AMETEK nVision Lab is a precise modular reference recorder designed for professional pressure calibration, pressure testing, temperature measurement and data logging in calibration laboratories and permanent test installations. Developed by Crystal Engineering, part of AMETEK Sensors, Test & Calibration, the nVision Lab combines high-accuracy pressure measurement with flexible plug-and-play modules and powerful recording capabilities.
Depending on the installed pressure modules, the AMETEK nVision Lab covers pressure ranges from vacuum up to 15,000 psi / 1,000 bar / 100 MPa. Selected lower pressure modules provide pressure accuracy as good as ±0.025 % of reading over the specified portion of their range. Higher-pressure modules provide accuracy up to ±0.05 % of reading. The specifications include the effects of linearity, hysteresis, repeatability, temperature and one-year stability.
Unlike the portable nVision Reference Recorder, the nVision Lab was designed primarily for laboratory and permanent installation. It can be placed on a laboratory bench, integrated into an instrument panel or installed in a rack.
The modular concept allows pressure, temperature and electrical measurement functions to be combined according to the application. Two pressure modules can be installed simultaneously, making the system particularly useful for differential pressure measurements, filter testing and simultaneous monitoring of two pressures.
The integrated data logger stores approximately 1,000,000 data points when recording with a single module. Recording rates range from as fast as 10 readings per second to intervals as long as one reading per hour.
Recorded measurements can be transferred to a computer through the mini-USB interface and processed using CrystalControl software. Data can be exported in common formats including CSV, XLS and PDF. Signed PDF files can also be created for applications requiring protected measurement records.
At europascal, we provide professional solutions for pressure measurement, pressure calibration and data acquisition. We also provide calibration services for pressure measuring instruments and can support existing nVision Lab installations.
For professional calibration and metrological traceability of pressure recorders, pressure modules, digital pressure gauges and other pressure measuring equipment, use the europascal Calibration Service.
Your Benefits at a Glance
- Precision reference pressure recorder
- Modular laboratory platform
- Pressure ranges up to 15,000 psi
- Pressure ranges up to 1,000 bar
- Pressure ranges up to 100 MPa
- Accuracy down to ±0.025 % of reading
- Gauge pressure measurement
- Absolute pressure measurement with suitable configuration
- Differential pressure measurement
- Two pressure modules can be installed simultaneously
- Pressure and temperature measurement
- Optional electrical measurement functions
- RTD/PRT measurement capability with suitable module
- Data logging up to approximately 1,000,000 data points
- Recording rate up to 10 readings per second
- Recording intervals up to one hour
- Non-volatile flash memory
- Up to 64 individual recording sessions
- Graphical display
- Mini-USB interface
- CrystalControl software
- CSV data export
- XLS data export
- PDF reports
- Signed PDF capability
- Bench operation
- Panel mounting
- Rack mounting
- Suitable for calibration laboratories
- Suitable for pressure testing
- Suitable for long-term monitoring
Pressure Measurement up to 15,000 psi
The AMETEK nVision Lab provides a broad pressure measurement capability through interchangeable pressure modules.
Available pressure modules extend up to:
15,000 psi
or:
1,000 bar
or:
100 MPa
This allows one nVision Lab platform to cover a wide variety of pressure measurement and calibration applications.
Typical devices and systems that can be tested include:
- Pressure gauges
- Pressure transmitters
- Pressure transducers
- Pressure switches
- Pressure regulators
- Pressure sensors
- Hydraulic systems
- Pneumatic systems
- Pumps
- Filters
- Pipelines
- Pressure vessels
Accuracy down to ±0.025 % of Reading
Selected lower pressure modules provide excellent measurement performance.
For example, the 30 psi, 100 psi and 300 psi pressure modules provide an accuracy of:
±0.025 % of reading
from 30 % to 110 % of range.
Below 30 % of range, the corresponding specification is:
±0.0075 % of full scale
Higher-pressure modules including 1,000 psi, 3,000 psi, 10,000 psi and 15,000 psi use specifications of:
±0.05 % of reading
over the applicable upper portion of their ranges.
The manufacturer’s accuracy specifications include the effects of:
- Linearity
- Hysteresis
- Repeatability
- Temperature
- One-year stability
This makes the nVision Lab suitable for demanding reference pressure measurement applications.
Modular Pressure Measurement
A major advantage of the AMETEK nVision Lab is its modular architecture.
Pressure modules can be selected according to the required measurement range.
This allows laboratories to configure the instrument specifically for their workload rather than using one fixed pressure sensor for all applications.
The pressure modules use Crystal’s CPF connection system.
The standard module connection is a:
Crystal CPF Medium Pressure Female connection
using a 1/4-inch medium-pressure tube system with 7/16-20 internal threads.
Two Pressure Modules
Two pressure modules can be installed simultaneously.
This provides several important possibilities.
Two different pressure ranges can be installed to improve measurement performance across a broad workload.
Alternatively, two matching pressure modules can be used for differential pressure measurements.
The system can therefore simultaneously monitor two pressure points.
This is particularly useful for applications such as:
- Pump testing
- Filter testing
- Differential pressure measurement
- Pipeline testing
- Pressure drop measurement
- Simultaneous inlet and outlet pressure measurement
Differential Pressure Measurement
The AMETEK nVision Lab can calculate differential pressure using two installed pressure modules.
When two modules with the same full-scale range are used, the Tare function can significantly improve differential pressure measurement uncertainty.
An equalizing valve is required for this measurement method.
For suitable pressure module combinations, differential pressure measurement uncertainty can be as low as:
±0.025 % of differential pressure reading
subject to the applicable minimum absolute uncertainty.
This capability is particularly useful when small pressure differences must be measured while both sensors are exposed to a higher static line pressure.
Gauge Pressure Measurement
Gauge pressure modules measure pressure relative to atmospheric pressure.
This is the most common measurement mode for industrial pressure calibration.
The nVision Lab supports gauge pressure modules over a broad range from low pressure to very high hydraulic pressure.
Many modules also provide vacuum indication.
Dedicated vacuum specifications apply to the manufacturer’s specified lower-pressure modules.
Absolute Pressure Measurement
Absolute pressure measurement is available using an appropriate configuration including a barometric reference module.
This allows the system to determine pressure relative to absolute vacuum rather than atmospheric pressure.
Absolute pressure measurement is important for applications such as:
- Vacuum systems
- Barometric measurements
- Process instrumentation
- Gas measurement
- Laboratory reference measurements
The actual absolute pressure specification depends on the installed pressure and barometric reference modules.
Pressure Media
The pressure modules are designed for gases and liquids compatible with the module’s wetted materials.
The sensor uses 316L stainless steel wetted components.
This provides compatibility with many common pneumatic and hydraulic pressure media.
Media compatibility should always be checked before connecting a pressure module to a process.
RTD and PRT Measurement
The AMETEK nVision Lab can be equipped with an RTD100 temperature module.
The RTD100 module is designed for:
Pt100 RTD / PRT sensors
with a nominal resistance of:
100 Ω at 0 °C
The module supports different resistance thermometer connection methods, including:
- 2-wire
- 3-wire
- 4-wire
This allows pressure and temperature to be measured and recorded using the same modular platform.
Simultaneous Pressure and Temperature Recording
Many industrial pressure tests are affected by temperature.
The ability to record both quantities using one system provides valuable additional information.
Typical applications include:
- Hydrostatic pressure testing
- Pipeline testing
- Pressure vessel testing
- Tank monitoring
- Leak testing
- Long-term stability measurements
Simultaneous pressure and temperature data can help distinguish genuine pressure changes from temperature-related effects.
Electrical Measurement Modules
Suitable nVision configurations can also incorporate electrical measurement modules.
These functions extend the system beyond pure pressure and temperature recording.
Depending on the installed module, electrical signals associated with process instrumentation can be measured.
This is useful when testing pressure and temperature transmitters that provide electrical output signals.
Data Logging up to 1,000,000 Points
One of the major strengths of the AMETEK nVision Lab is its integrated data logging capability.
With a single module recording, the instrument can store approximately:
1,000,000 data points
in non-volatile flash memory.
Non-volatile storage helps protect recorded data if power is interrupted.
The system supports up to:
64 individual recordings
allowing multiple test sequences to be stored before the data is transferred to a computer.
Recording up to 10 Times per Second
The fastest recording interval is:
10 readings per second
This is useful for dynamic events such as:
- Pressure changes
- Pump testing
- Valve testing
- Pressure switch testing
- Relief valve testing
- Short-term pressure fluctuations
The standard display rate is approximately:
4 readings per second
while recording can operate at up to 10 readings per second.
Long-Term Recording
The nVision Lab is equally suitable for long-term monitoring.
The slowest available logging interval is:
one reading per hour
This makes it possible to record slow processes over extended periods.
Typical applications include:
- Pressure stability monitoring
- Tank pressure monitoring
- Long-term leak testing
- Environmental pressure studies
- Process monitoring
The combination of fast and slow recording intervals makes the system suitable for both dynamic and long-duration tests.
CrystalControl Software
Recorded data can be transferred to a computer and processed using CrystalControl software.
The software provides tools for downloading, displaying and documenting measurement data.
Recorded values can be exported in several commonly used formats.
These include:
- CSV
- XLS
- Signed PDF
Excel templates can also be used to automatically format and graph recorded data.
Signed PDF Reports
The ability to create signed PDF files is particularly useful for documented pressure testing.
A signed PDF provides a protected measurement record that is more difficult to modify after the test.
This can be valuable for:
- Hydrostatic testing
- Pipeline testing
- Pressure vessel testing
- Quality assurance
- Customer documentation
- Regulatory documentation
Graphical Display
The AMETEK nVision Lab uses a:
255 × 160 pixel graphical display
Measurement values and recorded information can be viewed directly on the instrument.
This allows the nVision Lab to operate independently without requiring a permanently connected computer.
Mini-USB Interface
Communication with a computer is provided through a:
mini-USB interface
The interface allows recorded measurements to be transferred to CrystalControl software.
This simplifies archiving, analysis and reporting of pressure and temperature measurements.
Laboratory Power Supply
Unlike the handheld nVision, the nVision Lab is designed for permanent laboratory operation.
The instrument operates from:
100 to 240 VAC
at:
50 to 60 Hz
with international plug adapters.
This makes the nVision Lab particularly suitable for permanent bench, panel and rack installations.
Bench Installation
The nVision Lab can be used as a conventional benchtop reference instrument.
Rubber feet provide stable placement on the laboratory bench.
The front panel provides direct access to:
- Display
- Keypad
- Pressure modules
- USB interface
This configuration is ideal for calibration laboratories where the reference recorder is regularly used with different pressure sources and devices under test.
Panel Installation
The enclosure is also designed for panel mounting.
This enables the nVision Lab to be integrated into permanent pressure test stations or custom calibration systems.
Panel installation is particularly useful in production environments and dedicated calibration workstations.
Rack Mounting
The AMETEK nVision Lab can also be installed in an instrumentation rack using the appropriate mounting hardware.
This allows integration into larger automated or semi-automated calibration systems.
The ability to use the same instrument on a bench, in a panel or in a rack is one of the main differences between the nVision Lab and the portable handheld nVision.
Pump Testing
Two pressure modules make the nVision platform particularly useful for pump testing.
One module can measure the inlet pressure while the second measures the outlet pressure.
Both values can be recorded simultaneously.
This allows engineers to evaluate:
- Inlet pressure
- Outlet pressure
- Differential pressure
- Pressure stability
- Pump performance
at recording rates up to 10 readings per second.
Filter Testing
Differential pressure measurement is also useful for filter testing.
The pressure before and after a filter can be measured simultaneously.
Increasing differential pressure can indicate contamination or increasing flow resistance through the filter.
Accurate differential pressure recording therefore helps evaluate filter condition and performance.
Hydrostatic Pressure Testing
The AMETEK nVision Lab is well suited for hydrostatic pressure tests.
A pipeline, pressure vessel or component is pressurized and the pressure is monitored over a defined period.
A reduction in pressure can indicate leakage or structural problems.
Digital data logging provides a traceable measurement record without relying on conventional paper chart recorders.
Leak Testing
The high measurement accuracy and integrated data logger also make the system suitable for leak testing.
Pressure can be monitored over an extended period while the recorder stores the measurement values automatically.
The resulting data can then be analyzed and documented using CrystalControl.
Pressure Gauge Calibration
The AMETEK nVision Lab can be used as a reference instrument for pressure gauge calibration.
A suitable pressure source generates the required calibration pressure.
The nVision Lab measures the reference pressure while the indication of the device under test is recorded.
Depending on the selected pressure module, the system provides accuracy suitable for many professional pressure calibration applications.
Pressure Transmitter Calibration
Pressure transmitters can also be calibrated using the nVision Lab.
The pressure module measures the applied reference pressure while an appropriate electrical module or external measurement instrument measures the transmitter output.
This allows pressure and electrical data to be evaluated together.
Technical Highlights
The AMETEK nVision Lab combines modular reference measurement with powerful data recording:
- Reference Pressure Recorder
- Laboratory configuration
- Modular design
- Pressure measurement to 15,000 psi
- Pressure measurement to 1,000 bar
- Pressure measurement to 100 MPa
- Accuracy down to ±0.025 % of reading
- Gauge pressure
- Absolute pressure with suitable configuration
- Differential pressure
- Two simultaneous pressure modules
- RTD100 temperature module
- Pt100 RTD/PRT measurement
- Electrical measurement options
- Approximately 1,000,000 data points
- Up to 64 individual recordings
- Recording rate up to 10 readings per second
- Logging interval up to one hour
- Non-volatile flash memory
- 255 × 160 graphical display
- Mini-USB interface
- CrystalControl software
- CSV export
- XLS export
- PDF export
- Signed PDF capability
- Bench installation
- Panel installation
- Rack installation
Technical Specifications
| Feature | AMETEK nVision Lab |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | AMETEK / Crystal Engineering |
| Model | nVision Lab |
| Device type | Reference Recorder |
| Maximum pressure | 15,000 psi / 1,000 bar / 100 MPa |
| Best pressure accuracy | ±0.025 % of reading |
| High-pressure module accuracy | Up to ±0.05 % of reading |
| Pressure modes | Gauge, absolute and differential depending on configuration |
| Number of pressure modules | Up to 2 |
| Pressure connection | Crystal CPF Medium Pressure Female |
| Pressure sensor wetted material | 316L stainless steel |
| Temperature module | RTD100 |
| Temperature sensor | Pt100 RTD / PRT |
| RTD connections | 2-, 3- and 4-wire |
| Data logging capacity | Approx. 1,000,000 points with single module |
| Maximum recordings | 64 |
| Maximum logging rate | 10 readings/second |
| Slowest logging interval | 1 reading/hour |
| Storage | Non-volatile flash memory |
| Display | 255 × 160 pixel graphical display |
| Standard display rate | 4 readings/second |
| Interface | Mini-USB |
| Software | CrystalControl |
| Export formats | CSV, XLS, PDF, signed PDF |
| Power | 100–240 VAC, 50–60 Hz |
| Operating temperature | 10 °C to 50 °C |
| Storage temperature | 0 °C to 75 °C |
| Humidity | <95 % RH, non-condensing |
| Weight | Approx. 2.2 kg |
| Width | Approx. 256 mm |
| Installation | Bench, panel or rack |
| Product status | Obsolete |
Why Choose the AMETEK nVision Lab?
The AMETEK nVision Lab combines high-accuracy pressure measurement, modular sensor technology and extensive data logging capabilities in a laboratory-oriented reference instrument.
Depending on the installed modules, pressures up to 15,000 psi / 1,000 bar / 100 MPa can be measured.
Selected pressure modules provide accuracy down to ±0.025 % of reading, while the specifications include the effects of linearity, hysteresis, repeatability, temperature and one-year stability.
Two pressure modules can be installed simultaneously, enabling measurement of two independent pressures or differential pressure.
An RTD100 module adds Pt100 temperature measurement, allowing pressure and temperature to be recorded as part of the same test setup.
The integrated data logger stores approximately 1,000,000 data points when recording a single module and provides sampling rates up to 10 readings per second.
CrystalControl software simplifies data transfer, analysis and reporting. Measurement results can be exported as CSV, XLS, PDF or signed PDF files.
The laboratory enclosure is suitable for benchtop use as well as permanent panel or rack installation.
This makes the nVision Lab particularly suitable for pressure calibration, pump testing, filter testing, hydrostatic testing, leak testing and long-term pressure monitoring.
The AMETEK Crystal nVision Lab Reference Recorder is now obsolete and is no longer supplied by AMETEK. The manufacturer identifies the standard handheld nVision Reference Recorder as its replacement.
For laboratories already operating an nVision Lab, the instrument nevertheless remains a capable reference and recording system when properly maintained and calibrated.
At europascal, we can support pressure measurement and calibration applications and assist with selecting a suitable current reference pressure recorder when an existing nVision Lab needs to be replaced.
For professional calibration and metrological traceability of pressure recorders, pressure modules and other pressure measuring equipment, use the europascal Calibration Service.
Manufacturer information about the replacement is available on the official AMETEK nVision Reference Recorder product page.
