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Sage In-Situ Calibration Verification History
Sage In-Situ Calibration Verification is an easy and unique method to verify that Sage meters remain in calibration while still in the field so that its users do not have to remove them from service and send them in for annual calibrations. This is a tremendous benefit since it eliminates the cost and inconvenience of yearly calibrations on the flow meters.
In 2005, Sage Metering developed the ability to eliminate drift in its thermal mass flow meter. Drift is a measurement error that nearly all devices experience caused by a gradual shift in the device’s measured values over time. Additionally, the Sage flow meter had the unique ability to read down to zero (no flow) and maintain that zero point (0 SCFM or 0 NCFM) as a stable data point.
On a Sage meter, that data point is in milliwatts (mW) on the meter display in the upper left corner and on the flow meter’s metal tag. Additionally, we note this data point on the last line of the meter’s NIST Product Quality Certificate of Conformance, which recommends either annual factory calibration or passing the Sage In-situ Calibration Validation/Verification annually.
Why is this so important? Access to this zero-point data allows the user to verify that the meter remains in calibration and hasn’t drifted, shifted, or changed since the original NIST traceable calibration. If the calibration verification fails, the user should clean the sensor with a solvent and retest.
The Sage In-situ Calibration Verification is unique, simple, and fast. The user can easily create a no-flow state (0 SCFM or 0 NCMH of actual gas) in Sage Prime and Sage Paramount meters without stopping service or removing the meter from the line. Loosening a compression fitting, lifting the meter’s sensor probe (clearing the line and isolation valve), and closing the valve of the Sage valve assembly* creates the no-flow state of the process gas at the same pressure as the zero-point data point.
The user then notes the mW reading on the meter’s display and compares it to the mW reading on the meter’s data tag. By matching the numbers, the user has verified that the meter remains in calibration. The entire process takes only three to five minutes.
In this video, Bob Steinberg reveals just how simple the process is.
Sage recommends performing the In-situ Calibration Verification (per instructions) at least once a year. Assuming calibration is verified, there is no need to return the meter to the factory for annual calibration.
Proprietary Technology Benefits
The Sage proprietary technology provides additional benefits, such as enhanced signal stability, improved temperature compensation, greater sensitivity to flow changes, improved resolution, and the ability to digitally adjust the dynamic operating range of the meter for the specified process conditions.
*Teflon ferruled SVA05 Isolation Valve Assembly
Complies with EPA CFR 40 Part 98 as well as numerous protocols for their calibration verification such as:
- U.S. Landfill Protocol,Version 4.0,Par. 6.2
- Mexico Landfill Protocol, Version 1.1, Par. 6.2
- U.S.Livestock Protocol, Version 3.0, Par. 6.2
- U.S.Livestock Protocol, Version 4.0, Par. 6.3
- Mexico Livestock Protocol, Version 2.0, Par. 6.2