CONCEPTS OF METROLOGY AND IMPORTANCE OF
CALIBRATION
CALIBRATION – Comparison
METROLOGY – Science of Measurement
TRACEABILITY – Unbroken Chain of Comparisons
Importance of Calibration
Assurance of accurate of measurements
Ability to trace measurements to International
standards
International acceptance of test/calibration reports
Correct diagnosis of illness (medical reports)
Consumer protection (legal metrology)
Meeting the requirements of ISO 9000 and 17025
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METROLOGY
Metrology Covers Three Main Tasks:
The definition of internationally accepted units of measurement
The realization of units of measurement by scientific method
Establishment of traceability chain in documenting the accuracy
of a measurement
“Metrology is essential in scientific research”
Calibration (Old Definition)
“Calibration
is the comparing of an unknown
measurement device against equal or better
known standard under specified conditions”
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Calibration
Units of Measurement
SI Units published by BIPM(Bureau of Weights and Measures)
Base Units…
Quantity Unit Symbol
Length metre m
Mass kilogram kg
Time second s
Temperature kelvin K
Electric current ampere A
Luminous intensity candela cd
Amount of substance mole mol 7
Metrology Laboratories
Primary Laboratories NML, NMI, NPL etc
Reference Laboratories
Calibration Laboratories
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Metrological Traceability
”property of a measurement result whereby the
result can be related to a reference through a
documented unbroken chain of calibrations, each
contributing to the measurement uncertainty”
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How Do We Get Traceability ?
Common point of reference
My laboratory Your laboratory Their laboratory
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International standards
National Metrology Institute
National community that is using
measurements
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HIERACHY OF MEASUREMENT STANDARDS
HIERARCHY OF MEASUREMENTS
Primary Standards
Traceable to BIPM
Secondary
Standards
Working
Standards
Instruments
Used in Lab/
Industry
EXAMPLE
MASS COMPARATOR Traceable to
BIPM Prototype 1kg
USE
Transfer
Prototype 1kg
Traceable
Calibrate
to
SI Units
Analytical Balance Set of Classes E2, F1, F2, and M1
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GAUGE BLOCK COMPARATOR
Primary Standard
Traceable to
Laser interferometer
Compare
USE
Grade K set
Calibrate
Grade 1 set
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CALBRATION INTERVALS
What is Calibration interval ???
Period of time of use to ensure the equipment remains reliable
Interval is too short : Calibration $$$$$
Interval too long : Risk of bad measurements
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CALBRATION INTERVALS
ISO 17025 Requirements:
Capable of achieving required accuracy
Comply with specifications relevant to test/calibration method
Use under established calibration programme
Therefore need to :
Define required accuracy
Identify the equipment that can affect it
Manage all equipment under a calibration programme
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RECOMMENDED CALBRATION INTERVALS
N No single correct answer Calibration represents an
instantaneous snapshot of
actual condition
Depend upon
Level of stress - subjected
Stability of past calibration
Allowable tolerance range
Required accuracy
Quality Assurance Requirements
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RECOMMENDED CALBRATION INTERVALS
Final Analysis Period between two calibrations
Determined & Monitored
USER HIMSELF
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HOW TO ESTABLISH CALIBRATION INTERVAL
Consider influencing factors and existing knowledge : eg
Accuracy sought & consequences of error
Manufacture’s recommendations
Accommodation & environment
Purpose and usage
Maintenance & servicing
Trends from previous calibration
Frequency of checks
Etc. etc. etc. ….
Ref. - ILAC – G 24 : Guidelines for determination of calibration interval of
measuring instruments
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