In temperature calibration technology, there are two methods of calibration ? the comparative calibration and the fixed point calibration. Ravenous of calibration to be utilized will be defined through the demands on the accuracy and the type of test instrument. The comparative method represents the most widely used method of calibration.
So how do the comparative calibration and fixed point calibration methods differ? Utilizing the exemplory case of calibrating a resistance thermometer, this website article explains both methods and thus tries to convey to the reader an improved understanding.
The comparative calibration
Because the name already implies, this type of calibration is carried out by comparing the resistance thermometer being tested with a higher-quality reference thermometer. The higher-quality reference should thus exhibit an accuracy of 3 or 4 times greater than the thermometer being tested. Both thermometers are put right into a single homogenous temperature source. When placing the thermometers, care ought to be taken to ensure a small distance between them and that the sensitive points (meaning the measuring points) are in exactly the same height. As a temperature source, liquid baths or dry-well calibrators are usually used.
The fixed point calibration
The fixed point calibration, in contrast to the comparative calibration, is carried out against the defined triple, freezing and melting points from the International Temperature Scale of 1990 (ITS-90). The fixed points define temperatures of which the physical state of substances alter. The most crucial fixed point of the ITS-90 may be the triple point of water. At a temperature of 0.010 �C the physical state of high-purity water is constantly changing between steam, ice and liquid water. The levels of the physical states always remain in proportion. Generally, only national laboratories or laboratories qualifying for really small measurement uncertainties use these fixed-point cells, as they are costly and specialised only for this application. Best (platinum resistance thermometers), which is used as reference thermometers, are calibrated using the fixed point method. The reference sensor is inserted right into a closed, or also open fixed-point cell, which holds the temperature constant over an extended period.
Example: fixed points from -189 to 660 �C in accordance with ITS-90:
Fixed point
Temperature
Triple point of argon
-189,3442 �C
Triple point of mercury
-38,8344 �C
Triple point of water
0,01 �C
Melting point of gallium
29,7646 �C
Freezing point of indium
156,5985 �C
Freezing point of tin
231,928 �C
Freezing point of zinc
419,527 �C
Freezing point of aluminium
660,323 �C
Note
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