Automatic Temperature Controller, Parr Instrument Company

Temperature measurement and automatic bottle temperature control can be added to any Series 3900 Shaker Type Hydrogenator with a Parr 4833 Temperature Controller. This compact, microprocessor-based controller will measure and control the bottle temperature in the 25 to 80 ºC range without a large investment in automatic control equipment, while providing several features usually available only in more expensive temperature control systems.

The 4833 Controller operates with a Type J (iron-constantan) thermocouple in a 1/8″ diameter stainless steel probe held in an A159CA Thermocouple Assembly which carries both the probe and the gas passage through a single opening in the bottle stopper. Assemblies are provided with thermocouples of different lengths to fit various bottle sizes.

The user can program the controller to operate in either a simple ON/OFF mode or in a more robust PID (Proportional-Integral-Derivative) mode in which the system evaluates and uses the time dependency of the set point/process temperature relationship to augment the proportional action of the controller. The controller can be instructed to automatically tune the PID parameters to fit the characteristics of the system. Dual, four digit displays show the set point and the bottle temperature. An illuminated heater switch shows that power is being applied to the heater. Overheating or a break in the thermocouple circuit will activate an alarm and shut off the heater.

Simply plugging the heater and thermocouple cords into sockets on the rear panel makes electrical connections to the 4833 Controller. Heater loads up to 3 amperes can be handled by a built-in solid state relay. Units can be furnished for either 115 or 230 volt operation, equipped with standard grounded plugs and sockets, specifically for country of destination.

Users who do not require the automatic control features provided by a 4833 Controller can measure the bottle temperature with any laboratory or industrial temperature indicator suitable for use with a Type J thermocouple, purchasing only an A159CA bottle connector assembly with an A295E thermocouple. Glass thermometers cannot be used in these hydrogenators as they are too fragile to withstand the vigorous shaking action of the bottle shaker.