Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
The purpose of calibration is to ensure the input and output of an instrument correspond to one another predictably throughout the entire range of operation. We may express this expectation in the form of a graph (as shown at the next page), showing how the input and output of an instrument should relate:
Calibration Data
LRV and URV settings, digital trim (digital transmitters)
The advent of smart field instruments containing microprocessors has been a great advance for industrial instrumentation. These devices have built-in diagnostic ability, greater accuracy (due to digital compensation of sensor nonlinearities), and the ability to communicate digitally with host devices for reporting of various parameters. A simplified block diagram of a smart pressure transmitter and of an analog transmitter appears at the next pages.
Calibration Data
LRV and URV settings, digital trim (digital transmitters)
Calibration Data
LRV and URV settings, digital trim (digital transmitters)
Calibration Data
LRV and URV settings, digital trim (digital transmitters)
Note how the only calibration adjustments available in the analog transmitter are the zero and span settings. This is clearly not the case with smart transmitters. Not only can we set lower and upper-range values (LRV and URV) in a smart transmitter, but it is also possible to calibrate the analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog converter circuits independently of each other. What this means for the calibration technician is that a full calibration procedure on a smart transmitter potentially requires more work and a greater number of adjustments than an all-analog transmitter.
Calibration Data
LRV and URV settings, digital trim (digital transmitters)
A common mistake made among students and experienced technicians alike is to confuse the range settings (LRV and URV) for actual calibration adjustments. Just because you digitally set the LRV of a pressure transmitter to 0.00 PSI and the URV to 100.00 PSI does not necessarily mean it will register accurately at points within that range! The following is an example. Suppose we have a smart pressure transmitter ranged for 0 to 100 PSI with an analog output range of 4 to 20 mA, but this transmitters pressure sensor is fatigued from years of use such that an actual applied pressure of 100 PSI generates a signal that the analog-to-digital converter interprets as only 96 PSI3. Assuming everything else in the transmitter is in perfect condition, with perfect calibration, the output signal will still be in error.
Calibration Data
LRV and URV settings, digital trim (digital transmitters)
Calibration Data
LRV and URV settings, digital trim (digital transmitters)
Here we see how the calibration of the most sophisticated pressure transmitter may be corrupted despite perfect calibration of both analog/digital converter circuits, and perfect range settings in the microprocessor. The microprocessor thinks the applied pressure is only 96 PSI, and it responds accordingly with a 19.36 mA output signal. The only way anyone would ever know this transmitter was inaccurate at 100 PSI is to actually apply a known value of 100 PSI fluid pressure to the sensor and note the incorrect response.
After both the input and output (ADC and DAC) of a smart transmitter have been trimmed (i.e. calibrated against standard references known to be accurate), the lower- and upper-range values may be set. In fact, once the trim procedures are complete, the transmitter may be ranged and ranged again as many times as desired. The only reason for re-trimming a smart transmitter is to ensure accuracy over long periods of time where the sensor and/or the converter circuitry may have drifted out of acceptable limits. This stands in stark contrast to analog transmitter technology, where re-ranging necessitates recalibration.
DW Tester (Pressure)
Calibration Data
The following information should be included as part of a Calibration Data Sheet:
1.Instrument tag number/identification number: This is a unique identifier or unique combination used as the main tracking Number for each instrument. In most cases, the tag number is the process/piping and instrument diagrams/drawings (P&ID) tag number, if applicable. If the instrument is not associated with a P&ID, there should be some consistent tag number system at your facility that uses the ANSI/ISA 5.1-2009, Instrumentation Symbols and Identification standard.
Calibration Data
Calibration Data Sheet
1. Instrument tag number/identification number: Several facilities use an additional identification number sequentially assigned as an additional tracking number. The tag number references the instrument location within a system, and the instrument identification number stays with the instrument. This way, the history of any instrument installed in the instrument location (tag number) is traceable, and the history of any instrument is traceable. Many instruments stay in the same location for the life of the equipment, in which case, this is not as important. But failures occur, and instruments need to be replaced. In other instances, we install spares temporarily to keep a process running when an instrument is removed for calibration.