The Critical Role of Calibration Gases

Calibration gases play a crucial role in ensuring the accuracy and reliability of various analytical instruments across a variety of industries. These precision-engineered gas mixtures are essential for calibrating and validating equipment.

One of the most fascinating aspects of calibration gases is their versatility. From single-component gases to complex multi-component blends, these gases can be tailored to meet specific industry requirements. For instance, in the automotive sector, calibration gases are used to verify the performance of emissions testing equipment, helping manufacturers comply with stringent environmental regulations.

Calibration Gas Production

The production of calibration gases is a highly specialized process that demands utmost precision. A high level of precision is critical, as even slight deviations in gas composition can lead to significant errors in instrument readings.

Calibration gases are divided into two categories: zero-calibration and span calibration. Zero-calibration gas mixtures contain no flammable gas and obtain a baseline reading. They “zero” out the instrument and remove any target gas or other cross-sensitivity. Span calibration gas mixtures are a precisely composed concentration of detectable gas exposed towards the gas detector or gas analyzer. It’s a sensitivity adjustment. Gas quality matters when conducting the calibration. It’s important to know the gas purity, as it makes a significant difference.

Gas Quality

Gas impurities affect the calibration outcome.  Helium, nitrogen, argon, hydrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and acetylene must have a determined purity to function properly in an analyzer. Nitrogen is a conventional calibration gas and may need to be determined as pure as 99.9995%. Calibration gases need to be gravimetrically produced and traceable to the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST). Traceability and certification act as proof of accuracy verification. Calibration gas manufacturers should produce customized gas mixes that align with your specific applications. There is typically no “one-size-fits-all” approach. It’s important to work with a supplier that takes the time to learn about your business and provides appropriate recommendations.

Applications

In recent years, the demand for calibration gases has surged due to increasing emphasis on quality control and regulatory compliance across industries. This trend has driven innovation in gas production techniques, resulting in the development of more stable and long-lasting calibration gas mixtures.

Calibration gases find extensive applications in:

• The medical field – They are used to calibrate and verify the accuracy of critical equipment such as anesthesia machines and respiratory analyzers.
• Research laboratories – They are essential for maintaining the precision of scientific instruments.
• The energy sector – These gases play a vital role in supporting the safety and efficiency of natural gas pipelines by calibrating leak detection systems.
• Environmental monitoring – Calibration gases ensure the reliability of air quality measurements and emissions testing equipment.
• Industrial settings – These gases are used for process control, safety systems, and quality assurance in manufacturing.

As industries continue to evolve and measurement requirements become even more strict, the importance of high-quality calibration gases will only increase.

Calibration Gases in the Rocky Mountain Region

Technological advances increase the need for applications that require specialty gases and accurate, safe, and consistent instruments. Rocky Mountain Air is committed to providing our customers with high-quality products, outstanding customer service, and flawless dependability. We provide pure, traceable, and precise calibration mixtures. If you have any questions regarding gas calibration, please contact your local RMA branch in one of our five states (Colorado, Idaho, Nebraska, Utah, Wyoming) today. We look forward to serving you!