3 CLEAR FACTORS IT’S TIME TO CALIBRATE YOUR PRESSURE TRANSDUCER

Calibration of a pressure transducer is essential to maintain the instrument’s accuracy. Like all other measuring devices, pressure transducers do have the ability to drift causing the pressure range to become unreliable. If a pressure range drifts, chances of false pressure readings are high, which could lead to decreased equipment performance and safety concerns.

To ensure a pressure transducer maintains high performance, it is important to have the instrument calibrated regularly. With frequent calibration, you can be confident that your pressure transducer is correctly performing and measuring pressure ranges accurately.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU CALIBRATE A PRESSURE TRANSDUCER?

The answer to this question isn’t exactly simple, therefore, we have listed factors below that play into the frequency of pressure transducer calibration.

APPLICATION

A pressure transducer should be calibrated as needed in order to maintain a certain level of accuracy for application. Depending upon the industry type, calibration regulations may also have say in how frequent a pressure transducer should bed calibration.

With industries that are highly regulated, e.g., pharmaceuticals, a pressure transducer is required to have a high accuracy level to ensure proper operation and minimal safety risks. To verify a pressure transducer is measuring pressure readings accurately, especially in high demand industry, it is in your best interest to calibrate your pressure transducer at least twice a year.

STABILITY

Pressure transducer stability plays a huge role in determining how frequently a pressure transducer should be calibrated. The stability can be determined by referring to the consistency of the sensors responsible for measuring desired pressure ranges. If a pressure transducer consists of sensors that are highly stable, then the instrument may not need to be recalibrated frequently. However, if the sensors tend to drift often, then the pressure transducer will need to be calibrated regularly.

To determine the stability of a pressure transducer, a thorough evaluation of the pressure transducer’s calibration history trend is needed. Based on the transducer’s history, you should be able to determine a calibration interval that works for your specific instrument.

OTHER FACTORS

Other factors to consider when determining a pressure transducer calibration interval include:

• Manufacturer recommendations
• Frequency of instrument use
• After a damaging incident/equipment trauma
• Before/after a big project

Find out the true cost of performing in-house vs. outsourced calibration.
Read our guide here.