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Testing and Calibration

The frequency of testing or calibration is generally determined by local Regulation or Standard. In Europe the EN378 requires that gas sensors be tested on installation and then annually. On the other hand, the F GAS Regulation requires much more frequent inspection (Table 1).

Table 1– F-Gas Regulation– Leak Detection Requirement
(excluding hermetic systems containing less than 6kg)

√ Applications must be inspected within one month after a leak has been repaired
√ Detailed records of the inspections must be maintained.

All Murco gas detectors are tested and calibrated before shipment and need only be bump tested on installation.

Murco recommends that its products be bump tested at least annually, and depending on the model be calibrated at set intervals by sensor exchange or gas calibration.

Contact Murco for detailed recommendations.

By Bump test, we mean a qualitative functional test consisting of exposing the sensor to a gas which causes a response. The intention is to verify that the sensor is working properly.  No adjustment takes place and the test is carried out quickly.  Murco supplies gas ampoules and check gases for this purpose.

On the other hand, calibration is the accurate verification and adjustment of the instrument’s reading using calibration gas.  Murco offers different approaches to calibration:

1-  Pre-calibrated Sensor Replacement:

For some models, Murco offers a cost-effective alternative to on-site calibration by supplying a pre-calibrated replacement sensor board.

Murco recommends exchanging the sensor board every two/three years depending on model. This constantly renews the system and avoids any end of life sensor issues.

2- Using Calibration gas:

This is the adjustment of the gas detector’s accuracy using calibration gas.

Murco offers a calibration kit that consists of Calibration gas, flow regulation valve, and the appropriate set of instructions for the specific sensor technology.

In many cases this option may be expensive because of the cost of visiting a site and a surcharge in the freight cost of calibration gas as it is generally classified as hazardous.

3- Electrical Set Up:

For some “set point” type of detectors (MGD and the IAM range), an electrical set up procedure and bump test can be used.  The set points are shown on the product label.  If not, on providing the product Serial Number to Murco, our technical department will send you the appropriate procedure with the corresponding set up values.

For detailed procedures for bump test, gas calibration or sensor replacement please contact our Technical Department.

Download the PDF version FAQ 10. How often should Murco detectors be tested and calibrated?

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