Calibration Principles (AIC01)

This lesson introduces the basic concepts of instrument calibration.

Prerequisites

This lesson is designed for participants familiar with instruments and their functions within a typical feedback/control loop. An understanding of algebra is also recommended.

Description

This lesson introduces basic concepts of instrument calibration. The lesson explains the characteristics of proper instrument performance as well as how to identify common instrument errors. In addition, the steps in a typical calibration procedure are demonstrated.

Objectives

Define calibration. Recognize if an instrument is properly calibrated by examining the instrument input and output. Explain how calibration affects quality, productivity, and safety. Identify conditions when calibration is performed such as at an installation, periodic scheduled maintenance, in response to process deviation, and after repair or change in mounting position. Recognize accuracy and precision. Identify zero shift, span error, combined zero shift and span error, and non-linearity with a pattern of instrument readings on an input/output graph or calibration data sheet. Identify the basic elements of a calibration set-up. Identify the input values for a five point. Calibration check as a percent of the instrument??s range.