In short: pressure gauges lose accuracy over time through wear, vibration, pulsation and over-pressure. Calibration compares a gauge against a reference at several points across its range and records the error, so you know whether the gauge can still be trusted.
What causes drift
The mechanism inside a gauge flexes every time pressure changes. Vibration, pressure spikes and temperature all add wear. The result is a reading that slowly moves away from the true pressure without any visible sign.
What calibration involves
- Applying known pressures across the gauge's range, rising and falling
- Recording the gauge reading at each point against the reference
- Adjusting the gauge where possible, or rejecting it if it is out of tolerance
- Issuing a record of the results
Why it matters
Operators make decisions from gauge readings, and test results are only as reliable as the gauge used to measure them. A calibrated gauge supports safe operation and gives test records that will stand up to inspection.
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