Field Dry-Block Calibrators

Dry block calibrator definition

A dry block calibrator is a versatile, portable calibrator. Dry block calibrators heat or cool a metal block to a specific temperature to accurately calibrate temperature sensors. These calibrators provide an option for calibrating in the field, combining value and portability with performance and accuracy.

Introduction to dry block calibrators

Dry block temperature calibration

Dry block temperature calibration normally involves using a metal insert with various sized pre-drilled holes for snugly inserting the temperature sensors like thermocouples, RTD sensors, or thermistors, that needs to be calibrated. By heating or cooling the block to a specific temperature, the sensor is regularly calibrated to help it provide more accurate measurements over time.

Dry block calibrator calibrating a temperature sensor with a PRT reference thermometer

How does a dry block calibrator work

Fluke dry block calibrators have a removeable metal insert with pre-drilled holes in it. Sensors are inserted into the block for measurement and calibration. Dry block calibrators heat or cool the block insert to a specific, stable temperature so the source can be adjusted and used at different test points. Multiple sensors can also be calibrated at the same time, usually one to three sensors fit. Accurate measurements rely on good thermal contact between the metal insert and the temperature sensor, so users are offered a variety of inserts to choose from having different sized holes.

The whole dry block calibrator is designed to have a lightweight, compact enclosure for easy transport and use in field calibration.

Various names of a dry block calibrator

People refer to a dry block calibrator in many ways including:

• Dry block
• Dry block temperature calibrator
• Dry-well calibrator
• Block calibrator
• Temperature block
• Dry bath temperature calibrator

High temperature dry block calibrators

A high temperature dry block calibrator can generate test temperatures up to 1200 °C (2192 °F). The types of applications and measurement devices that that require calibration by a high temperature dry block calibrator often include process heating equipment: furnaces, boilers, ovens, steam traps, cooling towers, and reactors.

Low temperature dry block calibrators

A low temperature dry block calibrator can generate test temperatures as low as -95 °C (-139 °F). The types of applications and measurement devices that require calibration by a low temperature dry block calibrator often include refrigeration, HVAC, freezers, lyophilizes, and process cooling such as in manufacturing liquified gases like liquid nitrogen, oxygen, or liquid natural gas.

Dry block calibrator Comparison Guides

• Dry-block product comparison
• Industrial Temperature Calibrator Selection Guide
• Dry-Block Calibrators vs. Temperature Baths: Choosing the Right One for You