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Why calibrate Gas Detectors, especially newly purchased instruments?

Why do you need to calibrate Gas Detectors, especially for new purchases?  Picture 1

Gas Detectors use sensors to measure the level of a target gas. Why calibrate a new sensor? Sensor performance is prone to drift over time and exposure to gaseous environments. That's why you need to calibrate them regularly - to make sure the sensors are working properly.

What is involved in the calibration process? Calibration involves testing the sensor against known calibration standards and making adjustments to correct for any inaccuracies. "Known Calibration Standards" are the contents of the calibration gas cylinders.

Why do I need calibration even though my Gas Detector is fairly new? And once it's in use and exposed to gas, the sensor starts to work. Once they get to work, they tend to "drift" easily. Other gases can actually poison some sensors, making them impossible to calibrate.

For example, LEL sensors can be severely affected by exposure to silicon-based products.

Many Gas Detectors come with a docking station to allow bump testing and full calibration at your own premises. If not, the Gas Detector manufacturer can assist you in performing the calibration.

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