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PUBLICATIONS

A New NIST Automated Calibration System for Industrial-Grade Platinum Resistance Thermometers

Published

Author(s)

Gregory F. Strouse, Billy W. Mangum, C D. Vaughn, E Xu

Abstract

Industrial-grade platinum resistance thermometers (IPRTs) are calibrated at NIST using a newly automated calibration system. The computer-controlled data-acquisition system is used to calibrate IPRTs over the range from -196 degrees C to 550 degrees C using fixed-points (ice point, triple-point of water and Ga melting point) and comparison baths (cryogenic, water, oil, and salt). A standard platinum resistance thermometer, calibrated on the International Temperature Scale of 1990, is used with a commercially available 30 Hz automatic-balancing ratio bridge to determine the temperature of the comparison baths during measurements. A dc measurement system consisting of an 8.5 digit multimeter, constant current source and a reference resistor is used to determine the resistance of the IPRTs under test. The automated calibration system and uncertainties will be discussed.
Citation
NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR) - 6225
Report Number
6225
NIST Pub Series
NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR)
Pub Type
NIST Pubs

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Local Download

Keywords

industrial-grade PRT, IPRT, IPRT calibration, platinum resistance thermometer, PRT calibrator
Thermometry metrology

Citation

Strouse, G. , Mangum, B. , Vaughn, C. and Xu, E. (1998), A New NIST Automated Calibration System for Industrial-Grade Platinum Resistance Thermometers, NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR), National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=830609 (Accessed October 10, 2025)

Issues

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Created September 1, 1998, Updated February 19, 2017
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