Best Blogs of Calibration and Instrumentation on Eurocaltech

Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) are digital electronic devices that use programmable memory to store instructions and implement specific functions. They evolved from electromechanical devices used in manufacturing operations and industrial processes. PLCs have evolved from two-state control to all logic functions, arithmetic operations, and sense analogue changes in manufacturing operations. They offer flexibility, operational efficiency, and versatility. The four basic parts of a PLC are the power supply, input/output interface sections, processor section, and programming section.

Hazardous areas are classified into Zones based on risk level, with electrical installations in these zones minimizing. A code of practice has been developed for specific equipment selection and protection. Methods to prevent igniting include flameproof enclosures, increased safety, intrinsic safety, pressurized, oil immersion, non-sparking and restricted breathing, and special protection.

INSTRUMENTATION DRAWINGS & SYMBOLSThis module focuses on understanding the purpose of codes and symbols in engineering, including emergency or safety instrument codes, their structure, tag numbers, abbreviations, function identification codes, and signal modifiers. It covers various drawing and document types, such as process block diagrams, process flow diagrams, piping and instrumentation drawings, electrical loop drawings, DCS I/O loop drawings, and pneumatic loop drawings. The module also covers cause and effect charts, functional logic diagrams, and instrument installation hook-up diagrams. The goal is to equip the learner with a comprehensive understanding of these concepts. The module is designed to help students in their engineering careers.

A control valve is a final control element that directly changes the valve of a variable by changing the rate of flow of the control agent. It consists of an operator and valve body, with the operator providing power to vary the position of the valve plug. Common types include butterfly, three-way, cage, camflex, and solenoid valves. Common types include single-seated valves for smaller sizes and double-seated valves for larger valves and high-pressure systems. The valve coefficient (CV) is defined as the number of gallons per minute of water passing through a fully open valve at a pressure drop.

PROCESS CONTROLLERS and CONTROL THEORY,Process control systems aim to closely monitor the process's condition, maintain it in a safe and stable state, compensate for changes in process conditions, and increase profitability. In the oil industry, manual control systems face several disadvantages, such as fatigue, reaction time, limited power, safety, accuracy, and cost. Automatic control systems provide more consistent products, release skilled operators for other productive work, reduce physical effort, decrease operator workload, and improve safety and working conditions.

Level measurement in oil and gas industries uses direct methods like dip-sticks and indirect methods like pressure meters and level sensors like automatic tank gauges.

Fluid flow measurements in oil and gas production operations ,Fluid flow measurements in oil and gas production operations are used as the basis for revenue payment, determining well allocations, and controlling the process for certain systems. There are many types of instruments for measuring liquid and/or gas flow. The accuracy of flow measurement will vary from instrument to instrument and the desired accuracy will vary from application to application.

pressure measurement in the oil and gas industry,Pressure measurement is crucial for the oil and gas industry, as it helps in maintaining safety and monitoring equipment and piping. Different types of pressure devices, such as Bourdon tubes, bellows sensors, diaphragm sensors, resonant-wire sensors, strain-gauge pressure sensors, and capacitance pressure sensors, are used to measure operating pressures and generate output signals. Bourdon tubes are metal tubes with a flattened circular cross section bent into a C-shape, Spiral, or Helix. Bellows sensors are axially flexible cylindrical enclosures with folded sides that extend axially when pressure is applied. Diaphragm sensors are thin, flexible disks held in place to be axially flexible. Resonant-wire sensors are used in electronic pressure transmitters, while strain-gauge pressure sensors convert resistance into a 4-20 mA signal proportional to the pressure. Capacitance pressure sensors operate on the principle that the change in capacitance resulting from the movement of an elastic element is proportional to the pressure applied to the elastic element. Spring-loaded piston sensors are used in pneumatic and electric pressure switches, with heavy-duty options for high-pressure and low-pressure sensors. To protect the sensor, diaphragm seals, siphons, throttling screws, and pressure snubbers are used. These devices isolate the sensor from process fluids, act as pulsation dampeners, and provide flow restrictions.

MOISTURE PIN MOISTURE CALIBRATION,Moisture testing tools for building materials include pin and pinless meters, each with a different calibration tool. Pin meters use a moisture content standard (MCS) to check meter accuracy, while pinless meters use a sensor block. A second moisture testing tool, a second, IDENTICAL moisture meter, is less accurate but can be useful if the meter doesn't have a built-in calibration check feature or if there's no moisture content standard/sensor block. This method requires a second, identical moisture meter to be used as a reference, which is more expensive and inefficient. The best method for checking moisture meter calibration is using a built-in check or a specialized testing tool like an MCS or sensor block.

How Often You Should Calibrate A Sound Level MeterCalibration is crucial for the accuracy of a sound level meter. It involves using an acoustic calibrator on an Optimus sound level meter to output a consistent sound level for the microphone to detect. If there is any variation between the calibrator's output and the microphone's, the sound level meter can offset the difference to ensure consistent measurements against a consistent noise source. Recalibration involves sending the meter and acoustic calibrator back to the original manufacturer for calibration and verification. Regular calibration ensures consistent measurements, manufacturer-backed performance, and improved performance. It is recommended to calibrate your meter annually, as it reduces the risk of measurements being questioned. The cost of recalibration varies depending on the manufacturer, but not recalibating could result in fines or prosecution.

Torque calibration,The British Standard BS 7882:2008 is a method for calibrating and classifying torque measuring devices. It provides a practical solution for high accuracy classes without making calibration time-consuming or commercially unacceptable. The standard is important for calibration laboratories, manufacturers, and end users as it provides an agreed method of calibrating and evaluating torque measuring devices. Other standards include German standard DIN 51309:2005, EA reference publication, and Chinese calibration standard JJG 995:2005.BS 7882:2008 is a classification system for torque measuring devices, allowing them to be classified into one of seven classes based on calibration results. The device is defined as any part of a system, including electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, or optical torque transducers. The calibration can be performed on analogue or digital devices in torque units or voltage output, and can be performed in incremental and decrement modes. The lower limit of calibration (Tmin) is determined by the device's resolution (r) in the SI unit of torque (N·m). The uncertainty of measurement must be five times better than the overall class reported. The calibration is performed at an ambient temperature between 18°C to 28°C, and the device must be set up in an appropriate mounting.

Vibration CalibrationSeismic velocity measurements are crucial for predictive maintenance of rotating equipment, such as pumps, motors, compressors, fans, and cooling towers. 4-20 mA loop vibration sensors are gaining popularity for their cost-effectiveness and ability to monitor machinery vibration. These sensors can predict machine failure and alert technicians when vibration alarm thresholds are crossed. However, accurate measurements are essential for their effectiveness. Calibration is crucial for verification and traceability, making these sensors valuable for audits.

Weighing scale calibration is essential for accurate measurements in various industries. Regulations for calibration are provided by the European Institute of Standards and Technology (EISM). The process involves understanding the instrument's technical characteristics, accuracy requirements, and potential failures. The test load should be at least one-third of the instrument's maximum load. Regular calibration ensures proper functioning and accuracy of weighing instruments.

Regular calibration of pH electrodes is essential for accurate results due to potential contamination. Recommended intervals include weekly, daily, or more frequent if the sensor is frequently used. Selecting the correct buffers and quality of solutions is crucial. Instrument setup and temperature measurement are essential. Calibration involves preparing the electrode, rinsing it with deionized water, and placing the sensor in the buffer solution.

High voltage systems, exceeding 1000 Volts AC or 1500 Volts DC, pose a significant hazard due to their energy levels, which can cause electrocution and burns. Arcing is a common effect of high voltage electricity, making it crucial for test equipment to have long probes. High voltage testing should only be performed by competent persons with proper training in safe systems. Common testing methods include voltage detection or indication, such as the Seaward KD1E, which conforms to safety standards. A 'Proving Unit' like Seaward's PH3 is used to generate high voltage for safe testing. It is essential to use a correctly rated detector or indicator for the job and application.

Dew point is the temperature at which air must be cooled for water vapor to condense into dew or frost. It is affected by water vapor saturation pressure and can range from ambient to -80°C. Measurement is reliable using various instruments like humidity probes, filters, and monitoring systems.

The RD8200 locator provides automatic depth readings for buried cables, pipes, and sondes when oriented correctly above the target line or sonde. Depth measurements are to the center of the pipe, cable, or sonde, with best readings from active transmitter signals. Accuracy may be affected by audible interference or coupling to a nearby line. To verify depth measurements, lift the locator 50mm above the ground and repeat the measurement. Current readings confirm line identity and may indicate cable insulation or pipe coating condition.

Cable locating techniques include induction, signal coupling, nulling utilities, ground return, direct connection, good ground point, and double-ended connections. Induction is the most common method for locating target utilities, while signal coupling can lead to errors in the marked position and depth of the target line. Nulling utilities can be achieved through signal and ground connections, while ground return can be used on hard ground. Direct connections can be connected to metal street-lamp columns or cable sheaths, while good ground points provide the lowest resistance ground path and the best output signal. Double-ended connections are useful for positively tracing and identifying target lines in heavily congested industrial sites, as they achieve a complete circuit without using ground as a current return path.

TThe industry's top major process parameters (MPP) are divided into Major and Minor parameters. Major parameters are crucial for obtaining the final output, while Minor parameters are used for quality improvement. Key MPPs include Pressure Measurement, Temperature Measurement, Level Measurement, Flow Measurement, Ph Measurement, and Top Minor Process Parameters (MiPP). Popular companies for Purchasing Pressure Transmitters include Baumer, MBA, DST Series, PX Series, SWush Series, Rosemount, OptiBAR, Deltabar, Cerabar, and Endress+Hauser

To calibrate a guided wave radar level transmitter, set up the transmitter, HART communicator, power supply, and multimeter. Check the configuration of the lower and high range values, and ensure data input matches the datasheet. Fill the transmitter chamber with water up to 0% level, adjust the mA output, and set the level to 100% level through the HART communicator.

The Ten-Point Checklist outlines the steps customers should follow when requesting calibration services. These include using an accredited laboratory, checking the lab's capability, defining tolerance limits, requesting a statement of conformity, requesting as-found results, requesting adjustments and maintenance, requesting an accredited certificate, and understanding the rules for calibration labels. Accredited labs are required in many industries and must submit to regular audits. To ensure a successful calibration, customers should also define their tolerance limits and request a statement of conformity. Additionally, they should request as-found results to determine the stability of measuring equipment over time.

Laboratory accreditation is essential for granting authorization to calibration laboratories, ensuring conformity with standards, and recognizing educational institutions. In the U.S., four bodies provide accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025. Mutual Recognition Arrangements (MRAs) ensure confidence in accreditation activities. ISO 9000 standards standardized calibration requirements, but did not define calibration suppliers.

the accuracy and calibration of granite surface plates, based on the American national standard (ANSI) ASME B89.3.7-2013. Surface plates are massive, stiff, and hard granite plates used for dimensional measurements. The bulletin focuses on surface plate flatness, which is subject to routine calibration over time. ASME B89.3.7 defines standardized tolerance grades for surface plates, with Grade AA being the highest accuracy and Grade B being the lowest.

the accuracy and calibration of digital, dial, and vernier calipers, based on the American national standard ASME B89.1.14-2018. It emphasizes the importance of calibration and verification to ensure accuracy. The bulletin also mentions the need for a reference standard for inside measurements and the availability of accredited calibrations and measurement standards.