RTD Calibration Procedure

Calibrating and testing RTD sensors : 

Typically RTDs are checked while calibrating the connected device,

such as a panel meter or temperature transmitter. However, if a
problem is suspected with a temperature sensor, sensor calibrations
can be performed separately from the calibration of process
electronics.
Field checks of temperature sensors can be easily performed with a
dry-block or temperature Bath. For best results, a full calibration of
a temperature sensor is performed at the bench.

Calibration Procedure:

1. Isolate the sensor from the process.

2. Fully immerse the sensor into a precision temperature
source, such as a dry-well or bath capable of covering
the required temperature range.
3. For best accuracy, also fully immerse a temperature
standard into the drywell or bath for comparison.
4. To check the calibration of the RTD separately from the
control system temperature indicator, disconnect the
RTD from the electronics / transmitter.
5. Connect the RTD to a precision instrument capable of
measuring resistance like Decade Resistance box or multi
function calibrator.
6. Adjust the temperature of the bath or dry-well to each of
the test points. Say 25 DegC, 50 DegC, 75 DegC, 100 Deg
C etc insteps.
7. At each test point record the readings of the
temperature bath readings and RTD output for each test
point.

8. If measuring the RTD separate from its measurement

electronics, compare the measured resistances to the
expected resistance from the
applicable RTD temperature table. Otherwise, compare
the reading on the instrument display to the reading of
the temperature standard (which may be the dry-well).

Note: Above procedure is same for 2 wire 3 wire or 4 wire RTD’s.

Just connect the RTD respective wiring in the Decade resistance box
or multi function calibrator which is used to measure the RTD
resistance.

Article Source: Fluke