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Rick Williams
Rawson & Co., Inc.
Address
The purpose of this paper is to offer a brief explanation the true value of what is actually being measured.
and discussion of many key terms used in describing Accuracy is normally expressed as plus or minus a
instrument accuracy. The terms included within this percentage of either reading, calibrated span or the full
discussion are most commonly used for defining scale of the instrument. Accuracy is one of the most
performance standards with primary sensing elements critical factors to consider when applying an instrument
typically used in the measurement of flow, level pressure for a given application. Accuracy is also a term that is
and temperature instruments. Many of the terms used most misunderstood by the typical user. The reason for
may apply to controllers, recorders and final control this misunderstanding is due to the myriad of effects on
elements. However, the focus provided herein is the instrument accuracy and the ability of manufacturers to
primary element device. The specific devices include offer var ying interpretations for the expression of
transmitters (differential pressure and temperature) and instrument accuracy. In the world of marketing this is
flow meters (e.g. magnetic, vortex, turbine, variable area commonly known as creative “specmanship”.
and positive displacement).
Accuracy Statements
This paper is written for the benefit of the typical user of • % Reading (% Rate)
instrumentation products to include instrument engineers • % Calibrated Span
and technicians. A comprehensive discussion of • % Full Scale
precision measurement must address calibration and
traceability issues. The scope of this paper will be limited
to discussing the terms associated with the application
of instruments rather than addressing the issues of
maintaining accuracy. Calibration is a key issue in
determining the continuous performance of an
instrument and is worthy of discussion. However, it is
complex enough to warrant a separate discussion.
Accuracy is a composite statement of performance that Absolute accuracy is a term that defines how the
defines the quality of the instrument measurement. It is performance of an instrument relates to a traceable
the difference between the reading of an instrument and standard.
Damping does not affect instrument accuracy but does Piping effects (flow profile effects): The installation of
have an effect on the quality of the control loop. Damping the instrument has the potential for greatly affecting
is used to slow the response of the instrument to process accuracy. Whether the application is liquid, gas or steam,
changes. It is necessary to use damping when there is the flow profile entering the instrument typically dictates
process noise and/or input fluctuations that are the ultimate performance. Reynolds number constraints,
undesirable for control. Damping is a means to average turbulence, grounding, buildup on pipe walls,
the process variable over time in order to stabilize the degradation of orifice plates, positioning of elbows,