Calibrator Block Gas Cooling for Probe Testing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Copper-based temperature calibration devices face corrosion and cooling efficiency issues at high temperatures, limiting the temperature range for probe testing and requiring extended cooling times due to the use of materials like aluminium-bronze alloys with poor heat conductivity.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating channels in the calibrator block or insulation for forced gas cooling, with a control system to manage the gas supply, and arranging these channels as recesses on the outer surface to maintain temperature homogeneity and enhance cooling efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If copper-based calibration blocks are used, then good heat conductivity is achieved, but corrosion occurs at high temperatures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecorrosion resistanceVSAvoidmaximum operating temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses aluminium-bronze alloy as a composite material that combines the corrosion resistance of aluminium with the mechanical strength and high-temperature stability of bronze. This alloy enables the calibration block to withstand higher temperatures without corroding, while maintaining structural integrity and thermal conductivity properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If aluminium-bronze alloy is used for the calibration block, then corrosion resistance at high temperatures is improved, but heat conductivity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecorrosion resistanceVSAvoidheat conductivity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a gas cooling system with channels that force gas flow through the calibration block. This pneumatic cooling mechanism compensates for the reduced heat conductivity of aluminium-bronze alloy by actively removing heat, enabling the block to reach and maintain higher operating temperatures without excessive heat accumulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

3Reliability

If aluminium-bronze alloy is used, then corrosion resistance is improved, but cooling time between calibration processes increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecorrosion resistanceVSAvoidcooling time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The gas cooling system forces rapid gas flow through channels in the calibration block, creating efficient convective heat transfer. This pneumatic cooling mechanism dramatically reduces the cooling time between calibration processes, overcoming the inherent slow cooling characteristic of aluminium-bronze alloy blocks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The calibration block is segmented with internal channels that divide the cooling path into multiple sections. This segmentation increases the surface area for heat transfer and distributes the cooling effect throughout the block, accelerating the overall cooling process while maintaining uniform temperature reduction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables faster cooling between calibration processes and allows for higher temperature testing without corrosion issues, improving the overall efficiency and reliability of temperature probe calibration.

Implementation Method 1

cooling the calibrator block by forcing gas such as air through one or more channels arranged in the calibrator block

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectForced Convection: Forced Convection

Implementation Method 2

heating the calibrator block to a selected temperature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConduction (thermal): Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 3

the calibrator block, at least partly, is surrounded by insulation means for thermally insulating the calibrator block

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal Insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentUS8721173B2Temperature calibration device, a calibrator block, and a method for calibrating a temperature probe

Publication Date: 2014.05.13 AMETEK DENMARK

AI summary

A temperature calibration device 1, comprising a calibrator block 3 having a cavity 4 and one or more heating elements and at least one temperature sensor being thermally coupled to the calibrator block 3, and where the heating elements and the temperature sensor is connected to a control system being adapted for controlling the temperature of the calibrator block 3, and where the calibrator block 3, at least partly, is surrounded by thermally insulating material 5. A number of channels 9 are arranged in the calibrator block 3 or the insulation material 5, and being connected to a gas supply 6, and where the control system is adapted for activating or deactivating the gas supply.