The accuracy of all measuring instruments or devices diminishes over time. This degradation can occur due to harsh manufacturing environments involving substances like oils, metal shavings, etc. The conditions in which the instrument operates significantly impact its performance; an unsuitable environment can lead to rapid deterioration.
Regular calibration of measuring instruments is crucial to maintaining product quality and mitigating risks. Malfunctioning instruments can disrupt the measurement process or even pose safety hazards. Accurate measurement is critical in research and product development activities in the medical field and other industries.
Measurement errors can have severe implications, such as: a) Compromising the quality of the product being manufactured, leading to defects. b) Generating chaotic and unreliable research results. c) Posing potential safety hazards to the end- users of the product or service.
Therefore, maintaining precision in measurement through regular calibration of measuring instruments is of paramount importance to mitigate these risks and ensure quality and safety standards.
Understanding the Basics: What is Calibration?
Calibration of measuring instruments is a process that ensures these devices are functioning in accordance with their designed specifications and intended purpose.
According to the Legal Metrology Department, which issues legal metrology registration certificates, “calibration of measuring instruments involves all necessary operations to determine the value of errors in weights or measures. It may also include verification, stamping of the capacity of vehicle tanks or compartments, or any other equipment to ascertain their metrological properties.
Additionally, the actual fixing of gauge marks or scale marks may be carried out to permit the use of weights or measures as standards.”
Measuring devices should undergo calibration based on the following criteria:
- As per the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- After any mechanical or electrical shock.
- At regular time intervals – monthly, quarterly, or annually.
It is crucial to note that the cost of using uncalibrated measuring instruments is significantly higher than the cost of calibration itself. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to have measuring devices calibrated at appropriate intervals by professionals to ensure that all errors are corrected and accurate measurements are obtained.
Situations Requiring Calibration of Measuring Instruments
Different measuring tools have varying operational requirements and suitable environments. Some instruments can function in cold conditions, while others necessitate a warm environment. Therefore, with changes in environmental factors, it is crucial to perform calibration of measuring instruments to maintain their proper functioning and optimal operating temperatures.
Before initiating the calibration process, it is advisable to assess these environmental conditions for each tool. The calibration of measuring instruments is also essential for new equipment to ensure it is operating correctly from the outset.
Newly acquired instruments should not be assumed to be calibrated simply because they are new; their functions must be verified through proper calibration procedures. In medical laboratories, calibration of measuring instruments is imperative even after installation is completed. This step ensures that the installation process has been carried out correctly and that the instruments are functioning as intended.
Periodic calibration of measuring instruments is necessary to guarantee their proper operation and the accuracy of results. The frequency of calibration should be determined by consultants, who can develop an appropriate schedule based on the specific requirements.
In the event of damage or repair, immediate calibration of measuring instruments is mandatory to ensure their proper functioning. Similarly, the calibration process must be repeated as soon as the calibration period expires, ensuring that the instruments continue to meet International standards.
If a measuring instrument produces irregular or inconsistent results, immediate calibration is necessary. Additionally, even if an instrument is not damaged but there are doubts about the accuracy of its results, a new calibration process should be undertaken to verify its performance.
Significance of Calibration in Measuring Instruments
In the event of damage or repair, immediate calibration of measuring instruments is mandatory to ensure their proper functioning. Similarly, the calibration process must be repeated as soon as the calibration period expires, ensuring that the instruments continue to meet international standards.
If a measuring instrument produces irregular or inconsistent results, immediate calibration is necessary. Additionally, even if an instrument is not damaged but there are doubts about the accuracy of its results, a new calibration process should be undertaken to verify its performance.
Benefits of Calibration of Measuring Instruments
The calibration of measuring instruments offers several benefits and some of them are as follows:
- Adherence to National and International Standards: During the calibration process, it is ensured that the measuring instrument meets both the National and the International standards. It is crucial for maintaining accuracy and consistency in production processes.
- Reduced risk of production failures: Regular calibration of measuring instruments minimises the risk of production failures. Uncalibrated tools can lead to incorrect measurements and inaccurate results, potentially causing defects and production failures. Therefore, periodic calibration of measuring instruments is essential to mitigate such risks.
- Improved Accuracy: Calibration of measuring instruments helps ensure precise and accurate measurements, resulting in superior product quality.
- Cost Savings through Periodic Calibration: Conducting periodic calibration of measuring instruments can save costs associated with audit fees by verifying that all measuring equipment meets the required standards. Failure to calibrate can lead to deviations in measurements, inaccurate results, and lower product quality, potentially leading to significant financial losses for the company.
Procedure to be Followed for Calibration of Measuring Instruments
When discussing the process of calibration of measuring instruments, it’s essential to recognize that each type of instrument has its own specific calibration method. However, there are some basic steps that should be followed before beginning the calibration process:
Step 1: Identify the type of instrument being calibrated, such as whether it’s related to pressure or temperature.
Step 2: Select the appropriate calibration instrument capable of checking within the range of the instrument to be calibrated.
Step 3: Accordingly arrange the calibration environment.
Step 4: Ensure that each instrument being calibrated is correctly connected to the calibrator to avoid inaccuracies in readings and prevent recording incorrect observations.
Step 5: Proceed with the calibration process. It’s recommended to repeat the calibration 2-3 times to ensure accurate readings, even if the correct result is obtained the first time. This repetition is known as “iteration.”
Step 6: Record the readings and assess any deviations. If there are deviations, check if they fall within the acceptable range for that equipment. If not, the equipment fails the calibration. Based on the results, Appropriate recommendations can be provided.
Instruments Used for Calibration of Measuring Instruments
Some commonly utilised instruments for calibration of measuring instruments include the following:
- Dead Weight Testers.
- Loop Calibrators.
- Comparison Pumps.
- Multimeters.
- Temperature Baths.
- Test Flanges.
- Test Benches.
These instruments are widely employed in various industries and applications to ensure accurate calibration of measuring devices.
Calibration of measuring instruments is a necessary process for any device or instrument designed to take measurements. Some common examples of instruments that require periodic calibration include weighing scales, speedometers in vehicles, thermometers for temperature measurement, flow meters to measure the rate of fluid flow, and temperature probes used in various applications. Ensuring the accurate calibration of these instruments is crucial for obtaining reliable and precise measurement data.
Laboratory Equipment Requiring Calibration of Measuring Instruments
In industrial settings, several tools and instruments require regular calibration of measuring instruments to ensure accurate and reliable performance and some of them are mentioned below:
- Analytical Balances: The calibration of measuring instruments for analytical balances in medical laboratories is crucial, as these devices are used to determine precise dosages of ingredients. Generally, analytical balances need to undergo calibration on a monthly or annual basis.
- Micropipettes: These instruments are employed for transferring small quantities of liquid from one container to another. Over time, micropipettes can experience a decline in performance, necessitating their calibration at regular intervals.
- Laboratory Ovens: These ovens are utilised for drying or heating samples in laboratory environments. To maintain their optimal performance, the calibration of measuring instruments for laboratory ovens is required periodically.
- Centrifuges: Centrifuges are used to separate cell organelles by subjecting them to high-speed rotation. To prevent a decrease in their performance, the calibration of measuring instruments for centrifuges is necessary at regular intervals.
- Spectrophotometers: The calibration of measuring instruments for spectrophotometers plays a vital role in ensuring accurate measurements of absorbance or transmittance, which are essential for various laboratory analyses.
Calibration of Measuring Instruments in the Food Industry
In the catering or commercial kitchen industry, failing to ensure the calibration of measuring instruments can lead to severe consequences, such as some of the following consequences:
- Compromised food safety, posing health risks to customers.
- Violations of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) regulations potentially cause foodborne illnesses among patrons.
- Notices from Environmental Health Officers may result in temporary closures of the establishment.
- Potential legal actions or penalties due to non-compliance.
Such incidents can severely tarnish the reputation of a food service business. In comparison to the potential damage to a company’s reputation, the cost associated with the calibration of measuring instruments is relatively minimal. Therefore, it is highly inadvisable to overlook or ignore the necessity of regular instrument calibration in this industry.
Calibration of Measuring Instruments in the Manufacturing Industry
In the manufacturing processes, it is essential to perform the calibration of measuring instruments at various stages. This step ensures the reliability of critical alarms and systems, providing accurate information.
Failure to conduct proper calibration of measuring instruments or inadequate calibration can have severe consequences, potentially leading to injuries or even loss of life among employees. In addition to this, such lapses can cause major environmental concerns and hazards. Therefore, regular and meticulous calibration of measuring instruments is paramount in manufacturing settings to safeguard the well-being of personnel and mitigate environmental risks.
The Final Words
Accurate measurement is paramount, and the calibration of measuring instruments is of utmost importance. It instils confidence in users and businesses regarding the results they monitor, record, and control. Therefore, the process of calibration should not be overlooked, and the frequency of calibration should be determined based on the type of instrument being used.
Instruments performing critical operations must undergo calibration more frequently. However, regular calibration of measuring instruments can offer several benefits, including cost reduction, enhanced safety measures, and increased lifespan and performance of the instruments themselves. Consequently, the calibration of measuring instruments is an essential aspect that should be prioritised to ensure reliable and precise measurements across various applications.
Frequently Asked Questiions
What is the calibration of measuring instruments?
Calibration is the process of ensuring that the measuring instruments are functioning accurately according to their designed specifications and intended purpose by determining and correcting any errors or deviations.
Why is the calibration of measuring instruments important?
Regular calibration is crucial to maintaining the quality of the product, ensuring accuracy in research results, mitigating safety hazards, and adhering to National and International Standards.
When should measuring instruments be calibrated?
Instruments should be calibrated as per manufacturer recommendations, after any mechanical or electrical shocks, at regular intervals (monthly, quarterly, or annually), after repairs, if producing irregular results, and for new equipment.
What are the benefits of calibrating measuring instruments?
Benefits of calibrating measuring instruments include adherence to standards, reduced production failures, improved accuracy, cost savings from avoiding audit fees and product losses, and extended instrument lifespan.
What are the basic steps in the calibration procedure?
The steps to be followed for calibration procedure include identifying the instrument type, selecting the appropriate calibrator, arranging the environment, properly connecting the equipment, iterative measurements, recording readings, and assessing deviations.
What are some common instruments used for calibration?
Common instruments used for calibration include dead weight testers, loop calibrators, comparison pumps, multimeters, temperature baths, test flanges, and test benches.
Which laboratory equipment requires regular calibration?
Essential lab equipment needing calibration includes analytical balances, micropipettes, ovens, centrifuges, and spectrophotometers.
Why is calibration critical in the food industry?
In the food industry, lack of calibration can compromise food safety, violate regulations like HACCP, lead to fines or closures, and damage the business’s reputation.
What are the risks of not calibrating instruments in manufacturing?
Inadequate calibration in manufacturing can result in injuries, loss of life, environmental hazards, and unreliable alarms and systems.
