CALSoft allows you the option to "calibrate" your entire data-collection system of thermocouples, wires, and CALPlex datalogger (or wireless dataloggers) against the calibrated temperature source on the retort you are testing, in order to zero-out any possible differences. This is referred to as "calibration" within CALSoft. The calibration offsets within CALSoft are referred to as a calibration file (file ending in .CLB). First, you would CREATE the calibration file of offset factors, then you would APPLY those calibration offset factors to your data collection.
This article will explain how to CREATE the Calibration File.
**Click here to access the article on how to APPLY the Calibration factors.
CALSoft gives the user three options for CREATING a Calibration File of offset factors:
- Running a Calibration Test
- During a Heat Penetration or Temperature Distribution Test
- Manually entering the factors into CALSoft
Let's look at each of these three methods:
OPTION 1:
RUN A CALIBRATION TEST TO COLLECT FACTORS:
In this case, you do not have to start an actual Heat Penetration or Temperature Distribution test in CALSoft as you can simply collect the calibration offsets using the Calibration feature. This method would require you to bundle the thermocouples/wires near the TID sensor, bring the retort up to temperature, then collect the offset factors using CALSoft:
- Step 1: Install your thermocouples/wires inside the retort, and bundle the sensing tips near the temperature sensor of the calibrated Temperature Indicating Device (MIG or Digital Thermometer). Connect the other end of the wires to your CALPlex datalogger, connected to a computer with CALSoft installed.
- Step 2: Close the retort door and begin the retort process. Bring the temperature up to the desired temperature (the temperature you will normally use during production (i.e. 250°F)) and hold the temperature steady.
- Step 3: Once the retort has "equilibrated" at the setpoint temperature, you can use CALSoft to capture OFFSETS for each of the 32 channels. To do this, access the CALIBRATION feature on either the Heat Penetration Section, Temperature Distribution, or from the Tools Menu:
- Step 4" The Calibration window will be displayed. Jump to the next section below in Option 2, "COLLECTING OFFSETS"... Step 5.
OPTION 2:
COLLECT FACTORS DURING A T.D. or H.P. TEST:
This method would be used if you are already running a Temperature Distribution or Heat Penetration test in CALSoft. (NOTE that this is only advisable during a Temperature Distribution Test). You can collect the calibration offsets using the Calibration feature WITHIN DATA COLLECTION as follows:
- Step 1: You are already running a Temperature Distribution , and collecting time/temperature data with CALSoft. Your TD wires are installed in the retort, and connected to the CALPlex. Data collection has already begun.
- Step 2: Once the retort is in the cook phase and the retort temperature has "equilibrated" throughout the retort at the setpoint temperature on all of your TD Lead Wires, you can use CALSoft to capture OFFSETS for each of the 32 channels.
- Step 3: Access the CALIBRATION feature from within the Temperature Distribution Data Collection Screen by clicking the CALIBRATION Tab:
- Step 4: The Calibration window will be displayed.
COLLECTING OFFSETS:
- Step 5: The Calibration window will then be displayed. To collect a new calibration file, enter a REFERENCE TEMPERATURE and choose "New File" as shown below....
- Step 6: CALSoft will scan the CALPlex datalogger and capture an offset (difference) against the reference temperature for each of the 32 channels. The offset factors are shown for each channel. Click Refresh to scan again. To save the factors and then collect another set, click Save and New. To save the offset factors and then end, click "Save and Done". Click "Cancel" to end saving Calibration Files.
- Step 7: The collection of these offsets is referred to as a calibration file (.CLB). Calibration files are saved on your computer in the directory where you last saved a HP or TD file. The Calibration files are displayed, along with the location of the files, on the list:
- Step 8: Click the CLOSE button to close the Calibration window. You now have a Calibration File-- a set of offsets for each channel that can be used to zero-out any minor differences between the data collection equipment and the calibrated TID on the retort.
Click here to learn about APPLYING Calibration Factors to your data
OPTION 3:
MANUALLY ENTER OFFSET FACTORS INTO A CALIBRATION FILE:
This method would be used if you are using another method to collect your HP or TD data (such as Wireless Data Loggers) and you import that data into CALSoft. In that case, you may want to create a calibration file of offset factors as to how your data loggers compared against a calibrated temperature source"
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Step 1: You are conducting a Temperature Distribution Test using a data collection system other than CALSoft/CALPlex, such as wireless loggers.
- Step 2: After the retort has "equilibrated" at the setpoint temperature, you should record the TID reading at various intervals, recording the time and the temperature.
- Step 3: After the test, download the data from your wireless loggers. Compare the temperature data on the wireless logger with the temperature readings you recorded from the calibrated TID. The difference in the logger reading vs. the TID would be the offset calibration factor. This can be done in Excel.
- Step 4: Once you import the data into CALSoft and create a Heat Penetration or Temperature Distribution file, you can access the CALIBRATION feature on either the Heat Penetration Section, Temperature Distribution, or from the Tools Menu. This will allow you to manually enter the offset factors:
- Step 5: The Calibration window will then be displayed. To Manually Create a new calibration file, select "New Manual File".
- Step 6: The Calibration window will display the "New Calibration File Manual Entry" mode. Enter the Reference Temperature, then manually type the offset factors for each channel- then click SAVE AND DONE when complete.
- Step 7: Click the CLOSE button to close the Calibration window. You now have a Calibration File-- a set of offsets for each channel that can be used to zero-out any minor differences between the data collection equipment and the calibrated TID on the retort.
Click here to learn about APPLYING Calibration Factors to your data