Jerome Analyzers

Calibration of Jerome Hydrogen Sulfide Analyzers

Accurate hydrogen sulfide analysis requires precise instrument calibration. The Jerome 631-X and 631-XE hydrogen sulfide analyzers manufactured by Arizona Instrument LLC are factory calibrated using methods traceable to NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology). The calibration system used at AZI's manufacturing facility in Tempe, Arizona consists of the following components:

Calibration Room

All Jerome calibrations are performed in a climate controlled environment.

Hydrogen Sulfide Gas Source

AZI uses the VICI-Metronics Dynacalibrator™ that contains a precisely controlled heat chamber and gas flow system. A small permeation tube of hydrogen sulfide is heated in the chamber. A tightly controlled air volume passes through the chamber carrying the gas to the test stations. The emission of hydrogen sulfide gas from the permeation tube is a known value determined through successive measurements on an analytical balance. Internal meters that are calibrated to and verified against volume displacement bubble flow meters control airflow. The Dynacalibrators are calibrated regularly under our ISO -9001 guidelines by VICI-Metronics with methods traceable to the NIST.

Manifold System

The hydrogen sulfide vapor from the permeation tube exits the Dynacalibrator and passes into a 4-inch PVC manifold tube. This manifold prevents any positive or negative pressure from affecting the calibration process. This manifold chamber also allows multiple instruments to be calibrated at one time. Excess hydrogen sulfide is exhausted from the manifold through a charcoal trap.

Calibration Software

Calibration of the Jerome hydrogen sulfide analyzers is controlled through proprietary calibration software developed by Arizona Instrument. Each unit passes through a rigorous calibration protocol to assure the unit's accuracy, repeatability, and stability. A central computer that controls multiple units along the system manifold controls each step in the process.

Calibration Frequency

The Jerome gold film sensor is inherently stable and does not require frequent recalibration. AZI recommends an annual factory calibration. The interval between calibrations depends on instrument usage and operating conditions.

Arizona Instruments recommends the use of the Jerome FTM (Functional Test Module, part number Z2600-0918) to verify instrument operation between annual calibrations. The FTM introduces a known concentration of hydrogen sulfide into the Jerome analyzer. When the results of this test fall within the expected range, the instrument is operating correctly. If the results are outside the expected range, the instrument should be considered out of calibration and returned to AZI. Continuous records of functional checks between annual factory calibrations verify the instrument's operation and help satisfy regulatory requirements.

Flow Meters

The flow of each Jerome instrument is set to a precise rate prior to and during calibration. Arizona Instrument uses rotometers calibrated to a bubble flow meter, the primary standard for flow. Each flowmeter is calibrated on a regular basis with standards traceable to NIST. Calibration records for each flow meter are maintained under ISO 9001 guidelines.

Digital Multimeters

Various electrical test points are measured with digital multimeters that are regularly certified and traceable to NIST. Calibration records for each multimeter are maintained under ISO 9001 guidelines.

Calibration of Jerome Mercury Vapor Analyzers

Accurate mercury vapor analysis requires precise instrument calibration. The Jerome 431-X, 431-XE and 411 mercury vapor analyzers manufactured by Arizona Instrument LLC are factory calibrated using methods traceable to NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology). The calibration system used at AZI's manufacturing facility in Tempe, Arizona consists of the following components:

Calibration Room

All Jerome calibrations are performed in a climate controlled environment.

Mercury Vapor Source

AZI uses the VICI-Metronics Dynacalibrator™, which contains a precisely controlled heat chamber and gas flow system. A small permeation tube of mercury is heated in the chamber. A tightly controlled air volume passes through the chamber carrying the vapor to the test stations. The emission of mercury vapor from the permeation tube is a known value determined through successive measurements on an analytical balance. Internal meters that are calibrated to and verified against volume displacement bubble flow meters control airflow. The Dynacalibrators are calibrated regularly under our ISO -9001 guidelines by VICI-Metronics with methods traceable to the NIST.

Manifold System

The mercury vapor from the permeation tube exits the Dynacalibrator and passes into a 4-inch PVC manifold tube. This manifold prevents any positive or negative pressure from affecting the calibration process. This manifold chamber also allows multiple instruments to be calibrated at one time. Excess mercury vapor is exhausted from the manifold through a mercury trap.

Calibration Software

Calibration of the Jerome mercury vapor analyzers is controlled through proprietary calibration software developed by Arizona Instrument. Each unit passes through a rigorous calibration protocol to assure the unit's accuracy, repeatability, and stability. A central computer that controls multiple units along the system manifold controls each step in the process.

Calibration Frequency

The Jerome gold film sensor is inherently stable and does not require frequent recalibration. AZI recommends an annual factory calibration. The interval between calibrations depends on instrument usage and operating conditions.

Arizona Instruments recommends the use of the Jerome FTK (Functional Test Kit, part number Y431-0902) to verify instrument operation between annual calibrations. The FTK introduces a known mass of mercury vapor into the Jerome analyzer. When the results of this test fall within the expected range, the instrument is operating correctly. If the results are outside the expected range, the instrument should be considered out of calibration and returned to AZI. A continuous record of functional checks between annual factory calibrations verifies the instrument's operation and helps satisfy regulatory requirements.

Flow Meters

The flow of each Jerome instrument is set to a precise rate prior to and during calibration. Arizona Instrument uses rotometers calibrated to a bubble flow meter, the primary standard for flow. Each flow meter is calibrated on a regular basis with standards traceable to NIST. Calibration records for each flow meter are maintained under ISO 9001 guidelines.

Digital Multimeters

Various electrical test points are measured with digital multimeters that are regularly certified and traceable to NIST. Calibration records for each multimeter are maintained under ISO 9001 guidelines.

Sole Source Letter

Arizona Instrument is the only authorized calibration source for the Jerome Model 411 or Model 431-X and 431-XE mercury vapor analyzers and the Jerome Model 631-X and 631-XE hydrogen sulfide vapor analyzers. The calibration of the Jerome analyzers requires a system which is traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (N.I.S.T.). Using equipment traceable to N.I.S.T. assures that the calibration is both valid and accurate.

A factory calibration for both Jerome models is recommended annually. To verify the operation of a mercury vapor analyzer, Arizona Instrument recommends the use of a Functional Test Kit (part number Y431-0902) on a regular basis. To verify the operation of a hydrogen sulfide analyzer, we recommend the use of a Function Test Module (part number Z2600-0918). For any further information regarding the Jerome mercury vapor analyzers, our calibration system or the Functional Test Kit, call Arizona Instrument Customer Service at (800) 528-7411 or (602) 470-1414, or, e-mail Technical Support.