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When HMAS Anzac was commissioned in Melbourne in May this year, two Druck DPI 605 portable pressure calibrators were included in a package to support the ongoing maintenance of the ANZAC frigates. They were part of an order of five units placed by Transfield Defence Systems for use in the Anzac project which will see the construction of ten 3600 tonne ANZAC class frigates by the year 2005.

Key factors in the selection of Druck calibrators was their capability to measure pressure and vacuum, supply current loop measurements, supply and measure of voltage required for general level fault finding and their compatibility with the ship’s system.

Davidson’s demonstrable product support and training capabilities were also important factors.
The Druck DPI 605 is a precision pressure calibrator which combines Druck’s expertise in micro machined integrated strain gauge and vibrating silicon pressure sensors, microprocessor technology and ergonomic styling. Accuracy is 0.05% of reading.

It is a portable battery powered instrument with an electrical measurement and supply capability providing simultaneous pressure and electrical displays, data storage and an RS 232 interface.

Transfield Defence Systems found the Druck calibrator to be a very versatile unit, which allowed up to four types of different measurements in the one test box. Other units investigated enabled only one or two measurements in the one test box. Other units investigated enabled only one or two measurements to be carried out. With the Druck calibrators the Navy will be able to board the frigates to take readings of pressure gauges, transducers, pressure switches and other equipment then download the information into the ship’s computers for analysis. The days of pen and pad are gone.

Whilst the DPI 605 units play a key role in the ship’s planned maintenance program, they are also used for fault finding when a problem becomes apparent.

"The Druck DPI 605 calibrators are very sophisticated pieces of equipment," a spokesperson for Transfield said. "Automatic prompts tell us what to do to take individual readings, and if we do see a problem it’s easy to set up a test procedure via the key board, there and then."

Before deciding on the Druck equipment from Davidson Measurement, Transfield closely examined equipment from all around the world. Key factors in their assessment were versatility, capability, length of service (a ship’s life between refits is usually 10 years), quality of manufacture, ease of use, accuracy (from broad to exacting measurement) and in country support from the supplier.

Transfield Defence Systems found Davidson Measurement had excellent product knowledge, were easy to talk with and were highly regarded within Australia for their level of product support. In fact, Davidson Measurement organised for a senior Druck representative to visit Australia to answer several concerns Transfield initially had with the performance of the equipment.

Davidson’s subsequent performance, particularly in the area of product training, has been excellent.

Training is an important aspect of this contract as it is Davidson’s responsibility to train the trainer, the man who is ultimately responsible for formalising the crews of all 10 frigates with the Druck equipment.