Methods for calibrating and / or adjusting sensors in process engineering

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for calibrating and / or adjusting process engineering sensors, comprising the following steps: Ordering a calibration by the customer, specifying the sensor's serial number; transmitting a digital calibration authorization and, optionally, calibration standards to the customer; performing and documenting the measurements by the customer, preferably supported by an app or instructions; transmitting the measured values ​​and other necessary data to the manufacturer; checking the data by the manufacturer and issuing a calibration certificate, which is available at least digitally, but preferably also as a physical copy; and cryptographically linking the calibration certificates.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for calibrating and / or adjusting sensors in process engineering, which makes it possible to perform these tasks on site by the operator himself.

[0002] Conventional methods require that the sensors either be sent to a calibration laboratory or that a manufacturer's representative perform the calibration on-site. Both methods are complex and expensive and may potentially necessitate machine downtime.

[0003] The object of the invention is to simplify the calibration and / or adjustment of sensors in process engineering while ensuring reliable traceability.

[0004] The problem is solved according to the invention by a method having the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0005] The process begins with the customer ordering a calibration, specifying the sensor's serial number. The customer then receives a digital calibration authorization, which is loaded onto the sensor as a file. If necessary, a calibration standard is also sent to the customer on loan if it is not already in their possession or is not an integral part of the sensor. The customer then performs the necessary calibration measurements themselves and documents them. An app or corresponding instructions on a website can assist the customer in this process.

[0006] The measured values, and preferably other necessary data such as ambient temperature and photos, are transmitted to the manufacturer. After the manufacturer has reviewed the data and, if applicable, received payment and returned the calibration standards, the customer receives a calibration certificate. This is issued once as a physical copy for filing and once as a digital file that is loaded onto the sensor.

[0007] A key aspect of the invention is the cryptographic linking of all previously issued calibration certificates. This makes it very easy to prove during audits that the obligation for regular calibration has been fulfilled. The digital calibration certificates are cryptographically linked in a similar way to how a technical security device (TSE) links a receipt.

[0008] If sensor adjustment is required, the necessary data can also be supplied with the digital calibration certificate and loaded into the sensor. The transmission of the digital calibration authorization and the calibration certificates can be carried out via any digital communication method, which adds further flexibility to the process.

Claims

[1] Method for calibrating and / or adjusting sensors for process engineering, comprising the steps: ▪ Customer orders calibration from the manufacturer, specifying the sensor's serial number, ▪ Transmission of a digital calibration certificate and – if this is not in the customer's possession or is an integral part of the sensor – a calibration standard from the manufacturer to the customer, ▪ The customer is responsible for carrying out and documenting the measurements using the calibration standards, ▪ Transmission of the measured values ​​determined during calibration to the manufacturer, ▪ Verification of the data by the manufacturer and issuance of a calibration certificate, which is digitally stored in the sensor, ▪ Cryptographic chaining of the calibration certificates. [2] Method according to claim 1, wherein the transmission of the digital calibration authorization and the calibration certificates is carried out by means of any digital communication. [3] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cryptographic linking of the calibration certificates enables complete verification during audits. [4] Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the execution of the measurements by the customer is supported by an app or instructions on a website. [5] Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the adjustment data are loaded into the sensor together with the calibration certificate. [6] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein, during calibration, in addition to the measured values ​​obtained, local environmental data from the place of calibration are also transmitted to the manufacturer. [7] Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the calibration certificate is available both as a physical copy and digitally.