Calibrations
Our Metrology laboratory operates under guidelines set forth in the NIST Handbook 150-2 (Aug 95) and ISO/IEC Guide 25 3rd edition (1.4.11.2B). It is equipped to calibrate thermocouples and RTD's using NIST traceable measuring and test equipment. Our equipment's useful range is from -40C to 1700C and includes cryogenic points of -195.64C and -56.42C. We also maintain the triple point of water.

MIL-STD-45662-A is used as a guide for all calibrations. Other references and standards used might include (but are not limited to) ASTM-563, E-77, E-207, E-220, E-230, E-601, IEC 584-1, 751 or ANSI/MC 96.1, JMS Southeast offers calibration services for standard thermocouples as well as non-standard thermocouples. Because of possible inhomogeneities along the length of the thermocouple, readings may vary from one furnace to the next. It is not recommended that a calibration be performed on used thermocouples, but we will calibrate your sensors based on the initial thermocouple tolerances. Since sensors do not have trim pots of microprocessors to adjust, our calibration reports consist of 'As Found Data'. However, if you would like for us to calibrate a sensor along with a transmitter, readout device, or controller which may have adjustable guts, we will be more than happy to adjust the instrument so that your system accuracy is documented.

Definitions of Common Calibration Terminology

Everyday terms may mean something a little different in the context of a calibration.  Provided here for your benefit is the ordinary definition of commonly used terms compared to definitions provided by one commonly referenced standard, ASTM E344.

Uncertainty (Webster): 1. indefinite 2. not certain to occur 3. not known beyond doubt

Uncertainty (ASTM E344): n -- of a temperature measurement, parameter derived from an analysis of a measurement and its result, that characterizes the range in which the true temperature is estimated to lie, generally within a given confidence.

Error (Webster): The difference between an observed or calculated value; not a true value. The amount of deviation from a standard or specification.

Error (ASTM E344): n -- of a temperature measurement, result of a temperature measurement minus a true value of temperature.

Precision (Webster): The degree of refinement with which a measurement is stated.
Precision (ASTM): n -- the scatter between individual values of test data within the subset, normally computed with respect to the mean of the subset.

Bias (Webster): Deviation of the expected value of a statistical estimate from the quantity it estimates.
Bias (ASTM): n -- the scatter between the mean values of subsets of data, from each other and from the accepted value.

JMS Southeast - What we refer to as uncertainties fall under 2 categories:

1. Mathematical / statistical / or calculated uncertainties: Those interpolated or extrapolated numbers which are impossible to determine without more frequent measured points. These numbers are ) at the measured points, expandable between points and go out to infinity beyond the end points.

2. Measurement uncertainties: Those numbers derived at the measurement points which must be added to the total possible uncertainty of measurement. They include reference probe, instrument, probe under test and medium instabilities plus accuracy ratings of those devices.

Our calibration report is the most comprehensive in the industry, and we hope that the numbers arrived at do not scare you. We assure you that we use the most updated and modern equipment available to take these readings. We maintain natural standards (triple point and freeze point cells) and all of our equipment is traceable to tests performed by the NIST. A list of equipment used is printed on the calibration report, and all appropriate documentation is maintained in our Metrology Laboratory.

Testing
JMS Southeast, Inc. offers extensive testing of our sensors. The standards below may be used during testing. If certain standards are required, please specify.

Quality Inspections
JMS Southeast, Inc. provides laboratory services for the temperature sensors we manufacture. Throughout the manufacturing process, JMS includes quality inspections. The Quality Control Department conducts the final quality control inspection on 100% of all sensors. Standard methods for manufacturing and quality control testing may include procedures in accordance with the following:

Our laboratory also may reference the following specifications: