By Indiana Keble
When a device is tested, it is calibrated by comparing the results of its measurements with a known calibration standard. Calibration services simply involve making measurements against a known standard. These are some of the possibilities that could arise out of comparison:
The equipment used to conduct the tests was confirmed to be error-free.
No modification has been made despite the discovery of a significant inaccuracy.
Slight changes were made to lessen the impact of significant inaccuracy.
Types of calibration services
Measurement equipment calibration can be performed on a wide range of equipment and in a wide range of sectors. In this section, we’ll discuss the most prevalent calibrating methods:
- Electrical Calibration:
electrical qualities include resistance, inductance, capacitance, time, and frequency. Electrical calibration is the process to ensure that the equipment determining these of electrical properties is operating correctly. To accurately measure the performance of other devices, known as units under test, electrical calibration requires the use of precise instruments like Ohaus scales called calibrators.
- Mechanical calibration:
To counteract the drift caused by repeated use, mechanical stress, and changeable air conditions, among other factors, mechanical calibration is an essential step in maintaining the accuracy of mechanical instruments. Mechanical calibration in a temperature-controlled environment measures mass, density, torque, angle, and vibration.
- Flow calibration:
Flow rate measurement can be linear or non-linear, in terms of mass or volumetric flow, depending on the meter’s calibration. Instruments are used to measure and control industrial flow processes and devices by measuring the flow rate, which is the rate at which a process fluid passes through pipelines, orifices, or vessels at a given time.
- Pipette calibration:
Calibration of a pipette is essential in laboratories that frequently use this measurement device to ensure accurate and precise readings. All laboratory pipettes, including single-channel, multi-channel, and electronic pipettes, must be calibrated according to standard procedures. Pipette calibration is primarily aimed at ensuring that precise dispensing is achieved.
- Pressure calibration:
Gas and hydraulic pressure are the most common measurements used in pressure calibration, which is crucial in industries that require measurement equipment to monitor process performance and safety. Nowadays, many companies are certified to international quality standards like ISO9000. Pressure calibration is an important part of a company’s quality assurance because many industrial processes rely on measuring pressure, which necessitates calibration.
- Temperature calibration:
In all procedures where temperature readings are critical to the smooth operation of the equipment, temperature calibration is performed and carried out in a controlled environment. Thermal sensors, thermocouples, or platinum resistance thermometers (PRTs), often known as RTDs, are extensively used in temperature calibration.