Why Do Thermometers Have to Be Calibrated?
The demands on measuring devices are increasing. In addition to numerous guidelines and legal regulations (HACCP, FDA, EHEDG, ATEX, ...), internal specifications and certifications (ISO, TÜV, GMP, guidelines from the food sector, ...) often play a central role in compliance with precise measured values in every company. Only regularly calibrated temperature sensors guarantee their accuracy and thus ensure long-term operational reliability.
Whether in the energy supply, medical and food technology, the chemical and pharmaceutical industry or in the marine and automotive sector – correct and reliable temperature measurement is indispensable in all demanding processes. However, each temperature sensor changes its characteristics over time. It is therefore important to regularly determine the deviation between the actual and measured temperature in order to avoid inaccurate measurements.
The slow change of the output variable of a temperature sensor is referred to as drift. The drift of the temperature sensor cannot be prevented. It can be caused, for example, by external influences such as constantly changing measurement temperatures, fluctuating ambient temperatures, air humidity or vibrations. During a calibration, the deviation of the measured temperature of the temperature sensor from a reference temperature sensor is determined and documented in a certificate.
There are many good reasons for thermometer calibration:
- Maintaining consistent high production quality
- Meeting industrial standards and legal requirements
- Avoiding unexpected production downtimes
- Optimising processes
- Increasing productivity
