Calibration guidelines for acceleration sensors and SKF IMx-8/16 Systems

Summary

This article explains whether calibration is required for acceleration sensors in the SKF Multilog IMx-8/16 systems, and if so, how often it should be performed.
 

Solution

The SKF Multilog IMx-8/16 systems generally do not require regular calibration in the traditional sense. 
 

This is due to the following factors:

• Digital Signal Processing
  IMx-8/16 units utilize advanced digital signal processing and built-in self-diagnostics, which significantly reduce signal drift and maintain consistent performance over time.
   
• Factory Calibration
  These systems are factory-calibrated and engineered to retain accuracy throughout their operational life under standard conditions.
   
• Sensor-Based Monitoring Measurements
  Primarily taken via external sensors (e.g., accelerometers, temperature probes). While these sensors may require periodic calibration or replacement, the IMx unit itself typically does not.
   
• Continuous self checks
  The IMx system performs internal diagnostics and fault detection. Calibration-related faults are rare and typically indicate issues with the sensor rather than the IMx unit itself.

Calibration frequency for accelerometers

While SKF does not specify a universal calibration interval for all accelerometers, the industry standard recommends calibration once every 12 months. This interval may vary depending on:

• Environmental conditions
• Regulatory requirements
• Precision-critical applications

Key Takeaways

• No regular calibrations for SKF Multilog IMx-8/16 are needed
• For external sensors, such as accelerometers, calibration may be required. typically every 12 months. 

Contacting SKF Technical Support Group

For further assistance please open a support case using the Technical Support group's self-help portal at www.skf.com/cm/tsg. Once your support case is submitted, a technician will contact you to begin working on your issue. For urgent issues we are available at these times by phone:

• Monday through Friday, 5:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pacific Time - 
  Phone: [phone] within the US or [phone] outside the US.
• Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Central European Time - 
  Phone: [phone].
• Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. India Standard Time -
  Phone: [phone].