At Ashtead Technology calibration is more than just fine-tuning equipment – it’s about ensuring accuracy, building confidence and establishing trust. It’s about making sure equipment can perform precise operations in the harshest subsea environments. Understanding the complexity of advanced technology, how it is used in the subsea environment and how calibration can influence outcomes is a vital part of the customer offering at Ashtead Technology. 

And behind every calibration and each precise measurement is a dedicated expert leading the way. Gordon Smith has been at the forefront of establishing calibration excellence within the company for more than 24 years.

 “At its core, calibration is the process of adjusting an instrument or sensor to ensure that it is working within manufacturer’s specifications. As a subsea technology rental company, some of our equipment relies on sensors and our calibration process ensures the precision of these sensors and instruments” explains Gordon. “Importantly, our setups exceed the standard specifications of the equipment we’re calibrating and we pride ourselves on offering a service that goes above and beyond the minimum requirements.”

Calibration lab
Gordon Smith, Calibration Manager

Gordon joined Ashtead Technology as a workshop technician in 2001 and was quickly introduced to the world of subsea equipment. “I found calibration fascinating and was fortunate to be trained and mentored early in my career. When we moved to our current facility at Ashtead House in Westhill in 2012, we designed and built a dedicated, industry-leading calibration lab from the ground up. This allowed us to create a fit-for-purpose space to accommodate our growing rental fleet.” 

What makes calibration at Ashtead Technology unique 

To prove the lab was worthy of industry leading status, Gordon led the calibration team through the intense process of gaining UKAS accreditation. Writing calibration methodologies, creating uncertainty budgets for oceanographic parameters and developing an in-house training matrix for the team, Gordon was instrumental in achieving the accreditation. “This was a huge achievement as it was the highest national standard for calibration and we were the first company in the UK to have the UKAS stamp for pressure, temperature, conductivity of seawater and speed of sound of oceanographic sensors. At Ashtead Technology we are capable of calibrating sensors to millimetre accuracy at depths of up to 100 meters, something not many companies can achieve.” 

Ensuring quality  

“To ensure our calibration test equipment is in the best working order, we test and analyse our temperature tanks and PRT probes regularly. This maintains accuracy and is essential for temperature calibrations. Meticulous record-keeping and measurement sheets track each calibration, allowing us to verify consistency and quality in our work.” 

Ashtead Technology’s calibration capabilities extend far beyond the UK. The company have replicated their calibration expertise, delivering consistent, high-quality results across multiple locations to provide a truly global reach. “We have calibration facilities not only in the UK but also in Houston and Singapore. Our setup at each location follows the same methods and processes, lab layouts and documentation specifications and are guided by the same level of excellence. This guarantees our customers receive the highest level of calibration quality no matter where their equipment is being tested.” 

Calibration Singapore
Calibration lab, Singapore

Gordon is embedded in the continuous development of Ashtead Technology’s in-house training program. His hands-on approach ensures that every technician globally is trained to the highest standard.  

The numbers speak for themselves 

On average, Ashtead Technology conducts 2,500+ calibrations per year. Not only on the company’s own rental fleet, but working alongside 45+ clients globally, providing calibration services to their equipment. This is testament to the accuracy of the company’s calibration processes and the strength of the team in place. 

“The clients we work with have confidence in our calibration processes and trust that the equipment we work on is capable of meeting their needs to the highest specifications. No other rental company can match our level of calibration precision. 

For example, a customer needed a solution to level a subsea structure and we calibrated twelve depth sensors on a single axle plate. Post-analysis data of the calibration was performed and sensor groups of four were selected to locate depth sensors on a subsea structure. The sensor specification was +/- 0.005% FS (full scale) accuracy, and we calibrated them to an accuracy of +/- 0.001% FS, well beyond the base requirements.”  

In an industry where precision is paramount, Ashtead Technology continues to set the gold standard for calibration services. “With the capability to provide temperature, pressure, sound velocity and conductivity calibration, the depth of our experience and knowledge of industry requirements sets us apart. What we do goes beyond adjusting and measuring numbers, it’s about creating trust in every measurement.” 

To find out more about Ashtead Technology’s calibration offering, visit:

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