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Standard Calibration Procedure for

Doc. No. :
Pressure Calibrator, Master Gauges & Rev.01 Aug 2022
INAT/MECH/LCP-002
Digital Indicator

LAB CALIBRATION PROCEDURE FOR

CALIBRATION OF PRESSURE CALIBRATORS,

MASTER GAUGES & DIGITAL INDICATORS

Prepared by

Mohsin Abdullah Signature Date : Aug-2022

Reviewed by

Muhammad Azam Signature Date : Aug-2022

Approved by

Nadeem Ahmed Signature Date : Aug-2022

Controlled Copy No. Uncontrolled Copy

Issued to:

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Standard Calibration Procedure for

Doc. No. :
Pressure Calibrator, Master Gauges & Rev.01 Aug 2022
INAT/MECH/LCP-002
Digital Indicator

Table of Contents

Sr. No. Title Page No(s).

1.0 Purpose 03
2.0 Scope 03
3.0 Normative references 03
4.0 Terms and definitions 03~04
5.0 General Requirements 05
6.0 Reference standard 05
7.0 Preliminary Operations 05~06
8.0 Calibration Process for Hydraulic calibrators/gauges 06~07
9.0 Calibration of Pneumatic calibrators/gauges 08~09
10.0 Calculation of Measurement Uncertainty 09
11.0 Associated Documents 09

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Standard Calibration Procedure for

Doc. No. :
Pressure Calibrator, Master Gauges & Rev.01 Aug 2022
INAT/MECH/LCP-002
Digital Indicator

1.0 Purpose
Purpose of this Lab Calibration Procedure is to provide guideline for the calibration of
Pneumatic / hydraulic pressure Calibrators, Master pressure gauges & Digital pressure
indicators (All Types).

2.0 Scope

This calibration procedure is applicable for all types of pressure calibrators, master
gauges and pressure indicators (Analogue and Digital). The procedure covers
pressure ranges up to 1200 bar (hydraulic) and 28 bar (Pneumatic), accuracy classes
0.025, 0.05, 0.1, 0.25, 0.6, 1.0, 1.6, and 2.5 as per BS EN 837-1.

3.0 Normative references

 BS EN 837-1:
 DKD R-6-1
 NPL Guide No. 101.
 OIML Recommendation No. R 109: 1993E.
 OIML R110, Edition 1994(E)
 Operating Manual of Dead Weight tester CPB3800.
 Quality Manual of INAT for ISO/IEC 17025.

4.0 Terms and definitions

For the purpose of this Lab Calibration Procedure following definitions shall apply:
4.1 Calibration
The set of operations which establishes under specific conditions the relationship
between value indicated by a measuring instrument or measuring system or values
represented by a material measure and the corresponding known value of the
measurand.
4.2 Traceability
The property of a measurement result whereby it can be related to appropriate standards
generally national or international standards through an unbroken chain of comparisons.
4.3 Measurement Standards
A Material measure, measuring instrument or system intended to define, realize,
conserve or reproduce a unit by one or more known value of a quantity, in order to
transmit them to other measuring instruments by comparison.
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Standard Calibration Procedure for

Doc. No. :
Pressure Calibrator, Master Gauges & Rev.01 Aug 2022
INAT/MECH/LCP-002
Digital Indicator

Note
In this method a measurement standard is the “Unit under test”.
4.4 UUT (Unit Under Test)
Unit Under Test is the instrument, which is being calibrated by this method statement.
4.5 Reference Standard
A standard generally of a highest metrological quality available from which
measurements made at a given location are derived.

4.6 Uncertainty of Measurement

It is an estimate of the uncertainty of the result of a calibration. The estimate is obtained
by multiplying the combined uncertainty by a coverage factor.
4.7 Internal Uncertainty or Type “A”

The component of uncertainty, which is caused by type “A” errors and is evaluated from
the measurement results using statistical methods.
4.8 External Uncertainty or Type “B”
It is the component of uncertainty, which is caused by Type “B” errors and is evaluated
by non-statistical methods from the external factors having influence on the
measurement.
4.9 Linearity
The function, which define the relationship between Pressure applied to (UUT) and the
Pressure generated by Reference Standard.
4.10 Hysteresis
The difference in the reading of the measuring instrument observed when readings taken
at increasing Pressures are compared with readings taken at decreasing Pressures.
4.11 Repeatability
The degree of agreement between results of successive measurements of the same
measurand carried out under identical conditions, with identical methods and over a
short period of time.
4.12 Resolution
The difference in Pressure units between two successive scales marks on the measuring
instruments.
4.13 Absolute error of measurement
It is the result of a measurement minus true value of the measurand. Error is numerically
equal to correction but opposite in sign.

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Standard Calibration Procedure for

Doc. No. :
Pressure Calibrator, Master Gauges & Rev.01 Aug 2022
INAT/MECH/LCP-002
Digital Indicator

4.14 Maximum permissible error

Extreme values of error permitted by specification / class
4.15 Gauge Pressure
The value of pressure measured with respect to atmospheric pressure.
4.16 Ambient pressure
The pressure surrounding a device, often equal to the prevailing atmospheric pressure.
4.17 Maximum Permissible Error
Extreme values of error permitted by specifications / class of an UUT .
4.18 Fluid head pressure
Pressure generated by a fluid column under the influence of gravity.

5.0 General Requirements

5.1 Preliminary Inspection

5.1.1 The calibration of Pressure calibrators and Digital Indicators should be performed
only after it is visually inspected and found in good working conditions. This
means that:
(a) All the pressure inlet / outlet connections must be free of damage, dirt or dust.
(b) Movement of all the valves i.e, vent, regulating and isolating must be smooth.
(c) There must be no physical damage like cracking of casing and body.
(d) Power cable and transducer cable must be properly secured and shielded.
(e) All key pad and functional switches must be working properly.
5.1.2 The calibration should be performed only after the pressure gauge is visually
inspected and found in good working condition. This means that;
(a) The gauge must have no traces of corrosion, dents, dirt or dust on the case.
(b) The thread on the coupling and seal should be in good condition.
(c) The protective window in front of the dial shall be without scratches and color
change or other changes that may impair the reading of the indication.
(d) The tip of the pointer at the reading point shall be such that the parallax error
does not exceed 1/10 of the scale interval.
(e) The pointer of the instrument provided with a zero setting device shall be
placed on the zero line in the normal operating position at ambient pressure.
(f) The width of the pointer shall not be greater than the width of the scale mark.
(g) Pressure port of the gauge must be clean and free of obstructions.
5.2 Laboratory Environment

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Doc. No. :
Pressure Calibrator, Master Gauges & Rev.01 Aug 2022
INAT/MECH/LCP-002
Digital Indicator

The Calibration is carried out in controlled environment i.e. Temperature 22 °C ± 3°C

and temperature stability of ± 1 °C during calibration, Relative Humidity 40-80%rh. If
the environmental conditions are exceeding specified limits, calibration will be stopped
and measures will be initiated to control the environment within specified limits.

6.0 Reference Standard Equipment

 Dead-Weight tester Model CPB3800 (Hydraulic).

 Pressure Calibrator Model 3130 (Pneumatic)
 Manometer MT 220 (Pneumatic)

7.0 Preliminary Operations

7.1 Review and become familiar with the entire procedure before beginning the calibration process.
Warning;
Gauges marked for Oxygen use should always be calibrated with water or Air.
7.2 Bring the UUT into calibration area at least two hours before the beginning of calibration process for
adequate temperature stabilization.
Caution;
Dirty or chemically contaminated UUT should not be fitted as they contaminate the tester, until they are
first cleaned. Sever damage may otherwise caused to the piston/ cylinder unit of the dead-weight tester.

7.3 Install the hydraulic UUT on the dead-weight tester the position in which it is normally used, the position
must not deviate by more than 5 degree from position of normal use. Furthermore, the end of the coupling
of the UUT must be at the height of the datum line of the dead weight tester. If it is otherwise, apply
correction of 1 milli bar for every 1 cm difference of height.
7.4 Exercise the UUT to full range for at least thrice by pressurizing as per steps 8.1~8.3, to check the leak
tightness of the UUT at upper limit of its measuring range leave the UUT at the pressure change does not
exceed 1% of the upper range of the UUT.
7.5 The movement of the UUT pointer / digital indication is checked with pressure that increases and then
decreases continuously. The pointer shall move smoothly and without visible sticking and jumps resulting
in variation of pressure greater than on half of the absolute value of the maximum permissible error.
7.6 Mechanically zero all UUT’s that do not have a zero post (metal post at zero mark).
7.7 Carry out zero adjustment for calibrators and digital indicators.

8.0 Calibration Process for Hydraulic Pressure Calibrators, gauges and indicators

Warning;
Unless otherwise designated, and prior to beginning the calibration process, ensure that the
Valves of the dead-weight tester are open and screw pump handle is fully unwound in
anticlockwise position.

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Doc. No. :
Pressure Calibrator, Master Gauges & Rev.01 Aug 2022
INAT/MECH/LCP-002
Digital Indicator
8.1 Load the weight carrier with the weights equivalent to the value of the first calibration point i.e., 10% of range. Each weight is marked
with two pressures, one for the high pressure and other for the low-pressure range; furthermore, the equivalent weight of the carrier
must also be taken into account (the tester has a basic 10 PSI start, for other pressure units a makeup weight is added to the weight
carrier for conversion to 1 bar).

Caution;
Do not touch piston / cylinder unit and weights with bare hands as the heat transferred from human body will alter the temperature of
the system and skin acid may contaminate the weights.

Note;
For gauges with the pointer stop, the accuracy class will cover 10% to 100% of the range and zero shall be used as an accuracy check
point.
8.2 To generate pressure upto140 bars, close valve B (valve A will remain open), wind screw pump handle clockwise. This will generate
pressure up to 140 bars. When the handle becomes stiff to rotate, this will indicate the pressure limit for low range has been reached.

Warning;
Wear protective equipment while working at pressures above 40 bars.
8.3 To generate pressure above 140 bars, ensure that valve B is closed and valve A is open initially, then close valve A and open valve B
and continue to wind screw pump handle clockwise. This will generate pressure up to 1200 bar.

Note;
For the Dead-Weight tester Model 580HXA, the piston rises with the increasing pressure and the piston head skirt floats within the
blue band corresponding to low pressure range. To engage high pressure range apply further pressure with the screw pump until the
piston lifts and the piston head skirt floats within the red band.

Note;
A slight leakage through the vent hole of the piston / cylinder unit is normal

8.4 If the piston continues to fall, check the connections for leak.
8.5 When the desired pressure is approximately generated, rotate the weights by hand.
8.6 Allow the pressure to stabilize for three minutes and take reading after slightly tapping
the calibrator/gages/indicator while the weights are still spinning and record the reading
in the appropriate column data sheet form INAT/LAB/FRM-07.
Note;
If width between the consecutive scale divisions is four times or greater than the tip of the pointer, interpolate between the scale
divisions and increase the resolution by four times.

8.7 Stop the weights rotation, wind screw pump handle anticlockwise to lower the pressure,
gently opens the valves A and B to release the residual pressure. Ensure that both the
valves are fully open.
8.8 Repeat steps 8.1 through 8.7 for 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, 90% and 100% range of UUT in
ascending pressure order and record the readings.
8. 9 Repeat the calibration of UUT in the descending orders i.e. starting from 100% and
going down to zero %.

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Doc. No. :
Pressure Calibrator, Master Gauges & Rev.01 Aug 2022
INAT/MECH/LCP-002
Digital Indicator

8.10 This will complete one cycle of calibration. Complete three cycles of calibration and note
the results on the calibration data sheet.
8.11 For the calculation of hysteresis error on each calibration point, apply the pressure in
increasing order and takes the reading and then apply the pressure in decreasing order
and take the reading. The difference in the reading is hysteresis error. If the error is
significant, convert it into standard uncertainty assuming a rectangular probability and
incorporate it into uncertainty budget.
8.12 The deviation of the average measured pressure from reference value of pressure
realized by Dead weight tester will be calculated logged into appropriate column of Data
sheet and marked as “As found data” and UUT will be adjusted (If possible) to the
closest possible value. UUT will be recalibrated and new values will be entered into
appropriate column of data sheet “As left data”. Otherwise, the error will be reported in
the certificate as deviation.

9.0 Calibration Process for Pneumatic Pressure calibrator, gauges and indicators

Warning;
Unless otherwise designated, and prior to beginning the calibration process, ensure that the
Pneumatic supply valve of the dead-weight tester is closed, vent valve is opened and screw
pump handle is fully unwound in anticlockwise position.
9.1 Load the weight carrier with the weights equivalent to the value of the first calibration
point i.e., 10% of range. The equivalent weight of the carrier must also be taken into
account (the tester has a basic 0.5 bar start).
Caution;
Do not touch piston / cylinder unit and weights with bare hands as the heat transferred from human body will alter the temperature of
the system and skin acid may contaminate the weights.

Note;
For gauges with the pointer stop, the accuracy class will cover 10% to 100% of the range and zero shall be used as an accuracy check
point.

9.2 To generate the required pressure, load the piston with equivalent weights (inclusive of
piston weight).
9.3 Close the vent valve, open the inlet supply valve to let the pressure build up in the
system less then desired pressure. Then close the inlet valve.
9.4 Slowly wind up the screw pump in clockwise direction until the piston / weights starts
floating; slightly turn the piston / weights clockwise. The piston movement should be free
of friction around the index mark.
Note; If the piston continues to fall, check the connections for leak.

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Standard Calibration Procedure for

Doc. No. :
Pressure Calibrator, Master Gauges & Rev.01 Aug 2022
INAT/MECH/LCP-002
Digital Indicator

9.5 Allow the pressure to stabilize for two minutes and take reading after slightly tapping the
calibrator / gages while the weights are still spinning and record the reading in the
appropriate column of data sheet form INAT/LAB/FRM-07.
Note
If width between the consecutive scale divisions is four times or greater than the tip of the pointer, interpolate between the scale
divisions and increase the resolution by four times.

9.6 Stop the weights rotation, wind screw pump handle anticlockwise to lower the pressure,
gently opens the vent valve to release the residual pressure.
9.7 Repeat steps 9.1 through 9.6 for 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, 90% and 100% range of UUT in
ascending pressure order and record the readings.
9. 8 Repeat the calibration of UUT in the descending orders i.e. starting from 100% and
going down to zero %.
9.9 This will complete one cycle of calibration. Complete three cycles of calibration and note
the results on the calibration data sheet INAT/LAB/FRM-07.
9.10 For the calculation of hysteresis error on each calibration point, apply the pressure in
increasing order and takes the reading and then apply the pressure in decreasing order
and take the reading. The difference in the reading is hysteresis error. If the error is
significant, convert it into standard uncertainty assuming a rectangular probability and
incorporate it into uncertainty budget.
9.11 The deviation of the average measured pressure from reference value of pressure
realized by Dead weight tester will be calculated. UUT will be adjusted (If possible) to the
closest possible value. UUT will be recalibrated and new values will be entered into
appropriate column of data sheet “As left data”. Otherwise, the error will be reported in
the certificate as deviation.
10.0 Calculation of Measurement Uncertainty

Uncertainty of the measurement results will be calculated as per Standard Operating Procedure
for Evaluation of Measurement Uncertainty and the results will be reported on Calibration
Certificate

11.0 Associated Documents

 Calibration Data Sheet Form

 Calibration Sticker

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