The calibration bath is liquid, molten salt or molten pure metal as the medium, through the action of temperature control system and stirring or spraying device. Reach the set temperature and maintain uniform temperature in its inner working area. It is mainly used to detect and calibrate the constant temperature equipment required for various thermometers or other measuring instruments.
Commonly used media for calibration baths are water, silicone oil, antifreeze, absolute ethanol, tin, salt, etc., which respectively constitute alcohol low-temperature calibration baths, water baths, oil baths, high-temperature tin baths, and high-temperature salt baths.

 

1. What Is a Temperature Bath For Calibration?

A temperature calibration bath is a calibrator having a uniform fluid enclosure that can be adjusted to specific temperatures for test points. They offer large volume and flexibility for calibrating temperature sensors that are different shapes and sizes.

 

2. What is the Temperature Range of a Bath Calibrator?

 

3. How Do You Check Temperature Calibration?

 

4. What is a Temperature Bath Used For?

 

5. Why Do We Use Kerosene In Low Temperature Calibration Bath?

While kerosene was once commonly used in low-temperature calibration baths, its use has largely been replaced by other fluids due to safety concerns and environmental considerations. However, it's still helpful to understand why kerosene was initially preferred and what its limitations are.

 

Why kerosene was used:

Wide liquid range: Kerosene remains liquid across a relatively wide temperature range, from around -40°C to 250°C. This allowed for a single fluid to be used for calibrating instruments across a broad spectrum of low temperatures.

Good heat transfer: Kerosene has decent thermal conductivity, meaning it efficiently transfers heat to the instruments being calibrated, ensuring accurate and consistent temperature readings.

Readily available: Kerosene was historically a readily available and relatively inexpensive fluid, making it a practical choice for calibration baths.

 

Limitations of kerosene:

Safety hazards: Kerosene is a flammable liquid with a flash point around 38°C. This poses a significant fire risk, especially in enclosed laboratory settings.

Environmental concerns: Kerosene is a petroleum-based product, and its use and disposal raise environmental concerns. Spills can contaminate soil and water, and improper disposal can contribute to air pollution.

Health risks: Kerosene vapors can be harmful if inhaled, and prolonged exposure can irritate the skin and eyes.

 

Modern alternatives:

Silicone oils: These synthetic oils offer a wider temperature range than kerosene, typically from -70°C to 200°C, while being non-flammable and much less harmful to the environment.

Glycols: Certain glycol-based fluids, like ethylene glycol, are also suitable for low-temperature calibration baths, with good thermal properties and non-flammability.

Alcohol mixtures: For even lower temperatures, mixtures of alcohols like ethanol and methanol can be used, reaching down to -90°C. However, they require special precautions due to their high flammability.

 

6. High Temperature Calibration Bath Vs Low Temperature Calibration Bath

Feature	High-Temperature Baths	Low-Temperature Baths
Temperature Range	Typically above 300°C	Typically from -80°C to 200°C
Fluid Choices	Molten salts, molten metals, high-temperature oils	Silicone oils, ethylene glycol, alcohol mixtures
Construction Materials	Stainless steel, ceramics, refractory materials	Stainless steel, aluminum, plastic
Applications	Aerospace, metallurgy, chemical processing, energy production	Pharmaceutical research, cryogenic testing, food processing, environmental monitoring
Safety Considerations	Strict	Lower
Selection	Consider temperature range, instrument compatibility, safety requirements, budget, environmental impact	Consider temperature range, instrument compatibility, safety requirements, budget, environmental impact