Calibration is a comparison between measurements one of known magnitude and another measurement made in as similar a way as possible with

h a second device. The device with the known or assigned correctness is called the standard. The second device is the unit under test, test instrument, or any of several other names for the device being calibrated.

Input (whole measuring range)

Instrument to be calibrated

Instrument Output

Instrument of Higher Standard

The input value with known accuracy Ensure the calibration is done under the specified environmental conditions

Environmental Conditions (Modifying Inputs)

Standard Instrument

Fig.1 Calibration of Instrument

Instrument Calibration
Calibration can be called for: with a new instrument when a specified time period is elapsed when a specified usage (operating hours) has elapsed when an instrument has had a shock or vibration which potentially may have put it out of calibration sudden changes in weather whenever observations appear questionable

Selection Criteria
The selection of measuring instruments depends on the measurement to be performed. Generally, three characteristics are considered; these are: The range and magnitude of the parameter to be measured and the accuracy of the measurement

The accuracy or uncertainty of the measuring instrument should comply with the accuracy requirement of the parameter to be measured.

Table 1. A typical format for instrument record used in SHRIRAM

TEMPERATURE SENSORS USED IN SHRIRAM

Temperature is a physical property of matter that quantitatively expresses the degree of hottness and coldness The flow rate increases with the temperature difference, while no heat will be exchanged between bodies of the same temperature, which are then said to be in "thermal equilibrium".

The things that we need to keep in mind when selecting temperature sensor:

1-)

Desired temperature range

2-)

Tolerable limit

Conditions under which the measurement is to be performed

3-)

1. THERMOCOUPLE
2.RTD

THERMOCOUPLE
Thermocouples are a widely used type of temperature sensor for measurement and control and can also be used to convert a temperature into voltage.
They are inexpensive, interchangeable, are supplied with standard connectors, and can measure a wide range of temperatures.

Basic Working Principle

The principle of operation is on the Seebeck effect. A temperature difference along a conductor creates an EMF. If two conductors of different materials are joined at one point, an EMF is created between the open ends which is dependent upon the temperature of the junction.

The junction is placed in the process, the other end is in iced water at 0C. This is called the reference junction

A thermocouple construction consist of two conductors, welded together at the measuring point and insulated from each other long the length. It will usually have an outer protection sheath.

RESISTANCE TEMPERATURE DETECTOR(RTD)

Resistance temperature detectors (RTDs) are typically made of nickel, copper, or platinum. These devices have a near-linear positive temperature coefficient from 200C to 800C

Temperature is determined by measuring resistance and then using the RTDs resistance vs. temperature characteristics to calculate temperature.
Accuracy, long-term electrical (resistance) stability, element linearity.

Principle of Operation:
RTDs are manufactured from metals whose resistance increases with temperature. Within a limited temperature range, this resistivity increases linearly with temperature: Rt = R0 [1 + a (t t0 )] where: Rt = resistivity at temperature, t R0 = resistivity at a standard temperature, t 0 a = temperature coefficient of resistance (C )

RTD Advantages :
Wide temperature range Repeatability and stability High output Linearity

METHODS OF CALIBRATION
Purpose Source : Calibration of temperature controller and indicators : Universal calibrator/resistance box 1)Connect UUC to source. 2)Set the milivolts/resistance on source & note the reading of UUC 3)If reading doesnt come within tolerace adjust the inside the UUC to maintain the desired value within tolerance limit. 4)If reading are again found to be out of tolerance during next calibration ,the UUC is rejected & will not be used again.

Procedure : corresponding

potentiometer

Instruments used Calibration system and procedures operated

Calibration record Measurement requirements (such as environmental conditions) Safety instructions for operators of instruments

Table 1. A typical format for instrument record used in SHRIRAM