When it comes to temperature calibration instruments, a dry well calibrator is more than a stable heat source.  Dry well calibrators are critical instruments in calibration and keeping your lab operating at top efficiency.

What is a Dry Well Calibrator?

A dry well calibrator is a powerful heat source that has a well where a temperature probe can be inserted.  The sensor readings can be compared to the set temperature on the dry well or compared to a calibrated reference thermometer.

We also know a dry well calibrator as a dry-block calibrator.   They use inaccurate calibrations of temperature devices such as resistance temperature detectors (RTD), thermocouples, thermostatic switches, thermistors, thermometers, and other temperature sensing equipment.

What You Need to Be Aware Of

Given the importance of a dry well calibrator within a lab, there are many variables that one needs to be aware of when looking at types and brands.  Some of these variables make a difference in the type you purchase and what will improve your laboratory operations.

When initially analyzing the options, it must start with superior performance that is stable, accurate, has optimum speed, radial, and axial uniformity.

Be aware that some dry well manufacturers don’t actually calibrate the display, instead, they give you the “potential” calibration accuracy.

Various manufacturers calibrate displays and print specifications for display accuracy.  However, they don’t include a traceable calibration report with the dry well.

Additel Expanded on Traditional Dry Well Calibrators Technology

Additel understands the importance of dry well calibrators within the science community.  So they created improvements that not only enhance the work but increase lab productivity.

The ADT 875-155 design has a patented heat pipe technology that has significantly reduced the amount of time it takes the calibrator to move from one temperature to the next.   Not only is the speed improved, but it also reduces the number of thermoelectric modules required to reach temperatures as low as -40°C.

Not only can it reach low temperatures, but its speed is also something to take notice of.  The 875-155 model can move from ambient to -40°C in 20 minutes. And then move from -40°C back to room temperature in only 5 minutes.

Long-term drift when using an instrument as a reference is a reoccurring problem with dry well calibrators.  While an external reference probe as the standard helps diminish this problem, it is not always a possibility within applications.  Internal sensors on traditional dry well calibrators have a wide accuracy which contributes to drift.  However, Additel created a built-in self-calibration feature so that you can run an automated calibration giving a fresh, traceable calibration of the control sensor which will improve its accuracy.  Thus, solving the long-term drift issue.

The 875 Series of Dry Well Calibrators

The Additel 875 series of dry well calibrators offer specific options based upon your specific needs.

One of the significant differences in the models is that the ADT875-155 covers a range of -40 – 155°C, the ADT875-350 covers a range of 33 – 350°C, and the ADT875-660 covers a range of 33 – 660°C.  Additel offers the Choose Your Own Range Option.  This option allows a lab to choose the upper and lower temperature range needed. The engineers calibrate and optimize the dry well’s performance over your selected range.  Thus, fixing the common problems labs have when purchasing a new dry well.

If you are interested in learning more about the Additel Dry Well Calibrators, SRP control systems can help.