Benefits of Precise Calibration Gas Blends

Industries like manufacturing and health care rely on extreme precision from their gas mixtures. In cases where gas blends are not precisely calibrated to their industry standards, it may lead to production flaws and safety risks. Inaccurate blends can also risk costly compliance failures. It’s thus crucial for technical professionals in such industries to know their gases are calibrated and reliable. 

Using gas blends with the correct ratios is highly beneficial. Knowing the advantages of opting for premium and precisely calibrated gas blends will allow you to make smarter purchasing decisions. 

What Are Calibration Gas Blends?

Calibration gas blends are controlled mixtures of specific concentrations of gases. By definition, they are used to calibrate the accuracy of gas-measuring instruments. They serve as a reference standard of these instruments’ accuracy, efficiency and compliance. Nitrogen, oxygen, carbon monoxide, methane and ammonia are all commonly used calibration gases. 

There are two primary types of calibration gases: 

1. Zero-calibration gas: Zero gases help set a starting point, or “zero point,” on an instrument. They contain no measurable amount of the target gas you’re trying to detect. Pure, non-reactive gases used to tell your instrument what “zero” looks like include nitrogen, helium and purified air. 
2. Span-calibration gas: Span gases help calibrate the sensitivity of an instrument across its expected operating range. They contain a precisely known concentration of the target gas — usually methane, carbon monoxide or hydrogen sulfide — that’s mixed in a balance gas. 

The Importance of Precise Calibration Gas Blends

In short, having precise calibration gas blends helps save lives, and it’s one of the most critical reasons why they are important. With properly calibrated direct-reading monitors (DRMs), these gas blends help to: 

• Find toxic gases before they harm people.
• Warn people about flammable gas buildups.
• Maintain safe gas levels in environments.

Any deviations from the specified ratios can lead to various potential consequences as a result of inaccurate readings. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports that 56% of confined space fatalities are gas-related, whether it’s toxic gas buildup or oxygen deficiency in confined spaces. Compromised safety is one example, but it can also lead to invalid data, incorrect process controls and even regulatory violations. 

The concentration level of each calibration gas must be certified, ensuring that its values are accurate and stable over time. That is where the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) comes in. They’re a federal organization that develops standard reference materials (SMRs) for gas traceability and primary standards with certified compositions.

Benefits of Using Precise Calibration Gas Blends

There are several tangible benefits of investing in high-quality, traceable and precise calibration gas mixtures for various industries. 

1. Improved Accuracy

These analytical tools naturally drift over time and inherently cause their readings to become less accurate. That’s the cause and effect of everyday use and sensor wear. But using a certified calibration gas gives technicians a true and dependable reference point. There’s no guesswork. 

As technicians calibrate, the instrument’s reading is checked against a true concentration. If there is no match, they’ll adjust the instrument until it does. This helps improve the accuracy, consistency and reliability of quality control data and research results, for example. 

2. Enhanced Safety

See gas measuring equipment as a first line of defense for multiple dangerous gas-related scenarios. That’s why you’ll want your gas detectors to work correctly at all times. However, if they’re not calibrated correctly with precise gas blends, they may fail to alarm during dangerous conditions. On the other hand, they may even trigger false alarms. 

So, when you use precise calibration gas blends, they confirm that detectors respond at the right levels and within the correct time. This is nonnegotiable for industries where workers are exposed to potential gas hazards. Accurately calibrated equipment can help prevent potential harm and fatalities. 

OSHA provides guidance on calibrating and testing DRMs, so companies can rely on these mixtures for safety and compliance. 

3. Ensured Compliance

Many industries work under the strict oversight of regulatory bodies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Agencies like these expect companies to prove that their measuring equipment produces accurate readings. Therefore, if the calibration gas is not certified or traceable, it can result in compliance violations and associated fees. It’s mainly because DRMs’ reports may be untrustworthy, leading to unreliable inspections and reports. 

In pharmaceuticals, using certified calibration gases is especially important. For example, instruments that control sterile production environments must provide reliable results to ensure the medications are of high quality. They must be free from contaminants and meet strict FDA requirements.

4. Boosted Efficiency

When companies allow their DRMs to drift and go unchecked, even a small error can lead to operational and cost inefficiencies. Products may get spoiled, materials may get wasted and production downtimes may also happen. Unnoticed problems can lead to costly consequences like reworks or scraps. 

For food processing companies, this is especially true. Some packaging systems depend on accurate gas readings to maintain the correct gas blend inside each package. If calibrations are off, the food can spoil faster than expected. However, accurate calibration gas mixtures can help prevent this waste and protect revenue. 

5. Extended Lifespans

One overlooked advantage of using precise gas blends is that they can help extend the life of your measuring equipment. Low-quality calibration gases may contain impurities or wrong concentrations. These may damage your DMRs’ internal components or introduce contamination as a result, affecting their performance and readings. 

But with high-purity and precise gas blends, these risks are minimized significantly. Their high-quality mixes help prevent potential buildup or chemical reactions that may shorten the equipment’s lifespan. In the long term, companies avoid costs related to repairs and replacements as well as downtime.  

How to Choose a Reliable Calibration Gas Supplier

When looking for a reliable supplier, consider the following: 

• Certificate proof: Look for certificates that show the blend’s exact concentrations. Keep an eye out for other key information on the certificate, like the traceability and expiration date. 
• Supply quality: See if you can find more information about the supplier’s quality control processes. How do they mix and fill their cylinders? What testing procedures do they have to ensure consistency and accuracy? 
• Product range: Consider partnering with a supplier that can offer a range of standard and custom gas mixtures. Why? This can show their technical capabilities and industry experience.
• Container quality: Ensure their cylinders are of high quality. They must be leak-tested and contamination-free. The gas blend’s packaging must be able to stay stable throughout the product’s lifespan. 
• Industry compliance: A key area to confirm is their knowledge and compliance with your industry-specific standards. They may even share their expertise to guide you toward recommended products. 
• Good reputation: Suppliers must also have a good reputation. A strong track record and positive client reviews add credibility and reliability to their products and services. 

Turn to Meritus Gas Partners for Precise and Reliable Gas Blends

Calibration gas accuracy also depends on where you source them from. You can turn to Meritus Gas Partners when you need reliable and accurate calibration gas mixtures. We offer a wide range of high-quality gases, including specialty gases, that help industries meet their safety goals. Global Calibration Gases is a proud partner of Meritus Gas Partners’ network. 

Contact a Meritus Gas Partner today to discuss your calibration gas needs and ensure the accuracy and reliability of your operations.