Measuring equipment management
Calibration of measuring equipment: Test equipment management for optimum quality in production
A large number of measured values are determined in modern manufacturing processes. These make it possible to competitively produce products of consistent quality in large quantities. The inspection of these measuring points is a central component of operational quality management with the aim of ensuring the quality and reliability of the products. In addition to the company's own production requirements, test equipment management is required to meet various standards. These include the quality management systems in accordance with EN ISO 9001 and ISO 13485.
Test equipment management includes the planning, organization and execution of calibrations, i.e. comparative measurements, to ensure precise and standard-compliant measurement data. Companies can choose whether to carry out calibrations externally through specialized service providers or in-house. External calibrations often mean that measuring equipment has to be temporarily removed from the production process. Alternatively, in-situ calibration directly on site enables seamless integration into the production process.
In addition to commissioning calibration service providers, performing calibrations independently also offers advantages. For example, calibration can be carried out at short notice following maintenance work. This also has an effect on the availability of systems and therefore on production output.
Carrying out comparative measurements - anyone can calibrate
You can easily carry out the necessary calibration of your measuring equipment within your quality management system in accordance with ISO 9001 in-house. This allows you to better control the timing of calibration and respond to maintenance measures at short notice. In addition, the availability of the measuring equipment is significantly increased, unexpected downtimes are reduced to a minimum and production output is sustainably increased. We have summarized the basics of calibration for you below and described an exemplary calibration process.
Basics of calibration
Here you will find valuable explanations that will help you with the initial calibration in particular.
What is calibration?
In the broadest sense, calibration is the performance of a comparative measurement. This involves comparing the measured value of a test specimen with the correct reference value. The deviations are then documented. The results can then be used to make a conformity statement with the aim of determining whether the test specimen is working within its specification and, if applicable, what the effects on the production process are.
The correct value for the comparison comes from a recognized standard, the reference device.
In contrast to an adjustment, the settings of the device are not changed during calibration. In the definition of the International Vocabulary of Metrology (VIM), however, the deviations determined can be used to correct the measured value when the measuring device is used again.
What does traceable calibration mean?
The term “traceable” is often used in the field of calibration. In this case, it means that the measurement inaccuracies can be traced back to the original primary standard (national or international). This can also take place over several stages in an uninterrupted chain.
The requirements for the comparative measurement are defined in this process, with technical competence also playing an important role. Laboratories that have this capability are independently accredited to monitor compliance with these requirements. There are various national accreditation bodies. In Germany, the German Accreditation Body (DAkkS) performs this task.
Traceable calibrated reference devices ensure that measured values are comparable worldwide. This is an indispensable convention for global trade.
Do I have to be accredited to carry out a calibration?
No. A calibration is a comparative measurement with subsequent documentation of the results. It is important that the reference device, which provides the correct value as a standard, is traceably calibrated. This can be done, for example, via the manufacturer of the respective reference device. In order to keep the measurements comparable, constant environmental conditions and processes must be ensured. Companies that are certified as part of a quality management system can ensure this with a described process, for example. This form of calibration is often referred to as factory calibration.
Practical implementation of calibration
Each calibration process must be documented. In addition to the target value, the actual value and the comparison value, the documentation also contains information about the reference device. This documentation serves as proof in quality management systems and provides traceability of calibrations carried out.
In some cases, the measured values of the calibration deviate too far from the specification. In this case, devices may need to be adjusted (on site or by the manufacturer). In this case, a calibration is carried out before and after the adjustment.
Sequence: Calibration as found, followed by adjustment, followed by calibration as left.
Calibration of differential pressure gauges
In-house
In many processes, the differential pressure must be continuously monitored and precisely determined. In clean rooms, for energy management, in industrial drying, in sterilization tunnels or in containment solutions, the exact measured value is of central importance for the safety and quality of the product. A high level of process safety and high system availability are essential.
Find out here about products for carrying out calibrations as part of your test equipment management.
Calibration laboratory
Do you have a measuring device for differential pressure from 0 Pa to 100 kPa and need a calibration? We offer calibrations for all makes, regardless of type and manufacturer. Our high-precision test equipment, which we use as reference devices during calibration, is calibrated at regular intervals at accredited calibration laboratories with highly accurate reference standards and thus directly traced back to the national standard. Here you will find information on our calibration services, including an overview of the services provided by our calibration laboratory.
Solutions for clean and hygiene rooms
High-end transmitter
for demanding applications
The precise differential pressure transmitters in the P 26 and P 34 series meet the highest demands for measuring accuracy and stability, even in small pressure ranges. This means that pressure cascades in clean rooms or clean production zones, for example, can be continuously monitored - for consistently high production quality and reliable personal protection. Thanks to the inductive measuring principle, excellent long-term stability and optimum temperature behavior are guaranteed. The slightest pressure deviations are detected immediately. In combination with differential pressure transducers, the pressure transmitters can also be used for volume flow measurement.
Advantages
- High-precision transducers for the smallest measuring ranges of ± 10 Pa
- Measuring accuracy of 0.2 % or 0.5 % FS depending on version
- High overload safety due to integrated valve
- Integrated cyclical zero point correction for maximum long-term stability
- Extensive modular system of variants
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