1.1 Test Types

ProCalV5 allows for the addition of different “Test Types” to the database that may be applied to any item master record whose required calibration does not fit perfectly into the typical ProCal template.  Test types may be used to provide specific testing in addition to or instead of a standard calibration with target set points and as found/as left readings.  Examples of some calibration test types that ProCalV5 normally could not accommodate efficiently are extreme values, linearity and standard deviation tests.

 

 

1.1.1 Set Up Test Type Packages Screen

The Set Up Test Type Packages screen (shown in Figure 1) is used to add, modify and if necessary delete test type packages from the database.  This screen is invoked by selecting the “Set Up Test Type Packages…” option on the File menu when the System Options and Defaults screen is open.

 

Figure 1


1.1.2 Adding New Test Types

To add a new test type to your database you must first copy the required library file “RTDTestType.bpl” into the folder labeled “bin” under the ProCalV5 directory (typically “C:\Program Files\Prime Technologies\ProCal V5\bin”) in Windows Explorer.  The “RTDTestType.bpl” file contains all the information necessary for the test type’s automatic and proper setup in ProCal.  Once the file has been copied into the correct folder you may launch the Set Up Test Type Packages screen.  Once the screen is open you may click the Add New Record button or select “New Record” from the screen’s File menu.  This will invoke a browser screen titled Choose New Package File that automatically directs you to the “bin” folder in which all the “.bpl” files reside. Select the required file “RTDTestType.bpl” and click the Open button or double-click the file name.

 

Once the correct file has been selected you will be returned to the new test type record which will already be set up for you.  In this instance you can save the record, making it available for application to all types of item master records in the system (i.e. instruments, loops, systems, test instruments, in addition to any PM records that may require a calibration).  Once a test type has been saved to the database, as long as it is marked as “Active”, it will be available for selection on the Test Type field’s drop-down list on the Calibration Points tab in all screens where that tab exists.  

 

Although you will have no ability to change the test type’s calibration requirements, you do have the ability to make some customizations to it in terms of field label changes and also giving users the ability to edit target set points and such when entering calibrations using that test type.  Please reference section 8.

 

 

1.1.3 Distributing Test Types

Test Types only need to be installed in the System Option and Defaults screen once, but for all Client, Administrator, or Mobile Workstations, the “RTDTestType.bpl” file must be present in the “bin” directory one level down from the ProCalV5 installation directory.

 

1.1.4 Definitions for the RTD Curve Test Type Package

  1. | | = absolute value
  2. Ω (T) = Resistance (in Ohms) at a given whole-number temperature T
  3. Ω (T.F) = Resistance  (in Ohms) at a given fractional temperature T.F where T is the whole-number portion and F is the decimal portion of the temperature input
  4. T1 , T2 = Whole Number temperatures such that |T1|  < |T.F| < |T2|
  5. T(Ω) = Temperature (°C or °F) reading for a given Resistance  Ω
  6. Ω1 , Ω2 = Ohm readings from internal Resistance Tables such that | Ω 1|  < | Ω | < | Ω 2|
  7. Ωi = ohms value returned by search routine
  8. Pct = Multiplier used in Interpolation calculations

  

1.1.5 Entering Item Records with RTD Curve Test Type Package

When creating a new master record that uses the RTD Curve Test Type, the test type must be applied to the record through the Calibration Points tab on the master record screen.  Once a new group has been added to the record, click the Test Type drop-down list and select RTD Curve from the available test types, as shown in Figure 2. The RTD Curve Test Type is now attached to this test point group.

 

      Figure 2

 

 

 

Once the test type has been selected, the inputs will change according to the settings defined by the library file. This Test Type is used as an additional correlation between output and input specifications, based on a specific RTD type that relates Ohm and Temperature values. The correlation look-up can be done in either direction; Ohms to Temperature or Temperature to Ohms.

 

The source of the look-up can be either the Output Signal field for calculating appropriate inputs or the Input Signal field for calculating appropriate outputs. By Default the source of the look-up will be the Output Signal (Out Val) field, making the destination the Input Signal (In Val) field.

 

Temperature (°F & °C) to Ohm and Ohm to Temperature (°F & °C) look-up is performed using an electronic version of DIN Platinum RTD Temperature – Resistance Tables, Curve PR-238 (°C vs Absolute Ω) and Curve PR-239 (°F vs Absolute Ω).

 

The Direction and the Entry Source Orientation, as well as the Temp Unit, can be entered into the corresponding fields under the Additional Test Type Inputs grid, accessed by clicking the Show Group Options button on the right side of the screen. This interface is shown in Figure 3.

 

The Test Type Inputs are as follows:

  • Direction - This defines how the Resistance-Temperature calculation is to be performed from input to output specifications. (“Temp to Ohms” or “Ohms to Temp”)
  • Entry Source Orientation – This defines where the source of the lookup comes from. Possible values are “Output-Input” and “Input-Output.”
  • Temp Unit - “F” or “C” representing Fahrenheit or Celsius.

 

 

         Figure 3

               

The available input options on the Calibration Points tab while the Group Options are hidden remain identical to those of a standard calibration group record, as shown in Figure 4. The Input Specifications, Accuracy, Output Specifications and Spec Limit dialogue boxes remain standard and the “Calculate” and “Restore Defaults” buttons retain their standard functionality.

 

                                                                                                                                 Figure 4

 

1.1.6 Entering Calibration Records

Once a Test Point Group has been created for a master item record that uses the RDT Curve Test Type, the calibration data can be entered on the Test Results tab on the Calibrations screen.

 

 On the Test Results tab (Figure 5 below), the Additional Test Type Inputs box is populated with the information originally entered for each field on the Calibration Points tab on the items Master Record screen. They are visible but are not modifiable on the calibration screen.  See figure 5 below:

 

                                                                                                                                                              Figure 5