What are you using to track calibrations?

As part of our maintenance and test procedures for Safety Alarms and Safety Instrumented Functions, normally as the first step, we calibrate all the associated transmitters. We choose to calibrate them as the first step in the procedure, an option would be just to ensure they have been calibrated as part of another maintenance procedure or practice.

I am interested in what software and practices people are using to perform calibrations and document their successful completion. Are you using documenting calibrators, flukes, or other? Do you use any tracking software such as AMS or Meridium? Also, do you have any Fieldbus instruments under the safety umbrella and how are you calibrating them?

I am also interested in what you do for training or qualifications. Can any technician do the calibration or do they need to be specially trained?

BC

 

 

 

2 Replies

  • I would recommend that you look at having the AMS Device Manager Calibration Assistant. He will help track your device calibration schedule and can interface with the Fluke and Beamex documenting Calibrators for easy calibration association to the device tag. What I like about his is that you can define your route and test scheme and print our a good report. The other nice thing about AMS Device Manager, I can do a loop check on the device to see how off the scale before actually doing the calibration. Here is a link for AMS Device Manager Calibration Assistant:
    http://www2.emersonprocess.com/siteadmincenter/PM%20Asset%20Optimization%20Documents/ProductDataSheets/amsdm_ds_calibx.pdf
    Martel Electronics did a White Paper on "The Calibration of Smart Instrumentation-A Better Way" that you may find useful:
    http://www.martelcalibrators.com/wp-content/uploads/Smart-Transmitter-Calibration.pdf
    Beamex has a White Paper on how often should instrument be calibrated this is a good reference:
    http://www.iceweb.com.au/Test&Calibration/BEAMEX%20Papers/White_Paper_How%20often%20should%20instruments%20be%20calibrated.pdf
    Fluke has this "Calibration Intervals, A Manufacturer's Perspective" that you may find useful as well.
    http://assets.fluke.com/download/calibration/MSC2009_Deaver.pdf

    I hope you find these documentations helpful with your drive for a good calibration workbench for your site.

    TP
  • In reply to Tinh Phan:

    Yes, we have (and use) AMS Calibration Assistant. It is a good tool. I am more interested in a discussion of what tools and processes other sites are using in a calibration management program. I didn't ask but I am also interested in what sites are using to document loop drawings.

    BC