The AMETEK RTC-250 is a high-precision reference temperature calibrator designed for demanding temperature calibration applications in industrial environments, calibration laboratories and field service operations.
With a temperature range from 28 °C to 250 °C, excellent temperature stability of ±0.02 °C and an accuracy of ±0.07 °C when using the specified external reference sensor, the AMETEK RTC-250 provides outstanding performance for professional temperature calibration.
The instrument combines advanced temperature control technology with patented Dynamic Load Compensation (DLC), ensuring excellent temperature homogeneity even when calibrating multiple sensors or sensors with large diameters.
One of the most important advantages of the AMETEK RTC-250 is its versatility. The instrument can be operated as a conventional dry block calibrator or converted into a liquid calibration bath using the appropriate accessories.
This flexibility makes the AMETEK RTC-250 particularly suitable for calibrating resistance temperature detectors, Pt100 sensors, thermocouples, temperature transmitters, temperature switches and sensors with unusual geometries.
The calibrator features a large calibration well, interchangeable inserts, a color display and a USB communication interface.
Depending on the selected configuration, additional functions include external reference thermometer measurement, sensor-under-test measurement and automated calibration procedures.
europascal provides professional temperature calibration equipment, technical advice and calibration services for demanding industrial and laboratory applications.
For more information about professional calibration services, visit the europascal Calibration Service.
Your Benefits at a Glance
The AMETEK RTC-250 combines excellent temperature accuracy with advanced calibration functions and flexible operation.
Its main advantages include:
- Temperature range from 28 °C to 250 °C
- Internal reference accuracy of ±0.28 °C
- Accuracy of ±0.07 °C with the specified external STS-200 reference sensor
- Excellent temperature stability of ±0.02 °C
- Radial temperature homogeneity of 0.05 °C in dry block operation
- Radial temperature homogeneity of 0.015 °C in liquid bath operation
- Patented Dynamic Load Compensation technology
- Active dual-zone temperature control
- Combined dry block and liquid bath operation
- Large calibration well with a diameter of 63.5 mm
- Well depth of 160 mm
- Immersion depth of 180 mm with insulation plug
- Immersion depth of 150 mm in liquid bath operation
- Interchangeable calibration inserts
- Suitable for simultaneous calibration of multiple sensors
- Heating from 28 °C to 100 °C in approximately 3 minutes
- Heating from 100 °C to 250 °C in approximately 9 minutes
- User-selectable temperature resolution down to 0.001 °C
- Large 5.7-inch color display
- USB communication interface
- Intelligent external reference sensors
- Optional sensor-under-test measurement
- Automatic temperature stepping
- Compatible with JofraCal calibration software
- Three configurations: RTC-250A, RTC-250B and RTC-250C
Temperature Range from 28 °C to 250 °C
The AMETEK RTC-250 provides a temperature calibration range of:
28 °C to 250 °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 | 5 °C to 250 °C |
| 23 °C | 28 °C to 250 °C |
| 40 °C | 45 °C to 250 °C |
The wide temperature range makes the AMETEK RTC-250 suitable for numerous industrial temperature measurement applications.
Typical calibration temperatures include 50 °C, 100 °C, 150 °C, 200 °C and 250 °C.
The instrument is particularly useful for calibrating sensors used in pharmaceutical manufacturing, food processing, chemical production and industrial process control.
Its combination of accuracy and temperature stability makes it suitable for both routine verification and demanding comparison calibrations.
High Temperature Accuracy
The AMETEK RTC-250 provides different accuracy specifications depending on the reference thermometer configuration.
Accuracy with Internal Reference
The manufacturer specifies:
±0.28 °C
This value describes the accuracy when using the internal temperature reference.
The specification applies under the manufacturer’s defined operating conditions.
Accuracy with External Reference
When using the specified STS-200 external reference thermometer, the manufacturer specifies:
±0.07 °C
This specification applies to the RTC-250B and RTC-250C configurations.
The external reference thermometer measures the actual temperature within the calibration zone.
This allows more accurate comparison calibrations than relying exclusively on the internal temperature indication.
The manufacturer’s accuracy specification applies over a 12-month period and excludes reference sensor drift.
The specified accuracy must not be confused with the expanded measurement uncertainty stated on an individual calibration certificate.
Excellent Temperature Stability
The AMETEK RTC-250 provides excellent temperature stability.
The manufacturer specifies:
±0.02 °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 30-minute measurement period.
Excellent temperature stability is essential for accurate comparison calibrations.
Stable temperature conditions help minimize measurement variations and improve repeatability.
Dynamic Load Compensation
One of the most important features of the AMETEK RTC-250 is its patented Dynamic Load Compensation (DLC) technology.
Conventional dry block calibrators can experience temperature gradients when several sensors or sensors with large diameters are inserted into the calibration block.
These effects can influence the temperature distribution and increase measurement uncertainty.
The DLC system uses a dedicated temperature sensor to monitor temperature differences within the calibration insert.
The measured information is used by the temperature control system to compensate for changes caused by sensor loading.
This helps maintain excellent temperature homogeneity during calibration.
The DLC function is available with the RTC-250B and RTC-250C configurations when the appropriate DLC sensor and insert are used.
It is particularly beneficial when calibrating multiple sensors simultaneously.
Active Dual-Zone Temperature Control
The AMETEK RTC-250 features active dual-zone temperature control.
The system uses two independently controlled heating zones.
The lower zone provides precise temperature control within the calibration area.
The upper zone compensates for heat losses caused by the open top of the calibration block and the inserted sensors.
This technology improves temperature homogeneity and reduces axial temperature gradients.
The active dual-zone system is particularly useful when calibrating sensors with different immersion depths or sensing element lengths.
Combined with Dynamic Load Compensation, it provides reliable calibration conditions even with demanding sensor configurations.
Combined Dry Block and Liquid Bath Operation
The AMETEK RTC-250 offers an important advantage over conventional temperature calibrators.
It can be used as both a dry block calibrator and a liquid calibration bath.
Dry Block Operation
In dry block operation, temperature sensors are inserted into suitable metal calibration inserts.
The dry block configuration provides several advantages:
- No calibration liquid required
- Convenient transportation
- Clean operation
- Repeatable sensor positioning
- Easy handling of calibration inserts
This configuration is particularly suitable for routine temperature sensor calibration.
Liquid Bath Operation
With the appropriate liquid bath accessories, the AMETEK RTC-250 can be converted into a liquid calibration bath.
The liquid bath configuration uses a magnetic stirrer to improve temperature distribution.
It is particularly suitable for sensors that cannot be accommodated in conventional calibration inserts.
Examples include:
- Large temperature sensors
- Sensors with unusual geometries
- Glass thermometers
- Liquid-filled thermometers
- Mechanical temperature sensors
The liquid bath configuration requires a suitable calibration fluid and the corresponding bath accessories.
The fluid must be selected according to the required temperature range and the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Large Calibration Well
The AMETEK RTC-250 features a large calibration well.
The manufacturer specifies:
Well diameter: 63.5 mm
Well depth: 160 mm
The large well allows the use of calibration inserts with multiple sensor bores.
This makes it possible to calibrate several temperature sensors simultaneously.
The large diameter is also advantageous when calibrating sensors with unusual dimensions.
For demanding applications, the influence of sensor loading and immersion depth must be considered.
Excellent Temperature Homogeneity
The AMETEK RTC-250 provides excellent radial temperature homogeneity.
The manufacturer specifies different values depending on the operating configuration.
| Operating Mode | Radial Homogeneity |
|---|---|
| Dry block | 0.05 °C |
| Liquid bath | 0.015 °C |
The liquid bath configuration provides particularly good temperature distribution when the specified calibration fluid and accessories are used.
In dry block operation, the DLC system can further improve the temperature distribution within the calibration insert.
Good temperature homogeneity is essential when calibrating multiple sensors simultaneously.
It helps minimize temperature differences between the reference thermometer and the devices under test.
Fast Heating Performance
The AMETEK RTC-250 features patented heating technology.
The manufacturer specifies the following heating times:
| Temperature Change | Typical Heating Time |
|---|---|
| 28 °C to 100 °C | 3 minutes |
| 50 °C to 100 °C | 2 minutes |
| 100 °C to 250 °C | 9 minutes |
Fast heating significantly reduces waiting times during multi-point calibration procedures.
This improves calibration efficiency and reduces equipment downtime.
Actual heating times depend on ambient conditions, sensor loading and the selected calibration configuration.
Efficient Cooling Performance
The AMETEK RTC-250 also provides controlled cooling performance.
Typical cooling times include:
| Temperature Change | Typical Cooling Time |
|---|---|
| 250 °C to 100 °C | 27 minutes |
| 100 °C to 50 °C | 27 minutes |
| 50 °C to 28 °C | 28 minutes |
These cooling times are useful when performing calibration procedures involving both increasing and decreasing temperature sequences.
They also allow temperature sensor hysteresis to be investigated.
Actual cooling performance depends on the operating conditions and thermal loading.
Intelligent Reference Sensors
The RTC-250B and RTC-250C support intelligent external reference thermometers.
The STS-200 reference sensor contains individual calibration coefficients stored in its connector.
When connected, the calibrator can automatically recognize the stored calibration information.
This simplifies reference thermometer setup and reduces the risk of incorrect coefficient entry.
The intelligent reference sensor is particularly useful for demanding comparison calibrations.
It allows the calibration temperature to be measured independently of the internal temperature indication.
Three Available Configurations
The AMETEK RTC-250 is available in three configurations.
AMETEK RTC-250A
The RTC-250A provides precise temperature generation and control using the internal reference thermometer.
It is suitable for applications where external measurement instruments are already available.
AMETEK RTC-250B
The RTC-250B provides the most comprehensive measurement functionality.
Additional functions include:
- External reference thermometer input
- DLC sensor input
- Sensor-under-test measurement
- RTD measurement
- Thermocouple measurement
- Current measurement
- Voltage measurement
- Temperature switch testing
- Automated calibration procedures
The RTC-250B is particularly suitable for professional calibration laboratories and automated calibration applications.
AMETEK RTC-250C
The RTC-250C includes inputs for an external reference thermometer and DLC sensor.
It provides high-accuracy temperature comparison capabilities without the complete sensor-under-test measurement functions of the RTC-250B.
Automatic Temperature Stepping
The AMETEK RTC-250 supports automatic temperature stepping.
Up to 20 temperature steps can be programmed.
Users can define the temperature setpoints and holding times.
The instrument can then perform the programmed temperature sequence automatically.
This reduces manual intervention and improves efficiency during repetitive calibration procedures.
Temperature Switch Testing
The RTC-250B supports temperature switch testing.
Temperature switches are used in industrial systems to activate or deactivate electrical contacts at defined temperatures.
The instrument can determine switching points and hysteresis.
This function is useful for testing thermostats and temperature switches used in industrial control systems.
Integrated switch testing is available with the RTC-250B configuration.
USB Communication and Calibration Software
The AMETEK RTC-250 includes a USB communication interface.
This allows communication with compatible calibration software.
The instrument supports JofraCal calibration software.
Depending on the configuration, the software can assist with:
- Automated temperature calibration
- Calibration procedure management
- Measurement documentation
- Calibration data evaluation
- Generation of calibration reports
The RTC-250 can also be integrated into suitable automated calibration systems.
Calibration of RTDs and Pt100 Sensors
The AMETEK RTC-250 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.
The calibrator generates a stable reference temperature.
The indication of the device under test can then be compared with the reference temperature.
For demanding applications, the RTC-250B or RTC-250C can be used with an external STS-200 reference thermometer.
Calibration of Thermocouples
The AMETEK RTC-250 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 zone 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.
Technical Highlights
| Specification | AMETEK RTC-250 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | AMETEK |
| Model | RTC-250 |
| Product type | Reference Temperature Calibrator |
| Temperature range at 23 °C ambient | 28 °C to 250 °C |
| Temperature range at 0 °C ambient | 5 °C to 250 °C |
| Temperature range at 40 °C ambient | 45 °C to 250 °C |
| Internal reference accuracy | ±0.28 °C |
| Accuracy with external STS-200 | ±0.07 °C |
| Temperature stability | ±0.02 °C |
| Radial homogeneity, dry block | 0.05 °C |
| Radial homogeneity, liquid bath | 0.015 °C |
| Temperature resolution | 1 °C / 0.1 °C / 0.01 °C / 0.001 °C |
| Temperature control | Active dual-zone |
| Dynamic Load Compensation | Models B and C with DLC sensor |
| Heating time, 28 °C to 100 °C | 3 minutes |
| Heating time, 100 °C to 250 °C | 9 minutes |
| Cooling time, 250 °C to 100 °C | 27 minutes |
| Typical stabilization time | 15 minutes |
| Well diameter | 63.5 mm |
| Well depth | 160 mm |
| Immersion depth with insulation plug | 180 mm |
| Immersion depth, liquid bath | 150 mm |
| Dry block operation | Yes |
| Liquid bath operation | With appropriate accessories |
| Display | 5.7-inch color VGA |
| Communication | USB 2.0 |
| Reference thermometer input | Models B and C |
| Sensor-under-test input | Model B |
| Temperature switch testing | Model B |
| Calibration software | JofraCal |
| Operating ambient temperature | 0 °C to 40 °C |
| Power supply | 115 V or 230 V AC version |
| Maximum power consumption | 1150 W |
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-250 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, sensor loading, immersion depth and measurement repeatability.
The calibration uncertainty must also account for the measurement conditions and the selected operating configuration.
For professional calibration services and metrological traceability, visit the europascal Calibration Service.
Why Choose the AMETEK RTC-250?
The AMETEK RTC-250 combines high temperature accuracy, excellent stability and flexible calibration capabilities.
Its temperature range from 28 °C to 250 °C covers numerous industrial and laboratory applications.
The patented Dynamic Load Compensation technology helps maintain excellent temperature homogeneity even when calibrating multiple sensors.
The combination of dry block and liquid bath operation makes the instrument particularly versatile.
A large calibration well allows temperature sensors with different diameters and geometries to be accommodated.
The optional external STS-200 reference thermometer provides an accuracy specification of ±0.07 °C under defined conditions.
Fast heating performance reduces waiting times and improves calibration efficiency.
The RTC-250B configuration also provides integrated measurement functions for automated calibration procedures.
For calibration laboratories, pharmaceutical manufacturers, food processing companies and industrial users requiring a high-performance temperature calibrator, the AMETEK RTC-250 provides an excellent combination of accuracy, flexibility and efficiency.
Typical Applications for the AMETEK RTC-250
Typical applications include:
- Pt100 calibration
- Pt1000 calibration
- RTD calibration
- Thermocouple calibration
- Temperature transmitter calibration
- Temperature switch testing
- Precision temperature measurement
- Liquid bath calibration
- Dry block calibration
- Calibration of large temperature sensors
- Pharmaceutical manufacturing
- Food processing
- Chemical industry
- Industrial process control
- Calibration laboratories
- Industrial quality assurance
- Temperature metrology
- Field calibration
The combination of advanced temperature control, excellent stability and flexible operating configurations makes the AMETEK RTC-250 a professional solution for demanding temperature calibration applications.
Find more AMETEK temperature calibrators at europascal.
Manufacturer information for the AMETEK RTC-250 can be found on the official AMETEK website.
