The AMETEK RTC-157 is a high precision dry block temperature calibrator designed for demanding temperature calibration applications in laboratories, industrial facilities and field service environments.
With a temperature range from −45 °C to +155 °C, excellent temperature stability of ±0.005 °C and temperature accuracy of ±0.04 °C when using a suitable external reference sensor, the AMETEK RTC-157 provides outstanding performance for professional temperature sensor calibration.
The calibrator combines active dual zone temperature control with advanced temperature measurement technology to ensure excellent temperature uniformity and reliable calibration results.
Its radial temperature homogeneity of 0.01 °C makes the instrument particularly suitable for comparison calibrations involving multiple temperature sensors.
The AMETEK RTC-157 is designed for calibrating resistance temperature detectors, Pt100 sensors, thermocouples, digital thermometers and industrial temperature transmitters.
The instrument is available in three configurations, allowing users to select the measurement functions required for their applications.
With USB communication, interchangeable calibration inserts and a portable design, the AMETEK RTC-157 is suitable for both laboratory and industrial calibration.
europascal supports customers with professional temperature calibration equipment, technical advice and traceable calibration services.
For professional calibration and metrological traceability, visit the europascal Calibration Service.
Your Benefits at a Glance
The AMETEK RTC-157 combines excellent temperature stability with accurate temperature control and convenient operation.
Its main advantages include:
- Temperature range from −45 °C to +155 °C
- Internal temperature accuracy of ±0.10 °C
- Temperature accuracy of ±0.04 °C with the specified external reference sensor
- Excellent temperature stability of ±0.005 °C
- Radial temperature homogeneity of 0.01 °C
- Active dual zone temperature control
- Dynamic Load Compensation available with suitable configurations and accessories
- High temperature resolution down to 0.001 °C
- Immersion depth of 160 mm
- Interchangeable calibration inserts
- Fast heating and cooling performance
- Typical stabilization time of 10 minutes
- USB communication interface
- Intelligent external reference sensors
- Automatic temperature stepping
- Optional sensor under test measurement
- Optional temperature switch testing
- Suitable for simultaneous calibration of multiple sensors
- Portable construction
- Compatible with calibration software
- Suitable for laboratories and industrial applications
- Professional calibration support from europascal
Ideal for Demanding Calibration Applications
The AMETEK RTC-157 is particularly suitable for calibration applications requiring excellent temperature stability and uniformity.
Typical applications include calibration laboratories, pharmaceutical manufacturing, food processing, industrial maintenance and quality assurance.
The instrument can be used to calibrate Pt100 sensors, Pt1000 sensors, industrial RTDs, thermocouples and precision temperature probes.
Its temperature range also makes it suitable for applications involving refrigeration systems, environmental monitoring and temperature controlled production processes.
The active dual zone heating and cooling system helps minimize temperature gradients within the calibration insert.
This is especially important when calibrating sensors with different diameters, sensing element lengths or immersion characteristics.
For demanding comparison calibrations, the AMETEK RTC-157 can be used with a calibrated external reference thermometer.
The reference thermometer and device under test are inserted into suitable calibration holes and allowed to reach thermal equilibrium.
The temperature indicated by the device under test can then be compared with the reference temperature.
Temperature Range from −45 °C to +155 °C
The AMETEK RTC-157 provides a wide temperature calibration range.
At an ambient temperature of 23 °C, the specified range is:
−45 °C to +155 °C
The minimum achievable temperature depends on ambient conditions.
| Ambient Temperature | Minimum Calibration Temperature |
|---|---|
| 0 °C | −57 °C |
| 23 °C | −45 °C |
| 40 °C | −31 °C |
The maximum calibration temperature is +155 °C.
This wide operating range allows the calibrator to cover numerous temperature measurement applications.
Typical calibration points include:
- −40 °C
- −20 °C
- 0 °C
- +25 °C
- +50 °C
- +75 °C
- +100 °C
- +125 °C
- +155 °C
The ability to generate temperatures below ambient temperature makes the AMETEK RTC-157 particularly useful for refrigeration and environmental monitoring applications.
High Temperature Accuracy
The AMETEK RTC-157 provides excellent temperature accuracy.
The manufacturer specifies two different accuracy values depending on the reference configuration.
Accuracy with Internal Reference
When using the internal reference thermometer, the specified accuracy is:
±0.10 °C
This specification applies to the internal temperature indication under defined operating conditions.
Accuracy with External Reference
When using the specified external reference thermometer, the accuracy can reach:
±0.04 °C
This specification applies to configurations equipped with an external reference thermometer input.
The external reference sensor measures the temperature within the calibration insert.
This allows more accurate comparison calibrations than relying exclusively on the internal temperature indication.
The manufacturer’s accuracy specifications must not be confused with the expanded measurement uncertainty of an individual calibration certificate.
Excellent Temperature Stability of ±0.005 °C
One of the most important advantages of the AMETEK RTC-157 is its excellent temperature stability.
The manufacturer specifies:
±0.005 °C
This corresponds to a stability specification of only five millikelvin.
Temperature stability describes the variation of the calibration temperature over time under defined operating conditions.
Excellent temperature stability is essential for high accuracy temperature calibration.
Stable temperature conditions reduce measurement fluctuations and improve the repeatability of comparison measurements.
This is particularly important when calibrating precision resistance thermometers and industrial temperature sensors.
The stability specification is evaluated under the manufacturer’s defined measurement conditions.
Active Dual Zone Temperature Control
The AMETEK RTC-157 features active dual zone temperature control.
The system uses two independently controlled temperature zones.
The lower zone provides precise temperature control in the calibration area.
The upper zone compensates for heat losses caused by the opening of the calibration block and the inserted temperature sensors.
This technology improves temperature homogeneity and reduces axial temperature gradients.
The active dual zone system is particularly useful when calibrating sensors with different dimensions or sensing element positions.
It also improves the calibration conditions for certain mechanical thermometers and liquid filled temperature sensors.
Dynamic Load Compensation
The AMETEK RTC-157 supports Dynamic Load Compensation technology in suitable configurations.
Dynamic Load Compensation is designed to compensate for temperature disturbances caused by the sensors inserted into the calibration block.
When large sensors or multiple sensors are inserted, heat conduction through the sensor stems can influence the temperature distribution.
The compensation system helps maintain a uniform temperature within the calibration insert.
This is particularly useful when calibrating several temperature sensors simultaneously.
The function requires the appropriate instrument configuration and compatible DLC equipment.
Dynamic Load Compensation should not be confused with temperature stability or the calibration uncertainty of the reference thermometer.
Excellent Radial Temperature Homogeneity
The AMETEK RTC-157 provides excellent radial temperature homogeneity.
The manufacturer specifies a temperature difference between calibration holes of:
0.01 °C
This characteristic is particularly important for comparison calibrations.
When a reference thermometer and several devices under test are inserted into different holes, good radial homogeneity helps minimize temperature differences between the sensors.
The actual calibration uncertainty also depends on sensor geometry, immersion depth and thermal contact.
For demanding applications, the complete temperature distribution of the calibration setup should be evaluated.
High Temperature Resolution
The AMETEK RTC-157 provides selectable temperature resolution.
Available settings include:
| Temperature Resolution |
|---|
| 1 °C |
| 0.1 °C |
| 0.01 °C |
| 0.001 °C |
The highest resolution allows temperature changes as small as one millikelvin to be displayed.
This is particularly useful for observing temperature stability and monitoring small temperature changes.
Display resolution must not be confused with temperature accuracy or measurement uncertainty.
Fast Heating Performance
The AMETEK RTC-157 provides efficient heating performance.
Typical heating times include:
| Temperature Change | Heating Time |
|---|---|
| −45 °C to +23 °C | 7 minutes |
| +23 °C to +100 °C | 8 minutes |
| +100 °C to +155 °C | 9 minutes |
| −45 °C to +155 °C | 24 minutes |
Fast heating reduces waiting times during multi point calibration procedures.
This is particularly useful when several calibration temperatures must be reached consecutively.
Actual heating times depend on ambient conditions, sensor loading and the selected calibration insert.
Efficient Cooling Performance
The AMETEK RTC-157 also provides efficient cooling performance.
Typical cooling times include:
| Temperature Change | Cooling Time |
|---|---|
| +155 °C to +100 °C | 5 minutes |
| +100 °C to +23 °C | 10 minutes |
| +23 °C to 0 °C | 5 minutes |
| 0 °C to −30 °C | 12 minutes |
| −30 °C to −45 °C | 25 minutes |
| +155 °C to −45 °C | 57 minutes |
The integrated cooling system allows calibration temperatures below ambient temperature to be generated without a separate liquid calibration bath.
This simplifies calibration procedures and reduces preparation time.
Interchangeable Calibration Inserts
The AMETEK RTC-157 uses interchangeable calibration inserts.
These allow different temperature sensors to be accommodated within the calibration block.
The calibration insert can be selected according to the sensor diameter and required calibration arrangement.
The manufacturer specifies an immersion depth of:
160 mm
Sufficient immersion depth is important for minimizing heat conduction errors along the sensor stem.
The appropriate insert should provide good thermal contact between the temperature sensor and the calibration block.
Excessive clearance between the sensor and insert can increase temperature differences.
Different insert configurations are available for individual sensors and comparison calibrations involving multiple sensors.
Intelligent Reference Sensors
Configurations equipped with an external reference thermometer input support compatible intelligent reference sensors.
These sensors can store individual calibration coefficients in their connectors.
When the reference sensor is connected, the calibrator can recognize the stored calibration information.
This simplifies reference thermometer setup and reduces the risk of entering incorrect calibration coefficients.
The external reference thermometer measures the temperature within the calibration insert.
This enables accurate comparison calibration of temperature sensors.
Available Configurations
The AMETEK RTC-157 is available in three configurations.
AMETEK RTC-157A
The RTC-157A provides temperature generation and control using the internal temperature reference.
It is suitable for applications where external reference thermometers and measurement instruments are already available.
AMETEK RTC-157B
The RTC-157B adds an external reference thermometer input and supports compatible Dynamic Load Compensation equipment.
It is suitable for demanding comparison calibrations requiring an external temperature reference.
AMETEK RTC-157C
The RTC-157C provides additional measurement functionality for devices under test.
This configuration is particularly useful for calibration procedures requiring integrated measurement and documentation functions.
The exact configuration and included accessories should be checked when ordering.
Calibration of Pt100 and RTD Sensors
The AMETEK RTC-157 is suitable for calibrating resistance temperature detectors.
Typical applications include:
- Pt100 calibration
- Pt1000 calibration
- Industrial RTD calibration
- Precision resistance thermometer calibration
- Temperature probe verification
The sensor is inserted into a suitable calibration insert.
The calibrator generates a stable temperature that can be compared with the temperature indicated by the device under test.
For high accuracy applications, an external reference thermometer is recommended.
Calibration of Thermocouples
The AMETEK RTC-157 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 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.
USB Communication and Calibration Software
The AMETEK RTC-157 includes a USB communication interface.
The interface allows communication with compatible calibration software.
This supports computer assisted calibration procedures and remote operation.
Depending on the selected configuration, calibration procedures can be automated and measurement results documented.
Software assisted calibration is particularly useful for repetitive calibration tasks in laboratories and industrial maintenance departments.
Technical Highlights
| Specification | AMETEK RTC-157 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | AMETEK |
| Model | RTC-157 |
| Product type | Reference Temperature Calibrator |
| Temperature range at 23 °C ambient | −45 °C to +155 °C |
| Minimum temperature at 0 °C ambient | −57 °C |
| Minimum temperature at 40 °C ambient | −31 °C |
| Internal temperature accuracy | ±0.10 °C |
| Accuracy with external reference | ±0.04 °C |
| Temperature stability | ±0.005 °C |
| Radial temperature homogeneity | 0.01 °C |
| Temperature resolution | 1 / 0.1 / 0.01 / 0.001 °C |
| Temperature control | Active dual zone |
| Dynamic Load Compensation | With suitable configuration |
| Heating time, −45 °C to +155 °C | 24 minutes |
| Cooling time, +155 °C to −45 °C | 57 minutes |
| Typical stabilization time | 10 minutes |
| Immersion depth | 160 mm |
| Calibration inserts | Interchangeable |
| Communication interface | USB |
| External reference input | Configuration dependent |
| Sensor under test input | Configuration dependent |
| Dimensions | 362 × 171 × 363 mm |
| Weight | Approximately 10.5 kg |
| Typical applications | RTD and thermocouple calibration |
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.
The company supports customers with calibration solutions for industrial temperature sensors, reference thermometers, dry block calibrators and other temperature measurement equipment.
When the AMETEK RTC-157 is used for temperature sensor calibration, the measurement uncertainty must be evaluated according to the complete calibration procedure.
Relevant uncertainty contributions include the calibration uncertainty of the reference thermometer, temperature stability, axial and radial temperature distribution, loading effects, immersion depth and thermal contact.
The uncertainty of the complete measurement system should be evaluated according to the applicable calibration procedure.
For professional calibration services and metrological traceability, visit the europascal Calibration Service.
Why Choose the AMETEK RTC-157?
The AMETEK RTC-157 combines high temperature accuracy with excellent stability and advanced temperature control.
Its temperature range from −45 °C to +155 °C covers numerous industrial and laboratory applications.
Temperature stability of ±0.005 °C provides reliable conditions for precision calibration.
Active dual zone temperature control helps maintain excellent temperature homogeneity.
The radial temperature difference of only 0.01 °C makes the instrument particularly suitable for comparison calibrations.
The option to use an external reference thermometer allows accuracy down to ±0.04 °C under specified conditions.
Interchangeable calibration inserts provide flexibility for sensors with different dimensions.
Fast heating and cooling reduce waiting times during multi point calibration procedures.
USB communication supports integration into computer assisted calibration systems.
For calibration laboratories, pharmaceutical manufacturers, industrial maintenance departments and quality assurance applications, the AMETEK RTC-157 provides an excellent combination of accuracy, stability and efficiency.
europascal supports customers with professional temperature calibration equipment, technical advice and calibration services.
Typical Calibration Applications with the AMETEK RTC-157
The AMETEK RTC-157 is suitable for numerous professional temperature calibration applications.
Typical applications include:
- Pt100 calibration
- Pt1000 calibration
- RTD calibration
- Thermocouple calibration
- Precision thermometer calibration
- Temperature transmitter calibration
- Temperature switch verification
- Pharmaceutical manufacturing
- Food processing
- Refrigeration systems
- Environmental monitoring
- Industrial process instrumentation
- Calibration laboratories
- Quality assurance
- Preventive maintenance
- Field calibration
- Temperature metrology
The combination of excellent temperature stability, active dual zone control, high accuracy and flexible calibration inserts makes the AMETEK RTC-157 a professional solution for demanding temperature calibration applications.
Find more temperature calibration equipment at europascal.
Manufacturer information for the AMETEK RTC-157 can be found on the official AMETEK website.
