ASTM E3186-19 - Standard Guide for Use and Testing of Dry-Block Temperature Calibrators

1.1 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.3 This guide is intended for use with dry-block temperature calibrators without the use of fluids or thermal contact-enhancing media over a range of -100 °C to 1700 °C.

1.4 In this guide, the essential features of dry-block calibrators used for the purpose of thermometer calibration in either the direct or comparison mode are described. The direct mode is defined as using the dry-block calibrator as a standalone instrument with the control sensor and the calibrator display serving as the reference while the comparison mode uses an external sensor and ancillary measurement system as the reference.

1.5 Measurement practices to optimize the accuracy of a dry-block calibrator to obtain optimum results are proposed in this guide.

1.6 Tests that can be performed to define uncertainty limits and how they may be used in creating uncertainty budgets are proposed in this guide.

1.7 Dry-block calibrator accessories such as built-in reference thermometers, switch testing circuitry, computer communications, or current loops will not be discussed.

1.8 It is advised that liquid-in-glass thermometers not be used in dry-block calibrators, as using liquid-in-glass thermometers with a metal block may cause damage to the readout of the thermometer.

1.9 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.