If you utilize gauges on a daily basis, you need to have them properly calibrated. Without accurate calibration, your machinery won't function properly, and you could experience costly delays. Not only that, but your equipment could fail, leading to an increased risk of on-the-job accidents and injuries. For maximum efficiency, it's important that you maintain proper calibration. It's also important that you follow specific recommendations for calibration. Here are four things you should do before you begin any calibration.
Know Your Pressure Accuracy Class
When you're calibrating pressure gauges, the first thing you need to do is identify the pressure accuracy class of the gauge you'll be calibrating. Each type of gauge has a specific calibration percentage range that will ensure accuracy during operation. If the gauge isn't calibrated using the appropriate pressure class, your equipment won't operate properly, and your crew may be put at risk for injury.
Identify the Media You're Working With
When calibrating pressure gauges, it's important that you identify the specific media that the equipment is used for. Pressure gauges are designed to work with either liquid or gas media. However, the proper pressure rating is different for each type of media. This makes it crucial for you to identify the type of media, gas or liquid, before you begin calibration. Otherwise, the pressure gauge won't be effective. One reason for this is due to the fact that gas media requires a lower pressure setting, whereas liquid media requires a higher pressure setting.
Avoid Cross-Contamination
When you begin calibrating your pressure gauges, you'll need to avoid cross-contamination. This can happen when you calibrate a gas pressure gauge using equipment used for liquid calibration, or the other way around. If you're not careful, gas pressure gauges can become contaminated with dirt particles during calibration. Be sure to clean your gas pressure gauge to remove any dust or dirt particles that could be present. It's also important to make sure the equipment is dry to prevent moisture contamination during calibration.
Perform a Leak Test
When calibrating pressure gauges, leaky pipes can cause errors in the final pressure readings. To avoid those errors, you'll need to perform a leak test prior to each calibration. The best way to do that is to pressurize the calibration equipment and then allow it to maintain pressure for several minutes. If the pressure readings remain constant, you're ready to begin calibration. However, if the pressure readings begin to decrease with time, you have a leak that will need to be addressed before you can begin calibration.
If you feel more comfortable having a professional perform these calibrations, there are gauge calibration companies you can contact that specialize in these services and more.
Share23 August 2017
I have always been someone who loves to know more about the way the world works, which is part of the reason I started reading about industrial and manufacturing processes. I have always found it fascinating that professionals can create things by hand, and so I started attending factory tours, asking questions, and doing as much research as possible. It was really interesting to see how much of a difference my efforts made, and before I knew it, I was able to completely change the way I thought about manufacturing. This blog is here to help other people to appreciate the majesty of industry. Check it out!
