Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration


Thoughts on pressure and temperature calibration

December 2004 Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration

There is a disturbing rise in the number of people believing that verification using a comparative standard is not necessary. This is seen in two distinct areas - pressure and temperature.

The ability to set the output from a smart pressure transmitter is often seen as 'calibration'. Calibration it may be, but there is no verification, and the action would not satisfy any quality system worth the paper it is written on Faith is a wonderful thing, but a healthy dose of cynicism aids survival. Remember the famous saying 'pobody's nerfect'? We need to know, is the sensor doing what it is thought to do, and is the signal conditioning having the desired effect? Only that piece of paper recording instrument reading against true applied pressure is worth anything.

Many people seem to think that primary elements like thermocouples and resistance detectors are absolute, perfect and infallible. 'Temperature Calibration' to them means simulating a primary element output and making sure all the downstream bits are OK.

There are a myriad reasons why the output from a primary temperature element departs from theory, including imperfect materials, bad manufacture, thermal ageing, shock and many more. If temperature measurement has an effect on quality or safety, it must be verified. In the twenty-first century, with dry-block calibrators readily available, there is no excuse.

For more information contact Rod McLeman, Blanes Pressure Solutions, 011 397 7365, [email protected], www.pressuresolutions.co.za





Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

WearCheck leads the way in condition monitoring
Wearcheck Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Minimising maintenance costs of mining and power-generating machinery and maximising its operational efficiency – these goals form the foundation of the proactive/preventive maintenance services provided by the expert technicians at condition monitoring specialist, WearCheck.

Read more...
Collect data three times faster
SKF South Africa Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
SKF has extended its renowned Microlog Analyzer family of data collection devices with the addition of the Microlog Analyzer dBX. Currently SKF’s most powerful diagnostic tool, this cutting-edge device redefines diagnostic capabilities, enabling users to take measurements three times faster than its predecessor.

Read more...
Integrated liners for the mining industry
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Multotec has developed a range of composite integrated mill liners in response to the needs of local and international mining clients.

Read more...
The criticality of maintenance in the water and wastewater segment
Schneider Electric South Africa Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
In a time of water shedding, climate change and ageing infrastructure, the importance of maintenance and support in the water and wastewater segment cannot be overstated.

Read more...
How dry ice blasting is revolutionising the mining industry
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Dry ice blasting has emerged as a game-changing technology for the mining industry, offering a range of advantages that are reshaping traditional cleaning methods.

Read more...
Quality test tools save costs at pulp and paper mill
Comtest Editor's Choice Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
A case study on how preventive maintenance and a few good test tools avoided unnecessary motor replacements at a pulp and paper company.

Read more...
The logical solution to oil and gas industry corrosion
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
The consequences of corrosion in the oil and gas industry can be astronomical. The simple culprit is metal reacting with oxygen and moisture, degrading it back to its natural state.

Read more...
Lube tip: foaming is affected by oil level
Wearcheck Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
In a circulating system, it is crucial to check the oil level before introducing anti-foam agents to address a foaming problem.

Read more...
Microfine filtration boosts fuel quality and reduces equipment failure
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
The path to contamination-free fuels relies on a combined effort from refiners to transporters, storage depots, handlers and end users. Prior to use, fuels can be polished with multi-pass microfine filtration systems such as those exclusively manufactured by ISO-Reliability Partners.

Read more...
Supporting capital investment in machinery
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Industrial and mining operations are under increased financial pressure in the current economic and social climate in South Africa. This means that when businesses make capital investments in new equipment, they need to be sure that the machinery will function optimally for as long as possible.

Read more...