Calibration Procedures Teledyne API – Model T300/T300M CO Analyzer
Teledyne Analytical Instruments 194
9.1.1.1. ZERO AIR
Zero air or zero calibration gas is defined as a gas that is similar in chemical
composition to the measured medium but without the gas to be measured by the
analyzer.
For the GFC7001T/GFC7001TM zero air should contain less than 25 ppb of CO and
other major interfering gases such as CO and Water Vapor. It should have a dew point
of -5C or less.
If your application is not a measurement in ambient air, the zero calibration gas should
be matched to the composition of the gas being measured.
Pure nitrogen (N2) can be used as a zero gas for applications where CO is measured
in nitrogen.
If your analyzer is equipped with an external zero air scrubber option, it is capable
of creating zero air from ambient air.
For analyzers without the zero air scrubber, a zero air generator such as the Teledyne
T701 can be used. Please visit the company website for more information.
9.1.1.2. SPAN GAS
Span Gas is a gas specifically mixed to match the chemical composition of the type of
gas being measured at near full scale of the desired measurement range. It is
recommended that the span gas used have a concentration equal to 80-90% of the full
measurement range.
If Span Gas is sourced directly from a calibrated, pressurized tank, the gas mixture
should be CO mixed with Zero Air or N2 at the required ratio.
For oxygen measurements using the optional O2 sensor, we recommend a reference gas
of 21% O2 in N2.
For quick checks, ambient air can be used at an assumed concentration of 20.8%.
Generally, O2 concentration in dry, ambient air varies by less than 1%.
9.1.1.3. CALIBRATION GAS STANDARDS AND TRACEABILITY
All equipment used to produce calibration gases should be verified against standards of
the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST). To ensure NIST
traceability, we recommend to acquire cylinders of working gas that are certified to be
traceable to NIST Standard Reference Materials (SRM). These are available from a
variety of commercial sources.
Table 9-1: NIST-SRMs Available for Traceability of CO Calibration Gases
NIST-SRM Type Nominal Concentration
680b CO in N2 500 ppm
1681b CO in N2 1000 ppm
2613a CO in Zero Air 20 ppm
2614a CO in Zero Air 45 ppm
2659a1 O2 in N2 21% by weight
2626a CO2 in N2 4% by weight
27452 CO2 in N2 16% by weight
1 Used to calibrate optional O2 sensor. 2 Used to calibrate optional CO2 sensor.