Gas sensor calibration method

Abstract

An apparatus is described for calibrating at least one sensor within a gas detector which detector has a gas inlet in fluid communication with the or each sensor, the apparatus comprising a housing that contains: a) a surface for abutting against the detector; b) a holder for holding the gas detector with respect to the housing in such a manner that a region of the detector containing the gas inlet abuts against the surface of the housing to form a sealed gas interface between the surface and the detector; c) a connector for connecting a source of pressurized calibration gas to the apparatus, d) a conduit for delivering a calibration gas from the connector to the interface between the detector and the apparatus housing, e) electrical connections within the holder for forming electrical connections between the apparatus and a detector held within the holder, and e) a flow controller within the conduit for providing calibration gas at a predetermined level to the interface, the flow controller including an electrically-operated valve being controllable for initiating and terminating the flow of calibration gas through the conduit by means of signals received from the detector via the electrical connections. The whole calibration is controlled by the detector and not the calibration apparatus.