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Fluke Calibration Blog
Calibration Equipment & Standards and Calibration Software
Dec 06, 2018
Using ice and boiling water to calibrate temperature is easy and fast. However, the water method can be inaccurate because of variations in altitude, atmospheric pressure and water purity -- and the inaccuracies are unknown. When you're calibrating you want to avoid as many unknowns and inaccuracies as possible.
Using a dry-block calibrator is a far better way to calibrate temperature. A dry-block provides a better measurement because it has a known accuracy.
In this brief video I will...
Nov 19, 2018
The theme for World Metrology Day 2018 is "Constant evolution of the International System of Units." In this brief, 2 1/2-minute video, Fluke Chief Corporate Metrologist Jeff Gust, explains why this year is so special to the science of measurements as it is anticipated that the definition of the kilogram will change from a metal artifact to Planck's Constant.
Video Transcript:
I'm Jeff Gust, chief corporate metrologist for Fluke Corporation. I'm here to talk about the redefinition...
Oct 30, 2018
Thermocouples are common in industry because they are inexpensive and cover a wide temperature range. They should be tested during commissioning and again when removed from a process to verify that the tolerances were met. You’ll also want to test thermocouples at regular calibration intervals and if you suspect them of failing to meet performance specifications.
Because of their unique characteristics, it’s best to calibrate thermocouples in situ (in place) by comparison to a temperature...
Oct 22, 2018
To establish pressures using a deadweight tester (DWT) or piston gauge, you need to account for the acceleration of gravity where the instrument is operated. Gravity varies around the world. With a range of approximately 0.5 %, the local gravity correction is typically the largest environmental influence acting on the deadweight tester.
The most accurate method to determine the acceleration of gravity at the site where the deadweight tester will be used is to perform a site survey. Various...
Sep 05, 2018
From a high level view, all pressure calibration systems perform these actions:
Generate and control a pressure.
Measure the pressure.
Observe and record the output of the device under test (DUT).
In a traditional pressure calibration system, one device performs more than one of these functions. In a modular system, each function is performed by a separate module.
Why might you prefer a modular solution?
You have a wide workload to calibrate. Pressure calibrators come in a variety of...
Sep 05, 2018
For nearly 30 years, Fluke MET/CAL® Calibration Management Software has played a significant role in automating the calibration process. Our asset management databases, MET/TRACK® (now discontinued) and the newer MET/TEAM® software help customers maintain, manage and report calibration and repair history and other asset data. All of that puts us in a unique position to propose the creation of a standard format for recording and sharing calibration data and building calibration software...
Sep 04, 2018
Pressure calibration involves applying the same pressure to a reference device (standard), and the device you wish to calibrate (device under test or DUT). The pressure is transmitted to the two devices across some medium, perhaps nitrogen gas or oil. This seems simple enough, but what happens if the two devices don’t operate in the same medium, or if contamination is transferred through the medium? This can cause problems such as damaged devices, bad calibrations, and contaminated...
Aug 27, 2018
A pressure comparator is a convenient instrument for bench pressure calibration. You would perform a bench calibration to maintain reference conditions and to get the lowest possible uncertainties. The bench is also a convenient place to inspect, adjust, and repair the devices under test.
To perform a test on a pressure gauge using a pressure comparator and a reference gauge, follow these steps:
Mount the pressure gauge in the same orientation (vertical or horizontal) as it is...
Jul 24, 2018
Here’s how to do a simple comparison calibration of a probe-style RTD at one temperature point using temperature sensor calibration equipment, a dry-block calibrator in this case. Fully insert the probe RTD into one of the dry-block insert holes and connect the cable to an RTD temperature readout. Ramp the dry block to 100 ºC (212 ºF). When the dry-block display shows a stable 100 ºC, record the value of the RTD temperature readout. You now have one data point to compare...
Jul 24, 2018
Dry-block calibrators are stable temperature sources for calibrating sensors such as dial thermometers, resistance temperature detectors (RTDs) and thermocouples.These sensors are used for process manufacturing in many industries.They need to be checked or calibrated periodically. Watch the How to Calibrate a Digital Thermometer with a Dry Block video for an example.
Since dry blocks are portable, fast, and clean (do not use fluids), they are popular for on-site sensor...