Metrological Parameterization of a High Temperature Furnace Using LabView® at INM Colombia

Abstract

In the Temperature and Humidity Laboratory of the Colombian National Metrology Institute (INM, for the Spanish acronym), the ISOTECH model ITL-M-17702 high temperature furnace is used to the realization of the freezing point of aluminum (660.323 °C). The furnace has a master controller which uses a PID control function to adjust the operating temperature, in agreement with the parameters set out in the laboratory’s measurement procedures. As part of the development of a knowledge-building innovation project at the INM, an automation software was designed for the remote configuration of the furnace and modular data acquisition for each of the furnace’s operational stages (heating, stabilization). LabView® platform were used to implement communications protocols for the controller and to design a master-slave programming structure. This project allows for the user to configure work parameters that include operational temperature and measurement time, with the purpose of having all data generated throughout the process recorded and stored in a reliable manner for its subsequent metrological analysis, additionally promoting the maintenance of the integrity of the furnace by avoiding the configuration errors associated with direct handling. This project is the first phase in implementing a new calibration service related to the quantity of temperature, geared towards meeting the scientific and industrial metrological needs of the country.