The AMETEK RTC-168 is a professional reference temperature calibrator combining the advantages of a dry block calibrator and a liquid temperature bath in one portable instrument.
With a temperature range from −30 °C to +165 °C, excellent temperature stability of ±0.01 °C and a specified accuracy of ±0.045 °C with a suitable external reference thermometer, the AMETEK RTC-168 provides outstanding performance for demanding temperature calibration applications.
The instrument has been developed particularly for the calibration of sanitary temperature sensors used in pharmaceutical manufacturing, biotechnology, food processing and other hygienic production environments.
Its innovative design allows the calibration of short temperature sensors, sensors with large process connections and sensors with unusual geometries.
The AMETEK RTC-168 features a large calibration well, active dual zone temperature control, optional Dynamic Load Compensation and interchangeable calibration inserts.
An innovative removable liquid container allows users to switch conveniently between dry block calibration and liquid bath calibration.
This flexibility makes the AMETEK RTC-168 an excellent solution for calibration laboratories, industrial maintenance departments and professional temperature metrology applications.
europascal supports customers with professional calibration equipment, technical advice and suitable calibration services.
For additional information about traceable calibration, visit the europascal Calibration Service.
Your Benefits at a Glance
The AMETEK RTC-168 combines excellent temperature calibration performance with outstanding flexibility.
Its main advantages include:
- Temperature range from −30 °C to +165 °C
- Combined dry block and liquid bath calibration
- Excellent temperature stability of ±0.01 °C
- Accuracy of ±0.045 °C with a suitable external reference thermometer
- Internal reference accuracy of ±0.18 °C in dry block mode
- Innovative removable liquid container
- Suitable for sanitary temperature sensors
- Calibration of sensors with flanges up to 84 mm
- 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 temperature homogeneity
- Special calibration inserts for short sensors
- Intelligent external reference thermometers
- Automatic temperature stepping
- Integrated stability monitoring
- Optional sensor under test measurement
- Optional temperature switch testing
- USB communication interface
- Compatible with JofraCal calibration software
- Portable construction
- Ideal for pharmaceutical and food industry applications
Ideal for Demanding Temperature Calibration Applications
The AMETEK RTC-168 is particularly suitable for applications where conventional dry block calibrators reach their limitations.
Many industrial temperature sensors feature long cylindrical probes that can easily be inserted into a standard calibration block.
However, sanitary temperature sensors frequently have short sensing elements, large flanges or special process connections.
These designs are necessary to meet hygienic requirements but can make accurate temperature calibration difficult.
The AMETEK RTC-168 addresses these challenges through its large calibration opening and specially designed calibration accessories.
The instrument allows the sensing element of short sensors to reach the temperature homogeneous calibration zone.
This helps reduce errors caused by insufficient immersion depth and heat conduction through the sensor housing.
Typical applications include pharmaceutical manufacturing, biotechnology, food processing, hygienic process engineering and calibration laboratories.
Temperature Range from −30 °C to +165 °C
The AMETEK RTC-168 provides a temperature range from:
−30 °C to +165 °C
This range applies to the standard dry block and liquid bath configurations at an ambient temperature of 23 °C.
The instrument can therefore generate temperatures below and above normal ambient conditions.
Typical calibration points include:
- −30 °C
- −20 °C
- 0 °C
- 20 °C
- 50 °C
- 80 °C
- 100 °C
- 121 °C
- 140 °C
- 165 °C
These temperatures cover numerous industrial and laboratory applications.
For example, 121 °C is an important temperature in many sterilization processes.
The AMETEK RTC-168 can be used to verify temperature sensors employed in such processes.
When the removable liquid container is used, the available temperature range differs slightly.
At 23 °C ambient temperature, the specified range for this configuration is:
−26 °C to +160 °C
The appropriate configuration must therefore be selected according to the required calibration temperature.
Excellent Temperature Accuracy
The AMETEK RTC-168 provides different accuracy specifications depending on the selected operating mode and reference thermometer.
Accuracy with Internal Reference
In dry block mode, the manufacturer specifies:
±0.18 °C
This value applies when the instrument is calibrated and operated with the appropriate insert.
In liquid bath mode, the internal reference accuracy depends on the calibration configuration.
When calibrated with the insert, the manufacturer specifies ±0.21 °C.
When calibrated directly in liquid bath mode, the specified value is ±0.14 °C.
Accuracy with External Reference
When using the specified external STS-200 reference thermometer, the manufacturer specifies:
±0.045 °C
This value applies to the supported dry block and liquid bath configurations.
The external reference thermometer measures the temperature within the calibration zone.
This allows accurate comparison measurements between the reference thermometer and the device under test.
The specified accuracy 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-168 provides outstanding temperature stability.
The manufacturer specifies:
±0.01 °C
This specification applies to dry block operation, liquid bath operation and the removable liquid container configuration.
Temperature stability describes the variation of the calibration temperature over time under defined conditions.
The manufacturer evaluates stability after the stability indicator has been active for 15 minutes, followed by a 30 minute measurement period.
Excellent stability is particularly important when calibrating precision resistance thermometers and demanding industrial temperature sensors.
Stable calibration conditions help minimize measurement variations and support reliable calibration results.
Combined Dry Block and Liquid Bath Calibration
One of the most important advantages of the AMETEK RTC-168 is its ability to operate as both a dry block calibrator and a liquid bath calibrator.
Dry Block Calibration
In dry block mode, the temperature sensor is inserted into a suitable metal calibration insert.
The insert provides thermal contact between the calibration block and the sensor.
This method is particularly convenient for conventional cylindrical temperature probes.
Advantages include clean operation, easy handling and reproducible sensor positioning.
Liquid Bath Calibration
In liquid bath mode, a suitable calibration liquid transfers heat to the temperature sensors.
This provides greater flexibility when calibrating sensors with unusual shapes or dimensions.
Liquid calibration is particularly useful for short sensors and sensors that cannot be accommodated in conventional inserts.
The AMETEK RTC-168 allows users to select the most suitable calibration method for each application.
Innovative Removable Liquid Container
The AMETEK RTC-168 features an innovative removable liquid container.
This allows users to switch between liquid bath calibration and dry block calibration without draining the entire calibration well.
The calibration liquid is placed inside the removable container.
After completing the liquid calibration, the container can be removed.
The instrument can then be used again as a dry block calibrator.
The container includes a threaded lid with an integrated pressure relief valve.
This simplifies transportation and storage of the calibration liquid.
When using the removable liquid container, the manufacturer requires a suitable external reference thermometer and activation of the Set Follows True function.
These capabilities are available with the RTC-168B and RTC-168C configurations.
Calibration of Sanitary Temperature Sensors
The AMETEK RTC-168 is specifically designed for sanitary temperature sensor calibration.
Sanitary sensors are widely used in pharmaceutical manufacturing, biotechnology and food processing.
They often feature short sensing elements and large hygienic process connections.
These geometries can make conventional temperature calibration difficult.
The AMETEK RTC-168 provides a specially designed calibration area that allows sensors with flange diameters up to:
84 mm
to be accommodated.
The large opening helps position the sensing element within the homogeneous temperature zone.
Special inserts and adapters are available for different sensor geometries.
This makes the instrument particularly suitable for hygienic temperature sensors used in critical industrial processes.
Large Calibration Well
The AMETEK RTC-168 features a large calibration well.
The nominal well diameter is:
63.5 mm
The well depth is:
160 mm
This large calibration area provides excellent flexibility.
It allows several temperature sensors to be inserted simultaneously when a suitable multi hole insert is used.
The large diameter also makes it possible to accommodate sensors that cannot be calibrated in conventional compact dry block calibrators.
For dry block applications, different inserts are available according to the dimensions of the devices under test.
Active Dual Zone Temperature Control
The AMETEK RTC-168 features active dual zone temperature control.
This technology uses independently controlled temperature zones to improve temperature homogeneity.
The lower zone provides precise temperature control within the calibration area.
The upper zone compensates for heat losses caused by the open calibration well and the inserted temperature sensors.
This reduces temperature gradients and improves calibration conditions.
Active dual zone control is particularly beneficial when calibrating sensors with short sensing elements or different immersion depths.
It also supports accurate calibration when multiple sensors are inserted simultaneously.
Dynamic Load Compensation
The AMETEK RTC-168 supports Dynamic Load Compensation, also known as DLC.
This patented technology helps compensate for temperature distribution changes caused by the inserted sensors.
When several sensors are inserted into a calibration block, they can influence the temperature distribution.
Large sensors and sensors with different thermal characteristics may create additional temperature gradients.
The DLC system uses a special differential temperature sensor to monitor the temperature distribution within the calibration insert.
The calibrator then adjusts the temperature control to reduce the detected differences.
This provides improved temperature homogeneity under different loading conditions.
Dynamic Load Compensation is particularly useful for demanding dry block comparison calibrations.
The manufacturer specifies that DLC functionality cannot be used when calibrating sanitary sensors.
Excellent Temperature Homogeneity
The AMETEK RTC-168 provides excellent radial temperature homogeneity.
In dry block mode, the manufacturer specifies:
| Temperature | Radial Homogeneity |
|---|---|
| −30 °C | 0.02 °C |
| +165 °C | 0.03 °C |
In liquid bath mode, the manufacturer specifies:
| Temperature Range | Radial Homogeneity |
|---|---|
| −30 °C to −20 °C | 0.029 °C |
| −20 °C to +165 °C | 0.015 °C |
These values demonstrate the excellent temperature distribution of the calibration system.
Good temperature homogeneity is essential for accurate comparison calibration.
The actual calibration uncertainty also depends on sensor geometry, immersion depth, loading and thermal contact.
Fast Heating and Cooling
The AMETEK RTC-168 provides efficient temperature changes.
Typical heating times include:
| Temperature Change | Heating Time |
|---|---|
| −30 °C to +23 °C | 4 minutes |
| +23 °C to +100 °C | 9 minutes |
| +100 °C to +165 °C | 11 minutes |
Typical cooling times include:
| Temperature Change | Cooling Time |
|---|---|
| +165 °C to +100 °C | 12 minutes |
| +100 °C to +23 °C | 22 minutes |
| +23 °C to 0 °C | 13 minutes |
| 0 °C to −15 °C | 17 minutes |
| −15 °C to −30 °C | 42 minutes |
Fast temperature changes help reduce waiting times during multi point calibration procedures.
The actual heating and cooling times depend on ambient conditions and the selected operating configuration.
Three Available Configurations
The AMETEK RTC-168 is available in three configurations.
AMETEK RTC-168A
The RTC-168A provides temperature generation and control using the internal reference thermometer.
It is suitable for applications where external reference thermometers and measurement instruments are already available.
AMETEK RTC-168B
The RTC-168B provides the most comprehensive measurement functionality.
It includes an external reference thermometer input and integrated measurement functions for compatible devices under test.
These include RTDs, thermocouples, temperature transmitters and temperature switches.
The RTC-168B is particularly suitable for automated calibration procedures.
AMETEK RTC-168C
The RTC-168C includes an external reference thermometer input.
It is designed for accurate comparison calibrations using a suitable external reference sensor.
Unlike the RTC-168B, it does not include the complete sensor under test measurement functionality.
Automatic Temperature Stepping
The AMETEK RTC-168 supports automatic temperature stepping.
Users can program up to 20 temperature steps.
Each step can include a defined temperature setpoint and holding time.
The calibrator automatically processes the programmed sequence.
This is particularly useful for repetitive calibration procedures.
Automatic stepping helps reduce manual intervention and improves the consistency of calibration processes.
USB Communication and Calibration Software
The AMETEK RTC-168 features a USB communication interface.
The instrument can communicate with compatible calibration software.
JofraCal calibration software supports the calibration and documentation of temperature sensors, transmitters and temperature switches.
Depending on the instrument configuration, calibration procedures can be performed manually or with integrated measurement functions.
Computer assisted calibration helps improve efficiency and simplifies documentation.
Technical Highlights
| Specification | AMETEK RTC-168 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | AMETEK |
| Model | RTC-168 |
| Product type | Reference Temperature Calibrator |
| Calibration methods | Dry Block and Liquid Bath |
| Temperature range | −30 °C to +165 °C |
| Temperature range with removable container at 23 °C ambient | −26 °C to +160 °C |
| Internal accuracy in dry block mode | ±0.18 °C |
| Accuracy with external STS-200 reference | ±0.045 °C |
| Temperature stability | ±0.01 °C |
| Radial homogeneity at −30 °C, dry block | 0.02 °C |
| Radial homogeneity at +165 °C, dry block | 0.03 °C |
| Display resolution | 1 °C, 0.1 °C, 0.01 °C or 0.001 °C |
| Well diameter | 63.5 mm |
| Well depth | 160 mm |
| Immersion depth including insulation plug | 180 mm |
| Liquid bath immersion depth | 150 mm |
| Maximum sanitary sensor flange diameter | 84 mm |
| Temperature control | Active Dual Zone |
| Dynamic Load Compensation | Optional |
| Removable liquid container | Available |
| External reference input | Models B and C |
| Sensor under test input | Model B |
| Communication | USB 2.0 |
| Calibration software | JofraCal |
| Operating ambient temperature | 0 °C to +40 °C |
| Power supply | 115 V or 230 V AC versions |
| Maximum power consumption | 500 VA |
| Dimensions | 366 × 171 × 363 mm |
| Weight | Approximately 10.9 kg |
| Protection rating | IP10 |
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-168 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 uncertainty, sensor immersion depth, loading effects and measurement repeatability.
For liquid bath calibration, additional influences such as liquid properties, stirring conditions and temperature distribution must be considered.
For dry block calibration, thermal contact between the sensor and calibration insert is particularly important.
A suitable uncertainty budget helps ensure that calibration results are reliable and metrologically traceable.
For professional calibration services, visit the europascal Calibration Service.
Why Choose the AMETEK RTC-168?
The AMETEK RTC-168 combines the advantages of two temperature calibration methods in one professional instrument.
Its temperature range from −30 °C to +165 °C covers numerous industrial and laboratory applications.
Excellent temperature stability of ±0.01 °C provides reliable conditions for precision calibration.
The ability to operate as both a dry block calibrator and a liquid bath offers exceptional flexibility.
The large calibration well and special sanitary sensor inserts make it possible to calibrate short sensors and sensors with large process connections.
Active dual zone temperature control and optional Dynamic Load Compensation help improve temperature homogeneity.
The removable liquid container simplifies switching between calibration methods.
Depending on the selected configuration, integrated reference thermometer and sensor measurement functions support efficient calibration procedures.
For pharmaceutical manufacturers, food processing companies, calibration laboratories and industrial users requiring flexible temperature calibration equipment, the AMETEK RTC-168 provides an excellent combination of accuracy, versatility and efficiency.
europascal supports customers with professional temperature calibration equipment, technical advice and calibration services.
Typical Applications for the AMETEK RTC-168
The AMETEK RTC-168 is suitable for numerous professional temperature calibration applications.
Typical applications include:
- Sanitary temperature sensor calibration
- Pharmaceutical manufacturing
- Biotechnology
- Food and beverage processing
- Hygienic process instrumentation
- Pt100 calibration
- Pt1000 calibration
- RTD calibration
- Thermocouple calibration
- Temperature transmitter calibration
- Temperature switch testing
- Precision thermometer calibration
- Liquid bath calibration
- Dry block calibration
- Calibration of short temperature sensors
- Calibration of sensors with large flanges
- Industrial quality assurance
- Calibration laboratories
- Temperature metrology
- Field calibration
The combination of excellent temperature stability, flexible calibration methods, advanced temperature control and innovative sanitary sensor accessories makes the AMETEK RTC-168 a professional solution for demanding temperature calibration applications.
Find more AMETEK calibration equipment at europascal.
Manufacturer information for the AMETEK RTC-168 can be found on the official AMETEK website.
