The Calibration is a key concept in measurement technology and refers to the comparison of a measuring instrument or sensor with a traceable reference standard. The goal is to Measurement deviation to determine and document the specifications of a measurement system—without modifying the measuring device itself.
Unlike the Adjustment During calibration, the measuring instrument is not corrected. Instead, the process involves checking how much the measured values deviate from the actual reference values. If unacceptable deviations are detected, an adjustment can then be performed to restore measurement accuracy.
Why is calibration necessary?
Measuring instruments and sensors change their properties over time. Some of the reasons for this include:
- Aging of Electronic Components
- Chemical and mechanical stresses
- Effects of Temperature and Humidity
- Vibrations and Shocks
- High operating hours or extreme operating conditions
- Long-Term Drift of Sensors
Temperature sensors in particular—such as thermocouples or resistance temperature detectors—can experience changes in their calibration curves due to these factors. This results in gradual measurement deviations that are often only detected through regular calibration.
Calibration Procedure
During calibration, the measuring instrument is compared to a highly accurate reference standard under defined conditions. For various measurement points, the displayed values are compared to the reference values, and any deviations are documented.
The result is recorded in a calibration report or calibration certificate. This includes, among other things:
- Reference Values
- Measured values
- Measurement Deviations Identified
- Measurement uncertainty
- Date of Calibration
- Reference Standards Used
If the measurement deviation falls outside the permissible tolerances, an adjustment can then be made. Afterward, the measuring instrument is usually recalibrated to verify that the correction was successful.
Typical Applications
Calibrations are required in nearly all areas of industrial measurement technology, for example in:
- Temperature sensors and thermocouples
- Pressure Sensors
- Flow meters
- Force and Torque Sensors
- Electrical measuring instruments
- Measurement Data Acquisition Systems
- Test benches, as well as laboratory and research facilities
Regular calibrations ensure reproducible measurement results and are an integral part of quality management in many industries, as well as of various standards and certifications.
Calibration in Delphin Measurement Technology
The measurement data acquisition systems from Delphin Technology are designed for high-precision measurement tasks in industry, energy and process measurement technology, as well as research and development. To ensure that high measurement quality is maintained over the long term, regular calibration of both the connected sensors and the measurement systems in use is recommended.
Early detection of measurement drift helps prevent erroneous measurements, optimize maintenance intervals, and ensure the long-term comparability of measurement data. This is particularly important for long-term measurements, test benches, and demanding development and validation tasks.
How often should calibration be performed?
A fixed calibration interval is not required for every measuring device. It depends on various factors, such as:
- Duration of Use and Operating Hours
- Environmental Conditions
- Required Measurement Accuracy
- Legal or regulatory requirements
- Manufacturer's specifications
For many industrial measuring instruments and data acquisition systems, a annual calibration Recommended. For particularly critical applications or demanding environmental conditions, shorter calibration intervals may also be advisable.
Benefits of Regular Calibration
- Long-term, reliable measurement data for analysis, testing, and documentation
- Ensuring accurate and reproducible measurement results
- Early Detection of Measurement Drift and Aging Effects
- Verification of measurement accuracy through calibration reports
- Support for Quality Management and Audits
- Improving Process and Product Safety