Hand-held, test/calibration system is modular

A hand held test and calibration system combines advanced multi-function calibrator with 'world-class' pressure measurement and generation.

GE Sensing and Inspection Technologies has developed its Advanced Modular Calibration System, which combines an advanced, multi-function calibrator with 'world class' pressure measurement and generation capability.

Its modularity allows its discrete components to be used as stand-alone instruments.

GE said it allows significant flexibility in cost of ownership and in functionality.

The Advanced Modular Calibration System uses three basic components to perform duties formerly requiring a wide range of different instruments.

1 - An advanced, electrical, frequency and temperature calibrator.

This compact and robust multi-function unit can measure and source mA, mV, V, Ohms, frequency and a variety of RTDs and thermocouples.

2 - Pressure measurement is provided by interchangeable pressure modules that attach to the calibrator via a carrier.

3 - The calibrator and the pressure modules can also be attached to a pressure generation station to form a fully integrated, high performance pressure calibrator.

Three pressure stations are available, so that pneumatic pressure from 95% vacuum to 20 bar or up to 100 bar can be generated while hydraulic pressure capability is from 0 to 1000 bar.

The system's rugged and weatherproof, multi-function DPI 620 calibrator is two to three times smaller and weighs less than a third of some competitive calibrators and yet has one of the largest brightest displays, said GE.

Its video quality, colour touch screen shows only those buttons necessary for the immediate, selected task and these buttons are big enough to permit operation by a gloved hand.

The display can be configured to show up to six reading windows, which also act as active keys and, when pressed, expand to show more detailed information or to provide advance functions.

Colour coding of displays is incorporated to facilitate fast sentencing.

* Add-on hardware and modules - the calibrator can be simply expanded by the addition of further hardware and software modules, including an Intecal field calibration and documentation manager, a wireless module and a 300V AC measurement probe.

It is fitted with a HART configurator as standard to provide digital communication with HART devices for interrogation, configuration and calibration, The DPI 620 is also available in a Windows CE-driven version, providing all the computing power of a conventional hand-held PC or PDA.

The DPI 620CE provides standard Windows applications and file management and allows the user to view pdf files and jpeg images, such as user manuals, data sheets and installation drawings on-site.

The pressure modules represent the latest in digital output sensor technology, incorporating a number of key innovations to allow pressure re-ranging of compatible equipment.

Digital characterization and a simple screw fit allow interchangeability in a matter of seconds with no need for tools, set-up or calibration.

The modules can be located in the module carrier, which can then be connected to the multi-function calibrator, to form a compact, hand-held test tool.

Alternatively, the pressure modules can be located in the relevant pressure generation station to which the DPI 620 also locks in place to create a self contained pressure calibrator .

Each of the pressure generation stations can also act in a stand-alone capacity to replace hand pumps and comparators.

They are all simple to operate by hand and each represents a significant step forward in pressure generation technology.

The 20 bar station features a conventional hand pump, volume adjuster and pressure/vacuum selector but will generate pressure with half the effort of conventional systems.

The 100 bar pneumatic station represents a five fold increase in capability and solves the transportation and EHS issues of using gas bottles and regulators as a pressure source, while the 1000 bar hydraulic system generates pressure without priming into virtually any system volume thus avoiding the mess and wastage of bleeding open systems.

Each station can be fitted with an overpressure protection device to protect both the pressure module and the device under test.

Available with a range of accessories, including soft carry cases and rigid transit solutions, the modular system is expandable and adaptable.

A user can begin with the multi-function calibrator and then add pressure capability and other modularity.

It offers significant cost savings through reduced inventory, user training and maintenance.

The system has also been designed to cater for future system integration and incorporates USB and wireless connectivity and a micro SD memory slot.

* About GE Sensing and Inspection Technologies - GE Sensing and Inspection Technologies is part of GE Enterprise Solutions, a US$5 billion business helping customers compete and win in a changing global environment by combining the power of GE's unique expertise and intelligent technology to drive customers' productivity and profitability.

GE Sensing and Inspection Technologies is a leading innovator in advanced measurement, sensor-based and inspection solutions that deliver accuracy, productivity and safety to its customers.

The company designs and manufactures sensing instruments that measure temperature, pressure, moisture, gas and flow rate for demanding customer applications.

It also designs, manufactures and services inspection equipment, including radiographic, ultrasonic, remote visual and eddy current, that monitors and tests materials without disassembly, deforming or damaging them.

GE Sensing and Inspection's products are used in a wide range of industries, including oil and gas, power generation, aerospace, transportation and healthcare.

The company has 4,700 employees at more than 40 facilities in 25 countries worldwide.

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