IRELAND, Mar 11 — Instrument calibration exists as an essential process to maintain the accuracy of instrumentation. Whether the instrument in question is used in the field, in the laboratory or in a manufacturing facility - accurate readings provide a firmer sounding board for decision-making.
Each environment will require different levels of accuracy and deciding what is an acceptable range to configure an instrument to will be balanced between corporate policy and legal requirements.
Lastly it is important to note that the documentation is an important part of the calibration process
I
nstrument calibration exists as an essential process to maintain the accuracy of instrumentation. Whether the instrument in question is used in the field, in the laboratory or in a manufacturing facility - accurate readings provide a firmer sounding board for decision-making.
Each environment will require different levels of accuracy and deciding what is an acceptable range to configure an instrument to will be balanced between corporate policy and legal requirements. Goods manufacturers and product testers will be well-versed with the complexity of such legal requirements. It is for this reason that companies which do not employ in-house calibration specialists will often seek out calibration experts with a specific knowledge of their sector or instrumentation type.
A variety of situations typify the need for calibration: new instrument manufacture/installation, routine maintenance, emergency maintenance, changes in external conditions and in any situation where the operator might find the reading/results questionable. Changes in external conditions can include climate changes, excessive shock damage, corrosion, water damage or gas leaks, for example. Routine calibrations occur over certain periods of time or over a specific usage/operating period (for example: 6 months usage over 5 days per week at 12 hours a day).
Generally speaking the procedure involves the use of test equipment which is often more delicate but more accurate than industrial instrumentation. Some instrumentation manufacturers will provide individual test kits for branded instruments but ideally industrial companies would call in a calibration expert that can assess the accuracy of multiple components while drawing from their strong backgrounds in process control and safety compliance. Such an expert would be able to present decision makers not only with reports but also with recommendations. Often such an individual would identify potential for improvement; provide cost projections for implementation; as well as earmarking potential performance issues.
Calibration is not just about reading results but also about adjusting the output of instrumentation to line up with known values - also known as "real values". For example: compensating for pressure or temperature fluctuations or dispersion. The emphasis of accuracy will depend on how critical each instrument is to the goal activities of an operation. If a manufacturer utilizes volatile organic compounds then they may emphasis calibrating their safety and gas detection systems. If delicate materials are involved then the company may emphasis the accuracy of their temperature and relative humidity sensors. Instrumentation often comes with a recommended accuracy range; recommended environmental conditions for use and storage as well as recommended servicing intervals.
The mathematics of calibration can be quite complex and even a small miscalculation could result in the incorrect usage of instrumentation with potentially dangerous outcomes. A specific knowledge of components needs to come into play because the connection between the device and the display that could affect the calibration. This is common in electronic instrumentation with analog connections as the cabling itself can call calibration results into question.
Lastly it is important to note that the documentation is an important part of the calibration process. Ensuring that there is a post-dated audit trail available with recording in recognized standards will help to more accurately maintain the standards of production.
Communicate directly with Carla Jack, the author of this article. Ask questions, send suggestions, comments, engage in conversation, or perhaps you would like to submit a project.
Click Here to ask a question, send a comment, or proposal.
One of the most simple, yet extraordinarily useful measuring devices we have today is the particle counter. These devices, measuring the size, density and shape of particles in clean room environments with the use of laser or light, have allowed cons
Clinical trials form the core of developments in biomedical innovation. Wherever a new idea arises, is formulated and brought into being it must go through rigorous clinical trials to ensure both its effectiveness and its safety.
Leaking refrigeration and air conditioning units are a source of concern for businesses on many levels. If undetected, a leak will have a devastating impact; causing significant stock losses, impeding on the production of goods and services, and putt
Noise control is one of those things that when it’s done right you don’t know about it but when it hasn’t been done at all you know all about it. Generally legislation requires effective measures to be in place for numerous situatio
A room with good acoustic properties will prevent noise intruding into the room as well as minimizing regenerated noise from within the room. This will reduce the strain on a speaker’s (such as a teacher’s) voice trying to maintain contro
A glass-blower by trade, Walter Buchi made a name for himself when he released his rotary evaporator in the late nineteen-fifties. Scientists C.C. Draig and M.E. Volk were pioneers in developing the modern-day concept, but Buchi developed the first m
Because SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms), are the most common type of genetic variation between human beings. These single base pair mutations at specific DNA sequence sites can be ideal for the task of hunting for correlations between genotype
Creation is one topic that has been well studied for many centuries. Not just one viewpoint on creation has been devised but so many that it would take pages to outline their individual approaches. Looking back into history in the times where gods we
UFO’s are the mystery of the sky with the population divided on whether they do or don’t exist. Many efforts have been made to determine and record their existence, with many people witnessing UFO sightings and recording UFO evidence.
One of the most simple, yet extraordinarily useful measuring devices we have today is the particle counter. These devices, measuring the size, density and shape of particles in clean room environments with the use of laser or light, have allowed cons
A "Flat Panel" is the generic term used to describe flat digital display screens. While flat panels can refer to home usage, such displays are used more widely in corporate, retail and public areas. Commercial flat screens can be either pla
The historical town of Dun Laoghaire is an ideal place to visit while on holiday in Ireland. Offering beautiful view along the coast of Dublin bay, it is the perfect place to begin a day out walking along the sea front, exploring the marina or taking
Indoor air quality is important for health, comfort and safety in both domestic and working environments. Ventilation products such as fans, air vents and extractors help improve air quality and prevent condensation, damp, mold, and associated issues
The prevalence of technology in everyday life in the past twenty years has greatly eliminated the need for families and individuals to spend time outdoors. Further aggravating the matter is an increasing crime rate, discouraging people from going out
Syndication
tweet
PDF version
Printable version
Publisher HTML version
Discussions (0)
Email Article
Post New Comment