Fluke Calibration Blog
Calibration Equipment & Standards and Calibration Software
Mar 15, 2019
Accurate calibration of pressure switches is a critical step in ensuring process quality and the safe operation of equipment. The setup is similar to pressure gauge calibration except now a voltage or continuity across a set of switch contacts needs to be read either by a (Digital Multimeter) DMM or the calibrator. The purpose of the calibration is to detect and correct errors in the set point and deadband of the pressure switch. Calibrators can save you time by reducing steps and reducing the...
Dec 06, 2018
Using ice and boiling water to calibrate temperature is easy and fast. However, the water method can be inaccurate because of variations in altitude, atmospheric pressure and water purity -- and the inaccuracies are unknown. When you're calibrating you want to avoid as many unknowns and inaccuracies as possible.
Using a dry-block calibrator is a far better way to calibrate temperature. A dry-block provides a better measurement because it has a known accuracy.
In this brief video I will...
Nov 19, 2018
The theme for World Metrology Day 2018 is "Constant evolution of the International System of Units." In this brief, 2 1/2-minute video, Fluke Chief Corporate Metrologist Jeff Gust, explains why this year is so special to the science of measurements as it is anticipated that the definition of the kilogram will change from a metal artifact to Planck's Constant.
Video Transcript:
I'm Jeff Gust, chief corporate metrologist for Fluke Corporation. I'm here to talk about the redefinition...
Oct 22, 2018
To establish pressures using a deadweight tester (DWT) or piston gauge, you need to account for the acceleration of gravity where the instrument is operated. Gravity varies around the world. With a range of approximately 0.5 %, the local gravity correction is typically the largest environmental influence acting on the deadweight tester.
The most accurate method to determine the acceleration of gravity at the site where the deadweight tester will be used is to perform a site survey. Various...
Sep 05, 2018
From a high level view, all pressure calibration systems perform these actions:
Generate and control a pressure.
Measure the pressure.
Observe and record the output of the device under test (DUT).
In a traditional pressure calibration system, one device performs more than one of these functions. In a modular system, each function is performed by a separate module.
Why might you prefer a modular solution?
You have a wide workload to calibrate. Pressure calibrators come in a variety of...
Sep 05, 2018
For nearly 30 years, Fluke MET/CAL® Calibration Management Software has played a significant role in automating the calibration process. Our asset management databases, MET/TRACK® (now discontinued) and the newer MET/TEAM® software help customers maintain, manage and report calibration and repair history and other asset data. All of that puts us in a unique position to propose the creation of a standard format for recording and sharing calibration data and building calibration software...
Sep 04, 2018
Pressure calibration involves applying the same pressure to a reference device (standard), and the device you wish to calibrate (device under test or DUT). The pressure is transmitted to the two devices across some medium, perhaps nitrogen gas or oil. This seems simple enough, but what happens if the two devices don’t operate in the same medium, or if contamination is transferred through the medium? This can cause problems such as damaged devices, bad calibrations, and contaminated...
Aug 27, 2018
A pressure comparator is a convenient instrument for bench pressure calibration. You would perform a bench calibration to maintain reference conditions and to get the lowest possible uncertainties. The bench is also a convenient place to inspect, adjust, and repair the devices under test.
To perform a test on a pressure gauge using a pressure comparator and a reference gauge, follow these steps:
Mount the pressure gauge in the same orientation (vertical or horizontal) as it is...
Mar 26, 2018
A multi-product electrical calibrator is designed to calibrate multifunction products like handheld digital multimeters, clamp meters, thermocouples and RTDs, and more. They may also offer options to calibrate additional workload items like oscilloscopes or power quality analyzers. Some can be automated with software to increase throughput and reduce errors.
To ensure that digital multimeters and other products continue to test and measure properly and within specification, regular...
Mar 31, 2017
Purpose
It is a well-established practice in calibration laboratories to use current coils for clamp meter calibrations. Many laboratories either build their own coil, or simply make several loops of a test lead for the purpose of increasing the current value sensed by the clamp meter. Fluke has designed and manufactured several current coils for the purpose of clamp meter calibration. Customers have requested calibration for Fluke coils and some accreditation bodies have established policies...
