Module Details

Module Code: PHYS6007
Title: Instrument Calibration
Long Title: Instrument Calibration
NFQ Level: Fundamental
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2024/25 ( September 2024 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 4411 - Physics
Module Delivered in: 8 programme(s)
Module Description: This module introduces the learner to the principles of installation and calibration. Calibration terminology and calibration procedures of process industries are studied. The learner will calibrate a range of relevant process industry measurement systems & utilse industry 4.0 digital calibration software.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Describe the principles of calibration and the associated standard instruments.
LO2 Describe the procedures which must be followed to achieve reliable and reproducible calibration data.
LO3 Perform appropriate calibration techniques on pressure, temperature, level and flow measurement instruments using standard calibration instruments and procedures.
LO4 Measure, record and evaluate appropriate calibration data clearly and concisely; and identify inherent instrument errors utilising Industry 4.0 software from CompuCal and the mobile App CompuCal GO.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
None
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
None
 
Indicative Content
Principles of Calibration
Need for calibration against standards; types of calibration; traceability; calibration certification; validation; the National Standards Authority of Ireland and National Metrology Laboratory, ISO9001. Instrument classification, instrument identification - tag numbers and calibration stickers.
Pressure Calibration
Manometers. Dead-weight testers. Electronic Calibrators. Portable field Calibrators.
Data Analysis
Accuracy, precision, zero-error, proportionality error, hysteresis, maximum non-linearity error, error as a percentage of span, error as a percentage of full-scale deflection, tolerance, test uncertainty ratio.
Level Calibration
Tank Calibration. Liquid calibration, optical reference line, optical triangulation.
Flow Meter Calibration
Volumetric tank. Gravimetric tank. Pipe prover, reference meter. Flow calibration modes.
Temperature Calibration
International Practical Temperature Scale. Standard calibration instruments. Primary and secondary temperature standards. Temperature Calibrators: Block calibrator, oil bath.
Laboratory Practicals
Calibration of: a strain gauge (manometer), pressure gauges (dead weight testers and comparator) and pressure transducers (Drück pressure calibrator); thermocouples/Pyrometers (block calibrator); variable area flow meter, orifice plate and Venturi meter (volumetric tank); d.c. electrical sources (Fluke & Emersson calibrators).
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 40
Timing Every Week Learning Outcomes 2,3,4
Assessment Description
Weekly Lab Worksheets/Reports
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 30
Timing Week 11 Learning Outcomes 3,4
Assessment Description
Lab Exam
Assessment Type Multiple Choice Questions % of Total Mark 30
Timing Week 12 Learning Outcomes 1,2,4
Assessment Description
Theory Assessment of the calibration terminology and procedures covered in the module.
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Delivery of course material Every Week 1.00 1
Lab Contact Laboratory practical Assignments. Includes demonstrations and a sample of CompuCal based calibration certificates. Every Week 3.00 3
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Case studies, extra reading & study material. Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Delivery of course material. Every Week 0.50 0.5
Lab Contact Laboratory practical Assignments. Includes demonstrations and a sample of CompuCal based calibration certificates. Every Week 2.50 2.5
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Case studies, extra reading & study material. Every Week 4.00 4
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Jay L. Bucher. (2015), The Metrology Handbook, 2. 42, ASQ/Infotech, p.560, [ISBN: 8174890386].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Bela G Liptak, Kriszta Venczel. (2016), Instrumentation and Automation Engineers' Handbook: Process Measurement and Analysis Volume 1, 5. CRC Press, p.3102, [ISBN: 1466559322].
  • Jay L. Bucher. (2015), Quality Calibration Handbook - Developing and Managing a Calibration Program, 20, ASQ/Infotech, p.190, [ISBN: 8174890335].
  • Alan S. Morris,Reza Langari. (2020), Measurement and Instrumentation, 2. 21, Academic Press, p.726, [ISBN: 0128008849].
  • N. E. Battikha. (2018), The Condensed Handbook of Measurement and Control, 3rd. ISA, p.468, [ISBN: 1556179952].
  • John G. Webster,Halit Eren. (2018), Measurement, Instrumentation, and Sensors Handbook, Second Edition, 2nd. 10, CRC Press, p.1641, [ISBN: 1439848882].
  • Mike Cable. (2005), Calibration: A Technician's Guide, ISA, p.200, [ISBN: 1556171912X].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_EBENS_8 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Building Energy Systems 2 Mandatory
CR_SINEN_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Instrument Engineering 2 Mandatory
CR_SPHYS_7 Bachelor of Science in Applied Physics and Instrumentation 2 Mandatory
CR_SICAL_6 Certificate in Process Instrumentation & Calibration 2 Mandatory
CR_SPHYS_6 Higher Certificate in Science in Applied Physics and Instrumentation 2 Mandatory
CR_EMECN_7 Parttime - Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering 2 Elective
CR_SOMNI_8 Physical Sciences (Common Entry) 2 Group Elective 1
CR_SOMNI_7 Physical Sciences (Common Entry) 2 Group Elective 1