Calibrating a gas detector is critical to ensure its accuracy and reliability in detecting potentially harmful gases in various environments. Macurco recommends testing and calibration at least once per year at a minimum, but depending on the application and risk potential of the application, a greater frequency might be needed. Check with local authorities for any specific local regulations. Calibration of our gas detectors will only take a few minutes; we also have an in-house tech support team that can talk you through the steps.

Calibration vs. Bump Tests

Calibration – Gas calibration is the process of exposing a sensor to a target gas at a specific concentration and then adjusting the gas detector to read that gas concentration properly.

Bump Test – A bump test is a very brief exposure of a monitor to a gas to help verify that the sensors respond and the alarms are functioning – bump tests do not measure the instrument’s accuracy; more importantly, it gives the user confidence in its ability to recognize and respond when a hazard is present

Here are several reasons why calibrating a gas detector is important:

Why Calibration is Crucial

1. Accuracy Assurance: Gas detectors are used to identify and measure the presence and concentration of gases, often hazardous ones. Calibration ensures that the readings provided by the detector are accurate and correspond to actual gas concentrations.
2. Safety: In settings where gases can jeopardize health and safety, such as industrial facilities, laboratories, and confined spaces, a properly calibrated gas detector can issue timely warnings, enabling individuals to take necessary precautions or evacuate as needed.
3. Compliance: Many industries have regulatory standards and safety protocols that mandate regular calibration of gas detectors. Compliance with these standards ensures workplace safety and may be a legal requirement.
4. Reliability: Calibration helps maintain the reliability of the gas detector over time. Environmental factors, exposure to certain gases, and normal wear and tear can affect the detector’s accuracy. Regular calibration helps to identify and address any discrepancies.
5. Quality Control: In industrial processes or laboratory settings where gas concentrations impact product quality, calibration ensures that gas levels are monitored accurately, maintaining the quality of the final product.
6. Peace of Mind: Regular calibration provides users with peace of mind, assuring them that the gas detector is functioning correctly and delivering accurate readings in critical situations.
7. Data Integrity: Calibrated gas detectors provide reliable data for analysis and decision-making. Accurate data is essential for trend analysis, risk assessment, or process optimization.

Macurco 6 & 12 Series Gas Detection Calibration Video

Misconceptions About Calibrating Gas Monitors

1. Unfortunately for the industry, there are dangerous rumors that suggest industry-standard maintenance recommendations are unnecessary and manufacturer recommendations are just a tactic to sell calibration gas.Several misconceptions exist about gas calibration that can lead to confusion or misunderstandings. Here are a few:
   1. “Calibration is a One-Time Task”:  Some people believe that if they calibrate a gas detector or other instrument once, it will last forever, but this is not the case. Calibration is a continuous process, and the instrument’s accuracy can change over time due to environmental conditions, use, and the aging of components. Therefore, it is important to recalibrate the instrument on a regular basis.
   2. “Calibration Equals Adjustment”: Calibration is the process of verifying and adjusting the data of a device to meet accepted standards. Not all calibration needs to be changed; sometimes, it is enough to confirm that the device is within an acceptable range and requires no adjustments.
   3. “One Gas Fits All”: Assuming that using a single calibration gas across different types of detectors or gases is accurate can be misleading. Every gas detector is built to measure different gases, and calibration means using the right gas for that particular detector and gas type.
   4. “Calibration Equals Repair”: When a gas detector displays inaccurate readings, the assumption might be that calibration alone will fix the issue. While calibration addresses accuracy, malfunctioning sensors or other mechanical problems might require repairs beyond standard calibration procedures.
   5. “Self-Calibrating Means No External Checks Needed”: While some devices claim to be self-calibrating, periodic external calibration against known standards remains crucial to validate and ensure accuracy despite any internal checks these devices might perform.
   6. “Calibration Erases Drifts Permanently”: Although calibration corrects instrument drifts, it does not permanently eliminate them. Instruments can still experience drift over time, so regular calibration checks are necessary to maintain accuracy.
   7. “Calibration Guarantees Perfect Accuracy Forever”: Even after calibration, there might be slight deviations in readings due to various factors. Regular checks, maintenance, and recalibration are necessary to ensure accuracy over time.

   Knowing these misunderstandings aids in recognizing the significance of consistent, precise, and thorough calibration procedures for gas detectors and instruments. Calibration is crucial, but it must be supported by appropriate maintenance, usage, and regular checks to guarantee reliability and accuracy.

Cal-Kits come with a calibration case, Tygon Tubing (2’), Cal Hood Pack, and a 0.2LPM Regulator. Must order gas separately.

Macurco Calibration Kit Options

Tips for Calibration

1. For a gas detector to reliably detect hazardous gases, it is vital to calibrate it accurately. Some tips for effective calibration include:

   1. Follow Manufacturer Guidelines: Always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines for calibration procedures specific to your gas detector model. This ensures you follow the correct steps and use the recommended calibration gases and tools.
   2. Choose the Right Calibration Gas: To ensure accurate measurements, use calibration gases with certified concentrations of the specific gases your detector is designed to measure. The calibration gas concentrations should span the full detection range of your instrument.
   3. Prepare the Environment: Perform calibration in a well-ventilated area free of potential gas contamination. Ensure the detector and calibration equipment are at the same temperature and not exposed to extreme conditions that could impact readings.
   4. Check for Contaminants: To receive accurate readings, ensure the gas detector and its components are clean and free from any debris or contamination that could interfere with calibration or affect sensor accuracy.
   5. Perform Zero Calibration: Start by zeroing the detector in a clean environment with zero gas (usually nitrogen or zero air) to establish a baseline reading. This step ensures the detector is reading zero when there’s no gas present.
   6. Perform Span Calibration: To calibrate the detector across its measurement range, apply calibration gas with known concentrations and adjust the detector’s settings as needed until the readings align with the known gas concentrations.
   7. Allow for Stabilization:  After exposing the detector to calibration gas, allow time for the sensors to stabilize before taking readings. This will allow the sensors to adjust and provide more accurate results.
   8. Document Calibration Details: Keep a record of the calibration process, including the date, technician performing the calibration, calibration gases used, any adjustments made, and the readings before and after calibration. Proper documentation is essential for compliance and future reference.
   9. Regular Calibration Schedule: Establish a routine calibration schedule based on the manufacturer’s recommendations, industry standards, and usage frequency. Regular calibration ensures the detector maintains accuracy over time.
   10. Post-Calibration Validation: After calibration, conduct validation checks using additional calibration gases or bump tests to verify that the detector accurately responds to known concentrations.

   By following these tips and maintaining a meticulous calibration process, you can ensure that your gas detector provides accurate and reliable readings, thereby enhancing safety in various environments.

   Calibrating a gas detector is crucial for maintaining safety, complying with regulations, ensuring accuracy, and guaranteeing the reliability of gas concentration measurements. Regular calibration helps prevent potential hazards and ensures the proper functioning of the detector when it’s needed most.

   About Macurco Gas Detection

   Macurco Inc. designs, develops, and manufactures a complete set of fixed and portable gas detection monitors to protect workers, responders, and the community. Macurco has over 50 years of proven gas detection experience in residential, commercial, and industrial gas monitoring. Macurco gas detection systems (HVAC, Fire & Security, AimSafety, and TracXP) are widely recognized by distributors and users for their high performance and consistent reliability.

   Macurco is based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Learn more at www.macurco.com.

   For more information about Macurco products, applications, or gases, please get in touch with Macurco at 877-367-7891 or email us at [email protected].