Every reading traced to a national standard

Calibration is the process of comparing an instrument’s measurement against a reference standard to establish its performance at defined points. The results document the relationship between the instrument reading and the reference measurement. Calibration assesses and records measurement performance; it does not repair a faulty instrument, which is the job of servicing or repair.

UKAS-accredited calibration is calibration performed by a laboratory that has been independently assessed and accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service against ISO/IEC 17025. Labcal operates under UKAS accreditation Lab 0625. Accreditation applies to a defined scope, so the relevant parameter, range and method should be checked before calibration is commissioned.

Traceability establishes a documented measurement chain to recognised standards. UKAS accreditation independently assesses the laboratory’s competence, equipment, processes and quality system against ISO/IEC 17025. Traceable calibration documents the measurement chain, while UKAS-accredited calibration adds independent assessment of the laboratory performing it, within a defined scope.

Labcal’s UKAS-accredited scope covers six measurement parameters: gas and air flow, liquid flow, pressure, temperature, humidity and air velocity. The service is available for suitable equipment from Gill and other manufacturers, subject to the laboratory’s accredited scope, and calibration is performed at Labcal’s laboratory in Lymington.

Yes. Labcal is an independent calibration laboratory and calibrates instruments from different manufacturers within its available calibration scope. That includes equipment used alongside Gill products, so a site running instruments from several suppliers can ask Labcal to confirm whether each one falls within its accredited scope before sending it.

There is no single interval that applies to every instrument. The appropriate interval depends on the measurement’s criticality, required accuracy, operating conditions, historical performance, manufacturer recommendations and applicable quality or regulatory requirements. A controlled laboratory instrument and an instrument operating offshore may need very different calibration strategies.

Calibration establishes and documents measurement performance against a reference. Service assesses and maintains the condition of the instrument and may include inspection, cleaning, adjustment and functional checks. If an instrument is performing unexpectedly, calibration may show that it is outside its expected performance, and service or repair may then be needed.

Calibration determines how an instrument is performing. Repair addresses a fault or damaged component. An instrument may require repair or service before it can be calibrated reliably. If a Gill instrument needs attention during its working life, the Gill support team can advise on the appropriate route.

Labcal’s accredited parameters include temperature, humidity, pressure and air velocity, which are measurements commonly incorporated into weather stations. The exact calibration available depends on the instrument and required scope, so the model should be provided when requesting a quote. Gill instruments, including weather stations, are also tested and calibrated as part of the relevant product processes.

Yes. Labcal provides UKAS-accredited air velocity calibration for anemometers and velocity instruments within its accredited scope. Air velocity calibration takes place in controlled wind-tunnel conditions, and the anemometer model and required calibration points should be confirmed when requesting a quote from Labcal.

Labcal operates from its laboratory at Unit 265, Ampress Park, Lymington, Hampshire SO41 8JU, UK. The laboratory is accredited to ISO/IEC 17025:2017 under UKAS Lab 0625, and calibration of instruments from Gill and other manufacturers is carried out at this site.

Labcal states an average turnaround of eight working days from receipt at the laboratory, with a three-day fast-track service available by arrangement. Turnaround is counted from the moment the instrument arrives, so allow for shipping time and confirm the fast-track option with Labcal before sending an instrument that is needed back urgently.

The answer depends on the parameter, instrument and required calibration scope. Some calibration requires controlled laboratory equipment, so the instrument and application should be discussed before assuming that on-site calibration is appropriate. Labcal can confirm whether an instrument falls within its accredited scope.

The useful starting information is the make, model, serial number, measurement parameter, required range or points, applicable standard or tolerance and whether UKAS-accredited calibration is required. Previous calibration documentation can also help define the service required. Labcal can then confirm whether the instrument falls within its accredited scope.