www.instantel.

com

Calibration Guide
Everything You Need to Know About Instantel’s
High-Resolution Calibration Process
Contents The Background
The Basics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
What Are Calibrations? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Instantel’s Impact
Two Industry Calibration Display Formats . . . . . . . . 2
For Over 40 Years
Tabular: 8 Data Points . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 On The ISEE
Graphical: 24 Data Points . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Performance
Instantel’s High-Resolution Approach . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Specifications
Graphical: 993 Data Points . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Measuring the “As Found” Condition . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Renowned
Is Sensor Check a Calibration?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 For Our High-Resolution
How Does it Work? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Calibration Reports
Equipment Calibration Intervals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Instantel is renowned for our high-resolution calibration
How Are Geophones Calibrated? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 techniques and graphical reports. We plot the amplitude
Phase Response Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 frequency and phase responses for quick visualization.
Instantel was one of the first calibration facilities to add a
How Are Microphones Calibrated? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 curve to the ISEE Threshold Limits for the linear microphone
What Does Instantel’s Calibration Certificate Mean? . . 8 calibrations, even before it was included in the ISEE
Why Use an Authorized Calibration Center? . . . . . . 9 Performance Specifications for Blasting Seismographs
Preparing Your Service/Calibration Request . . . . . . 9 in 2017. With any Instantel calibrated equipment, you
can trust that your recorded data will be accurate.

The Basics Recognized

For Our ISEE Involvement Since Its Inception
What Are Calibrations?
With close to 40 years of industry experience,
A properly calibrated monitoring unit ensures that the Instantel understands the importance of accurate
performance characteristics adhere to guidelines such as calibration. Instantel’s presence as a member of the
the International Society of Explosives Engineers (ISEE), ISEE seismograph standards subcommittee, since
Deutsches Institut für Normung (DIN)1 or International its inception in 1995, testifies to our strong industry
Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 61672-1 to measure involvement. Our Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
ground vibration, air overpressure, and noise. In many currently serves as the ISEE Seismograph Testing
countries, sensitive measuring devices that require a and Calibration Committee Chair and is also an ISEE
high degree of accuracy have regulatory authorities that Standards Committee member.
enforce a mandatory annual calibration.
Respected
When monitoring equipment is purchased or re-calibrated,
For Recommending New Updates To The ISEE
it is critical to ensure that the calibration is traceable to
national or international standards. Instantel’s calibration Performance Specifications
equipment follows the National Institute of Standards and Every five years, the committee reviews the ISEE’s
Technology (NIST) and the National Research Council of Performance Specification for Blasting Seismographs
Canada (NRC); both are recognized worldwide. to determine if updates are required. Instantel
continues to be an integral part of the review process.
This longstanding commitment allows Instantel to
1. ISEE requires 2 to 250 Hz, 8 data points for tabular results and 24 data points for regularly enhance our calibration testing techniques.
graphical results. The DIN 45669-1 requires 1 to 315 Hz and intervals between neighbouring
frequencies to be no greater than one octave (typically 17 data points).

Instantel 1 / 9
Two Industry Calibration Display Formats
Instantel’s 993 (ISEE) and 856 (DIN) Data Points vs The Industry Standard of 8 - 24 Data Points
When Instantel calibrates your equipment, you are not just getting the bare minimum test procedure. Instantel
calibrates far beyond the ISEE and DIN requirements for frequency and phase response. According to the 2017
ISEE Performance Specifications for Blasting Seismographs, calibration facilities may present their results in
two separate formats:
• Format One: Calibration Documentation with Tabular Results (8 data points and “As Found” report)
• Format Two: Calibration Documentation with Graphical Results (24 data points and “As Found” report)
Instantel’s calibration report includes the “As Found” report as a detailed graph (see Figure 4) and the final calibration
response graphs for each of the three geophone channels and for the linear microphone (see Figure 7 and
Figure 10). These graphs demonstrate, at a glance, if the equipment meets the specified response standard.

Format One: ISEE-2017 Tabular Results (8 Data Points Required for Measurement)
Amplitude Response
Frequency Reference Signal
Hertz (Hz) Amplitude(mm/s) Transverse Vertical Longitudinal Tolerance Pass/Fail
(mm/s) (mm/s) (mm/s)
2 25.4 25.67 25.88 25.44 +5% to -3 dB (-29.2%) Pass
4 25.4 25.72 27.75 25.32 +/- 5 % or +/-0.5 mm/s (+/-0.02 in/s) whichever is larger Fail
10 25.6 26.11 24.85 26.23 +/- 5 % or +/-0.5 mm/s (+/-0.02 in/s) whichever is larger Pass

30 25.4 24.76 24.62 26.19 +/- 5 % or +/-0.5 mm/s (+/-0.02 in/s) whichever is larger Pass
60 25.4 24.98 25.14 25.78 +/- 5 % or +/-0.5 mm/s (+/-0.02 in/s) whichever is larger Pass
125 25.2 25.23 25.76 25.65 +/- 5 % or +/-0.5 mm/s (+/-0.02 in/s) whichever is larger Pass
200 25.4 25.46 26.51 25.68 +5% to -3 dB (-29.2%) Pass
250 25.4 25.72 25.95 25.45 +5% to -3 dB (-29.2%) Pass

Figure 1. Example of the eight tabular results as required by the ISEE-2017 standard. The tabular values are filled in with one data point
failing to meet the tolerance at 4 Hz. The standard allows for a +/- 5% tolerance (with a -3 dB rolloff) from an ideal flat response to
compensate for real-world measurement variations.

Format Two: ISEE-2017 Graphical Results (24 Data Points Required for Measurement)
Amplitude vs Frequency Response ISEE Standard
1
ISEE Upper Limit (+5% Tolerance Level)

ISEE Lower Limit (-5% Tolerance Level)

Amplitude (dB)

-1

The ISEE-2017 standard's 24 data points at 2Hz, 3Hz, 4Hz,

5Hz, 6Hz, 7Hz, 8Hz, 9Hz, 10Hz, 20Hz, 30Hz, 40Hz,
-2 50Hz, 60Hz, 70Hz, 80Hz, 90Hz, 100Hz, 125Hz, 150Hz,
175Hz, 200Hz, 225Hz, 250Hz

-3
ISEE Lower Limit ISEE Lower Limit
(-3 dB Tolerance Level (-3 dB Tolerance Level
(-29.2%)) (-29.2%))
-4
-

-
-

125 150 175 225 250

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 200 300 400
Frequency (Hz)
Figure 2. Example of an amplitude vs frequency response with 24 calibration data points according to the ISEE-2017 standard.

CRITICAL OBSERVATION
• The ISEE-2017 tabular approach does not show the whole picture with a very limited set of test points.
• The ISEE-2017 graphical approach expands visibility, though remains limited in resolution. Exceedances
outside the test points remain undetected.

Instantel 2 / 9
 ISEE Upper Limit (+5% Tolerance Level)
0.5

0.0

-0.5
ISEE Lower Limit (-5% Tolerance Level)
Both ISEE’s tabular and graphical requirements are limited in scope. Eight (8) tabular data points (see Figure 1)
Amplitude (dB)
and twenty-four (24) graphical data points (see Figure 2) are the minimum to meet the specification. An actual
vibration
-1.5 event is comprised of a complex set of frequencies and amplitudes that may interfere and generate
spikes that are not detectable using such a limited range of discrete reference points (see Figure 4).
One of the drawbacks when calibration documentation is presented in tabular form is that it lacks the insight
one-2.5
can have through the visual component. Graphical representations display threshold limits and can
reveal signal exceedances with one glance. Tabular charts require an additional manual effort to determine
how close or far theISEE
calibration
Lower Limit results are from the allowed thresholds. ISEE Lower Limit
(-3 dB Tolerance Level (29.2%)) (-3 dB Tolerance Level (29.2%))
-3.5
Instantel’s
1 High-Resolution Approach
10 to Calibration
Frequency (Hz) Documentation
100

Instantel goes beyond the ISEE-2017 requirements for calibration documentation, using a high-resolution graphical
format to display results. The ISEE linear microphone and triaxial geophones are calibrated from 1 to 500 Hz using a
ISEE Upper Limit (+5% Tolerance Level)
~0.50.5
Hz (0.503 Hz) increment, this results in 993 calibrated data points. Additionally, Instantel includes the attenuation
response for undesired frequencies below 2 Hz and above 250 Hz for the ISEE standard.
0.0
The DIN geophones are calibrated from 0.5 to 900 Hz using a ~0.5 Hz (0.469 Hz) increment below 7.5 Hz
and-0.5
a ~1 Hz (1.061 Hz) increment above 7.5 ISEE Hz,Lower
thisLimit
results in 856 calibrated data points. Instantel includes
(-5% Tolerance Level)
the attenuation response for undesired frequencies below 1 Hz and above 315 Hz. This provides evidence that
Amplitude (dB)

unwanted frequencies will be attenuated, thereby maintaining the recorded data’s accuracy. This information is
typically
-1.5 not offered by other vibration monitor manufacturers. These same data points are used to measure and
plot the phase response (see Figure 7), providing further high-resolution evidence of compliance to the standard.

Instantel
-2.5 Calibrates With 993 Data Points to Present Graphical Results
Instantel’s high-resolution calibration can detect exceedances that are otherwise missed when using the ISEE-
2017 tabular or graphical standard. When these exceedances are detected, Instantel
ISEE Lower Limit ISEE calibrates
Lower Limit the device
(-3 dB Tolerance Level (29.2%)) (-3 dB Tolerance Level (29.2%))
to -3.5
ensure all frequencies remain within the upper and lower limits of the standard. As seen in Figure 3, this
calibrated
1 response is a very close match to1an 0 idealFrequency
flat response.
(Hz) This information
10 0 is typically not offered by
other vibration monitor manufacturers.

ISEE Upper Limit (+5% Tolerance Level)

0.5

0.0
ISEE-2017’s
8 tabular data
-0.5 points
ISEE Lower Limit (-5% Tolerance Level)
Amplitude (dB)

-1.5 A calibrated geophone has an amplitude

frequency response that is a close match to an
Instantel’s 993
ideal flat response and is within the ISEE-2017 data point trace
specification limits.
-2.5

ISEE Lower Limit ISEE Lower Limit

(-3 dB Tolerance Level (29.2%)) (-3 dB Tolerance Level (29.2%))
-3.5
1 10 Frequency (Hz) 10 0
Figure 3. Instantel’s amplitude vs frequency vibration response. The blue line traces Instantel’s 993 calibration data points with ~0.5 Hz
increments for an ISEE geophone. The yellow diamonds represent the minimum required test points according to the ISEE-2017 tabular standard.

KEY TAKEAWAYS
• Instantel’s high-resolution graphical method makes it easy to visualize your calibration results.
• Instantel’s high data points provides proof that the device will monitor according to specification for
the full frequency band of the standard.
• Instantel calibrations provide the highest degree of assurance that your monitoring device data is reliable.

Instantel 3 / 9
The Calibration Process: Measuring The “As Found” Condition
What Does “As Found” Mean?
“As Found” refers to the assessment of a Amplitude/Frequency Response Phase Response
monitoring unit’s calibration data (for each Exceedance

channel) upon its arrival at Instantel. For

every ISEE, DIN, Swedish Pile Driving and
Swedish Blasting device, Instantel provides
this information along with the calibration
certificate. Exceedance
ISEE Upper Limit
The geophone is attached to a shake table
capable of generating discrete vibrational
frequencies. The shake table sweeps through
the entire range of measurement frequencies
and records the amplitude, and phase ISEE Lower Limit
response.
Determining the “As Found” condition of a
linear microphone is a similar process, using a
microphone calibration chamber.
The “As Found” assessment is important to
document as it can either:
1. Confirm the equipment’s compliance,
2. Reveal the extent of its non-compliance.
Outcome 1. The “As Found” assessment
determines that the monitoring equipment
continues to record stable data from the
previous calibration. The device’s amplitude
response kept its integrity over the entire
frequency range. It can be assumed that all
measurement data taken since the previous Figure 4. Sample of the “As Found” amplitude, frequency and phase
response measurement of an ISEE geophone. The blue line shows a geophone
calibration is sound and within the regulatory that is out of the calibration limits for the ISEE standard. This can be seen where
standard. it momentarily exceeded the upper limit (grey line) around the 2 - 3.5 Hz range.

Outcome 2. The “As Found” assessment determines that the monitoring

External factors which can
equipment records data outside the regulatory standard’s boundaries.
impact frequency response:
Recorded data has deviated from the previous calibration. In this case, the
calibration will focus on re-centering any response that may have drifted • Transportation wear and tear
off-center. This feedback may also encourage companies to consider • Damage due to dropping,
reviewing any projects that recently used this monitoring equipment. abuse or mishandling the
equipment
NOTE: The frequency response of Instantel’s sensitive vibration monitoring
equipment can change due to external factors, some of which are listed (right). • Opening and re-orienting
sensors
Over time, this may cause the calibrated equipment to no longer comply with
regulatory standards. For these reasons, Instantel strongly recommends an • Using the equipment outside
annual calibration of your monitoring equipment. the product specifications

KEY TAKEAWAYS
• When looking to purchase monitoring equipment for your next project, it is important to understand
the impact of a quality calibration process.
• With Instantel’s high-resolution data point calibration, you can be sure that your equipment is
properly registering the full frequency range of a vibration event.
• Instantel’s high-resolution 993 calibration data points at ~0.5 Hz increments for the ISEE standard,
is part of our reputation as industry leaders for equipment calibration.

Instantel 4 / 9
Is a Sensor Check a Calibration?
No, the Sensor Check function is NOT the same as a calibration. A Sensor Check does not compare the measured
result against an externally traceable reference sensor. Nor does it test the entire electronic circuit that is integral
to the sensor’s response. Under no means can a Sensor Check replace the annual calibration process.

Sensor Check is a function on Instantel vibration monitoring units

that helps ensure that the sensors are properly connected, oriented,
and installed. If, for example, a geophone is not level, or installed
upside down, then the monitoring unit will indicate a failed Sensor
Check. The most common reasons for a failed geophone Sensor
Check are due to an improper leveling or connection. The most
common reason for a failed linear microphone Sensor Check is due
to an improper connection.
Note: The Minimate Pro Sensor Check compares the current
Setup file with the attached sensors and indicates if there are any
mismatches. If, for example, the pressure sensor channel is off, and Figure 5. Sensor Check results as displayed
a linear microphone is attached, or conversely, if it is on, and a linear on a Micromate monitoring unit. In this case
the vertical channel’s natural Frequency
microphone is not attached, then the Sensor Check will indicate and Overswing Ratio test were out of their
“Sensor Detection Error – Attached Sensors do not match setup” . SourceacceptableVertranges.
Waveform Trigger at January 1, 2021 13:00:03 Serial Number
Trigger Level(s) Geo 0.030 in/s,Mic 0.01029 psi Model Number
Pre-Trigger/Record Time 0.25 sec/5.0 sec (Fixed) Battery Level

How Does it Work?

Sample Rate 4096 sps Unit Calibration
Setup File Name Palm Springs - Palm.mmb Event File Name
Operator Operator USB Sensor Support
Waveform Trigger Source Vert at January 1, 2021 13:00:03 Serial Number UM12345
Trigger Level(s) Geo 0.030 in/s,Mic 0.01029 psi Model Number Micromate ISEE 10.90

Sensor Check measures a geophone’s Pre-Trigger/Record Time

Sample Rate
Setup File Name
Notes 0.25 sec/5.0 sec (Fixed)
4096 sps
Location
Palm Springs - Palm.mmb
Battery Level
Unit Calibration
Palm
Event Springs
File Name
3.8 volts
Jan 1, 2021 by Instantel
UM12345_20210101130003.IDFW
GPS Location
Source Location
Client Operator Palm
SensorSprings Sensor Location
natural frequency and damping, indicated
Operator USB Support Disabled

Notes
Company GPS Location
ABC Inc Latitude Longitude
Distance
Location General Notes
Palm Springs Source Location 031 7.072 N 097 27.586 E Scaled Distance
by an Overswing Ratio (OR). It does this by
Client Palm Springs Sensor Location 031 7.158 N 097 27.570 E
Company ABC Inc Distance 0.0 f
General Notes Extended Notes Scaled Distance 26.0 (529.9 ft, 416.0 lb)

sending an electric pulse or series of pulses Extended Notes Post Event Notes No text to be displayed.
Post Event Notes No text to be displayed.
Geophone Tran Vert Long USBM
to the connected sensors and measures Geophone
Peak Particle Velocity
Tran
Peak Particle
Peak Particle
Peak Particle Velocity (Ponderated)
Vert
1.015 in/s Velocity
0.388 in/s
0.658 in/s Velocity
Long
0.519 in/s
0.189(Ponderated)
in/s 0.370 in/s
1.015 in/s
0.658 in/s
USBM RI8507 And OSMRE
Velocity 0.388 in/s (Zero Crossing)
versus Frequency
0.189 in/s
0.519 in/s
0.370 in/s
Velocity versu

their response.
Peak Particle Velocity 0.129 dB 8.219 dB 5.683 dB
Zero Crossing Frequency Peak Particle
48.8 Hz Velocity85.3 Hz 45.5 Hz 0.12910 dB 8.219 dB 5.683 dB
Time (Relative to Trigger) Zero Crossing
0.269 sec Frequency
0.103 sec 0.309 sec 48.8 Hz 85.3 Hz 45.5 Hz 10
Peak Acceleration 0.796 g 0.504 g 0.556 g
Peak Displacement Time (Relative
0.003 in to Trigger)
0.001 in 0.002 in 0.269 5 sec 0.103 sec 0.309 sec
The Sensor Check results are accessible Sensor Check
Frequency
✔ Passed
Peak Acceleration
7.1 Hz
Peak Displacement
✔ Passed
7.3 Hz
✔ Passed
7.3 Hz
0.796
3.94 g
0.003 in
0.504 g
0.001 in
0.556 g
0.002 in 5
✔ Passed ✔ Passed ✔ Passed
Overswing Ratio 4.7 4.5 4.5
Sensor Check 3.94
via the monitoring unit’s user interface (see
2
Peak Vector Sum 1.018 in/s at 0.269 sec
Frequency 7.1 Hz 7.3 Hz 7.3 Hz
ISEE Linear Microphone Overswing Ratio 4.7 1 4.5 4.5 ++
Figure 5) and are displayed on all event
Velocity (in/s)

Peak Sound Pressure Level 0.002331 psi +

Peak Sound Pressure Level 118.1 dB(L) +
+ 2
Time (Relative to Trigger) Peak Vector
0.890 secSum 1.018 in/s at 0.269 sec +
Zero Crossing Frequency 5.7 Hz 0.5 ø ++

reports (see Figure 6).

ø ø
Sensor Check ✔ Passed 0.394 ø
ø+ + x
ISEE Linear
19.7 HzMicrophone x ø+ø+ xø ø
Frequency øø+øøø+ø
+
x øxx 1
+ø xøøøøø ø+

Velocity (in/s)
xx x
Peak Sound + xxøx+ø x+ +ø+ø
Test Amplitude 1510 mv Pressure Level 0.002331 psi x
xxx x
0.2 x+ø xx xx
Peak Sound Pressure Level 118.1 dB(L) x ø+ x

Sensor Check also verifies the microphone

+ + x+ +
ø ++ø ø ø
Time (Relative to Trigger) 0.890 sec +x x x+ ø+x+ ø ø
ø
xxx
+
ø ø
+ +ø x+ ø x + ø xxx 0.5
Zero Crossing Frequency 5.7 Hz
0.1 x
+ xxøx+ + ø
+
ø xx
✔ Passed
ø +

by sending a signal to the microphone and +x xx ++ 0.394

Sensor Check +
+ x
x +
Frequency 19.70.05 Hz ø ø + xx +
ø
x
x
+
x + ++++
+
Test Amplitude 0.0394
1510
0.0394 mv øø ø xx

measuring its frequency and amplitude 1 2 5 10

Frequency (Hz)
20 50 100
0.2

response.
+ Tran x Vert ø Long
1.6
1.2 0.1
0.8
Velocity(in/s)

0.4
0
Tran

-0.4
-0.8
-1.2 0.05

How Often Must My Equipment

-1.6
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2 1.4 0.0394
0.0394
Time(sec) 1 2 5
0.5

Be Calibrated?
0.4
0.3 Fr
Velocity(in/s)

0.2
0.1
0 + Tran
Vert

-0.1
-0.2
-0.3
-0.4 1.6
1.2
Instantel recommends an annual calibration
-0.5
0.8
Velocity(in/s)

0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2 1.4

0.4 Time(sec)
0
for our seismographs, geophones, and
Tran

0.8
0.6 -0.4
0.4
-0.8
Velocity(in/s)

0.2
-1.2
microphones. Due to normal wear and tear,
0
Long

-0.2
-0.4 -1.6
-0.6
-0.8 0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1

extreme conditions or misuse, their accuracy 0 0.2

0.5
0.4 0.6
Time(sec)
0.8 1 1.2 1.4
Time(sec)

can be affected over time. Annual calibration

0.003
0.002 0.4
0.3
Pressure(psi)

Velocity(in/s)

0.001
0.2
0
0.1
is essential to ensure the monitoring unit
MicL

-0.001 0
Vert

-0.002 -0.1
-0.003 -0.2

measures accurately and performs according 0 0.2 -0.3 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2 1.4
-0.4
-0.5 Time(sec)

to design. During the calibration process,

0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1
Created by version 1.2.0.38. Format © 2019 Xmark Corporation Page 1 / 2

Figure 6. Sensor Check results as displayed on an event report. Time(sec)

Instantel compares recorded measurements 0.8

0.6
0.4
Velocity(in/s)

with calibrated reference equipment. 0.2

0
Long

-0.2

Adjustments are made to the equipment being calibrated to ensure accurate recording. An up-to-date -0.4
-0.6
-0.8

calibration provides you and any governing regulatory body confidence in the measured results. 0 0.2 0.4 0.6
Time(sec)
0.8 1

0.003
0.002
Pressure(psi)

0.001
0
MicL

-0.001
-0.002
-0.003
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 Instantel
0.8 5 / 91
Geophone Calibration Station
After the geophone is attached to the shake table and the “As Found” condition is determined, it is
calibrated by adjusting the amplitude response to meet either of the ISEE, DIN, Swedish Blasting or
Swedish Pile Driving standards.
Amplitude/Frequency Response Phase Response

Triaxial geophones configured to international compliance

standards. From left to right: ISEE, DIN, ISEE/DIN borehole,
Swedish Pile Driving, Swedish Blasting.

Reference Reference
accelerometers accelerometers

ISEE geophone mounted on ISEE borehole geophone

a shake table with reference mounted on a shake table
Figure 7. Calibrated DIN (1-315 Hz) geophone amplitude accelerometers. with reference accelerometers.
frequency and phase response graphs. Each blue line represents
its respective calibrated response, the thick grey lines represent
the upper and lower limits.

Phase Response: ISEE-2017 Tabular Requirements Versus Instantel’s High-

Resolution Graphical Results
The ISEE-2017 performance specification defines the phase response requirements as “This method of measuring
the phase response is based on the frequency multiplication factors and amplitude percentages that were obtained
from the amplitude versus frequency response graph of a velocity pick-up that has been damped by 70.7% as
described in the DIN 45669-1 standard.” (ISEE Performance Specifications for Blasting Seismographs 2017)
The ISEE-2017’s tabular phase chart (See Figure 8) describes the minimum six data points that must be verified to
ensure phase compliance.

Ground Channel: Transverse Vertical Longitudinal

Frequency Frequency Amplitude (A) Deviation

(mm/s or in/s) (%) Tolerance Pass/Fail
(Hz)
Reference Frequency 30.00 25.40 N/A N/A N/A
F1 (0.707 x ARef) 1.61 17.96 N/A F1 < 2.0 Hz Pass

F2 (1.270 x F1) 2.04 20.75 82 % F amplitude x 0.85 +/- 10% Pass

F3 (0.760 x F1) 1.22 13.10 52 % F amplitude x 0.50 +/- 10% Pass

F4 (0.707 x ARef) 345.67 17.96 N/A F4 > 250 Hz Pass
F5 (0.787 x F4) 272.04 21.16 83 % F amplitude x 0.85 +/- 10% Pass
F6 (1.3165 x F4) 455.07 12.27 48 % F amplitude x 0.50 +/- 10% Pass
Figure 8. Example of the six tabular results as required by the ISEE-2017 performance specification for phase response compliance.

Instantel 6 / 9
 Tabular Method
• Tabular results are difficult to read and understand.
ISEE Upper Limit
(26° Tolerance Level)
• Tabular results do not give insight in terms of the phase
relationship of the signals.
• The tabular method only focuses on the phase behavior
ISEE Upper Limit (12° Tolerance Level)
at the high and low ends of the frequency band.
Graphical Method
• Graphical results are simple to read with clearly defined
upper and lower limits.
ISEE Lower Limit (-12° Tolerance Level)
• The graphical method presents the phase response
behavior across the entire frequency band.
ISEE Lower Limit
(-26° Tolerance Level)
• The graphical method simplifies detecting irregularities
and exceedances across the entire frequency band.
Instantel’s high-resolution (856 DIN and 993 ISEE) data
Frequency (Hz) points provide the same high-resolution accuracy for
Figure 9. Example of a single channel (Transverse)
calculating phase response. This is seen in Figure 7,
graphical view from Instantel’s 993 data points on the where Instantel’s phase response is included on the DIN
ISEE-2017 phase response requirements. response graph and in Figure 9, where Instantel’s phase
response is included on the ISEE-2017 response graph.

KEY TAKEAWAY
• Instantel’s high-resolution data point calibration is plotted on a graphical chart for phase response.
• Compliance with the ISEE-2017’s performance specification for phase response is easy to
evaluate along the entire frequency band.

Microphone Calibration Chamber

Instantel uses a calibration chamber for calibrating the linear
microphone. The pressure and frequency in the chamber are monitored
with a reference microphone. The linear microphone’s amplitude
response is adjusted accordingly, and a new calibrated graph is printed Example of the Instantel linear
as part of the calibration certificate. microphone.

Amplitude Frequency Response of UL 1234

Linear Reference
1 dB ISEE Upper Limit +1 dB microphone microphone
0 dB
being
calibrated
-2 dB -1 dB ISEE Lower Limit -1 dB
-2 dB
-3 dB

- 4 dB -4 dB

Frequency (Hz)

Figure 10. Linear microphone amplitude frequency response. Example of a Microphone calibration
chamber.

Instantel 7 / 9
What Does the Calibration Certificate Mean?
Should an authority question your monitoring measurement records, a calibration
certificate is the document that provides proof of a completed calibration. It also
provides proof of the calibration date.
When monitoring equipment is calibrated at Instantel, a calibration certificate that
follows industry guidelines such as the International Society of Explosive Engineers
(ISEE-2017), is issued. This calibration certificate includes the following key elements:
• Name and address of the calibration facility
• Serial numbers of the equipment being calibrated
• Model number and a description of the equipment being calibrated
• Date on which the calibration was performed
• Graphical results of the calibration
• A list of the equipment used to perform the calibration and the standards they are traceable to
• Name and signature of the technician
• A separate “As Found” response graph

Why Use an Instantel Authorized Calibration Center?

Using an Instantel Authorized Calibration Center helps ensure that the proper procedures are followed
when calibrating your monitoring equipment. This removes uncertainty associated with the reliability and
measurement accuracy of your monitoring equipment and ensures the integrity of the measured record if
it is ever requested as evidence in a court of law.
Instantel and all Authorized calibration centers include the updated calibration date on all event reports.
Unauthorized calibration facilities cannot change this calibration date. Calibration facilities that are certified
by Instantel have access to test specifications and procedures designed specifically for your monitoring
equipment. They will also ensure that any replacement parts that are used meet the specifications for
the equipment. If your equipment requires an extensive level of repair, the manufacturer has the best
experience and knowledge to diagnose and fix the problem.
Unauthorized facilities do not have access to the proper test procedure and specifications, therefore it is in
your best interest to have your vibration monitoring equipment calibrated by Instantel or one of Instantel’s
Authorized Calibration Centers. Please visit our website’s Authorized Calibration Center Locator, to find a
center near you.
Worldwide Authorized Calibration Centers

Authorized Calibration Center

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What Do You Need to Get Your Service/Calibration Request Started?
To better serve you, we require a few pieces of information to get your service request opened. We
recommend having the information below available before you start your submission. The recommended
information, such as the model and serial number, can be found on the Instantel product information sticker
located on the outside of your Instantel equipment. Please see the image below for an example. If you have
trouble locating this information, please email service@Instantel.com.
You will need the following information to submit a service request:
• Serial Number (Example: UM12345)
• Model (Example: Micromate)
• A Return Shipping Address
• Return Carrier Information – If you have a corporate shipping account with a specific carrier, please
let us know. Otherwise, we will use one of our preferred carriers.
• Dealer Name

How Do I Submit a Service/Calibration Request?

1. Login to the Instantel Service Portal at https://www.instantel.com/service/schedule-service.
2. Once you are logged in, click on Create RMA Request. (Return Material Authorization)
3. You will then have to fill in your Contact Information, your Local Distributor’s Contact Information
and the Return Shipping Address. (This information is required the first time you complete an RMA
and saved for future RMA’s.)
4. Click Continue.
5. Enter information about your Instantel equipment. There is also a section here to enter any details
or items you would like our technicians to review.
6. Click Continue.
7. You will be provided with an RMA number – In addition to the RMA, providing your authorization
tracking number, this is your service request number. An email with instructions on how to send your
M7062 Rev 01 - Calibration Guide

equipment to Instantel will be sent to the email address you submitted with the request. This email
will also include a return shipping label with Instantel’s corporate address and the RMA number.
8. Please use the shipping labels provided to return your equipment to Instantel.

Note: for multi-unit service calibration requests, please follow the procedure outlined on our website in
the Service & Calibration section.
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Toll Free (N.A.): 1.800.267.9111

Telephone: 1.613.592.4642
Email: sales@instantel.com
www.instantel.com