Pressure gauge calibration

Pressure gauge calibration is the process of comparing a gauge’s indicated pressure reading against a traceable pressure reference standard at defined points across the gauge’s operating range. The calibration certificate records the indicated reading, the reference value, the error and the measurement uncertainty at each point. UKAS accreditation means the calibration laboratory has been independently assessed to ISO/IEC 17025:2017.

Calibration intervals depend on the application and the consequences of inaccuracy. In pharmaceutical manufacturing (GMP), food production (BRC) and aerospace (AS9100), annual calibration is the standard expectation. For gauges used only for general indication in non-critical applications, two-year intervals are common. Your quality management system should define the calibration interval for each gauge based on its criticality and historical drift behaviour.

In regulated industries, UKAS accreditation is the expected standard. ISO 9001:2015 Clause 7.1.5 requires measurement equipment to be calibrated against traceable standards, and UKAS accreditation is the recognised route to demonstrating that traceability to auditors. Non-UKAS certificates can be questioned during ISO 9001, GMP and AS9100 audits. Labcal holds UKAS accreditation for pressure calibration under Lab 0625.

Yes. We regularly calibrate glycerine-filled (liquid-filled) pressure gauges, including stainless steel process gauges used in food and pharmaceutical applications. The glycerine filling does not affect the calibration process. Please ensure the gauge is clean and in a safe condition before sending to our laboratory. If the gauge is damaged, corroded or in a condition that presents a safety risk, contact us before sending.

If a pressure gauge is found to be outside your required tolerance during calibration, we will note this on the calibration certificate as non-conforming. We can also carry out adjustment where technically possible. Where adjustment is not possible — for example, with sealed mechanical gauges — we will advise on whether the instrument should be replaced. You can then make an as-found assessment to determine whether any products or processes measured with the out-of-tolerance gauge may have been affected.