Best Blogs of Calibration and Instrumentation on Eurocaltech

GAS SAFETY & HVAC Gas and heating engineers must ensure leak-free work on residential and commercial heating systems. Modern multi-gas detectors like the DGS-10 are easy to use, ideal for confined spaces, and highly advanced. They feature a small sensor head, a flexible gooseneck, and a special "tip-light" for easy viewing.

What is a Force Gauge?Force measurement tools include force gauges, mechanical force gauges, digital force gauges, test stands, test stand accessories, force gauge attachments, force tests, compression tests, tension tests, push pull tests, peel tests, COF tests, wire crimp tests, spring tests, punch tests, packaging tests, food tests, force displacement tests, manual material tests, torque tests, cap torque tests, digital torque wrenches, torque calibrators, manual torque wrench calibrators, electric power driver calibrators, air tools & impact wrench calibrators, rotational friction torque, and breakaway torque testers. Additionally, data acquisition software is available for force data acquisition. Durometers, such as handheld and automatic, are also available for purchase. Tools and tachometers, such as digital tachometers and LED strobescopes, are also available. These tools are essential for various applications, including force measurement, strength testing, rotational friction torque, and torque data acquisition softwareThe difference between weight (mass*) and force is often misunderstood. Scales measure weight in pounds (lb) or kilograms (kg), while force gauges measure force in Newtons. One Newton is the force needed to accelerate 1 kilogram of mass at a rate of 1 meter per second every second. A small apple (100 g) on your palm can feel one Newton force. The apple's weight is constant anywhere in the universe, but it floats in outer space due to the force caused by its mass and gravity acceleration. Gravity acceleration varies depending on latitude, elevation, and other factors. Scales need to be calibrated at their location to account for the variance in gravity acceleration at different latitudes and elevations. Force gauges, once calibrated for local gravity acceleration, will measure the correct force values anywhere in the universe. A 100-lb weight may produce more or less force than 100 lbf due to the variance in local gravity acceleration

Why is there a pressure drop Feels when using the Digital pressure calibrators, or while calibrating with a hand pump for transmitter calibration?The adiabatic process increases pressure media temperature when pressure is increased, affecting pressure calibration systems. It's more prominent in air or gas-operated pumps. To avoid this, pressurize slowly and choose a suitable pressure media.

The Wellhead Tower P&IDThe Wellhead Tower P&ID module is a comprehensive course that teaches participants about the hydraulic subsurface safety system (HSSS). It covers the introduction of the hydraulic power unit and master module, their start-up and operating instructions, the master control module, the master telemetry interface module, the sigle slot completion cabinet with string 1, string 4, and sealine modules, shutdown functions, and maintenance. The module also includes course attachments, such as Baker CAC system drawings, to provide a comprehensive understanding of the system. The objectives of the module are to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the wellhead control system P&ID, HSSS, the combined hydraulic power unit and master module, the master control module, the master telemetry interface module, the single slot completion cabinet, shutdown functions, and maintenance.

The Emergency Shutdown (ESD) system is crucial for the protection of personnel, the environment, and plant from harm. It ensures that in a hazardous situation, a planned automatic shutdown and isolation of processes and utilities are carried out in a logical and safest possible sequence to minimize risk to personnel, environment, and equipment.Emergency Shut down Systems (ESD,The ESD system objectives include understanding the structure and function of an offshore and onshore ESD system, the levels of ESD (offshore and onshore), the role of a cause and effect chart, and examples of ESD levels (offshore and onshore). The trainee will also learn about the operation of Fusible Plugs control panels, sample input loop and output wiring diagrams, relay logic ladder diagrams, and schematic diagrams for pneumatic single-acting piston and double-acting piston actuated shutdown valves. The module covers the arrangement and contents of ESD system panels, shutdown box components and connections, and the operation of a S/D box type 1B on a sample unit at VTC Control workshop.

FIRE & GAS SYSTEM,The text outlines the purpose and architecture of fire and gas systems, including various detectors such as manual call points, smoke detectors, ionization smoke detectors, photoelectric "optical" smoke detectors, heat detectors, oil mist detectors, ultra violet flame detectors, infra-red flame detectors, combined ultra violet/infra-red flame detectors, flammable gas detectors, toxic gas detectors, spill detectors, and fusible plugs. The system also includes detector interface modules such as fire, flammable, and toxic gas detectors. The text also discusses the electrical operation of the system, the interface between the DCS and F&GCP, event logging, fire extinguishering control system, total flood systems, and flood systems. The system also covers the operation of the fire detection and protection system, hydrocarbon gas detection, and toxic gas detection. The system overview includes the main panel, operator facilites panel, power supply unit, fireman's panel, and sample fire and gas equipment layout.

DISTRIBUTED CONTROL SYSTEMSThis module focuses on the Distributed Control System (DCS) in Oil/Gas facilities, its main elements, architecture, control loop concept, and advantages and disadvantages. It covers the DCS Bailey INFI-90 overview, hardware components, functional blocks, INFI-NET data highway interfaces, and alarm management system. The module also covers the advantages and disadvantages of DCS, its advantages and disadvantages, and the importance of maintaining the system. Communication between the Operator Interface and Controller is done via a single coaxial cable, which is typically a network. The network consists of two active and passive cables, with the active cable allowing communication and the passive cable allowing only listening. Other units can join the network, provided it is not overloaded. The Distributed Control Concept addresses the problems of large computers and data corruption in distributed control systems. The system database consists of inputs and outputs, with inputs being analog signals for data processing, modulating control, digital signals, digital pulsed signals, logic signals, signals to standalone equipment packages, and other computer signals. Outputs are analog signals to control valves, with electrical data signals being converted to pneumatic by a P-I converter.

PROGRAMMABLE LOGIC CONTROLLERS,This module focuses on Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), which are digital electronic devices that use a programmable memory to store instructions and implement specific functions to control machines and processes. PLCs have evolved from electromechanical devices to solid-state devices and digital electronics, offering flexibility, operational efficiency, and versatility. They can perform all logic functions, do arithmetic operations, and sense analogue changes in manufacturing operations. The module covers power supply, input/output modules, processor operation, memory allocation, programming devices, programming languages, writing programming sheets, storage, entering the program, and multiplexing systems. A Programmable Language Controller (PLC) is a device that can be programmed by the user, contains pre-programmed functions, scans memory and inputs and outputs deterministically, provides error checking and diagnostics, can be monitored, is packaged appropriately, and has general-purpose suitability. Its basic parts include the power supply, input/output interface sections, processor section, and programming section. The power supply provides voltage levels and charges an internal battery to prevent memory loss. The input/output interface section receives information from various sensors and interfaces it with the low power digital processor section.

OIL FIELD HAZARDOUS AREA CLASSIFICATION.Hazardous areas are areas where explosive gas-air mixtures are present, creating potential dangers in handling and storage areas. With the introduction of electronic and electrical instrumentation, the risk of ignition by electrical energy has increased. Special precautions are taken to prevent ignition of an explosive mixture. Electrical apparatus must be selected according to the zone of risk, ignition energy, and surface temperature produced by the equipment. All electrical equipment for use in hazardous areas must conform to standards issued by the British Standards Institute, IEC, and CENELEC. Intrinsically safe electrical apparatus is the highest level of safety in hazardous areas. Electrical installations in hazardous areas should be minimized, but a code of practice has been developed to select appropriate equipment based on zones and protection types. Methods to prevent igniting the surrounding atmosphere include flameproof enclosures, increased safety, intrinsic safety, pressurized enclosures, oil immersion, powder filled enclosures, non-sparking and restricted breathing, special protection, and moulded/encapsulated apparatus. Hazardous materials are grouped based on their ease of ignition, with four groups in Europe: gas groups, surface groups, and hot surface ignition.

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.

FINAL CONTROL ELEMENTS /CONTROL VALVE,The final control element in process systems is typically a pneumatically actuated control valve, which regulates the flow of fluid and provides power to translate the controller's output to the process. Pneumatics is used due to its popularity and low operating pressures, making it suitable for safe operation in oil and gas facilities.

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,The objectives of level measurement include direct methods such as dip-sticks, dip-rods, weighted gauge tape, sight glasses, tubular or reflex, magnetic type sight gauges, floats, indirect methods like the Diaphragm-box System and hydrostatic pressure meters, open and closed vessels, dry legs, calibration formulas, bubble tube systems, displacement devices, torque tube, conductivity level sensors, automatic tank gauge (ATG) level system, sonic and ultrasonic level sensors, level transmitters, level trolling, interface level, level switches, high and low level alarms.

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 scales and instruments are used in various industries for various measurements, and regular calibration is crucial for accurate measurements. Regulations for weighing instruments and calibration are provided by the European Institute of Standards and Technology (EISM). The calibration process involves understanding the technical characteristics of the weighing instrument, accuracy requirements, and what to do if calibration fails. The calibration procedure should specify where to place the load during the test and document the locations. An eccentricity test should be used at least one-third of the max load of the weighing instrument. Although the eccentricity test is important to determine the difference caused by the load location, it is not necessary to have an accurate calibrated load. Regular calibration is essential for the 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.