Calibration is a comparison between two devices, where one device is the instrument that requires calibration and the other is the reference probe that defines the accuracy. Instrument calibrations are performed to ensure the accuracy of measuring devices, such as thermocouples and/or wireless data loggers, by using a temperature reference sensor, which is a pt100 reference instrument.
How often should you calibrate?
- Every instrument has different calibration frequency requirements and must be done at an accredited laboratory*
- You should start by following the calibration interval that is recommended by the manufacturer. Keep up with their recommended frequency, but also remember that critical measurements may require different intervals.
- Calibrate instruments before a major measuring project, and remember, that it is equally important to send the same instruments for calibration after the project has finished.
- If your instruments took a hit (an unforeseen accident), you must send them out for calibration. At the same time, make sure you have the safety integrity checked as well.
- If you use certain equipment for critical measurements often, it would be a good idea to have a shorter time span between calibrations. Depending on their usage, you must calibrate equipment on a monthly, quarterly, or semiannually basis.
*The key advantages of accredited lab equipment calibration services include.
- Reducing costs
- Meticulous Monitoring
- Unmatched Accuracy
- Strict Adherence to High Standards
- Exceptional Level of Control
Every measuring device drifts over time, due to normal wear and therefore require regular calibrations. RTD sensors are more stable than thermocouples and therefore tend to drift less, whereas thermocouples drift more over time. Regardless of drift tendencies, it is important that calibrations are performed to ensure a consistent quality of the manufactured products and confirm that the gathered data through e.g. validation activities, are reliable.
Do not consider calibration as an action that just fine-tunes your instruments. Calibration ensures that you can use equipment safety and reliably. Consider Calibration as a form of Quality Assurance. You will always get precise results when you use calibrated test equipment.
Our scientific equipment calibrations, in Ohio, range from private laboratories, hospitals to universities. Contact Scientific Instrument Center and learn more about our laboratory and medical equipment calibration.
To inquire about our services, you may contact us or give us a call at (614) 771-4700.
We are here to answer any questions you may have.
