The europascal BH4-4000B Automatic Deadweight Tester is a high-performance hydraulic pressure standard designed for precise and efficient calibration at very high pressures. With a measuring range from 40 to 4,000 bar and an accuracy of 0.02 %, the BH4-4000B combines the proven physical measurement principle of a piston gauge with advanced automation for professional calibration laboratories and demanding industrial applications.
A maximum pressure of 4,000 bar, equivalent to 400 MPa and approximately 58,000 psi, makes the BH4-4000B particularly suitable for calibrating high-pressure sensors, pressure transducers, reference pressure instruments and specialized hydraulic measuring equipment.
Unlike a conventional manually operated deadweight tester, the BH4 platform integrates functions such as motorized operation, dynamic piston position visualization, environmental measurement, automatic pressure calculation, result recording and computer data transfer. These features reduce manual intervention and simplify repetitive high-pressure calibration procedures.
The BH4-4000B uses a single precision piston-cylinder system and operates hydraulically with oil. Calibrated stainless steel masses generate the force acting on the piston. The resulting reference pressure is calculated from the applied force, effective piston area and relevant correction quantities.
europascal provides professional support for pressure calibration equipment, system configuration, maintenance and calibration. The europascal calibration service provides calibration solutions for deadweight testers, pressure balances, pressure gauges, high-pressure sensors, transmitters and other pressure measuring equipment.
Your Benefits at a Glance
The europascal BH4-4000B Automatic Deadweight Tester combines high pressure capability with automatic calibration functionality.
Key benefits include:
- Automatic hydraulic deadweight tester
- Measuring range from 40 to 4,000 bar
- Maximum pressure of 4,000 bar / 400 MPa
- Accuracy of 0.02 %
- Single-piston configuration
- Physical piston gauge measurement principle
- Hydraulic operation with oil
- Stainless steel calibration masses
- Integrated motorized rotation
- Dynamic piston position visualization
- Integrated environmental measurement
- Automatic pressure calculation
- Automatic pressure display
- Different pressure units available
- Recording of calibration results
- Computer data transfer
- Reduced manual calculation effort
- Designed for professional high-pressure calibration
- Professional calibration and service from europascal
High Pressure Range from 40 to 4,000 bar
The europascal BH4-4000B covers a hydraulic pressure range from:
40 to 4,000 bar
This corresponds to:
4 to 400 MPa
or approximately:
580 to 58,000 psi
The maximum pressure is therefore:
4,000 bar / 400 MPa
The 100:1 ratio between minimum and maximum pressure provides substantial flexibility for high-pressure calibration.
This makes the BH4-4000B suitable for a wide range of high-pressure devices without requiring several separate reference standards.
Accuracy of 0.02 %
The europascal BH4-4000B provides a specified accuracy of:
0.02 %
This performance is particularly useful for calibration of high-quality pressure sensors, transducers, gauges and other industrial high-pressure instruments.
The complete measurement uncertainty of an actual calibration additionally depends on the relevant influence quantities of the pressure balance and measurement setup.
Important contributions can include:
- Calibration of the masses
- Effective piston area
- Pressure coefficient of the piston-cylinder system
- Local gravitational acceleration
- Air buoyancy
- Piston-cylinder temperature
- Pressure deformation
- Hydraulic fluid properties
- Hydrostatic head difference
- Repeatability
- Resolution of the device under test
- Environmental conditions
At pressures extending to several thousand bar, the pressure-dependent deformation of the piston-cylinder assembly becomes particularly important and must be appropriately characterized.
Fundamental Piston Gauge Measurement Principle
The europascal BH4-4000B Automatic Deadweight Tester operates according to the fundamental physical principle of a piston gauge.
The basic relationship is:
p = F / A
where:
p = generated pressure
F = force acting on the piston
A = effective piston area
The gravitational force generated by the calibrated masses is primarily determined by:
F = m × g
where:
m = applied mass
g = gravitational acceleration
The simplified pressure relationship is therefore:
p = (m × g) / A
For precision calibration, additional corrections can be applied for factors such as local gravity, air buoyancy, piston-cylinder temperature, pressure deformation and hydrostatic head.
The BH4 system combines this proven physical measurement principle with electronic calculation and automatic operator assistance.
Single-Piston High-Pressure System
The europascal BH4-4000B is designed as a:
single-piston pressure balance
One precision piston-cylinder system generates the pressure across the complete specified range from 40 to 4,000 bar.
This provides straightforward operation without the need to change between different piston-cylinder systems.
The high-pressure piston-cylinder assembly is designed and characterized specifically for demanding pressure metrology.
Its effective area and pressure-dependent behavior are important parameters in calculating the generated reference pressure.
Automatic Pressure Calculation
One of the major advantages of the europascal BH4-4000B compared with a conventional manual deadweight tester is the integrated calculation functionality.
The system assists the operator with:
- Automatic calculation of generated pressure
- Automatic pressure display
- Relevant correction parameters
- Environmental quantities
- Different pressure units
- Reduced manual calculation effort
- Calibration data handling
This is particularly beneficial at pressures of several thousand bar, where the pressure calculation can require several correction quantities.
The integrated system helps provide consistent and efficient calibration procedures.
Dynamic Piston Position Visualization
Correct piston position is essential for reliable operation of a pressure balance.
The BH4 platform therefore provides:
dynamic piston position visualization
This allows the operator to monitor the piston position during calibration and determine whether the piston is operating within its correct working range.
The visualization reduces the need for purely manual observation and makes repetitive calibration procedures more convenient.
Integrated Motorized Rotation
The europascal BH4-4000B incorporates motorized operation of the piston and mass system.
Rotation helps minimize friction effects between piston and cylinder and supports free movement of the precision piston.
With a conventional manual deadweight tester, the operator may need to rotate the mass system manually.
The BH4 platform performs this function automatically, improving operating convenience and repeatability during intensive calibration work.
Environmental Measurement
Accurate piston gauge pressure calculations can depend on environmental conditions.
The BH4 concept therefore incorporates measurement of relevant environmental quantities.
These can include:
- Temperature
- Atmospheric pressure
- Relative humidity
The environmental information can be used in calculating the generated pressure and applying relevant corrections.
This reduces manual data entry and supports professional calibration workflows.
Recording of Calibration Results
The europascal BH4-4000B supports the recording of calibration results.
This functionality is particularly valuable for laboratories performing regular or repetitive high-pressure calibration.
Recorded measurement information can support:
- Calibration documentation
- Measurement traceability
- Quality assurance
- Evaluation of the device under test
- Calibration history
- Digital laboratory workflows
The combination of physical pressure generation and electronic data handling helps reduce manual documentation work.
Computer Data Transfer
Calibration information can be transferred to a computer.
This allows the BH4-4000B to be integrated into digital calibration workflows and simplifies subsequent processing of measurement results.
Computer data transfer can reduce transcription errors and save time when large numbers of calibration points or devices are processed.
For professional calibration laboratories, this provides an important advantage over purely mechanical pressure balances.
Different Pressure Units
The integrated calculator provides flexibility regarding the pressure unit used during calibration.
Depending on the configuration, pressure can be displayed in units such as:
- bar
- kPa
- MPa
- psi
- kg/cm²
This is useful for laboratories working with devices from different industries or international customers.
The physical calibration mass set can therefore be used together with electronic conversion and pressure calculation functionality.
Stainless Steel Calibration Masses
The BH4 series uses:
stainless steel calibration masses
The masses generate the gravitational force acting on the precision piston.
Their calibrated values and long-term stability are important components of the pressure measurement system.
The generated pressure depends on the calibrated mass values, gravitational acceleration, effective piston area and relevant correction factors.
Standard Gravity and Local Gravity
The force generated by a calibration mass depends directly on gravitational acceleration.
The conventional standard value is:
g = 9.80665 m/s²
However, actual gravitational acceleration varies according to geographical location.
For high-accuracy pressure calibration, the appropriate gravity value should therefore be used.
This is especially important because a relative deviation in gravitational acceleration produces a corresponding relative influence on the generated force.
Hydraulic Operation with Oil
The europascal BH4-4000B is a hydraulic deadweight tester operating with:
oil
Hydraulic pressure transmission is particularly suitable for generating the very high pressures required by the BH4-4000B.
Correct filling and venting of the hydraulic system are important for efficient pressure generation and stable operation.
Compatibility between the hydraulic fluid, device under test and wetted components should always be checked before calibration.
At pressures up to 4,000 bar, all tubing, fittings, adapters and connected instruments must be appropriately rated for the intended pressure.
Technical Highlights
Model: europascal BH4-4000B
Device type: Automatic Hydraulic Deadweight Tester
Product family: BH4 Automatic
Configuration: Single piston
Measuring range: 40 to 4,000 bar
Measuring range: 4 to 400 MPa
Measuring range: Approx. 580 to 58,000 psi
Maximum pressure: 4,000 bar / 400 MPa
Accuracy: 0.02 %
Measurement principle: Piston gauge / deadweight tester
Pressure medium: Oil
Calibration masses: Stainless steel
Motorization: Integrated
Piston position visualization: Dynamic
Environmental measurement: Integrated
Pressure calculation: Automatic
Result recording: Integrated
Computer data transfer: Available
Technical Data
| Feature | europascal BH4-4000B |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | europascal Aremeca |
| Model | BH4-4000B |
| Device type | Automatic Hydraulic Deadweight Tester |
| Product family | BH4 Automatic |
| Configuration | Single piston |
| Number of pistons | 1 |
| Measuring range | 40–4,000 bar |
| Measuring range | 4–400 MPa |
| Measuring range | Approx. 580–58,000 psi |
| Maximum pressure | 4,000 bar / 400 MPa |
| Accuracy | 0.02 % |
| Measurement principle | Piston gauge |
| Pressure medium | Oil |
| Calibration masses | Stainless steel |
| Motorized rotation | Integrated |
| Piston position visualization | Dynamic |
| Environmental measurement | Integrated |
| Automatic pressure calculation | Integrated |
| Result recording | Integrated |
| Computer data transfer | Available |
BH4-4000B vs. BH2-4000B
The europascal Aremeca product portfolio includes both:
BH4-4000B
and:
BH2-4000B
Both are designed for precise hydraulic calibration up to 4,000 bar, but their operating concepts are different.
The BH2-4000B belongs to the manually operated high-performance pressure balance family.
The BH4-4000B adds the automatic functionality of the BH4 platform.
| Feature | BH4-4000B | BH2-4000B |
|---|---|---|
| Measuring range | 40–4,000 bar | 40–4,000 bar |
| Accuracy | 0.02 % | 0.02 % |
| Configuration | Single piston | Single piston |
| Standard operation | Automatic | Manual |
| Motorized rotation | Integrated | Optional |
| Piston position visualization | Integrated | Optional |
| Automatic pressure calculation | Integrated | Optional |
| Environmental measurement | Integrated | Optional |
| Computer data functions | Integrated | Optional |
The BH4-4000B is therefore particularly attractive for laboratories performing regular high-pressure calibration where automation, operator assistance and digital data handling are important.
The BH2-4000B provides an alternative when straightforward manual operation is preferred.
BH4 High-Pressure Series
The europascal Aremeca BH4 family includes several automatic hydraulic pressure balances for demanding high-pressure calibration.
| Model | Measuring Range | Accuracy |
|---|---|---|
| BH4-2000B | 40–2,000 bar | 0.02 % |
| BH4-2500B | 40–2,500 bar | 0.02 % |
| BH4-3000B | 40–3,000 bar | 0.02 % |
| BH4-4000B | 40–4,000 bar | 0.02 % |
| BH4-5000B | 40–5,000 bar | 0.02 % |
| BH4-6000B | 200–6,000 bar | 0.05 % |
| BH4-7000B | 200–7,000 bar | 0.05 % |
The BH4-4000B therefore provides an excellent balance between pressure range and metrological performance.
For applications requiring pressures above 4,000 bar, the BH4-5000B, BH4-6000B and BH4-7000B provide higher maximum pressure capabilities.
Applications in Calibration Laboratories and Industry
The europascal BH4-4000B Automatic Deadweight Tester is particularly suitable for organizations requiring reliable reference pressures at very high hydraulic pressure.
Typical devices under test include:
- High-pressure sensors
- Pressure transducers
- Pressure transmitters
- Precision pressure gauges
- Digital high-pressure gauges
- Reference pressure instruments
- Hydraulic measurement systems
- High-pressure test equipment
- Industrial pressure instrumentation
Typical users include professional calibration laboratories, pressure instrument manufacturers, high-pressure component manufacturers, research institutes, development laboratories and industrial quality assurance departments.
Calibration and Traceability
Regular calibration is essential for maintaining the metrological performance of a high-pressure deadweight tester.
Important components include:
- Piston-cylinder assembly
- Calibration mass set
- Effective piston area
- Pressure coefficient
- Temperature behavior
- Environmental sensors
- Relevant correction parameters
At pressures extending to 4,000 bar, accurate characterization of the pressure-dependent piston-cylinder behavior is particularly important.
The europascal calibration service provides professional calibration solutions for deadweight testers, pressure balances, pressure gauges, pressure sensors, pressure transmitters and other pressure measuring equipment.
europascal can also provide support with system configuration, maintenance and the selection of suitable high-pressure calibration equipment.
Why Choose the europascal BH4-4000B?
The europascal BH4-4000B Precise Automatic Deadweight Tester combines a broad high-pressure measuring range from 40 to 4,000 bar with an accuracy of 0.02 % and the advanced automatic functionality of the BH4 platform.
The instrument combines the fundamental physical traceability of a piston gauge with motorized operation, dynamic piston position visualization, environmental measurement, automatic pressure calculation, result recording and computer data transfer.
This reduces operator workload and simplifies repetitive calibration procedures while maintaining the advantages of a physical pressure standard.
For professional laboratories that regularly calibrate high-pressure sensors, transducers, gauges and other pressure instruments up to 4,000 bar, the BH4-4000B provides a powerful combination of high-pressure capability, metrological performance and modern calibration automation.
Typical Calibration Applications with the europascal BH4-4000B
The europascal BH4-4000B is particularly suitable for calibration of high-pressure sensors, pressure transducers, pressure transmitters, precision pressure gauges, digital pressure gauges, reference pressure instruments and specialized hydraulic measurement systems.
Its combination of 4,000 bar maximum pressure, 0.02 % accuracy and automatic operation makes it particularly suitable for professional calibration laboratories and industrial environments with regular high-pressure calibration requirements.
Looking for the europascal BH4-4000B or an automatic hydraulic pressure calibration solution up to 4,000 bar? Contact europascal for expert advice, system configuration and professional calibration services tailored to your requirements.





