Span Gas Calibration

A calibration gas is a reference gas or a mixture of gasses that is used as a reference standard for gas analyzers and detectors. A calibration gas is used to make sure that the measurements of these devices are accurate. The calibration gas can be a mixture of air or another gas. The calibration gas has certain characteristics that are important for gas analysis, and it can be used for different purposes.

Span gas calibration calculation

Span gas calibration is the process of calibrating a sensor to ensure it is operating at its optimum level of sensitivity. The method involves comparing the concentrations of two known gases, namely carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulphide, against a known baseline. This calibration is often performed at the factory after the sensors have been manufactured, but it can also be done in the field.

The calibration of a gas detection instrument begins with the supply of certified calibration gases. These calibration gases must meet the BAR 97 specifications. Then, the gas is supplied to the port of the analyzer. This gas must be verified for accuracy and repeatability. The measurement accuracy and repeatability of the calibration gas must meet the expectations of the gas detection equipment.

Span gas calibration is often performed in conjunction with an oxygen sensor calibration. The calibration process begins by exposing the sensor to a pure inert gas, and then the sensor is exposed to a known target gas. The resulting response is stored in the sensor’s memory. The calibration process also involves a zero-point adjustment. The zero-point adjustment is the reading the sensor would show when exposed to the 0% calibration gas.

In order for a sensor to perform well, it must be calibrated regularly. Even if it uses automatic background calibration, it must be calibrated over time to maintain a consistent level of accuracy. Calibration must also take into account the amount of leaking gas in the calibration chamber.

Using a calibrator

A calibrator is a device used to measure an instrument’s accuracy. This device compares the instrument’s output to a known standard to make sure that it is within its tolerance. Normally, the calibration process is done at the factory following the manufacture of the sensor. However, sometimes it needs to be done in the field as well.

The calibration process uses known concentrations of a reference gas to determine the accuracy of a sensor. The calibration gas should be traceable to national standards. A calibration curve will be stored in the sensor’s memory. It may be as simple as slope intercept or a more complicated calculation. It is also important to remember that a calibration curve also has a zero-point adjustment. This is what the sensor reads when it is exposed to 0% of a calibration gas.

Many gas sensors require regular calibration. Calibration gases are known quantities of the target gas mixed in air. For example, if you are calibrating a chlorine sensor, you would use a cylinder containing air mixed with 5 ppm chlorine. A zero gas cylinder is also available to ensure that the test results are accurate.

A calibration gas can be dangerous if the sensor is calibrated for a different gas. It may cause the instrument to alarm too early, which is a potentially dangerous situation. In such a case, a lower alarm setting is recommended. Moreover, choosing the correct gas is also important. Some gas types may be impossible to calibrate directly, so you should always choose a calibration gas with a sensitivity appropriate for the target gas.

Performing a bump test to check if your sensor is responding

Gas sensors should be bump tested at least weekly or as required by OSHA. Some manufacturers recommend bump testing the sensor only once per week, but most employers will require daily bump testing to meet OSHA standards and ensure employee safety. However, bump testing more frequently will shorten the life of the gas detecting sensor.

If the results of the bump test are not acceptable, you should perform a full calibration. This will adjust the instrument’s reading to a known concentration, usually a certified standard. During this process, it is important to use a fresh air environment for the calibration.

You can perform a bump test manually by exposing the instrument to a small amount of gas for a short period of time. The instrument should then immediately enter alarm mode if it detects gas. New gas detectors are usually calibrated by the manufacturer before shipment. Performing a bump test is an important step in ensuring that the instrument is working correctly.

The sensor memory is used to store a calibration curve. The calibration curve is a series of calculations that are performed by the sensor to determine its response to a known concentration of a test gas. These calculations can be simple slope intercepts or as complex as a derivative. The sensor’s response to a calibration curve should match the calibration curve of the target gas.