Thermocouple Calibration

Thermometers are common devices used for measuring temperature, but in scenarios where precision is paramount and even the slightest spike needs to be recorded, advanced measuring tools like thermocouples are required. Thermocouples are a type of temperature sensor that are typically accurate to 1-2 degrees Celsius. Their applications range from temperature monitoring during plastic processing to measuring temperatures inside laboratory ovens, water heaters, and aircraft engines. However, like with any measuring instrument, thermocouples drift over time from their original output signal. This is caused by temperature cycling and environmental conditions triggering contamination. Without regular calibration of your thermocouples, you may receive readings slightly higher or lower than the actual temperature, potentially leading to a catastrophe. AML Instruments provide UKAS calibration for any type of thermocouple, including K Type thermocouple calibration, Type N thermocouple calibration, and Type T thermocouple calibration. If you’re intrigued to learn more about our thermocouple calibration services, you’ve come to the right place.

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How to get your thermocouples calibrated by AML Instruments

Our engineers are never far away

Our band of engineers are experts in thermocouple calibration and strategically placed throughout the country to help your business, no matter where you’re sited. All you need to do is give us all a call or email, and we’ll arrange a mutually convenient date and time for one of our team to come to your facility and ensure your thermocouples are delivering reliable and accurate temperature measurements.

Us attending your site is nearly always the best option for minimising downtime of your equipment, but you can also send your temperature testing equipment to our test laboratory in Lincolnshire…

Send it to our UKAS accredited temperature calibration lab

Sending your thermocouple to our laboratory is the most cost-effective option. While you’ll be without your temperature testing device(s) a little longer than if we were coming to you, you can count on us sending it back to you within five working days. All thermocouples are returned securely via UPS with a calibration certificate which details the test performed and the results.

Need it back sooner?

If you can’t wait five working days, why not opt for our 24-48 hour express service? This does require pre-booking, but means you can get your operations back in full swing even quicker than our standard five working day turnaround time.

In the area?

If your business is local to us (we’re around 7 miles north of the centre of the Lincoln) or you’re working in the county temporarily, why not take advantage of our “Calibrate While You Wait” service. Just give us a call to see if our engineers have capacity to calibrate your thermocouples and we’ll book you a slot to come and bring your device(s) to us.

Do thermocouples need to be calibrated?

In different applications and industries, thermocouples can be subjected to varying temperatures all day every day for months on end. Because they are often critical to the processes they monitor, monitoring any potential drift is vital for ensuring the continued efficacy of the sensor.

Something else to consider is the design and inner workings of thermocouples. They calculate a temperature reading by measuring the voltage generated along both wires within the device. However, the measurement voltage will only be accurate if each wire is uniform and has a consistent composition. As the wires are internal, it’s impossible to know if a wire has been compromised without calibrating the thermocouple, meaning putting it through a calibration process is the only way to check your thermocouple is working smoothly.

How often do thermocouples need to be calibrated?

As a general rule, we recommend calibrating your thermocouples every 12 months, but for thermocouples used in arduous conditions such as extended high temperature exposure, calibration should be completed at shorter intervals. For some applications this could be as short as every month.

After the calibration is complete, the thermocouple is returned with a calibration certificate which details the test performed and the results. If you’re unsure about the frequency of calibration for your thermocouples, you can always contact one of our experienced calibration specialists, who will be more than happy to offer advice.

Benefits of calibrated thermocouples

AML Instrument’s traceable in-house thermocouple calibrations take place in our UKAS temperature laboratory under carefully controlled and maintained conditions. Our thermocouple calibration methods involve using either a dry well or water bath, as these can be set to mimic the various temperatures the thermocouple under test would usually be subject to.

The thermocouple under test is placed in the dry well or water bath with a reference thermocouple belonging to our calibration laboratory. A temperature reading is taken from both thermocouples at various test points and the results are compared to highlight any discrepancies and ensure it meets thermocouple calibration standards.

The benefits of doing this include :

  1. Heightened accuracy: Regular calibration helps to maintain the precision of temperature measurements, giving you confidence in your readings.
  2. Quality Control: Without precise temperature control, the quality of your products produced will diminish, as well as impacting the efficiency and safety of your operations. For example, maintaining the required temperatures in reactors and other chemical processing equipment is vital in chemical processing.
  3. Compliance: In some industries like aerospace, regulatory standards require specific periodic calibration to maintain compliance with quality and safety standards.

Types of thermocouples calibrated by AML Instruments

  • B Type thermocouples
  • E Type thermocouples
  • J Type thermocouples
  • K Type thermocouples
  • N Type thermocouples
  • R Type thermocouples
  • S Type thermocouples
  • T Type thermocouples.

Thermocouples calibration services that adhere to UKAS standards

Thermocouples are known for their versatility and are important components in many industries, offering a reliable solution for temperature measurement.

At AML Instruments, we provide thermocouple calibration to UKAS standards, ensuring your thermocouples provide consistent and accurate temperature data.

We promise not to blow hot and cold — contact us today:

☎️ 01522 789375

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