The AMETEK RTC-158 is a professional reference temperature calibrator designed for precise temperature sensor calibration in laboratories, industrial production facilities and field service applications.
With a temperature range from −22 °C to +155 °C, excellent temperature stability of ±0.01 °C and an accuracy of ±0.04 °C when using the specified external reference thermometer, the AMETEK RTC-158 provides outstanding performance for demanding temperature calibration applications.
One of the most important advantages of the AMETEK RTC-158 is its flexible operating concept. The instrument can be used as a conventional dry block calibrator or, with the appropriate equipment, as a liquid calibration bath.
This combination makes it particularly suitable for calibrating temperature sensors with different diameters, lengths and geometries.
The AMETEK RTC-158 features a large calibration well, active dual zone temperature control and optional Dynamic Load Compensation technology.
These technologies provide excellent temperature stability and uniformity, even when several temperature sensors are calibrated simultaneously.
The instrument is particularly suitable for calibrating resistance temperature detectors, Pt100 sensors, thermocouples, digital thermometers, temperature transmitters and temperature switches.
europascal supports customers with professional temperature calibration equipment, technical advice and calibration services.
For professional calibration and metrological traceability, visit the europascal Calibration Service.
Your Benefits at a Glance
The AMETEK RTC-158 combines excellent temperature performance with flexible calibration options.
Its main advantages include:
- Temperature range from −22 °C to +155 °C
- Accuracy of ±0.04 °C with the specified external reference thermometer
- Internal reference accuracy of ±0.18 °C in dry block operation
- Excellent temperature stability of ±0.01 °C
- Dry block and liquid bath operation
- Large calibration well with a diameter of 63.5 mm
- Calibration well depth of 160 mm
- Active dual zone temperature control
- Optional Dynamic Load Compensation
- Excellent radial and axial temperature uniformity
- Interchangeable calibration inserts
- Suitable for large and unusually shaped temperature sensors
- Intelligent external reference sensors
- Large 5.7 inch color display
- USB communication interface
- Automatic temperature stepping
- Optional sensor measurement functions
- Optional temperature switch testing
- Compatible with calibration software
- Suitable for laboratory and industrial applications
- Professional technical support from europascal
Ideal for Demanding Temperature Calibration Applications
The AMETEK RTC-158 is designed for applications requiring accurate and repeatable temperature calibration.
Its temperature range covers many industrial processes operating below, near and above ambient temperature.
Typical applications include calibration of Pt100 resistance thermometers, industrial RTDs, thermocouples and digital temperature measuring instruments.
The instrument is also suitable for temperature sensors used in pharmaceutical manufacturing, biotechnology, food processing, environmental monitoring and industrial process control.
Its large calibration well provides additional flexibility compared with conventional compact dry block calibrators.
Several sensors can be inserted simultaneously when a suitable multi hole calibration insert is used.
This makes the AMETEK RTC-158 particularly attractive for calibration laboratories handling different sensor types and dimensions.
Temperature Range from −22 °C to +155 °C
The AMETEK RTC-158 provides a specified temperature range of:
−22 °C to +155 °C
This range applies at an ambient temperature of 23 °C.
The minimum achievable temperature depends on the ambient conditions.
| Ambient Temperature | Calibration Range |
|---|---|
| 0 °C | −37 °C to +155 °C |
| 23 °C | −22 °C to +155 °C |
| 40 °C | −9 °C to +155 °C |
The ability to generate temperatures below ambient temperature is particularly useful for calibration applications involving cooling systems, environmental monitoring and temperature controlled processes.
The instrument can also generate temperatures up to 155 °C for applications involving industrial temperature sensors and process instrumentation.
For demanding calibration procedures, sufficient stabilization time must be allowed before recording measurement results.
High Accuracy with External Reference Thermometer
The AMETEK RTC-158 provides different accuracy specifications depending on the measurement configuration.
When using the internal reference sensor in dry block operation, the manufacturer specifies:
±0.18 °C
When using the specified external STS-200 reference thermometer with the RTC-158B or RTC-158C, the manufacturer specifies:
±0.04 °C
The external reference thermometer measures the temperature directly within the calibration insert.
This allows more accurate comparison calibrations than relying exclusively on the internal temperature indication.
The external reference sensor uses four wire resistance measurement technology.
The specified accuracy applies under the manufacturer’s defined conditions over a 12 month period.
It must not be confused with the expanded measurement uncertainty stated on an individual calibration certificate.
Excellent Temperature Stability of ±0.01 °C
The AMETEK RTC-158 provides excellent temperature stability.
The manufacturer specifies:
±0.01 °C
Temperature stability describes the variation of the calibration temperature over time under defined operating conditions.
According to the manufacturer, stability is evaluated after the stability indicator has been active for 15 minutes, followed by a measurement period of 30 minutes.
Excellent temperature stability is particularly important when calibrating precision resistance thermometers and industrial temperature sensors.
Stable temperature conditions help minimize measurement variations during comparison measurements.
Dry Block and Liquid Bath Operation
One of the most important features of the AMETEK RTC-158 is its ability to operate as either a dry block calibrator or a liquid calibration bath.
Dry Block Operation
In dry block mode, interchangeable metal inserts accommodate temperature sensors with different diameters.
The calibration block generates a controlled temperature that is transferred to the inserted sensors.
Dry block operation provides several advantages.
No calibration liquid is required, preparation is straightforward and sensors can be positioned reproducibly.
This makes dry block operation particularly suitable for routine calibration and mobile applications.
Liquid Bath Operation
With the appropriate liquid bath accessories, the AMETEK RTC-158 can also operate as a stirred liquid calibration bath.
The liquid bath configuration is particularly useful for sensors that cannot be accommodated in conventional calibration inserts.
Examples include large sensors, unusually shaped probes, glass thermometers and certain mechanical temperature measuring instruments.
A magnetic stirrer circulates the calibration liquid to improve temperature uniformity.
Only manufacturer approved calibration liquids should be used, and the permissible operating temperature must be limited according to the properties of the selected fluid.
Large Calibration Well
The AMETEK RTC-158 features a particularly large calibration well.
The manufacturer specifies:
Well diameter: 63.5 mm
Well depth: 160 mm
The large diameter provides additional space for temperature sensors with different geometries.
It also allows several sensors to be calibrated simultaneously.
This is especially useful when performing comparison calibrations using an external reference thermometer.
The large calibration well makes the instrument suitable for applications that would be difficult to perform with smaller dry block calibrators.
Active Dual Zone Temperature Control
The AMETEK RTC-158 features active dual zone temperature control.
The system uses independently controlled temperature zones to improve temperature distribution within the calibration well.
The lower zone provides accurate temperature control in the calibration area.
The upper zone compensates for heat losses caused by the open top of the calibration block and the inserted temperature sensors.
This technology improves axial temperature uniformity.
It is particularly useful when calibrating sensors with different lengths or sensing element positions.
Dynamic Load Compensation
The RTC-158B and RTC-158C support Dynamic Load Compensation, also known as DLC.
This technology is designed to improve temperature uniformity when several sensors or large sensors are inserted into the calibration block.
A dedicated DLC sensor measures temperature differences within the calibration insert.
The information is used by the temperature control system to compensate for the influence of sensor loading.
This helps reduce axial temperature gradients and improves calibration conditions.
Dynamic Load Compensation is particularly useful when calibrating multiple Pt100 sensors simultaneously.
It can also reduce the influence of different sensing element positions within the temperature probes.
The DLC function requires the appropriate sensor and compatible instrument configuration.
Excellent Temperature Homogeneity
The AMETEK RTC-158 provides excellent radial temperature homogeneity.
The manufacturer specifies the following values for dry block operation:
| Calibration Temperature | Radial Homogeneity |
|---|---|
| −22 °C | 0.03 °C |
| +155 °C | 0.05 °C |
For liquid bath operation, the manufacturer specifies radial homogeneity of:
0.015 °C
These values demonstrate the excellent temperature distribution of the calibration system.
Good temperature homogeneity is essential when several sensors are calibrated simultaneously.
The actual measurement uncertainty must also consider axial temperature distribution, sensor loading and immersion effects.
Intelligent Reference Sensors
The RTC-158B and RTC-158C support intelligent external reference thermometers.
The STS-200 reference sensor contains individual calibration coefficients stored in its connector.
When the sensor is connected, the calibrator can automatically recognize the calibration information.
This reduces setup time and minimizes the risk of incorrect coefficient entry.
The intelligent reference sensor is particularly useful for calibration laboratories requiring reliable and repeatable measurement procedures.
Three Available Configurations
The AMETEK RTC-158 is available in three configurations.
AMETEK RTC-158A
The RTC-158A provides precise temperature generation and control using the internal reference thermometer.
It is suitable for applications where separate external measurement instruments are already available.
AMETEK RTC-158B
The RTC-158B provides additional measurement functionality.
It supports external reference thermometers, Dynamic Load Compensation and integrated sensor measurement functions.
Compatible devices under test include RTDs, thermocouples, temperature transmitters and temperature switches.
This configuration is particularly suitable for automated calibration procedures.
AMETEK RTC-158C
The RTC-158C supports external reference thermometers and Dynamic Load Compensation.
It is designed for accurate comparison calibration using an external temperature reference.
Unlike the RTC-158B, it does not provide the complete integrated sensor measurement functionality.
Automatic Temperature Stepping
The AMETEK RTC-158 supports automatic temperature stepping.
Up to 20 temperature steps can be programmed.
The user can define individual temperature setpoints and holding times.
This allows predefined calibration sequences to be performed automatically.
Automatic stepping is particularly useful for repetitive calibration procedures.
It reduces manual intervention and helps improve efficiency.
USB Communication and Calibration Software
The AMETEK RTC-158 includes a USB communication interface.
The instrument can communicate with compatible calibration software.
The manufacturer’s JofraCal software supports calibration procedures, documentation and data management.
Depending on the instrument configuration, calibration routines can be transferred to the calibrator and measurement results can be evaluated on a computer.
This is particularly useful for calibration laboratories performing repeated temperature sensor calibrations.
Technical Highlights
| Specification | AMETEK RTC-158 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | AMETEK |
| Model | RTC-158 |
| Product type | Reference Temperature Calibrator |
| Temperature range at 23 °C | −22 °C to +155 °C |
| Temperature range at 0 °C | −37 °C to +155 °C |
| Temperature range at 40 °C | −9 °C to +155 °C |
| Accuracy with external STS-200 | ±0.04 °C |
| Internal reference accuracy, dry block | ±0.18 °C |
| Internal reference accuracy, liquid bath | ±0.3 °C |
| Temperature stability | ±0.01 °C |
| Radial homogeneity at −22 °C, dry block | 0.03 °C |
| Radial homogeneity at +155 °C, dry block | 0.05 °C |
| Radial homogeneity, liquid bath | 0.015 °C |
| Calibration well diameter | 63.5 mm |
| Calibration well depth | 160 mm |
| Temperature resolution | 1 °C, 0.1 °C, 0.01 °C or 0.001 °C |
| Temperature control | Active dual zone |
| Dynamic Load Compensation | Models B and C |
| External reference input | Models B and C |
| Integrated sensor measurement | Model B |
| Temperature switch testing | Model B |
| Display | 5.7 inch color VGA |
| Communication interface | USB |
| Automatic temperature steps | Up to 20 |
| Operating modes | Dry block and liquid bath |
| Calibration software | JofraCal |
Calibration of RTDs and Pt100 Sensors
The AMETEK RTC-158 is particularly suitable for calibrating resistance temperature detectors.
Typical applications include Pt100, Pt1000 and industrial RTD calibration.
The temperature sensor is inserted into a suitable calibration insert or immersed in the liquid bath configuration.
The calibrator generates a stable temperature that can be compared with the temperature indicated by the device under test.
For high accuracy applications, the external STS-200 reference thermometer is recommended.
Calibration of Thermocouples
The AMETEK RTC-158 can also be used for thermocouple calibration.
The instrument provides a stable temperature environment for checking thermocouple measurement systems.
The thermocouple is inserted into the calibration block or suitable liquid bath configuration and allowed to stabilize.
Its indicated temperature can then be compared with the reference temperature.
For accurate thermocouple calibration, reference junction compensation and the measurement uncertainty of the readout must be considered.
Calibration Service by europascal
Regular calibration is essential for maintaining reliable and traceable temperature measurements.
europascal provides professional calibration services for temperature measuring instruments and calibration equipment.
When the AMETEK RTC-158 is used for temperature sensor calibration, the measurement uncertainty must be evaluated according to the complete calibration procedure.
Relevant uncertainty contributions include temperature stability, axial and radial temperature distribution, reference thermometer calibration uncertainty, sensor immersion effects, loading effects and measurement repeatability.
The uncertainty evaluation should follow the applicable calibration procedure and relevant metrological guidelines.
For professional calibration services and metrological traceability, visit the europascal Calibration Service.
Why Choose the AMETEK RTC-158?
The AMETEK RTC-158 combines excellent temperature accuracy with flexible calibration options.
Its temperature range from −22 °C to +155 °C covers numerous industrial and laboratory applications.
The combination of dry block and liquid bath operation makes the instrument particularly versatile.
A large calibration well allows multiple sensors and unusually shaped temperature probes to be calibrated.
Active dual zone temperature control and optional Dynamic Load Compensation help maintain excellent temperature uniformity.
Temperature stability of ±0.01 °C and accuracy of ±0.04 °C with the specified external reference thermometer provide reliable conditions for precision calibration.
The RTC-158B configuration also provides integrated measurement functions for automated calibration procedures.
For calibration laboratories and industrial users requiring a professional reference temperature calibrator, the AMETEK RTC-158 offers an excellent combination of accuracy, flexibility and efficiency.
Typical Applications for the AMETEK RTC-158
The AMETEK RTC-158 is suitable for numerous professional temperature calibration applications.
Typical applications include:
- Pt100 calibration
- Pt1000 calibration
- RTD calibration
- Thermocouple calibration
- Digital thermometer calibration
- Temperature transmitter calibration
- Temperature switch testing
- Calibration of large temperature sensors
- Calibration of unusually shaped temperature probes
- Pharmaceutical manufacturing
- Food processing
- Environmental monitoring
- Industrial process instrumentation
- Calibration laboratories
- Industrial quality assurance
- Temperature metrology
- Field calibration
The combination of excellent temperature stability, flexible operating modes, a large calibration well and advanced temperature control makes the AMETEK RTC-158 a professional solution for demanding temperature calibration applications.
Find more temperature calibration equipment at europascal.
Manufacturer information for the AMETEK RTC-158 can be found on the official AMETEK website.
