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MScOHE-06B-FAIS (Compatibility Mode)

This document discusses factors that affect instrument selection for measurement purposes. It outlines 8 key factors: 1) accuracy, including point accuracy, percentage of true value, and percentage of full-scale deflection, 2) precision or repeatability, 3) resolution or discrimination, 4) sensitivity and range, 5) reliability, 6) cost, 7) response including static and dynamic response, and 8) environmental conditions such as temperature, corrosive media, nuclear radiation, and high acceleration. The factors relate to how close the instrument's measurements are to true values, how consistent repeated measurements are, the smallest detectable input signal change, the relationship between input and output signals, dependability, price, response to steady or changing signals, and

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20 views

MScOHE-06B-FAIS (Compatibility Mode)

This document discusses factors that affect instrument selection for measurement purposes. It outlines 8 key factors: 1) accuracy, including point accuracy, percentage of true value, and percentage of full-scale deflection, 2) precision or repeatability, 3) resolution or discrimination, 4) sensitivity and range, 5) reliability, 6) cost, 7) response including static and dynamic response, and 8) environmental conditions such as temperature, corrosive media, nuclear radiation, and high acceleration. The factors relate to how close the instrument's measurements are to true values, how consistent repeated measurements are, the smallest detectable input signal change, the relationship between input and output signals, dependability, price, response to steady or changing signals, and

Uploaded by

Miu For Leung
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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BSE5511 Occupational Health and Ergonomics

MSc Lecture 6B:


Factors Affecting Instrument Selection

Dr. Gigi C.H. Lui (with reference to lecture notes


by Professor W.K. Chow)
Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Hong Kong, China
MScOHE-06B-FAIS.ppt
1. Accuracy
H Conformity with or nearness to the true value of the quantity
being measured.
i.e. the capability of the instrument to approach a true value
H May be specified as:-
(a) Point Accuracy
State only at some points in its range.
e.g. temperature measuring instrument where points are
obtained at melting point (m.p.) or boiling point (b.p.) of
pure liquid or solid.
b. p. of water
Only specify in here

m. p. of water
2
(b) Percentage of true value

Measured Value  True Value


Error   100%
True Value

(c) Percentage of full-scale deflection (fsd)


Based on maximum value of scale.
Measured Value  True Value
Error   100%
Maximum Scale Value

(d) Complete accuracy statement


Specify error at a limited number of points.

H Note that: Accuracy includes sum of random error and


systematic error.

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2. Precision or repeatability
H Repeatability of the readings taken of the same value by
the same instrument.
H Should NOT be confused with accuracy.

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3. Resolution or discrimination
H Smallest change in the input signal which can be
detected.
H Some text treat this as sensitivity.

Full-scale deflection
0 fsd

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4. Sensitivity and range
H Relationship between the input signal and the output.

Change of output signal


Sensitivity 
Change of input signal

H The instrument should be used within the RANGE it can


be measured.

5. Reliability
6. Cost
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7. Response
H Static response : for steady or slow varying signals.
e.g. Temperature of furnace.
H Dynamic response : for sudden changes, e.g. jump of
temperature upon activation of water mist.
H Good Dynamic response instrument are expensive, but
sometimes they are not suitable for static measurements.
e.g. piezoelectric crystal for force/pressure measurement are
good for dynamic measurements, but not for static, because the
signal leaks.

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8. Environmental Conditions
H Temperature : high or low ambient temperature.
H Corrosive media : such as measuring flow rate of corrosive
liquid.
H Nuclear radiation : radiation environment might affect the
instrument performances.
H High acceleration : such as in vibrating environment.

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