| 1 | Measurement Accuracy | Prefer a stated accuracy of approximately ±0.1% to ±0.2% of reading for laboratory gas-density applications, subject to gas type, pressure, and temperature. | Calibration certificate, uncertainty budget, repeatability data, and test results using traceable reference gases. | 25% | Do not compare accuracy figures unless the reference conditions and measurement range are identical. |
| 2 | Repeatability and Stability | A strong system should provide stable readings during repeated tests and minimize drift during extended operation. | 24-hour or 72-hour drift test, repeatability results, warm-up time, and maintenance records. | 10% | Give additional credit to suppliers that publish raw test data rather than only marketing specifications. |
| 3 | Measurement Range | The pressure, temperature, density, and gas-composition range should cover the intended application with sufficient margin. | Complete technical datasheet, operating envelope, sample-conditioning requirements, and application notes. | 10% | Check whether the quoted accuracy applies across the full range or only at a single reference point. |
| 4 | Calibration and Traceability | Calibration should be traceable to national or international measurement standards and suitable for the target gas. | Calibration procedure, reference-standard certificates, recommended calibration interval, and recalibration cost. | 10% | ISO/IEC 17025 laboratory involvement is a strong indicator for calibration credibility. |
| 5 | Regulatory Compliance | The instrument should match the electrical, environmental, and safety requirements of the installation location. | ISO 9001 certificate, applicable CE documentation, EMC test reports, and IECEx or ATEX documentation where hazardous-area use is required. | 15% | Certificates must apply to the exact model and configuration being quoted, not merely to the manufacturer. |
| 6 | Gas Compatibility and Safety | Wetted materials, seals, connections, and internal volume must be compatible with corrosive, toxic, flammable, or high-purity gases. | Material list, leak-rate specification, pressure rating, gas-compatibility statement, and cleaning procedure. | 10% | Confirm whether the supplier has tested the exact gas mixture rather than relying on a generic compatibility claim. |
| 7 | Response Time and Data Output | Select a response time appropriate to the process; digital outputs should support reliable logging and integration. | Response-time test, sampling method, Modbus or analog-output details, software screenshots, and data-export formats. | 5% | Verify whether the stated response time includes sample-line delay and stabilization time. |
| 8 | Technical Support and Service | A dependable supplier should provide installation guidance, troubleshooting, spare parts, and documented response times. | Service-level agreement, response-time policy, user manual, training plan, spare-parts list, and reference projects. | 10% | Assess whether support is available in your time zone and language, especially for export projects. |
| 9 | Lead Time and Customization | Standard laboratory configurations commonly require several weeks; customized pressure, fittings, software, or enclosure options may require longer. | Formal delivery schedule, production capacity statement, factory-acceptance-test plan, and change-control procedure. | 5% | Use a written delivery commitment and define penalties or remedies for critical project delays. |
| 10 | Total Cost of Ownership | Evaluate the complete cost, including instrument price, accessories, calibration, installation, training, software, maintenance, and shipping. | Itemized quotation, warranty terms, annual maintenance estimate, consumables list, and five-year operating-cost projection. | 10% | Indicative laboratory-system budgets vary widely, often from about US$3,000 to US$30,000 or more depending on pressure control, automation, safety certification, and customization. |