Attention all technicians, facility managers, DIY enthusiasts, do you need help to calibrate your leak detector perfectly to get dependable performance?
Leak detectors play a crucial role in industries where precision and safety are of top importance. Since it is a high-performance instrument, you would need to regularly calibrate it so that it functions accurately. So here is a step-by-step calibration guide that will help you explore the types of calibration, best practices, tools needed and every information so you can ensure your device always delivers precise results.
Understand Why Calibration Is Essential
Environmental conditions, sensor degradation, and normal wear and tear impact your leak detector’s accuracy over a period of time. Regular calibration of your equipment will:
- Help to detect leaks at the intended sensitivity level
- Provide consistent, repeatable results
- Avoid costly false alarms or missed leaks
Get ready with the Tools & Materials You Need
- Your leak detector – isolate your power supply
- Certified calibration gas or leak reference source – will be specified by your manufacturer.
- The calibration manual – you get it with your device
- Dry and clean workspace - free from intrusive gases or vapours
Step-by-Step Calibration Procedure
So let us begin with:
Step 1: Read the Manufacturer’s Manual
- Go through the manual before you start the calibration procedure. Each model has unique calibration procedures. The manual will:
- Recommended calibration intervals
- Steps to enter calibration mode
- Needed gas concentrations and flow rates
Step 2: Prepare the Device
- Power on the detector for warm up and it takes approximately 20 minutes.
- Check the sensor’s condition—replace if worn out or aged.
Step 3: Set Up the Calibration Gas Source
- Use a certified reference leak or calibration gas cylinder.
- Securely attach the gas source to the detector’s inlet with the appropriate tubing or adaptor.
- Ensure proper ventilation to prevent ambient gas buildup.
Step 4: Enter Calibration Mode
- Follow your device’s instructions to activate calibration mode. You can do it through button sequences or use a software interface.
- Zero the device if prompted—this establishes a clean baseline without any gas present – background test.
Step 5: Apply the Calibration Gas
- You need to initiate the calibration gas at the stated flow rate and concentration.
- You can monitor the detector’s response – ideally, it should recognize and display concentration values within the acceptable range.
- If the reading deviates – you need to adjust the calibration settings per the manual’s guidelines.
Step 6: Save and Exit
- Once the device reads accurately, save the calibration.
- Exit calibration mode and disconnect the gas source.
- Reboot the system to confirm normal operation.
Post-Calibration - Best Practices
- Log each calibration session – Record date, gas type, concentration, and results for traceability.
- Perform regular bump tests – These quick checks confirm responsiveness without a full calibration.
- Stick to a consistent schedule – Monthly or quarterly calibration intervals are ideal for reliability.
- Ensure a contaminant-free environment – Even trace vapours can affect results.
2 Types of Calibration methods in Vacuum Leak Detection
- Internal Calibration is wherein the in-built calibration leak is integrated into the detector and is ideal for quick and automated adjustments.
Tekman leak detectors are equipped with internal calibration features. It completes the process in seconds which offers consistent sensitivity tuning. - External Calibration has a separate calibration leak that is connected to the leak detector’s inlet and enables the calibration of the entire leak detector unit within minutes. It is best to verify internal leaks or to calibrate complete systems. It is ideal for Sniffer probes and partial flow systems.
Pro Tip: During sniffer calibration, you need to ensure that the test gas reaches the sniffer tip and flows freely to avoid pressure imbalances or inaccurate readings.
You need to calibrate your leak detector to ensure safety, quality, and cost-efficiency. You can extend the life of your detector and maintain optimum performance through calibration.
Tekman India: Your Calibration Partner
Tekman India provides precision-calibrated leaks designed for their detectors. These reference leaks ensure that your calibration is both accurate and traceable and meets the industry standards. Be it internal or external calibration solutions, Tekman’s lineup helps maintain peak detector performance across applications. You can reach out to us for calibration tools or advice for our custom-made solutions.
