The Importance of Temperature Calibrations to Quality Assurance in Manufacturing

The Importance of Temperature Calibrations

The variable nature of temperature, by definition, makes it one of the more challenging characteristics of the physical world to accurately measure and quantify. Yet, precise levels of heat and/or cold are necessary for certain manufacturing processes to be carried out successfully.

For this reason, temperature is a parameter that must be frequently measured during many industrial processes, not only for quality assurance but in some cases for regulatory compliance.

A Discipline of Precision

In order to assure consistent, reliable temperatures are present within a manufacturing facility and during specific phases of the product-rendering process, consistent accuracy is necessary.

The various mechanical sensors and electronic thermometers in use must be routinely tested and verified for baseline readings which can be compared to an officially recognized, national standard. When an instrument is being used, especially in more extreme temperatures, it can cause the reading to drift.

Since temperature calibrations involve highly-sensitive instruments, these require specialized testing conditions and specially trained technicians to perform the calibration.

Secondary Readouts

This process, in essence, is the verification of sensor performance by comparison to a traceable measurement standard. To achieve this, the temperature measuring device being reviewed is tested in a controlled, stable environment. The device readings are recorded, compared to the “actual” temperature as determined by the standard, and the difference, if any, is noted.

Then, specific adjustments to the device being tested can be made according to procedural protocols based on the type of thermometer in question. It is important that equipment being used for testing and reference is more accurate than the equipment being measured.

A Common Denominator

Temperature calibrations are important to production and applications in a wide variety of industries. The process of manufacturing, depending on the product, can require multiple temperature-controlled phases, periods of extreme heat, cold storage and more.

Some of these industries include aerospace, nuclear power, food and beverage, pet food products, die casting, chemical processing, pharmaceutical, medical supplies, industrial hemp, plastics processing, automotive parts and accessories, rubber tires and components, printing, packaging, energy and power applications and semiconductors, among others.

Premier Accreditations

Our temperature calibrations team is distinguished by important industry certifications including A2LA ISO 17025 and Appendix B Accreditations.

A2LA stands for the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation. Recognized certification in this arena to the ISO17025 protocols means that our facilities and technicians are proficient in the foremost set of standards used by testing and calibration laboratories. These standards can be referenced by regulatory authorities and jurisdictions and industries which require compliance with specific quality standards. This level of accuracy and consistency allows organizations who work with our labs to provide their personnel with reasonable assurance of safety by minimizing risk through accurate temperature calibrations.

Appendix B Accreditations means that Constellation PowerLabs — an Approved Nuclear Supplier — is routinely audited by NUPIC (Nuclear Procurement Issues Corporation) and NIAC (Nuclear Industry Assessment Corporation). Protocols which satisfy the requirements of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B and 10 CFR 21. These outside agencies assure that Constellation PowerLabs team and facilities exhibit heightened safety and security measures and protocols due to their distinction within the nuclear power industry.

These accreditations instill the highest level of quality in Constellation PowerLabs services, which translates to client confidence in their manufacturing processes and, ultimately, to the consumer in the form of excellent products and services.

Temperature Calibrations Across the Manufacturing Sector

Constellation PowerLabs team offers a world-class testing service with on-site and remote capacities which are utilized according to the client’s needs. These include temperature calibrations, thermocouple calibrations and resistance temperature device calibrations. The range of items to which these services are applicable is considerable, and includes (up to 1,200º C) baths, dry-well calibrators, indicators, ovens, recorders, simulators, SPRTs, RTDs, thermistors, thermocouples, thermometers, thermometry bridges, infrared thermometers and cameras, surface pyrometers and more.

A Wide Degree of Capabilities

Constellation PowerLabs calibration services meet a considerable breadth of operational measurements across multiple industries, most of which are currently accredited.

• Basic Temperature measurement: -200 to 1450 °C, (accredited from -200 to 1000 °C)
• Infrared Temperature: -15 to 500 °C, (accredited from -15 to 500 °C)
• Thermocouple calibration (J, K, E, T and N types): -200 to 1450 °C, (accredited from 20 to 700 °C)
• Electrical Calibration of Thermocouple Devices (all types): -250 to 2400 °C (dependent on type), (accredited on types B, C, E, J, K, N. R. S. T and U from -250 to 2316 °C)
• Electrical Calibration of Thermocouple Reference Junction: 21 to 25 °C, (accredited from 22 to 25 °C)
• Fixed Point Calibrations (for SPRT and Secondary RTD): -38 to 660 °C (LN2 comparison at -196°C)

Accuracy in temperature calibrations for every type of thermometer, sensor, detector, and controller used in manufacturing is crucial across the industrial world. By working with Constellation PowerLabs, company managers can assure product consistency and facility-wide safety assurance due to the accuracy of their thoroughly tested, adjusted, and verified temperature measuring equipment.