Different types of calibration
The process of testing calibration can be performed on a number of products and types of equipment, across multiple sectors. Following are some of the most common types of calibrations service used today;
Pressure Calibration
This is a widely used calibration process in which gas and hydraulic pressure are measured across a broad spectrum. A number of pressure balances and calibrators are generally used, along with a variety of pressure gages. The ISO 17025 UKAS accreditation is often taken into consideration when calibrating pressure and national standards must also generally be adhered to. Examples of pressure equipment that can be tested for calibration include;
- Barometers
- Analogue Pressure Gauges
- Digital Pressure Gauges
- Digital Indicators
- Transmitters
- Test Gauges
Electrical Calibration
This calibration service is used to measure voltage, current frequency and resistance. Electrical calibration often has to adhere to UKAS accredited standards. The process also monitors resistance and thermocouple simulation covering process instrumentation. Examples of electrical equipment that can be tested for calibration include;
- Multi-meters
- Counter timers
- Insulation Testers
- Loop Testers
- Clamp Meters
- RCD
- Data Loggers
Mechanical Calibration
Generally speaking, mechanical calibration housing facilities will be temperature controlled. A number of dimensional, mass, force, torque and vibration elements will be calibrated during the testing process. Examples of mechanical equipment that can be tested for calibration include;
- Weight & Mass Sets
- Torque Wrenches & Screwdrivers
- Scales/Balances
- Micrometers, Verniers, Height Gauges
- Accelerometers
- Load Cells & Force Gauges
Temperature and Humidity Calibration
Temperature calibration usually takes place in a controlled environment. A number of different types of equipment can be tested using temperature calibration, including the following;
- Thermometers/Thermocouples
- Dial Thermometers
- PRTs and Thermistors
- Thermal Cameras
- Infrared Meters
- Chambers/Furnaces
- Weather Stations
- Data Acquisition Systems
Again, humidity calibration will usually take place in a controlled environment and will generally cover a range of 10 - 98% RH. A variety of instruments can be tested for humidity calibration, including the following;
- Humidity Recorders
- Humidity Generators
- Digital Indicators and Probes
- Transmitters
- Psychrometers
- Thermohygrographs
- Tinytag Sensors
The calibration processes listed above are perhaps the most commonly-used and more widely-know about methods. However, calibration is used on a much wider scale in many industries. A few additional examples of calibration types are;
- Waterflow Calibration
- Oilflow Calibration
- Air Velocity Calibration
- Air Flow Calibration
In the majority of cases, an industry or company will require a combination of calibration techniques to fully test all of their equipment and devices – to this end, one piece of equipment may undergo a number of strict calibration tests to be deemed safe for use and performing at optimal standards.
The standards used to verify calibration levels differ somewhat, depending on a number of factors, including; the industry sector, the location (Country), the type of equipment involved and the specification of the calibration testing equipment used.