To ensure that these detectors are working accurately, they need to be calibrated regularly as directed by the manufacturer. Calgas (aka cal gas) or calibration gases are used to calibrate the sensors in 4-gas detectors, which are designed to detect O2, CO, H2S, and CH4 gases. Calibration is a process of adjusting the gas detector’s sensors using cal gas to ensure that they are providing accurate readings.
The Importance of Calibrating is a critical part of maintaining the safety of workers who rely on 4-gas detectors. If the detector’s sensors are not calibrated correctly using cal gas, it can provide false readings, which can lead to hazardous situations. Regular calibration ensures that the sensors are providing accurate readings and that the gas detector is working as intended.
Calibration is also important because gas detectors can become less accurate over time due to exposure to extreme temperatures, humidity, and other environmental factors. Regular calibration ensures that the sensors are providing accurate readings and that the gas detector is working as intended.
Difference between Calibration and Bump Testing
Calibration and bump are two different processes used to check the accuracy of portable gas detectors. While they are often used interchangeably, they serve different purposes.
Calibration is a process of adjusting the sensors in a 4-gas detector to ensure that they are providing accurate readings. During calibration, the gas detector is exposed to a known concentration of gas, and the sensors are adjusted using cal gas to match the gas concentration. The calibration process can take several minutes to complete, and it should be done according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Bump testing using bump gas is a quick check to ensure that the gas detector is working properly. During bump testing, a small amount of gas is introduced to the gas detector to confirm that it is detecting gas and providing an alarm. Bump testing does not calibrate the sensors in the gas detector, but it does confirm that the device is working and responding to gas.
Bump testing is typically done before each use of the gas detector, while calibration is done periodically, as directed by the manufacturer. Calibration ensures that the gas detector is providing accurate readings, while bump testing ensures that the device is working and responding to gas.
Conclusion
Portable gas detectors are essential tools for protecting workers from hazardous gases. Regular calibration is critical to ensuring that these devices are working accurately and providing reliable readings. Bump testing is a quick check to ensure that the gas detector is working, but calibration is necessary to adjust the sensors and ensure that they are providing accurate readings. By following the manufacturer’s instructions for calibration and bump testing you can help ensure the safety of workers who rely on 4-gas detectors.