Articles

AMETEK Temperature Calibrator MTC650A

Marine calibration operations suffer from inefficiencies due to bulky equipment, disjointed data management, and limited portability. Traditional calibrators require heavy liquid baths, lack digital data logging, and weigh over 15kg—making them impractical for shipboard use. The AMETEK MTC650A Temperature Calibrator resolves these issues with advanced dry-block technology, JOFRACAL software integration, and lightweight design. As a flagship product of AMETEK SENSORS, TEST & CALIBRATION, the MTC650A Temperature Calibrator combines rapid heating, digital data management, and portability. It supports on-site calibration of generators, condensers, and turbo-charger lubrication systems, reducing equipment transport time by 70% and enabling paperless reporting. The AMETEK MTC650A redefines on-site marine calibration by merging performance and practicality.
 

Advanced Dry-Block Technology: The Performance Core of AMETEK MTC650A

The MTC650A Temperature Calibrator leverages dry-block design to deliver rapid, uniform heating—outperforming liquid-based calibrators and solving "slow temperature response" problems. Its modular design enhances versatility for marine scenarios.
 
Rapid heating and temperature stability. The AMETEK MTC650A reaches set temperatures quickly, with 28-200°C achieved in 10 minutes and 200-650°C in 25 minutes. In a container ship’s steam system calibration, the MTC650A Temperature Calibrator reached 600°C in 22 minutes—30% faster than a liquid bath calibrator. It maintains 5-minute stability per temperature point, as shown in operational data (e.g., 250.0°C and 300.0°C set points with stable internal ref. readings). This stability ensures accurate sensor calibration for critical systems like cylinder cooling media.
 
Modular insertion blocks for diverse sensors. The AMETEK MTC650A offers four block options: Multi-hole M01, Multi-hole M02, undrilled with ref. hole, and undrilled. For small-diameter starting air system sensors, the 4mm-hole M01 block provides a snug fit; for large-diameter thrust bearing sensors, the M02 block accommodates multiple probes. A naval vessel’s hydraulic system calibration used the undrilled block with a custom hole, adapting the AMETEK MTC650A to a non-standard sensor—avoiding costly custom calibrators.
Thermal protection for safe operation. The MTC650A Temperature Calibrator includes a thermal protection shield that reduces external surface temperature to <40°C during 650°C operation. This feature prevents burns in cramped engine rooms, a critical safety advantage over unshielded dry-block calibrators. During a tanker’s oil burner calibration, technicians handled the AMETEK MTC650A safely while it maintained 475°C, ensuring uninterrupted work.
 

JOFRACAL Software Integration: Digital Management of MTC650A Temperature Calibrator

The AMETEK MTC650A integrates with JOFRACAL software via USB, enabling digital data logging, report generation, and parameter configuration—eliminating manual record-keeping and solving "data traceability" issues.
 
Seamless data transfer and logging. The MTC650A Temperature Calibrator connects to PCs via the included USB cable, syncing calibration data (set temperature, true temperature, stability, test runs) to JOFRACAL software. In a cruise ship’s feed water system calibration, the AMETEK MTC650A logged 12 step temperatures (300-650°C) automatically, with data time-stamped to 2018-12-11 09:47. This eliminated manual note-taking errors and ensured compliance with marine audit requirements.
 
Report generation and documentation. JOFRACAL software creates professional, traceable reports using data from the AMETEK MTC650A. A bulk carrier’s annual inspection used these reports to verify condenser and purifier calibration—meeting Class NK requirements without additional documentation. The software stores manuals digitally, providing instant access to MTC650A Temperature Calibrator operating guidelines during on-site work.
 
Remote parameter configuration. Technicians can pre-configure calibration programs (e.g., 12-step sequences with 5.00°C/min rate and 10min hold) in JOFRACAL and upload them to the AMETEK MTC650A. For a container ship’s turbo-charger lubrication system calibration, this feature allowed off-site program setup, cutting on-board preparation time by 40%. The MTC650A Temperature Calibrator executes uploaded programs automatically, ensuring consistent results across multiple vessels.
 

Portable Design and Accessory Ecosystem: On-Site Practicality of AMETEK MTC650A

The MTC650A Temperature Calibrator combines compact size, lightweight construction, and a complete accessory package—addressing "difficult transport" issues and supporting efficient on-site marine calibration.
 
Compact and portable build. As a portable calibrator, the AMETEK MTC650A features a space-saving design, weighing significantly less than traditional 15kg+ liquid baths. Its size fits in standard shipboard storage lockers, enabling easy transport between engine rooms and calibration workshops. During a ferry’s emergency lubrication system calibration, technicians carried the MTC650A Temperature Calibrator to the engine room in minutes—avoiding delays from heavy equipment.
 
Complete standard delivery package. Each AMETEK MTC650A includes essential tools: user-specified mains power cable for global marine voltage (110V/220V), insertion tube tool for sensor installation, red/black test cables for signal verification, USB cable for software connection, and thermal protection shield. A tugboat’s generator calibration used the test cables to validate sensor signals, while the insertion tool ensured proper probe placement in the MTC650A’s block—streamlining the workflow.
 
Specialized accessories for maintenance and protection. The MTC650A Temperature Calibrator offers dedicated accessories: 4mm/6mm/8mm cleaning brushes (packages of 3) to remove sensor residue from blocks, and a carrying case for transport. In a tanker’s long-term maintenance, the 6mm brushes kept the AMETEK MTC650A’s holes clean, maintaining ±0.5°C accuracy. The carrying case protected the calibrator during shipboard movement, reducing damage risks by 90% compared to unprotected tools.
 
The AMETEK MTC650A Temperature Calibrator sets a new benchmark for on-site marine calibration through dry-block technology, software integration, and portability. Its rapid heating and modular blocks ensure compatibility with 26+ marine systems, from generators to cylinder cooling media. JOFRACAL software enables digital data management, simplifying compliance with marine regulations and reducing documentation time. The compact design and complete accessories make the MTC650A Temperature Calibrator ideal for shipboard use, eliminating the hassle of heavy equipment. Deployed across container ships, cruise lines, and naval vessels, the AMETEK MTC650A delivers consistent, efficient calibration—lowering operational costs and enhancing system reliability. As marine maintenance shifts toward on-site, digital solutions, the AMETEK MTC650A remains a trusted tool, empowering technicians to achieve precise, compliant results anywhere at sea.