Wednesday, July 23, 2014

The Science Behind Instrument Calibration Services

Instrument calibration services are a vital component in today's technology rich world. To learn more about what goes into the process behind an instrument calibration company, explore some of the enlightening information below.

What Exactly is Instrument "Calibration?"

Calibration is the comparison of measurements between a known scale system and another that's used to make the same measurement that is unknown. The device that shows the correct measurement is the standard device for measurement and any other device or instrument that, by opinion, is used to produce almost similar results under the circumstances is the test unit.

Calibration standards are different between countries depending on the industry standards set, or manufacturers, application of the device and the frequency of use of the calibration device. Calibration services are performed when: testing a new device, before taking critical measurements, when the results seem questionable, or in cases when equipment has been exposed to serious condition or shock waves. These instances can cause the device to have unreliable readings, making instrument calibration services vital.

How Calibration Works

The purpose of calibration is to evaluate and adjust the accuracy of a measuring instrument. Some times measuring instruments produce bias or exaggerated results due to errors in calibration. Calibration should be carried out once in a while depending on the instruments so as to ensure you get proper reliable data that can be used to make decisions.

In order to correct the error, you must have the standard reference with known values and get the measurements using the instrument in question and compare. You will notice the functional correlation between the figures that is normally least squares; you correct them by taking the inverse from the calibration curve.

Common Processes of Calibration Company

Calibration processes vary from one instrument to another; however, the general process among most is the same. The first step in calibration is taking the measurement of the test instrument. The instrument should be the correct size and measurement so as to fit in the calibration device. The results of the instruments are compared and a relationship is found. The calibrators, which are the known correct readings, are used to train the sample so that it can produce similar results.

Calibration uses at least a number of calibrators in order to check the accuracy of different points of the instruments. The best way to get the most desirable results is by using the calibrators from the manufacture. This will completely remove the errors. OQ International, a calibration services company in Illinois, offers a high level of expertise in a wide range of instrument calibration needs. In fact, OQ International as the set the standard among calibration companies throughout the world.

Instruments that Require Calibration

Calibration is used to correct the inaccuracies of pressure, temperature, electrical signals and many others. Digital thermometers require calibration when you begin to notice irregularities in the readings. For instance, if a thermometer has an error, three more other more thermometers used will reveal inconsistencies. In cases like these, the instrument should be taken to a lab for calibration and fixing.

Another instrument is the oscilloscope, this is a device used by engineering, science and medical industry to maintain special electrical equipment and lab work. They operate by observing electric signals and voltage over time that is displayed on a calibration graph.

Infrared pyrometers that is used to measure very high temperatures, are calibrated using the black box. The measurement of the pyrometer is noted and that of the black box and then the controls of the pyrometer is adjusted until the difference is zero.

If you like to learn more about instrument calibration services, visit OQInternational.com, a leading calibration service provider that offers both service and consulting programs.

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