Annual Recalibration FAQ
Alicat encourages our annual recalibration service for your meters and controllers to ensure their contnued performance. In this article, we answer common questions about the recalibration process.
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When do I need to get my Alicat device calibrated?
All Alicat meters and controllers should be recalibrated annually to maintain the warranty of the device.
You can find the date of the device’s most recent calibration on the back of the device, or stored in MENU > ABOUT > DEVICE INFO.
Why do I need to recalibrate my device?
Over time, particulate deposits or minor physical changes within the flow body or internal electronics can lead to deviations from the calibrated flow curve. Recalibration brings instruments back to their optimal calibration specifications, and ensures a continuation of your product warranty.
What is included in the annual recalibration?
Before recalibration begins, our service technicians double check and log analog signals, settings, sensor health, LCD functionality, and connector threading. The device is then calibrated using NIST-traceable standards, and post-calibration data is logged.
Each recalibrated device is returned to the customer with a NIST-traceable certificate of calibration that includes parameters and conditions related to the calibration.
What happens if damage requiring more than calibration is found?
Service technicians will evaluate the damage and determine repair needs on a case by case basis.
Will my device be updated or reconfigured during recalibration?
How long does it take to recalibrate a device?
It typically takes 15 business days after arriving at the factory or service center, however, lead times may vary.
Where can Alicat instruments be calibrated?
We recommend that all devices are returned to an Alicat-approved facility for recalibration. Many devices are recalibrated in our US office, however we also have service centers in China, India, and the Netherlands.
How is my device calibrated?
Alicat calibrations evaluate readings at five points within the full scale range of your device: 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of full scale. You can also request a custom calibration, for which you choose the specific calibration points and may use more than 5. These readings are compared with readings taken from one of our in-house flow or pressure standards.
When calibrating controllers, additional valve calibration is required. Service technicians often alter the PID tuning of a device to improve control performance.
Typical calibration setup
How do I request a recalibration from Alicat?
Fill out a service request form. Once we receive your request, we will issue you an RMA (Return of Materials Authorization) and send you shipping instructions.