When exact measurements and highly accurate data is critical to the success of an experiment, test, calibration or other application, maintaining a precisely calibrated device is key. To meet the demands put on them, we recommend that all Alicat meters and controllers are recalibrated annually.
When a device is sent in for recalibration it is an opportunity not only to maintain the quality and precision of the device, but also an opportunity to update firmware or, if your application needs have changed, the perfect time to work with our Application Engineers to find a solution that allows your Alicat to be adjusted or upgraded to meet your evolving needs without the hassle and expense of buying a whole new instrument.
Why Recalibrate?
Over time, minor physical changes to the laminar flow elements and pressure sensors inside the device, such as particulate deposits or damaged flow elements, can alter the flow characteristics of the device’s flow path. These altered flow characteristics can affect the pressures transmitted to the absolute and differential pressure sensors in the device’s flow body, causing the calibrated flow curve to inaccurately represent the actual flow rate. With an annual recalibration, out-of-calibration instruments are brought back to their optimal and exact calibration specifications and, if need be, can be cleaned.
Even if the device arrives at our factory or a service center within its prescribed flow tolerance, our service technicians recalibrate the device to be truer to the actual flow rates read by the calibration standard at the necessary calibration points. Alicat can also provide additional or replacement calibration points, if something other than the standard five calibration points is required. Additional calibration points or upgrade of accuracy to ‘high accuracy’ specification can be requested for instruments.
A calibration procedure is demonstrated in this video about accuracy:
Standard calibration typically takes fifteen business days to complete once the device arrives at one of our facilities. With such a quick turnaround time, you can be back to fully operational with a highly calibrated instrument with minimum interruption. For around the clock use of an Alicat, our Application Engineers will work with you to find a suitable and cost effective solution and the right back up device to keep the process running and the instruments in peak calibration.
If ISO-17025 calibration is required by your organization, Alicat can provide this kind of calibration through trusted third party calibration services. ISO-17025 calibration can add about 10 business days to the standard calibration lead time.
Sending your instrument back for recalibration every year keeps the lifetime warranty of your Alicat in place.
Where can Alicat instruments be calibrated?
We recommend that all devices come back to one of Alicat’s approved facilities for recalibration. Most devices will be recalibrated in our Tucson, Arizona headquarters and factory. However, if you are not located in North or South America, there may be a closer location you can send instruments for faster shipping. Alicat currently has service centers in China and India and has a factory authorized service center in Europe.
Getting recalibration started
More information about the costs and benefits of recalibration can be found on the Alicat website or by contacting one of our expert Applications Engineers. To send your instrument in for calibration to Alicat, fill out the service request form. The form lets us assign a Return of Materials Authorization (RMA) number, which is needed for us to receive and process your instruments at the factory. After sending in the form, we can send you instructions for packing and shipping your instruments.