Rationale

A ballot was approved during the Anaheim December 2024 ASTM Subcommittee J03 meeting include the addition of an alternate method to calibrate the thermocouples. Users have requested an alternative approach to the current method as there are safety concerns with the eutectic method. Additionally, the Task Force understands it is hard to purchase pure lead and there are reports of labs calibrating the instruments with oxidized lead which could affect the calibration of the instrument. The task force recognizes the importance of a properly calibrated thermocouple and wants to provide safer alternative methods for calibration. It is understood that older instruments may not have the capability to use the alternative method, but this update would provide a means for instrument manufacturers to change software and capability to allow for safer calibration techniques in the future.