The goal of calibration: Accuracy & quality

Checking the accuracy of the instrument and determining the traceability of the measurement is of utmost importance. Here, is a special report on how calibration of electrical equipment is the need of the hour.

Calibration is checking the accuracy of a measurement instrument by comparing it with reference standards. The result of equipment calibration is higher accuracy in measurements. Electronic calibration is one of three main types of calibration methods used today. Other types of modern calibration methods include mechanical and thermal calibration. Electronic calibration deals with the calibration of electrical and electronic instruments.

When and how?
The equipment calibration frequency is to be decided by the owner or the user as per their measurement frequency, and the duration of tests. Ideally, the suggested frequency for calibration is one year.

For the process of calibration, we make use of one generator and one master instrument. The generator generates the controlled environment, where calibration is conducted, and the master instrument measures and provides the readings. One more thing that must be taken care of is that the master component must be kept in the desired controlled environment only. Considering the parameters for calibration, Testo provides a range of calibrators to quickly and easily calibrate the instruments such as huminator (humidity calibrator), thermator (temperature calibrator), pneumator (pressure calibrator), and mini wind tunnel (air velocity calibrator).

Calibration technologies
Technology is seldom constant and keeps on changing with time. Features and applications evolve and so do the devices. From the conventional type of calibrators, we now have huminators with touch screens, data storage facility, USB connections etc. Initially the calibrators had smaller chamber space, but the latest ones have sophisticated humidity chambers with compact design, and extra space to calibrate more instruments at the same time. Testo compact chilled mirror for dew point calibration is the latest and highly precise device that stands out in terms of performance, and accuracy.

Apart from the calibrations that are done in labs, there are situations where on-site calibrations are required. Testo Pneumator fulfils both requirements: it can be used not only for stationary applications (in a laboratory), but also as a mobile calibrator. In addition to this, it also serves as a precision measuring instrument on-site, combining highest accuracy with reliable battery operation. Regarding the actual process, there are standards available for humidity and temperature. A comparison method for calibration is used because instruments are highly accurate, and provide precise measurement of parameters.

Authored article by:

Madhav Sav
Manager Quality Systems & Calibration
Testo India Pvt Ltd