BetaGauge330

In June, we started shipping the BetaGauge 330 with available absolute pressure internal sensors. The 330 is now available with a 30 PSIA (2 barA) or a 150 PSIA (10 barA) internal sensor.

The new ranges offer the same ±0.025% of full scale accuracy (6 month specification) as the previously offered gauge ranges (30, 150 & 300 PSI).

Some of the other useful features of the 330 are

• built-in loop calibrator (input and output
• large multi-variable display
• 24 VDC instrument power supply
• automatic pressure switch test
• available gas custody meter calibration kit
• 17 engineering unit displays
• external pressure module compatible

For a surprisingly low cost in a surprisingly small and lightweight package, the BetaGauge 330 has a lot to offer.

At the upcoming ISA EXPO 2009 in Houston, Texas, we’re introducing a new software package for data logging on the BetaGauge PI or BetaGauge PIR digital test gauges. The dates for the EXPO are October 6 through 8. Our booth number is 2316. Come see us.

BetaGauge PI Reference Class with MECP500 Pump

Our customers already know how rugged, reliable and useful these gauges are. Now, they’re even more useful. Detailed information about the software and its capabilities can be found here.

Here are some highlights:

 • Ability to log both pressure and ambient temperature (UNIQUE).
 • Up to 8500 data points logged.
 • Data stored in industry standard spread sheet formats (CSV or Excel).
 • Multiple log runs stored in gauge
 • Demand (ad hoc) or Download (computer) configured log runs

Applications supported include:

 • Hydrostatic pressure testing
 • Leak detection
 • Transient pressure spike detection
 • Well head monitoring

You can ask your local Martel Distributor for a quote.

Sometimes our customers actually have problems with our products. When they do, they need help fast. We take pride in our level of customer service in that we apply the resources needed to deal with an issue promptly. Here’s another unsolicited response from a now happy customer.

“Thanks for the speedy assistance.  I don’t usually see that kind of response to a problem.” – Mike

And here’s another,

“We normally get great service from Martel and that’s what keep’s us coming back.” – Dan

Not only is our response fast, but we also have lots of field tested applications experience that we can apply to helping our customers make the best use of their Martel BETA calibrators.

We think it’s important that our customer service starts with whoever answers the phone and extends all the way to our president. Our goal is to have no unhappy customers, so be sure to throw those problems our way. We’ll do our best.

Many people don’t realize that we make a custody transfer flowmeter calibration kit for the BetaGauge 330-30. This adds a high range pressure module and LTP100A RTD probe to the standard calibrator.

The integral pump and internal sensor are used for the differential calibration portion of the flowmeter. A high pressure external sensor is used for the static portion, and, of course, the RTD provides the data for the temperature compensation calibration of the flowmeter.

Q. Can the BetaGauge 330 be field recalibrated?

A. Yes. The BetaGauge 330 is calibrated through the serial port like many Martel calibrators. Other than a computer with a terminal emulation program (we normally recommend HyperTerminal), a LEM232 serial communications cable is needed along with a URA-1 RTD adapter. Both of these can be purchased through your Martel distributor.

You will also need some adequate standards for pressure, current (mA), voltage and resistance.

The procedure is available from the factory or your local Martel distributor.

Martel Electronics’ BetaGauge 330 pressure calibrator is featured in the February/March issue of Reportero Industrial. It’s a pan-Latin America publication covering the industrial markets with sections for Instrumentation and Analysis.

Reportero Industrial

The articles are all in Spanish, but that’s good for its intended audience. There’s also a section in Portugese specifically for the Brazilian market.

Q. How often do I need to change the batteries?

A. On the BetaGauge 330-150, we have tested the battery life by repeatedly cycling the pump to 150 PSI. Similar to the test for pump life, the cycle went to 150 PSI ten times and then rested for ten minutes.  This is a much higher duty cycle than normal use.

With this test, we were able to get more than 300 cycles to full pressure on a fresh set of Alkaline batteries.

If you are only going to lower pressures or are using the BetaGauge 330-30, it’s possible  to get more than 1,000 cycles on a fresh set of batteries.

I estimate that under heavy use of an average of 4 calibrations per day, the batteries would need replacement after about 2-1/2 weeks (12 working days).

Q. How long does the internal electric pump last?

A. Under normal use the BetaGauge 330 internal pump can be expected to last a minimum of 5,000 cycles to full pressure before requiring a rebuild. Since the pump won’t normally always be cycled to full pressure (typically 150 PSI / 10 Bar / 100 kPa), it should realistically last longer.

BetaGauge 330 Pressure Calibrator

In addition, our testing to get the 5,000 cycle number consisted of running the pump repeatedly to full pressure with a break of 10 minutes every 10 cycles. This also is not a normal type of use where the calibrator may only be used a few times a day, if that. Again, that relates to even longer lifetimes.

If you assume that the calibrator is used to perform 4 calibrations a day, with each calibration requiring 3 pump cycles just to get everything right, then a pump rebuild might be required after 1 year and 8 months. I based this on 250 working days a year, which I think is typical.

But, if the worst really happens, a pump rebuild is a field procedure. Martel offers a kit with all the necessary parts to replace the wear items in the pump and get it fully functional again. A technician will only need a few simple tools and the ability to unsolder and resolder the power leads to the pump. A rebuild should take less than 1 hour to complete and get your BetaGauge 330 back in business.

Cost of the rebuild kit? About $20.00.

Martel is making history with the latest iteration of the BetaGauge, The model 330. This is the first handheld pressure calibrator with a built-in ELECTRIC pump to generate test pressure from high vacuum to 150 PSI (10 Bar/1000kPa).

We’re calling it fingertip calibration. All the tech needs to do is push the button. An electric pump does the rest.

Here are some highlights of this new product:

1. It is lightweight and handheld.
2. The pump is our own proprietary design for high efficiency. We have a PATENT PENDING on this design.
3. It will generate up to 10 Bar / 150 PSI into a typical calibration volume.
4. Battery life is long with more than 300 cycles to full pressure on one set of batteries.
5. RTD port for support of mass flowmeter/computer calibration.
6. External pressure port for connection of any of 29 ranges of BetaPort-P pressure modules.
7. Generates both vacuum and pressure with the switch of a valve.
8. Patented soft release vent valve for controlled venting of pressure.

BetaGauge 330 Data Sheet

We have gotten good press for this, too. It was featured in an article in the September issue of Control Magazine. Here is a link to the issue. Go to page 118.

We’re in the midst of beta testing now and expect regular shipments to begin at the first of 2009. With pricing less than all the competition and the convenience of electric pumping, we have high expectations for success.