A Closer Look into Our Gas Calibration Services: Multi-Gas Detector

Constellation PowerLabs exceeds in a number of calibration disciplines. Our 109 years of metrology experience empowers the PowerLabs team to offer the most accurate and reliable calibration services available.

Our quality program is rooted in nuclear –grade requirements and has since expanded to envelope requirements for many other highly regulated industries. Our quality program meets and exceeds many stringent requirements in various industries such as pharmaceuticals, aerospace, industrial manufacturing, and more.

Our quality program is routinely audited by NUPIC and NIAC, which satisfies the nuclear requirements of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B and 10 CFR 21. The scope of our Appendix B program covers almost every type of measuring and test equipment used in a nuclear power station.
Discover how Constellation PowerLabs not only calibrates multi-gas detectors but also repairs them to help customers save on costly replacements.

Gas Calibrations: Multi-Gas Detectors

Constellation PowerLabs’ multi-gas detector calibration capabilities comply with ISO 9001 and are NIST traceable to ensure quality calibrated components.

Customers regularly send Constellation PowerLabs multi-gas detectors for repair and calibration to ensure accuracy is maintained. Multi-gas detectors are an important piece of equipment used in safety applications across a multitude of industries ranging from manufacturing to pharmaceutical to nuclear power plants.

These gas detectors are typically used in confined spaces with less ventilation or in areas that could contain hazardous gas affecting air quality. Multi-gas detectors measure various gases such as explosive gases, hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide, oxygen and more. Alarm points are set internally in the device, notifying the user when a hazardous gas is detected. A beep/vibration will trigger the device to alert the user. If the multi-gas detector does not accurately detect gases in the air quality, severe negative consequences could result . Therefore, it is important to find a qualified laboratory to perform calibration services on gas detectors to ensure the device meets the correct measurement requirements to protect employee health.

It is critical these devices perform accurate gas readings for the safety of our customers. Before the multi-gas detector is calibrated, the unit will be tested beforehand through a bump test. A bump test is the process of testing the sensors and alarms to ensure it is working properly. Next, the unit will be repaired before calibrating, if necessary. Repairing these devices can save customers costs on future replacements. PowerLabs can manage the repair in-house, if needed. Multi-gas detector sensors have a designated shelf life dependent on usage. Replacing the inner parts of the device including the batteries, pump, filters and more will have a direct impact on safety in hazardous environments. That is why it is critical to perform regular maintenance on these devices, as it will positively extend service life and potentially reduce costs compared to a full replacement of the unit itself.

The Process of Cleaning, Repairing and Calibrating the Gas Detector

First, the gas detector will be turned on to run through a self-test. Next, a pump test will take a fresh air sample of the current air quality to ensure pump works properly. After the initial testing, the technician will then take apart the device for cleaning and repair, if necessary.

When it comes to cleaning the inner parts of the gas detector, the technician will check the dual filters, dust filter, hydro filter and clean out any additional debris. Each multi-gas detector has a pump that pulls in air which can contain harmful contaminates and create various hazards. It is critical the pump is thoroughly cleaned to eliminate any possible hazards so the device can properly function.

After cleaning, repair work begins. Replacing the inner parts of the gas detectors can increase the lifespan of the device.

Typical repairs include optimizing oxygen sensors, hydrogen sulfide sensors, carbon monoxide sensors, ammonia sensors, flammable sensors, combustible sensors, the pump system, the battery and more.

Once the gas detector has been thoroughly cleaned and repaired, our engineers will calibrate the detector to ensure it provides accurate gas readings. If it meets the accuracy requirements, it will be shipped back to the customer to be used at full functionality.

Providing Quality Calibration Services

For more than a century, Constellation PowerLabs has provided quality calibrations to improve customer safety and regulatory compliance. Whether it’s saving on in-house repairs to avoid replacements, or PQI testing to ensure quality parts, Constellation PowerLabs is here to deliver value and meet your business needs.