
3 Theory of Operation
The components, features and operational theory of
the Model 6054 calibration bath are described in this
section.
3.1 Two Modes of
Temperature Control
Two modes of temperature control are available with
the model 6054. The TEMPERATURE CONTROL
mode or the TEMPERATURE DRIFT mode may be
selected by a switch on the front panel.
3.1.1 The Temperature Control Mode
The control mode uses a hybrid digital/analog PI tem-
perature controller with lock-in-amplifier. The bath
stability is very high with this controller. The tempera-
ture is selected using a four button keypad on the front
panel. Temperatures from 0.00 to 325.00°C may be
selected directly to a hundredth of a degree. Finer ad-
justment is available using the vernier adjustment.
Accuracy of the setting is typically ±0.5°C or better.
The controller pulses AC current to the control heat-
ers in a time modulated fashion to compensate for
heat gains and losses to the system. A two color LED
on the control panel glows red when the heaters are
on and glows green when they are off and cooling is
taking place. (Note: The cooling required for control is
supplied through heat loss to ambient.)
The Temperature control probe uses a 100 ohm PRT.
It is a totally separate unit for ease of replacement. It is
inserted into the top of the bath near the stirring motor
as shown and plugs into the rear of the control unit.
The heaters are external to the tank. They are ar-
ranged electrically to provide the 4 control heating po-
sitions plus an off position. The additional boost
heating position is accessed from a separate switch
on the control panel.
3.1.2 The Temperature Drift Mode:
In the Temperature Drift mode the heater may be set
manually to allow the temperature to drift very slowly
(a few milli-°C per minute) over the desired range.
This allows the control noise to be eliminated al-
though greater skill is required in making calibrations.
The heater power is adjusted by means of a variable
transformer located on the control panel. It allows po-
sition one of the heater selection switch to be continu-
ally variable from 0 to 100% Positions 2, 3, 4 and
Boost add their full value of heat incrementally to the
adjusted value of position 1.
3.1.3 The Fluid system
The fluid system consists of the insulated tank, the
stirrer assembly, the condensate drain, the overflow
test well, and the fluid itself. The heaters and probe,
which are part of the control system, are physically
external to the tank.
The tank and other wetted parts are made of stainless
steel for compatibility with most practical
thermostating fluids.The stirrer is attached to the tank
top plate of the bath and its motor receives additional
cooling from a fan to keep from overheating and in-
crease lifetime at high bath temperatures. The stirrer
directly drives four 2-inch diameter stirring propellers.
The down draft from the propellers forces the bath
fluid through the overflow test well. The stirring motor
plugs into the rear of the control unit. (See Figure 3 on
page 14.)
The over-flow test well serves to provide a constant
depth of fluid at an essentially constant height near
the well opening. Variations in fluid volume due to
thermal expansion and volatilization will not effect
measurements within reasonable volume ranges.
The fluid expelled from the tank is controlled to flow
past the control heaters first before entering the main
tank for thermal management.
A drain is provided for convenience in changing the
bath fluid. (See draining the tank.)
The condensate drain collects condensed oil vapor
and oil that has expanded over the top of the tank
walls.Tubes on either side of the drain at the bottom of
the bath allow the liquid to be collected into a pan. Be
sure this pan is in place at all times to prevent oil from
draining onto the floor The condensate pan must be
Theory of Operation
11