Expert Systems Maintenance: Calibration and Verification Services for Optimal Performance
Abstract
It can be challenging at times to know what a fluid or gas measurement system requires to ensure that the measurement accuracy of the system remains within the manufactured specifications accuracy percentage range. There are also many terms about such as calibration, verification, survey etc. Furthermore, it is possible for a system to measure inaccurately due to various reasons such as cable issues, sensor issues or electronic issues. A system needs maintenance, therefore assistance with maintaining systems can be invaluable.
Products
Panametrics flow and Moisture. Siemens flow and level. Proteus. Various instrumentation systems.Calibration
A system can be sent (if it is possible to do so) to a calibration testing services provider. The system is tested on a rig against a master measurement system (i.e. calibrated flowmeter for example) and results of the system tested under calibration are analysed to ensure that the percentage difference value of the readings between the systems being compared, is not outside of the manufacturer's stated accuracy limit. Once the system under test percentage difference value is confirmed to be within the manufacturer's stated accuracy, the system passes the calibration test and certification is issued. RS Hydro can calibrate clamp-on ultrasonic flowmeters* and can arrange for Panametrics calibration services to be performed on gas-moisture analyser systems.
Verification
A verification is similar to a calibration in that a system under test has its values measured against a calibrated master system, results are then compared, and the system passes the verification if measurement difference percentage values fall within the manufactured stated accuracies. The only difference is that the system under test remains installed on its process infrastructure and a portable calibrated instrument is taken to the location where the flowmeter system under test is installed on-site. RS Hydro can verify onsite some in-line flowmeter systems such as Electro-Magnetic flowmeters.
Survey/Spot Flow Measurement
A spot flow measurement involves installing a temporary system onto process infrastructure and taking a measurement. This could be to check process rates within pipework. RS Hydro can visit a site and take spot flow readings of a process.
If a system fails a calibration
Either components can be replaced or the entire system under test needs replacing with a new system. If the system passes calibration, the system has evidence that it is working correctly. Intervals for calibrations and verifications are set by manufacturers, usually between 6-12 months however this varies depending on the instrumentation system concerned. With RS Hydro's Instrument Database, you will not need to remember when systems need calibrations or verifications as calibration/verification dates and details (certificates) are accessible on-line. It is easy to arrange calibration or verification services.
RS Hydro's Instrument Database
RS Hydro can utilise the 'Instrument Database' to help you keep your systems calibrated and verified. The Instrument Database works as a servicing interval tool - it will automatically notify you when systems are due calibration or verification services. It will also allow for RS Hydro Team to reach out and support with your instrument calibration or verification requirements. If it is not possible for RS Hydro to verify or calibrate instrumentation systems themselves, RS Hydro can work with instrument manufacturers to assist further.
*Confirm with RS Hydro suitability for flowmeter system requiring calibration.