“Kalibraatio” is the Swedish word for “calibration,” this word is important in the field of measurement technology. While calibration may sound technical, it is important for assuring all quality controls in the industrial world: manufacturering, healthcare, engineering, scientific research, and more.
Fundamentally, calibration is the comparison of measuring devices and instruments to a standard measurement. It helps verify the accuracy of a measuring instrument and detects any possible errors, circumventing expensive technological failures, and safety hazards.
In this article, we will look at the definition of kalibraatio, it’s significance, methods of performing and the locations of its usage. Further, we present the Q&A section covering the most essential points, which we believe will help grasp the wide concepts of calibrating system instruments.
What is Kalibraatio (Calibration)?
Kalibraatio is measuring and comparing the readings of a measuring instrument to a reference standard to verify accuracy, hence, calibrating it. “Standard” in this case is a device or substance possessing a measuring value which is known and certified, and is held by national or international standards bodies.
A thermometer can be calibrated by using ‘zero’ degrees Celsius water freezing (0°C) or ‘one hundred’ degrees boiling (100°C at 1 atm) steam. For example, if a thermometer reads 98°C in boiling water, it has either to be recalibrated or noted as faulty.
Key elements of calibrating a thermometer
1. Comparison:
The measuring instrument is compared to a known accurate standard instrument. This aids in determining value deviation in the measurements taken.
2. Adjustment (if necessary):
If the measuring instrument is inaccurate, it is often possible to make a correction to better approximate the accurate value.
3. Documentation:
Every control, adjustment, and measurement uncertainty step is recorded. This is done for quality control, and auditing purposes.
4. Recalibration:
Instruments should be recalibrated regularly. This frequency is governed and assigned by usage frequency, environmental factors, and regulations.
Why Kalibraatio is Important
1. Accuracy and Precision:
All measurements are vital, especially for the healthcare sector like blood pressure monitors, or in the advanced manufacturing world like CNC machines.
2. Compliance with Standards:
Many industries are governed by international ISO 9001. This standard requires measuring instruments to be calibrated periodically.
3. Quality Assurance:
Calibrating measuring instruments ensures product specification which minimizes waste and customer complaints.
4. Safety:
In fields such as Aviation or Pharmaceuticals, a small error in measurement can lead to tragic outcomes.
The Calibration Process: Step By Step
1. Preparation:
The specific instrument to be calibrated should be cleaned and checked for any damage. Also, check whether the surrounding environment is stable and favorable, for example if the temperature is controlled.
2. Reference Selection:
An appropriate calibration standard should be selected. The calibration standard should ideally be linked to a national or international measuring entity like NIST or PTB.
3. Comparison Measurement:
Check the instrument’s output against the standard measurement’s value. Mark down any discrepancies.
4. Adjustment (if necessary)
Calibrate the instrument to be properly adjusted and matched to the standard’s measurement to be within the acceptable tolerances.
5. Labeling and document
Label and record the calibration data containing, but not limited to: date, technician, results, and due date for the next calibration. Also, attach a calibration tag to the instrument.
6. Verification after Calibration
Check the instrument for the determined accuracy after the necessary adjustments have been made.
Practical Uses of Kalibraatio
Kalibraatio Thermo, ECG and infusion devices has a direct impact on patient care. As a result, accuracy and precision is a must in the measurement devices.
- Manufacturing of Components:
In industrial manufacturing, calibrated measurement instruments are necessary to ensure that parts and components are manufactured accurately to the required standards.
- Aerospace and Aviation:
Extreme care must be taken when dealing with aviation and aerospace equipment as precision in navigation and communication devices are crucial. A mistake as small as a millimeter can lead to catastrophic outcomes.
- Research and Labs:
In a lab, carrying out experiments with precision tools is necessary because such tools guarantee accuracy and the ability to replicate the experiments multiple times.
- Environmental Monitoring:
Keeping the public safe requires accurate measurement of air quality, water, as well as radiation, and even the water’s pH.
Calibration vs. Adjustment
It’s important to note that calibration and adjustment are not the same:
- Calibration is comparing the sample with the set standard.
- Adjustment is correcting the sample so that it matches the set standard.
Sometimes devices that are calibrated may not require adjustments and other times, devices may require corrections.
How Frequent is Calibration Required?
These factors determine it:
- Calibration expiration set by the manufacturers
- How often the instrument is used
- Environmental factors
- Compliance with the law
- How critical the measurement system is.
An example is a device that may be used in harsh industrialized environments requires greater frequency of calibration compared to a rarely used balance in the labs.
Q&A Section: Understanding Kalibraatio
Q1: Is kalibraatio limited to advanced and complex equipment?
A1: Simple equipment such as rulers and bathroom scales, as well as thermometers used in the kitchen, are all benefited by kalibraatio.
Q2: Who carries out calibration?
A2: In-house quality assessment teams or designated calibration labs that have specific equipment and defined standards to meet the compliance need are the ones to carry out calibration.
Q3: What do you do when a device fails a calibration check?
A3: If a device is found to be out of tolerance it will need to either be adjusted, repaired, or if deemed critical, even fully replaced.
Q4: What is calibration traceability?
A4: With calibration traceability, it ensures that whatever is being measured is connected to a recognized standard either nationally or internationally, thus guaranteeing its credibility.
Q5: What is the impact of digital technology in calibration?
A5: Digital devices will usually come with a self-calibration function, error detection, and a log. These do add some value, but there still needs to be an external calibration to check these features.
The Future of Kalibraatio
As with any technology, the need for precise calibration will increase. The adoption of AI, IoT devices, and smart sensors increase the magnitude and intricacy of the devices that need to be calibrated. Systems of remote and automated calibration are already being designed in an attempt to reduce the amount of human error and to modernize traditional down-time-heavy methods.
Additionally, industries are shifting towards predictive maintenance — analyzing when a calibration is due rather than adhering to timelines. This enhances efficiency while ensuring precision.
Conclusion
Kalibraatio – the Swedish word for Calibration – reminds us, in every digital or mechanical process, it is a significant guarantee that the measurement devices are accurate and trustworthy. Calibration, through comparing, adjusting, and measuring, helps to build trust in the data, products, and safety.
Across a laboratory, a hospital, a factory, or a research center; calibration helps ensure that what is measured is calibrated with reality. As technology continues to evolve and with it, the dependency on precision, importance of kalibraatio will grow.
