Hengping DCHW-0515A Infrared Thermometer Calibration Bath System

Overview

The Hengping DCHW-0515A Infrared Thermometer Calibration Bath System is a precision temperature-controlled reference source engineered for metrological verification and periodic calibration of non-contact infrared clinical thermometers—including tympanic (ear) and temporal (forehead) thermometers. It operates on the principle of establishing a stable, uniform, and traceable thermal field within a high-emissivity liquid medium (typically water or certified calibration fluid), serving as a primary reference surface against which infrared sensors measure radiated thermal energy. Unlike ambient-temperature blackbodies, this system provides active, dynamic temperature control across a clinically relevant range (typically –5 °C to +15 °C, per model specification), enabling rigorous evaluation of thermometer accuracy, repeatability, and response time under controlled thermal conditions. Its design adheres to fundamental requirements for secondary standard calibration equipment in medical device quality assurance workflows, where traceability to national standards (e.g., NIM, NIST, PTB) is mandatory.

Key Features

• Microprocessor-driven PID temperature controller with auto-tuning capability ensures rapid stabilization and long-term thermal stability of ±0.01 °C—critical for validating low-uncertainty clinical thermometer performance.
• CFC-free compressor-based refrigeration system delivers efficient cooling without ozone-depleting substances, meeting modern environmental compliance expectations in laboratory infrastructure.
• Heatless centrifugal circulation pump eliminates parasitic heating from motor operation, preserving spatial temperature uniformity (<0.02 °C gradient across working volume) and minimizing measurement drift during extended calibration sessions.
• All-wetted components—including inner tank, circulation manifold, and impeller—are fabricated from electropolished SUS304 stainless steel, ensuring corrosion resistance, cleanability, and compatibility with deionized water or ISO-certified calibration fluids.
• Integrated multi-layer safety architecture includes dry-run protection for heater elements, real-time sensor open-circuit detection, dual-limit temperature setpoint enforcement, thermal runaway alarm, and compressor overheat/overcurrent cutoff—all logged with timestamped event flags.
• Ergonomic front-panel design features R-cornered edges and tool-free removable air-intake grilles, facilitating routine maintenance of condenser coils and reducing risk of operator injury in high-traffic lab environments.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The DCHW-0515A supports calibration of all Class II medical-grade infrared thermometers compliant with IEC 80601-2-56 and ISO 80601-2-59. Its operational temperature range aligns with clinical use cases defined in JJG 865–2015 (Chinese National Verification Regulation for Radiation Thermometers), ASTM E1965 (Standard Specification for Infrared Clinical Thermometers), and EN 12470-5 (Clinical Thermometers — Part 5: Performance Requirements for Infrared Ear Thermometers). When paired with an optional high-emissivity blackbody cavity (ε ≥ 0.99, traceably calibrated), the system satisfies requirements for reference source characterization per ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Clause 6.3.3. All thermal outputs are directly traceable to national metrology institutes via documented calibration certificates issued by accredited providers.

Software & Data Management

While the DCHW-0515A operates as a standalone analog/digital hybrid instrument, its RS-485 interface enables integration into centralized laboratory information management systems (LIMS) or electronic record platforms supporting FDA 21 CFR Part 11-compliant audit trails. Temperature setpoints, actual bath readings, alarm events, and safety interlock status are output in ASCII protocol format for automated logging. Users may configure data sampling intervals (1–60 seconds), enable automatic pass/fail flagging against user-defined tolerance bands, and export CSV-formatted reports compatible with statistical process control (SPC) software. Firmware updates maintain alignment with evolving regulatory guidance on thermal validation documentation per ISO 13485 and GMP Annex 15.

Applications

• Periodic verification of infrared tympanic and temporal thermometers in hospital central labs, CDC reference facilities, and third-party medical device testing laboratories.
• Production line final inspection and incoming quality control of IR thermometer assemblies prior to sterilization and packaging.
• Development and validation of new IR sensor algorithms requiring repeatable, low-noise thermal stimuli at sub-0.1 °C resolution.
• Supporting GLP-compliant studies evaluating thermometer performance under variable ambient humidity and draft conditions (when used inside climate-controlled enclosures).
• Training and proficiency testing for biomedical equipment technicians and metrology specialists engaged in ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation activities.

FAQ

What temperature range does the DCHW-0515A support for clinical thermometer calibration?
The system is rated for operation from –5 °C to +15 °C, covering the full physiological range required for ear and forehead thermometer verification per JJG 865–2015 and EN 12470-5.
Is the unit suitable for ISO/IEC 17025-accredited calibration laboratories?
Yes—when operated with traceably calibrated reference thermometers and documented uncertainty budgets, it meets Clause 6.3.3 requirements for reference equipment used in accredited thermal calibration procedures.
Can the bath be used with glycol-water mixtures or other calibration fluids?
It is validated for use with deionized water and ISO 80601-2-59–specified calibration fluids; compatibility with glycol mixtures requires prior viscosity and thermal conductivity verification to ensure pump performance and temperature uniformity.
Does the system include built-in data logging capability?
No internal memory is provided, but real-time serial output (RS-485) enables seamless integration with external SCADA, LIMS, or custom Python/Matlab acquisition scripts.
How often must the internal temperature sensor be recalibrated?
Per ISO/IEC 17025, the platinum resistance thermometer (PRT) probe should undergo accredited recalibration annually—or after any physical impact, seal breach, or observed deviation exceeding ±0.005 °C against a transfer standard.