CALIBRATION & BUMPTESTING

Callbration Gases
o{ Standards and Technology
National lnstitute
(NISI traceable gravimetric blends are
recommended for most critical applications (gas
monitors). These miKures are prepared by the most
appropriate method by weighing the components
into a cylinder using a highJoad, high-sensitivity
balance, calibrated with weights traceable to the
NIST. Weighing accuracY generally exceeds the
accuracy of instrumentation analysis. However,
these mixtures are always analyzed to ensure that
the listed composition is actually being supplied
lndustrial Scientific Corporation calibration gas is
NIST traceable and carries an accuracy per the chart
below

MlXTURETOLERANCE
Minor components are certified to
the following analytical accuracy: INDUSTR'AL
51-250 ppm +l- 2ok SC'ENTIFIC
21-50 ppm +l- 5"/o
1-20 ppm +l-10Yo PART N0: 1810 2181
EXPIBATIo DATE: oct 2019 sDS N0; 3588
Volum.- 1. Cu. Fi. PRESSURE lo00 PSIG @ 70"F

The example to the right is a label from a four gas

cylinder of calibration gas. You should be able to
locate and identify: GAS GOMPOSITI()N

1. Part Number co Pom rs I co ccrrBATlol'l

2. Expiration Date

3. Gases and Concentrations

4. Lot Number

lllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllr- 1ot1400120 cvl:e

2s PPM H2Sfi00 PPil COl25% LELI19% OZN2

,NDUSTR'AL
EetENrffrc
 .ALTBRAT.N & BUMPTESTNG
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Calibration Gas Cylinder Expiration

GROUP EXPIRES GASTYPE

36 months LEL (Pentane, Methane, H2, etc)
o2
CO
Coz
24 months HzS
24 months Soz
18 months NHs
18 months NO
18 months HCN
8 months Clz
12 months HCI
6 months Noz
18 months PHs
12 months 4 Gas Bumper Cylinder
CO Bumper Cylinder

NOTE: Group las well as H25, NO2 and SO2 trom Group ll and Group lll can be used in a combination cylinder. lf using a
combination cylinder, the exp ration date will default to the gas that will expire first.

Criteria For Determination of Sensor lntegrity

Sensors, whether for combustible gases, oxygen,
or toxic gases. have a finite life. The factors which
determine if a sensor should be replaced are realized
during the calibration process.
Cglibration is the process of challenging an
instrument to respond by applying a metered
calibration gas concentration to a specific sensor. A
functional sensor should yield readings in proportion
to the concentration of gas being applied. Variances
between the known concentration of calibration gas
and the steady state reading of the instrument will be
adjusted through the instrument's microprocessor.
Typical response time is approximately 2 minutes for
most toxic sensors, although the more reactive toxic
gas sensors may take longer.
1. Check the volume of the calibration cylinder
to insure proper flow of gas for the entire
calibration process.
2. Check the gas composition in the cylinder
matches the sensors in the instrument.
3. Check the expiration date and ensure that the
cylinder has not expired.
4. Check the water barriers and filters on the
instrument. Replace filters as needed.
If the sensor farls calibration, replace the sensor
then calibrate the instrument.
NOTE: For sensor replacement and calibration. follow lhe
recommended procedures listed in the instrument's instruction
manual.

@2018 lndustrial Scientific Corporation

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Sensor Feplacement Guidelines

The following factors affect ,"n.or. p"rfor*.n.J. Span Reserve

These factors should be verified before a sensor
can be determined acceptable. A failure in any
category below shall be a reason to have the
sensor replaced. For more accurate results, these
checks should be done in a clean environment.
Visual lnspection
Check for contaminated screens and Goretex
membranes, blocked inlet ports, loose or corroded
connections, leaks, and cracks.
The amount of sensor life left assuming normal
usage. Prior to testing the span reserve, the
sensor should be properly zeroed and stable.
When monitoring the display of an instrument, the
following guidelines should be used when viewing
a span reserve:
. Good Calibration is above 70% applied cal gas
. Marginal Calibration is between 69-50% applied
cal gas

NOTE: Cracked toxic sensors are acceptable to use provided

. Failed Calibration is below 50% applied cal gas
that they work electrically. Discolored combustible sensor NOTE: These span reserve guidelanes are for servicing
screens are common and acceptable provided that they work purposes.The sensor should be replaced if guidelines are not
electrically. met. These guidelines can be used by the user as a reference
for "when to order" replacement sensors,
Cross Sensitivity
A sensor's reaction to an interfering gas. Exposing
a sensor to a gas that is not the target of the
sensor can reduce sensor longevity or inhibit
sensor response.

Response
The sensor s ability to react to its particular design
gas in the time specified, the instrument should be
calibrated.

EXAMPLE: 90% of reading in 30 seconds

NOTE: Combustible sensors should be tested to a second
type of gas; preferably methane and/or pentane.

INDUSTRIAL
SCIENfiFrc