The question has come up in discussions with our customers as to which method is better? It depends on the circumstances and the time frame that the individual site has. There are benefits to both services and I am pleased to let you know that Thermal Instrument Co. has been performing both services for a number of years on the thermal mass flow meters that we have manufactured and that have been installed on landfill operations across the United States.
Factory Re-calibration
When you choose a factory re-calibration there are some advantages, such as complete flow range validation against a NIST traceable calibration method. The meter is pulled out of production, sent back to our factory, undergoes a complete inspection, and is re-calibrated according to operating specifications; however, this requires you to take the unit out of service and replace it with another unit until it is returned.
Loaner Program
Thermal Instrument can help customers that require a loaner meter in order to avoid down time during this mandatory process. Thermal Instrument Co. is one of the few thermal flow meter manufacturers that are prepared to send a loaner unit to your site prior to the re-calibration being performed. This allows for the site to not have to invest in additional back up pieces of equipment. It also allows the site to remain operational during this re-calibration time frame. I have yet to meet an operations manager that wants to be down for Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), so the loaner program has been an invaluable option.
On-Site Re-calibration
If a site has numerous flow meters that are all due at the same time for re-calibration, or if there are multiple sites under one central management point in the same geographic area then it may make more sense to have the units re-calibrated at the actual landfill location. This eliminates any down time and shares the cost between multiple units. Thermal Instrument has developed an on-site NIST traceable process and has trained Field Service Engineers that allow for a complete re-calibration service to be performed right on-site at your convenience. Our Field Engineers work around your schedule to service these units when it is most convenient for your operation.
With numerous options available Thermal Instrument Co. would be happy to assist or provide you with more information on any of the above methods. If you want to find out more about how Thermal Instrument Co. can help you better manage this process please feel free to contact us at our information below.
www.ThermalInstrument.com
P: 215-355-8400