Accredited Pressure Gauge Calibration Services
In industrial environments, an inaccurate pressure reading can mean the difference between efficient operation and a catastrophic system failure. At DRS Technologies, we provide professional pressure gauge calibration services to ensure your instruments provide the reliable data required for safety and process integrity. Our laboratory specializes in calibrating a wide range of gauges, from low-pressure vacuum sensors to high-capacity hydraulic indicators.
Why Precision Pressure Calibration is Vital for Site Safety
Pressure gauges are mechanical or electronic devices subject to wear from vibration, pressure spikes, and environmental exposure. Over time, the internal Bourdon tube or sensing element can lose its elasticity, leading to “measurement drift.” Regular calibration by DRS Technologies identifies these errors, ensuring your facility remains compliant with ISO 9001 and OSHA safety regulations.
Our Technical Pressure Calibration Process
Our technicians follow a rigorous protocol to verify your gauge’s accuracy across its entire operating range:
-
Pre-Test Inspection: We check the gauge for lens clarity, pointer movement, and port threads to ensure the unit is safe to pressurize.
-
Multi-Point Verification: Using high-precision digital calibrators or dead weight testers, we compare your gauge against a NIST-traceable reference at 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of its full scale.
-
Hysteresis and Repeatability Analysis: We test the gauge during both increasing and decreasing pressure cycles to ensure the pointer returns to the same position consistently.
-
Correction and Adjustment: If the gauge is out of tolerance, we perform internal adjustments (when possible) to bring the readings back into the required accuracy class (e.g., Grade A, 1A, or 2A).
-
Detailed Certification: Every service concludes with a certificate of calibration featuring “As-Found” and “As-Left” data, uncertainty measurements, and traceability documentation.
Specialized Expertise for All Pressure Instrumentation
We support a broad spectrum of pressure-measuring technology, including:
-
Analog Pressure Gauges: Standard industrial, liquid-filled, and test gauges.
-
Digital Pressure Gauges: High-precision electronic indicators and transducers.
-
Differential Pressure Gauges: Used for filter monitoring and flow measurement.
-
Vacuum and Compound Gauges: Measuring both positive and negative pressures.
-
Pressure Switches and Transmitters: Verifying electrical trip points and output signals.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Pressure Calibration
What is the ASME B40.100 standard for pressure gauges?
ASME B40.100 is the standard that governs the accuracy, construction, and testing requirements for pressure gauges. It defines accuracy classes (such as Grade 2A, which allows for $\pm$0.5% error). DRS Technologies calibrates gauges to meet or exceed these specific industry classifications.
How often should a pressure gauge be calibrated?
For most industrial applications, a twelve-month calibration interval is recommended. However, gauges used in high-vibration environments, systems with frequent pressure cycling, or safety-critical applications should be calibrated every six months.
What is the difference between a dry and liquid-filled gauge during calibration?
Liquid-filled gauges (usually glycerine or silicone) are designed to dampen vibration and lubricate internal parts. During calibration, these require specific handling to ensure no air bubbles interfere with the reading and that the fill fluid hasn’t discolored or leaked, which could affect pointer movement.