WIKA

Gauge Calibration

Gauge Calibration – Ensuring Instrument Accuracy

Gauge calibration helps ensure you have the accurate readings needed to meet quality, safety, and compliance standards and regulations -- errors and inaccuracies may have costly consequences. While, modern pressure gauges are remarkably robust, even the sturdiest gauges experience wear and tear and accuracy degradation over time. Regular pressure gauge calibration is therefore essential. Conditions such as vibration, spikes, and mechanical and electrical shock can impact the accuracy of the gauge. Other particularly harsh conditions imposed by the process such as aggressive and corrosive media and extreme temperatures may also affect gauge accuracy. Gauge calibration verifies and, if needed, restores the accuracy of a measuring instrument to proper working conditions. Periodic gauge calibration keeps the integrity of the readings and ensures proper, consistent measurements.

WIKA - Portable Pressure Calibrator CPH7650

WIKA - Portable Pressure Calibrator CPH7650

WIKA - Calibration Technology

WIKA - Calibration Technology

Gauge Calibration – When is it needed?

In some industries, best practices call for gauge calibration at least once a year. Instruments used in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical, and food processes may need to be calibrated more often to ensure proper quality control of the product. Many manufacturers determine a specific gauge calibration schedule at fixed intervals or after a certain number of operating hours for each particular type of instrument. Gauge calibration is also warranted after the instrument is subjected to a potentially damaging event, such as exposure to unusual shock or vibration, or to extreme changes in environment conditions. New, repaired, and modified instruments also must be calibrated before being connected to the process. An additional best practice is to calibrate an instrument before a critical measurement. And, of course, any time that a measurement seems questionable, a proper gauge calibration will ensure that the instrument is working within acceptable limits.

Gauge Calibration - How to calibrate a pressure gauge?

At WIKA, we offer you the service of calibrating your measuring device in our accredited laboratory. But how is a pressure gauge calibrated?

Calibration means the determination of the deviation of a measuring device in comparison to a reference device that measures extremely accurately. The calibration of a pressure gauge is performed with the use of a reference measuring device. By comparing the pressure gauge with the extremely accurate reference instrument, deviations can be detected. When performing the calibration, the entire measuring range is taken into consideration, thus the zero point as well as the intermediate and final values are checked. If the deviation is within the manufacturer's specifications, the pressure gauge receives the calibration certificate.

This process is to be distinguished from the adjustment. Adjustment is performed when the deviation of the calibration is too large, therefore does not match the manufacturer's specifications.

Gauge Calibration – Preventing costly errors

A measuring instrument that has lost its accuracy may lead to expensive errors.

  • The safety of the operation may be at risk
  • Entire batches may have to be thrown away due to inaccurate measurements of process and quality control parameters.
  • Units may be shut down because they do not pass regulatory audits.
  • Fines may be imposed for failing to comply with regulations.

With so much on the line, it is imperative that gauge calibration is preformed regularly. However, gauge calibration is useful only if it’s done properly and accurately. It’s important to be sure instrument calibration is performed by a certified service provider who will follow recommended standards.

Gauge Calibration at WIKA

WIKA’s Calibration Laboratory is ISO 17025 accredited. WIKA offers full calibration services for measuring instruments produced by WIKA and also for other brands and manufacturers. In-house experts can help you determine optimal gauge calibration cycles for your particular application and minimize disruptions, down times, and costs. WIKA’s labs also perform repairs, refitting, and rebuilding of damaged instruments before proceeding with the calibration. To minimize problems and get the best performance from your measuring instruments, entrust their calibration to a professional, certified service. Contact WIKA today and ask about their calibration services.

Learn more about pressure gauge calibration, shelf life and best practices in our WIKA blog.

FAQ
FAQ

What is calibration?

In measurement technology, calibration is the act of determining the deviation in an instrument by comparing its measurements against the measurements of a traceable reference instrument. Technically, calibration does not encompass corrective actio ...

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