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Terminology Used in Instrument Accuracy: Rick Williams Rawson & Co., Inc
Terminology Used in Instrument Accuracy: Rick Williams Rawson & Co., Inc
Rick Williams
Rawson & Co., Inc.
P.O. Box 924288, Houston, TX 77292
Many current technologies involve a means of sampling Span Shift may have a negative effect on the accuracy
data in order to provide an output that implies real of an instrument. If an instrument span is changed, there
process conditions. Near instantaneous measurement needs to be a calibration verification of the change. The
is possible with some analog instruments but is not instrument should be expected to perform within
possible with instruments with digital electronics. Oddly published specifications providing that a calibration
enough, there is an explosion of accuracy statements device is used to confirm the zero and span of the
that imply enhanced performance from smart (by default instrument. Again, on pressure transmitters, temperature
digital) instruments. The accuracy statements are correct and pressure effects may cause span shift. Also,
but the response time and resolution of the instrument adjustment of zero alone may affect the span.
must be taken into consideration to qualify performance.
The ability of an instrument to respond to and transmit Temperature effects must be broken into two categories:
process data quickly is important for some critical flow process temperature effects and ambient temperature
or pressure applications associated with fast-acting effects. Process temperature affects instrument
positive displacement pumps, compressor control and performance in two ways. For liquid processes
safety systems. temperature variation has an affect on viscosity. For those
flow instruments that are viscosity sensitive, the variation
Response Time is the ability of an instrument to react to in viscosity must be understood and compensated for
process variable changes. This is closely related to the or there will be an error associated with the viscosity
terms resolution and damping. Most electronic shift. Secondly, many sensors are typically located in
instruments have a delay from the moment the process close proximity to the process, there is the potential for
variable changes and the moment the change is indicated an effect on the sensor with process temperature
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