I recently had a discussion with a customer who is a direct user of a gas detector, who asked the question “What do I need to do a Bump test or a calibration test and what is the difference?” An interesting question.
By most definitions, the Bump test is to bring a gas detector into short-term contact with the gases it measures to verify that the sensors are still responding and that the alarm feature works properly according to the settings. So the Bump test, by this definition, will not check the accuracy of the gas measuring device.
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| Ventis MX4 Gas Meter Calibration Equipment Set industrial scientific |
This is what calibration testing brings: Calibration tests are carried out by bringing gas detectors into contact with a specified concentration of gas for a specific time to verify that the gas detector has provided an accurate result.
The confusion for this customer is that the equipment manufacturers for him told him bumpt test and verify the accuracy of the device before use but did not specify how long the gases should be used and the accuracy of the measurement value. Hmm…. So what should he do?
In most applications, knowing that a Gas Meter will respond and give you an alarm can save your life if a danger is threatening your life is all you need. In other applications, the accuracy of the measured value is very important . With the types of gas detection devices available on the market today, if you are concerned about the accuracy of the measurement values before you use the device, it is better to correct it as performing a calibration test. It will generally take the same amount of time, using the same amount of gas, and will ensure the accuracy of the measurement values when the calibration is completed. If you are performing a calibration test, and the measurement values fall unexpectedly or specified, you will have to work the standard, so you can also do it for the first time instead of checking the calibration and then having to calibration again.
Finally, it really doesn’t matter whether you choose for bump test, or full calibration or calibration test. Choosing the one that is right for you. It is important that before bringing the gas detector out to use it on a job where your life may be in danger, it is advisable to check it with the gas that is practically the safest.
Remember, the only way that you can be sure that your gas detector will react to gas is to test it with gas. Do it every time!
TES Industry team
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