JOFRA PTC Series Professional Dry-Block Calibrator

Overview

The JOFRA PTC Series Professional Dry-Block Calibrator is a high-performance, portable temperature calibration system engineered for metrological traceability in industrial, laboratory, and field service environments. Based on resistive heating and precision thermoelectric sensing, the PTC employs active dual-zone thermal control to maintain uniform axial and radial temperature distribution across its well block—minimizing gradient-induced measurement uncertainty during sensor calibration. Unlike liquid-bath or oil-based calibrators, the dry-block design eliminates fluid handling, contamination risk, and maintenance overhead while delivering laboratory-grade stability (±0.01 °C) and accuracy (±0.06 °C) across an exceptionally wide operational range of −90 °C to 660 °C. This range spans critical industrial thresholds—from cryogenic process monitoring (e.g., LNG storage) to high-temperature furnace validation and thermocouple certification per ASTM E230/E230M and IEC 60584. The PTC’s modular architecture supports four distinct models, each optimized for specific sub-ranges and thermal load profiles, ensuring optimal thermal response and energy efficiency without compromising repeatability.

Key Features

• Active dual-zone temperature control ensures axial and radial uniformity within the well block, reducing thermal gradients to <0.02 °C over 60 mm depth—critical for calibrating long probes and multi-sensor assemblies.
• Ultra-fast thermal response: achieves 350 °C in ≤7 minutes and cools from 350 °C to 50 °C in under 25 minutes using integrated forced-air cooling—significantly reducing turnaround time in high-volume calibration workflows.
• High-resolution color LCD display with touch-responsive interface enables real-time visualization of setpoint, measured block temperature, reference sensor reading, deviation, and stability status—supporting immediate pass/fail assessment per ISO/IEC 17025 requirements.
• Plug-and-play compatibility with JOFRA-certified reference sensors (e.g., Pt100, SPRT, thermocouples Types S/R/B/K/N), including automatic sensor ID recognition and built-in correction tables compliant with ITS-90 and CVD polynomial standards.
• Lightweight aluminum chassis (<8.5 kg) with ergonomic handle and integrated tilt stand facilitates transport between calibration labs, production floors, and field locations—validated for operation at altitudes up to 3,000 m and ambient temperatures from 15 °C to 35 °C.
• Multi-hole well block kit includes interchangeable inserts (3.2 mm, 6.0 mm, 9.5 mm diameters) machined from high-conductivity, low-thermal-mass alloy—ensuring minimal thermal lag and optimal contact for diverse probe geometries.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The PTC Series accommodates a broad spectrum of temperature sensors, including RTDs (1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-wire), thermistors, thermocouples (all base-metal and noble-metal types), infrared sensor blackbodies (via optional mounting fixtures), and digital temperature transmitters. Its well geometry and thermal mass are validated per EURAMET cg-18 and NIST TN 1977 for immersion depth compliance (≥15× probe diameter). All models comply with IEC 61000-4 electromagnetic immunity standards and carry CE marking under the EU Measuring Instruments Directive (MID) Annex MI-001. Calibration certificates issued with JOFRA reference sensors are traceable to DKD (Danish Accreditation Fund) and NIST, supporting GLP/GMP audit readiness and FDA 21 CFR Part 11–compliant electronic record generation when paired with JOFRA Cal Software.

Software & Data Management

JOFRA Cal Software (v5.2+) provides full instrument control, automated calibration sequence execution (per ISO 17025 Annex C), and digital certificate generation with embedded uncertainty budgets. The software logs all parameters—including environmental conditions, sensor IDs, operator credentials, timestamps, and raw data—with tamper-evident audit trails and role-based access control. Export formats include PDF (signed), CSV, and XML for integration into LIMS or MES platforms. Data encryption (AES-256) and electronic signature support meet requirements for regulated industries, including pharmaceutical manufacturing (USP ) and aerospace testing (AS9100 Rev D).

Applications

• On-site verification of temperature transmitters, controllers, and DCS inputs in petrochemical refineries and power generation facilities.
• Factory acceptance testing (FAT) of sterilization autoclaves, lyophilizers, and cleanroom HVAC systems requiring traceable calibration down to −80 °C.
• Periodic recalibration of handheld thermometers, surface probes, and food safety thermocouples in HACCP-compliant environments.
• Research-grade characterization of thermistor nonlinearity and thermocouple drift across extended temperature cycles.
• Supporting ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation audits through documented uncertainty analysis, MSA (Measurement Systems Analysis), and GUM-compliant reporting.

FAQ

What is the minimum immersion depth required for accurate calibration with the PTC?
For optimal axial gradient compensation, JOFRA recommends immersion depths ≥15× the probe diameter—or ≥75 mm for most industrial sensors—as defined in EURAMET cg-18.
Can the PTC calibrate two sensors simultaneously?
Yes—the multi-hole well block supports concurrent calibration of up to three sensors (depending on bore configuration), with independent deviation tracking for each channel in JOFRA Cal Software.
Is external reference sensor calibration included with purchase?
Each PTC system ships with a factory-calibrated reference sensor; full DKD/NIST-traceable calibration certificates are available as optional add-ons with documented uncertainty budgets.
How does the PTC handle thermal drift during extended stability tests?
The active dual-zone controller continuously monitors top- and bottom-block thermistors, dynamically adjusting heater power to suppress drift to <±0.005 °C/h over 2-hour periods—verified per ISO/IEC 17025 clause 5.4.6.
Does the PTC support custom temperature ramps and soak profiles?
Yes—JOFRA Cal Software allows definition of multi-step ramp/soak sequences with programmable rates (0.1–10 °C/min), dwell times, and auto-logging intervals, suitable for hysteresis and repeatability studies.