Everything You Need To Know About Calibrating Gas Monitors

By Author: Belinda Rahme Barakat
Total Articles: 52
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What is gas detector calibration? Why do gas monitors need to be calibrated? How often should the gas detectors calibrate? These are the most commonly asked questions related to calibrating gas monitors. This article has convincing answers to all your queries regarding calibrating gas monitors and detectors.

What Are Gas Detectors Used For?

Before discussing calibration gas, let’s first understand the purpose of gas detectors such as Personal gas monitor, Infrared Gas Detectors, and other types of detectors. Gas monitors or detectors are life-saving equipment that detects the level of various gases present in the atmosphere of a particular area or where it’s installed/used. Personal gas monitor, portable gas detectors can be used as a part of PPE to ensure safe working area for an employee. On the other hand, fixed units are used for multiple gases and installed in industrial and commercial settings to test for various dangerous gases present in the atmosphere.

Gas monitors are often reliable. Having said that, just like any other equipment, these monitors are prone to normal wear and tear over time ...
... and can compromise their efficiency, affecting the performance, gas monitor reactions, and readings. The lifespan of the equipment depends on the amount of gas exposure. So some might last longer while others don’t. So, this is when calibration gas comes into the picture. Gas meter calibration can help extend the instrument's life to ensure its efficiency and accurate readings.

So, How Often Should You Be Calibrating Your Gas Monitors?

See, there’s no right or wrong time to calibrate gas detectors. However, the frequency depends on the type of gas monitor and its application. For instance, if your industry requires precise and accurate readings, you’ll require frequent gas monitor calibration than other working sites. Also, it depends on the manufacturer’s specific considerations for the calibration schedule.

How Does Gas Detector Calibration Work?

There are two options to calibrate the equipment, including a bum test and full calibration. A bump test is a quick, functional test in which the operation of both sensor and alarm is verified by using a known concentration of gas. A bump test will show whether the system is reacting with the right gases and is ready to use. Compared to full calibration, this method is easy and advisable to carry out on a regular basis to ensure the efficiency of the equipment.

On the other hand, a full calibration is performed when the reading isn’t accurate during the bump test. Trained and authorised calibration gas professionals conduct this procedure. During the full calibration, the technician will inspect the internal components and look for signs of contamination on the sensors that might interfere with the unit's operation and determine the calibration's accuracy and validation.

For further queries regarding gas meter calibration, get in touch with our team.