Articles
Insights, tips, and industry knowledge to help you navigate the world of instrumentation.
Calibration Isn't About Setting a Standard; Its About Maintaining It
In complex industries such as aerospace, pharmaceuticals or manufacturing, there is very little margin for error. Even a single miscalibrated instrument could lead to regulatory non-compliance, faulty productions and safety risks. With the introduction of automation, this process is now more streamlined reducing errors, speeding up workflows and enhancing accuracy.
The Key Benefits of Automating Calibration
Saving time and improving efficiency: Calibrations that previously would have taken a technician an hour to finish can now be completed in a fraction of the time. With advances in technology, automated systems now allow for simultaneous multi-channel calibration, so that more than one device can be calibrated during a single cycle, further improving efficiency.
Consistent high quality results: Automated calibration systems follow a strict and repeatable process that is highly precise. This eliminates the potential for human error. Even a miniscule deviation can cause serious consequences which is why consistency is paramount. Automation will allow us to ensure that every calibration is performed exactly to specifications making data more reliable.
Regulatory compliance: For companies such as BHD, who operate under strict regulatory standards like ISO 17025, tracking calibration data is crucial in meeting compliance standards. Automated systems can capture, store and organize data in real time, giving us easily accessible digital records of every calibration completed. This digital traceability is valuable for audit and quality assurance purposes.
How Additel is Making Calibration Smarter
Automation in calibration isn't just theoretical, its happening now with some impressive tools especially from Additel, one of the industry leaders in calibration technology. For instance, the Additel 762 is an automated hydraulic pressure calibrator, that handles complex high-pressure calibrations. It automates pressure generation and controls up to 15,000 psi. Its auto purge system simplifies air removal and optimizes workflow efficiency which ensures uninterrupted calibration cycles. This unit is perfect for complex calibration environments such as oil and gas where consistency and reliability are paramount.
What The Future Holds
Automation is bringing a level of precision and efficiency that is much more than just simply speeding up tasks, it’s revolutionizing how calibrations are done, making them safer and far more reliable than ever before. Companies such as Additel are at the forefront of this transition with their innovative technologies that meet the most stringent standards.
Precision, Trust and Compliance
Whether you’re monitoring critical pressure systems in oil and gas, ensuring precise flow measurements in manufacturing, calibrating safety instruments in aerospace, or maintaining compliance in healthcare and pharmaceuticals, you rely on your tools to deliver consistent and precise measurements.
But how can you be absolutely sure that your instruments are up to the task? That’s where our ISO 17025 accredited laboratories come in. With industry-leading calibration services, traceability, and compliance with global standards, we ensure that your equipment performs with the accuracy and reliability your industry demands.
What is ISO 17025?
ISO 17025 is the international standard when measuring the competence of calibration laboratories. Laboratories that are 17025 accredited will demonstrate exceptional technical expertise and robust quality systems while adhering to internationally accepted calibration standards. For your business, this means that instruments are calibrated to the highest standards.
Benefits of ISO 17025
Regulatory compliance: Calibration services that are performed under ISO 17025 standards can help businesses comply with local and international regulations, ensuring smoother inspections and avoiding penalties.
Trust and credibility: Relying on our ISO 17025 accredited calibration labs enhances your company’s reputation for quality and reliability. It will demonstrate to key stakeholders and partners that your operations are grounded in both precision and accountability.
Operational efficiency: Properly calibrated instruments ensure that they operate at peak performance, this reduces downtime caused by inaccuracies and deficiencies. This will lead to cost savings, improved productivity and fewer disruptions.
The Cost of Inaccuracy
In high-stakes industries where precision is critical, measurement inaccuracies can lead to costly downtime, equipment failure, regulatory non compliance, and even safety hazards. Whether you're working in oil & gas, aerospace, manufacturing, healthcare, or pharmaceuticals, poorly calibrated instruments can put operations at risk. With our ISO 17025 calibration labs these risks are greatly minimized which gives your business the confidence in its measurements and operations
The Benefits of Thermography Training:
Ensuring Accurate Readings: Thermal imaging Cameras detect infrared radiation emitted by objects that is converted into a visual representation of heat distribution. However, interpreting these images correctly requires understanding factors like emissivity, reflectivity and environmental conditions. Proper training provides the essential skills needed to accurately identify temperature variations and differentiate between normal and abnormal patterns.
Avoiding Misinterpretation and False Diagnoses: One of the biggest risks of untrained thermography is misinterpretation of thermal data. Without proper knowledge, a technician might misidentify a harmless heat signature as a critical issue or overlook a potential problem. This can lead to unnecessary repairs, downtime, or even safety hazards. Training helps professionals apply the right adjustments, corrections, and context to their thermal readings, reducing costly errors.
Compliance & Safety in Thermography
Meeting Industry Standards: Many industries have strict regulations regarding thermographic inspections, including ISO, NFPA, and ASTM standards. Proper training ensures that inspections meet these requirements, reducing liability risks and ensuring compliance with industry best practices.
Improving Electrical Safety: Electrical failures often generate excessive heat before leading to major faults, posing a fire hazard. Trained thermographers can detect issues such as overloaded circuits, loose connections, or failing components without physical contact. This enhances workplace safety by preventing electrical failures and potential fires.
What You Will Learn in Thermography Training
A well-structured thermography training program includes:
- Understanding infrared science and heat transfer principles
- Camera operation, settings, and adjustments
- Emissivity, reflectivity, and environmental factors affecting readings
- Interpreting thermal images and identifying anomalies
- Industry-specific applications and best practices
- Compliance with thermography standards and guidelines
Calibration & Maintenance
- How to Extend the Life of Your Instruments – Regular cleaning, proper storage, and routine calibration checks.
- Signs Your Instrument Needs Calibration – Drift in readings, inconsistent results, or failing verification tests.
- How Often Should You Calibrate Your Equipment? Most industries follow an annual calibration cycle, but frequency depends on usage, environment, and regulatory requirements. Critical or high-precision equipment may need more frequent calibration to ensure accuracy and compliance.
Common Instrumentation Errors and How to Fix Them
- Signal Drift – Over time, sensors can drift out of tolerance due to wear, contamination, or environmental factors. Solution: Regular calibration checks and replacing worn components.
- Fluctuating or Unstable Readings – Readings jump unpredictably or don’t stabilize due to poor grounding, electrical noise, or an unstable power supply. Solution: Ensure proper grounding, use shielded cables, and isolate instruments from sources of interference.
- Sensor Failures – Moisture, extreme temperatures, or excessive vibration can lead to sensor degradation. Solution: Implement preventive maintenance and replace faulty sensors as needed.