G1/2 HP swivel connection
for the instrument under test.
Other pressure fittings are available as options.
This modular connection concept allows the calibration workstation to be adapted to different devices under test.
Additional adapter sets are particularly useful in laboratories that regularly calibrate pressure instruments from different manufacturers.
Upgrade to a BH2 Deadweight Tester
One of the most important features of the europascal CH2 is the ability to upgrade the comparator into a:
BH2 deadweight tester.
The manufacturer’s current pressure catalog explicitly states that a CH2 comparator can be converted into a BH2 by adding a kit consisting of the required piston-cylinder unit and weight set.
This provides a significant advantage for laboratories planning their calibration capabilities over the long term.
The laboratory can initially use the CH2 for comparison calibration and later upgrade the same basic platform to a pressure balance.
Pressure Balance Principle
After conversion to a BH2, pressure is no longer determined solely by comparison with an external reference gauge.
Instead, the pressure balance generates a reference pressure according to the fundamental relationship:
p = F / A
where:
p = pressure
F = force generated by the applied masses
A = effective piston area.
This principle provides excellent long-term stability and low measurement uncertainty.
The CH2 therefore offers a clear development path from a manual comparator to a high-performance pressure standard.
Example: BH2-30B
The modular relationship between the CH2 and BH2 can be seen in the current BH2 product range.
For example, the BH2-30B pressure balance uses the:
CH2-125B as its generator base.
This demonstrates that the CH2 is not merely a stand-alone pressure comparator but forms the mechanical pressure generation platform for professional BH2 deadweight testers.
Optional Reservoir Pump
For applications requiring additional hydraulic volume, a reservoir pump can be added to the CH2.
The manufacturer lists the reservoir pump as an option for the high-performance hydraulic comparator platform.
This can be particularly useful when:
- Large-volume devices are calibrated
- Long pressure lines are used
- Several instruments are connected
- A calibration manifold is installed
The additional pump helps fill the pressure system before fine pressure adjustment is performed using the comparator.
Multi-Gauge Calibration
The CH2 can also form the basis of larger calibration workstations.
A current manufacturer application example combines a CH2-1250B with two blocks for four pressure gauges each and two selectable reference gauges.
This system allows up to eight pressure gauges to be calibrated simultaneously.
This demonstrates the scalability of the CH2 platform for higher-throughput calibration applications.
Robust Construction
The europascal CH2 is designed for long-term professional use.
The housing is manufactured from:
AG3 light-alloy aluminum
and protected with:
high-resistance paint.
The capstan is removable for easier transportation.
The robust construction makes the comparator suitable for both calibration laboratories and industrial environments.
Leveling Bubble and Adjustable Feet
The CH2 includes:
an integrated leveling bubble
and:
adjustable feet.
These allow the comparator to be correctly positioned on the calibration bench.
Accurate leveling becomes especially important when the CH2 is upgraded to a BH2 deadweight tester because correct piston-cylinder alignment is essential for pressure balance operation.
Operating Temperature
The specified operating temperature range of the CH2 platform is:
18 °C to 28 °C.
The manufacturer states that its pressure benches are checked under reference conditions including:
20 °C temperature
1013.25 hPa atmospheric pressure
50% relative humidity
and:
9.80665 m/s² gravitational acceleration.
Environmental conditions should be considered when developing the measurement uncertainty budget for demanding pressure calibration applications.
Accessories and Options
A wide selection of accessories can be combined with the europascal CH2.
Depending on the model and application, available equipment includes:
- Reference pressure gauges
- Transport cases
- Protective covers
- Additional pressure adapters
- High-pressure fitting sets
- Reservoir pumps
- Fine adjustment valves
- Pressure gauge manifolds
- Cleaning equipment
- Oils
- O-rings
- Spare parts
- BH2 conversion kits
The manufacturer also offers calibration manifolds and dedicated high-pressure adapter cases for pressure ranges up to 7000 bar.
Typical Applications
The europascal CH2 is suitable for:
- Pressure gauge calibration
- Digital pressure gauge calibration
- Pressure transmitter calibration
- Pressure sensor calibration
- Pressure switch testing
- High-pressure calibration
- Hydraulic pressure calibration
- Comparison calibration
- Reference gauge comparison
- Industrial calibration
- Calibration laboratories
- Quality assurance
- Production testing
- Service and maintenance
- Multi-gauge calibration workstations
- Future conversion into a deadweight tester
Technical Highlights
| Feature | europascal CH2 |
|---|---|
| Device type | High-performance hydraulic pressure comparator |
| Pressure range | Up to 7000 bar |
| CH2-125B | 0–125 bar |
| CH2-1250B | 0–1250 bar |
| CH2-2000B | 0–2000 bar |
| CH2-4000B | 0–4000 bar |
| CH2-7000B | 0–7000 bar |
| Pressure medium | Oil |
| Reservoir | 125 cm³ |
| Maximum displaced volume | 61 cm³ |
| Number of pistons | 1 or 2 depending on model |
| Instrument connection | G1/2 HP swivel |
| Leveling | Bubble level and adjustable feet |
| Housing | AG3 light-alloy aluminum |
| Capstan | Removable |
| Operating temperature | 18–28 °C |
| Comparator weight | Approx. 18 kg |
| Pressure balance upgrade | Yes |
| Upgrade platform | BH2 |
| Maximum CH2 pressure | 7000 bar / 100,000 psi |
CH2 Compared with CA2
The europascal CH2 and europascal CA2 both belong to the High Performance comparator range but serve different pressure applications.
The CA2 is pneumatic and uses clean air or nitrogen. Its current CA2-200B configuration reaches 200 bar.
The CH2 is hydraulic and uses oil. Depending on the model, it reaches pressures up to 7000 bar.
Both platforms can later be converted into deadweight testers:
CA2 → BA2
CH2 → BH2.
The CA2 is therefore particularly suitable for pneumatic calibration, while the CH2 provides the appropriate high-performance platform for hydraulic and high-pressure applications.
Why Choose the europascal CH2?
The europascal CH2 provides a powerful and flexible platform for professional hydraulic pressure calibration.
Five available models cover ranges from 125 bar to 7000 bar, allowing the calibration system to be matched to the required workload.
The 125 cm³ reservoir and maximum displaced volume of 61 cm³ provide substantial hydraulic capacity, while the manual capstan enables controlled pressure adjustment.
Its robust construction, integrated leveling system and wide selection of adapters and accessories make the CH2 suitable for regular use in calibration laboratories and industrial environments.
For laboratories requiring higher calibration throughput, the platform can be combined with multi-gauge manifolds. For laboratories requiring lower measurement uncertainty in the future, the same CH2 platform can be converted into a BH2 deadweight tester.
This combination of wide pressure coverage, modular construction and upgrade capability makes the europascal CH2 a long-term pressure calibration solution.
At europascal, we provide complete pressure calibration solutions including pressure comparators, reference pressure gauges, pressure balances, high-pressure adapters, accessories and professional calibration services.
For professional calibration and metrological traceability of pressure measuring equipment, visit the europascal Calibration Service.
Manufacturer information and detailed technical documentation for the europascal CH2 are available from europascal and europascal Aremeca.
