Chapter 4.

CALIBRATION
Outlines
 Introduction to calibration
 Calibration techniques
 Uncertainties
2.1 introduction
What is the calibration?
 The process of determining the
performance parameters of an instrument
or system by comparing it with
measurement standards.
 Assures the device/system will produce
results which meet or exceed some
defined criteria with a specified degree of
confidence.
 All instruments suffer drift in their
characteristics, and the rate depends on
◦ environmental conditions
◦ frequency of their use.

Errors due to instruments being out of

calibration can usually be rectified by
increasing the frequency of recalibration.
 2.2 when ?
Calibration can be called for:-
 new instrument
 a specified time period is elapsed
 a specified operating hours has elapsed
 the instrument has had a shock or vibration
 whenever observations appear questionable
 2.3 How?
 Comparing the output of the instrument under
test against with instrument of known accuracy
when the same input (the measured quantity) is
applied to both instruments.
How?
 Often regarded to include adjusting the
output or indication on a measurement
instrument to agree with value of the applied
standard, within a specified accuracy.

◦ Example, - a thermometer could be calibrated

so the error of indication or the correction is
determined, and adjusted (e.g. via calibration
constants) so that it shows the true temperature
in Celsius at specific points on the scale.
 How?
 Two important calibration measurement
concepts:
◦ precision
◦ accuracy.
 Precision = the minimum discernible change in
the parameter being measured.

 Accuracy =the actual amount of error that exists

in a calibration.
How?
 All measurement processes used for
calibration are subject to various sources
of error. It is common practice to classify
them as random or systematic errors.
Study case 1:
 If an instrument is required to measure some
quantity and an inaccuracy of ±2% is acceptable,
then a certain amount of performance
degradation can be allowed if its inaccuracy
immediately after recalibration is ±1%.
 2.4 factors affect calibration process
1. Instruments used for calibration:-
 Greater inherent accuracy
 Only used for calibration purposes
 Repetitive measurements at prescribed intervals
 instrument characteristics change over period
 Mechanical wear, tear, dirt, dust, fumes, chemical,
temperatures changes in operating environment.
Factors affect (cont)
2. A proper course of action conducted
 Deep knowledge in
instruments used,
calibration procedures,
measurement error,
interval, recording,
environment condition and etc.
 Factors affect (cont)
 Authorized person in handling and use of the
calibration instruments.
 Suitable environmental area/ laboratory
calibration take place.
 Level of accuracy that should be considered.
 Standards facilities of requirements in the whole
of calibration process and environment.
 Management of calibration procedures in all
operation such as lab designated, approval
personnel, time , quality control & assurance.
Factors affect (cont)
3. Control of calibration environment
 Managed and executed in a professional
manner.
 2.5 quality and traceability
 To improve the quality of the calibration and
have the results accepted by outside
organizations it is desirable for the calibration
and subsequent measurements to be "traceable"
to the internationally defined measurement units.
 The traceability of the calibration system is refer
directly or indirectly to the national reference
standards (ex: NIST in the USA) and supported
by calibration certificates.
Quality and traceability (cont)

Figure 1: Instrument calibration standard

 Quality and traceability(cont)
 Working standard procedure will contain at least
following information:-
i. The identification of the equipment calibrated
ii. The calibration results obtained
iii. The measurement uncertainty
iv. The use limitations on the equipment calibrated
v. The date of calibration
vi. The authority under which the certificate is
issued.
Quality and traceability(cont)
 Quality management systems call for an
effective metrology system which includes
formal, periodic, and documented
calibration of all measuring instruments.

 ISO 9000 set of standard (this subsumes

the old British Quality standard BS 5750)
require that these traceable actions are to
a high level and set out how they can be
quantified.
 Quality and traceability
 International Standard ISO 9000
 Requires all persons using calibration equipment
be adequately trained
 The manager in charge of the calibration function
is clearly responsible ensuring that this condition
met.
 Training must be adequate and targeted at
particular needs of the calibration system
involved.
 People must be understand what they
need to know and especially why they
must have this information.
 Successful completion of training courses
should be marked by the award of
qualification certificates.
 2.6 Calibration record
 A standard format for the recording of
calibration results should be defined in the
proper documentation.
 The documentation must also define the
manner in which calibration results are to be
recorded on the instruments themselves.
 A separate record must be kept for every
instrument present in the workplace.
Calibration record (cont)
 Calibration records should includes the
following requirements:-

i. Details of the instrument’s description

ii. The required calibration frequency
iii.The date of each calibration that have
been done
iv.The calibration results on each occasion.
Calibration records(cont)

Figure 2 : Typical format for instrument record sheets

Calibration records(cont)
 Two others items must be also covered:-
i. The traceability of the calibration system
back to national reference standards
must be defined and supported by
certifications.
ii. Training procedures must also be
documented, specifying the particular
training courses to be attended by
various personnel, refresher and etc.