Calibration and Certification of Industrial Sensors – a Global Review

Abstract

The main objective of this paper is to describe the state of the art of the calibration and certification of industrial sensors, giving an approach on how companies can manage the sensors’ calibration, namely the ones that are incorporated in the equipment. For any industry it is essential to make products that satisfy the customers in terms of quality and, simultaneously, to be competitive in the market. The data obtained from the sensors placed in the equipment is one of the sources that helps to increase the performance, adding value for the competitiveness of the company in the market. Sensors are responsible, in many sectors, to guarantee equipment availability and product quality. In this way, the certification of the company and of the equipment, not only guarantee quality and prevent unwanted and unforeseen costs, but also gives company credibility, namely from the customer's point of view. This paper focus on the state of art of industrial metrology, namely sensors, standards and measuring tools, calibrations and the certification of calibration. It also includes a theoretical section about sensors, types of sensors, their operation and characteristics. Next, it is presented the theme of metrology and the measurement science, responsible for ensuring the quality and veracity of the data sent by the reading equipment. It also addresses the importance of metrological traceability and certified management systems, which are required to certify the sensors calibration, in order to guarantee the effectiveness of the measurements and, consequently, the rigor of operation of the associated quality system.