IMPORTANCE OF CALIBRATION AND TRACEABILITY

10.0. IMPORTANT OF CALIBRATION

10.1. What is calibration?

Calibration is a comparison between a known measurement (the standard) and the measurement using your instrument. Typically, the accuracy of the standard should be ten times the accuracy of the measuring device being tested. However, an accuracy ratio of 3:1 is acceptable by most standards organizations. Sure Controls provides preventative field service to help you ensure your instruments and controls are accurately calibrated.

Calibration of your measuring instruments has two objectives: it checks the accuracy of the instrument and it determines the traceability of the measurement. In practice, calibration also includes repair of the device if it is out of calibration. A report is provided by the calibration expert, which shows the error in measurements with the measuring device before and after the calibration.

To explain how calibration is performed we can use an external micrometer as an example. Here, the accuracy of the scale is the main parameter for calibration. In addition, these instruments are also calibrated for zero error in the fully closed position and flatness and parallelism of the measuring surfaces. A calibrated slip gauge is used to calibrate the scale, a calibrated optical flat is used to check the flatness and parallelism.

10.2. Why calibration is important?

The accuracy of all measuring devices degrades over time. This is typically caused by normal wear and tear. However, changes in accuracy can also be caused by electric or mechanical shock or a hazardous manufacturing environment (e.x., oils, metal chips, etc.). Depending on the type of instrument and the environment in which it is being used, it may degrade very quickly or over a long period. The bottom line is that calibration improves the accuracy of the measuring device. Accurate measuring devices improve product quality.

Calibrating measurement instrumentation is something that should never be overlooked. To calibrate instrumentation means to determine, check, or rectify the graduation of any instrument giving quantitative measurement. Calibrating a device ensures that the instrument will properly measure within the desired range for your application. This is important because a properly calibrated measurement device will help the user to maintain his or her system. A device can be calibrated either at the factory where the device was manufactured or within the field. Calibration certificates may be obtained once a device has been calibrated.

When a device is calibrated at the factory, the device is factory calibrated. When a device is factory calibrated, the manufacturer will ensure the device is properly reading within its designed range and meets specifications. This is best for when a user is intending to quickly put a device to work once it has been received. This type of service may add a nominal fee and increase the time it will take for the product to be shipped; but, it will also allow the user to quickly put the device to work, offsetting both the cost and time of factory calibration.

When a device is calibrated on sight at the location where it will be used, the device is field calibrated. This is ideal if the device will be communicating with multiple devices in an integrated system. By field calibrating the device, the user will be able to set the parameters required for the device to work properly within the system. Field calibration is common for devices that may not be removable once installed. Typically, manufacturers will provide guidance as to how to properly calibrate a device in the field, within the product’s specifications, and without damaging the device or voiding the warranty.

Some applications require a device to have a calibration certificate. A common certification for measurement devices is a NIST/NABL calibration certificate. NIST stands for the National Institute of Standards and Technology / NABL stands for National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories and they strive to enhance productivity, facilitate trade, and improve quality of life. For NIST/NABL calibrations, the institute will supply standard reference material (SRM) for devices to be calibrated against. A certificate of analysis and material safety data sheet are provided with every SRM sent out. The certification means that the device was tested against the SRM and met required specifications by the NIST/NABL. NIST/NABL calibration certificates do come with expiration dates, so this means that for the device to keep its certification, it will have to be retested against a NIST/NABL standard reference material (SRM). When a device receives a Traceable NIST/NABL Certificate that means the device was tested against another device with a paper trail leading back to a NIST/NABL standard reference material (SRM). A NIST/NABL Calibration Certificate proves that a product has been tested to ensure accuracy, and helps ensure a precision device is able to achieve the highest possible levels of measurement quality and productivity. This is often required in validated or regulated applications, such as the pharmaceutical or food industry.

Manufacturers of instrumentation sometimes offer factory and certificates of calibration. They are able to provide this service for new purchases as well as existing products that may require recalibration from time to time.  Manufacturers often keep copies of the calibration, creating a documentation back-up for the instrument. By letting the manufacturer provide calibration services, you can take advantage of their instrumentation expertise, to ensure the calibration has been done correctly, save time calibrating, and maintain back-up documents for calibration.

10.3. When should you calibrate your measuring device?

A measuring device should be calibrated:

• According to the recommendation of the manufacturer.
• After any mechanical or electrical shock.
• Periodically (annually, quarterly, monthly, weekly, daily, hourly)

The hidden costs and risks associated with un-calibrated measuring device could be much higher than the cost of calibration. Therefore, it is recommended that the measuring instruments are calibrated regularly by a reputable company to ensure that errors associated with the measurements are in the acceptable range.