Introduction
Aeroqual sensors are calibrated in the Aeroqual calibration laboratory and immediately packed and stored in dust-free, airtight, inert packaging. They are shipped within 3 months of the factory calibration date stated on the calibration certificate.
Sensor heads that have been stored in their supplied packaging do not significantly degrade and are likely to maintain their calibration for many months.
Please note: a valid calibration certificate doesn’t guarantee the performance of any device. Regular zero and span checks as part of a quality assurance plan are always recommended to provide confidence that a sensor is performing as expected
For more information on sensor technology, which includes images, you may refer to the following page: Sensor technology
Field calibration
Series 300 and 500 handheld monitors can be used to zero and span calibrate Type 1 gas sensor heads, except ammonia and perchlorethylene. Ranger monitors can be used to span calibrate all gas and PM sensor heads. The Series 200 monitor can only be used for a zero calibration.
For field calibration you need to buy the calibration accessory (part AS R42 for Series 300 and Series 500; part RGR CALKIT for Ranger), tubing, gas regulator and cylinders.
How often you field calibrate your sensor head depends on the quality assurance requirements and level of rigour needed in your measurement application. It may be controlled by the regulatory framework that defines the monitoring purpose. It is recommended that a sensor be checked at least annually. Researchers and industrial hygienists may require more frequent checks.
In between calibrations, particularly when the monitor is being used for health and safety purposes, you can perform a bump test to see how the sensor is responding.
Field calibration of ozone
There’s an important difference between ozone and other types of gases. Ozone can’t be stored in bottles. Instead ozone must be generated at source using an ozone generator.
A zero calibration can be done using a zero air bottle, but for a span calibration you must be able to generate ozone. If you don’t have an ozone generator/calibrator, we recommend our Hot Swap service.. Contact Technical Support.
Ozone sensor boards
As the ozone sensor in the SM70 can’t be calibrated, you need to replace the entire sensor board once a year, or sooner if you suspect it isn’t working properly.
The SM50 sensor board is factory calibrated and designed as a single use sensor so it also needs to be replaced when calibration is due.
All replacement sensor boards come with a factory calibration certificate.
Replacement / Hot Swap
Sensor heads have a finite life due to environmental exposure, chemical life and oxidation.
To ensure continuous uninterrupted operation, we recommend you replace sensor heads at least every two years or when the ‘sensor aging’ or ‘sensor failure’ diagnostics appear.
Higher exposure levels or harsh environments can significantly reduce a sensor head’s life expectancy.
Note: Sensor heads can degrade even when unused and in storage.
Factory Certificate
Below is an example of a calibration certificate that is shipped with your calibrated sensor head:
