Basic Concept of Measurement

Bangladesh BEST Programme
CONCEPTS OF METROLOGY AND IMPORTANCE OF

CALIBRATION
Nihal Gunasekara
Sri Lanka
KEY WORDS
 CALIBRATION – Comparison
 METROLOGY – Science of Measurement
 TRACEABILITY – Unbroken Chain of Comparisons
 UNCERTAINTITY – Error in Measurement
 ACCREDITATION – Third Party Ascertain
 CALIBRATION INTERVAL – Equipment Remains Reliable
WHAT IS METROLOGY
SCIENCE OF MEASUREMENTS
Experiment CAN BE SEEN

EVERYWHERE
or test
Everything has
to do with
measurement
Designing
Allowing people
Conducting to plan their lives
and make
Analyzing Results commercial
exchange with
confidence
within the Metrology realm
3
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”

CATEGORIES OF METROLOGY
 Scientific Metrology – Development of measurement
standards
 Industrial Metrology – To ensure the adequate functioning
of measurement instruments used in
industry, production & testing
laboratories
 Legal Metrology or
Weights & Measures – Accuracy of measurement where these
have influence on the transparency of
economic transactions, health & safety
AREAS OF INDUSTRIAL METROLOGY

 Mechanical Metrology – Realises , maintains and disseminates
the national measurement standards in the areas of Mass,
Volume, Pressure and Dimension
 Electrical Metrology –– Realises , maintains and disseminates

the national measurement standards in the areas of AC/DC, low
frequency, time & frequency and temperature
LEGAL METROLOGY
 Services offered by legal metrology are:

 Mass measurements verification: verification of all mass
measuring instruments (balances, trade masses etc.)
 Volume measuring instruments : verification of fuel dispensers,
tankers , meters etc.
 Prepackaging control :verification of quantities in prepackaged
products (mass, volume, length, number etc.)
Calibration (Old Definition)
“Calibration
is the comparing of an unknown
measurement device against equal or better
known standard under specified conditions”
8
Calibration
“Operation that, under specified conditions, in a first step, establishes a
relation between the quantity values with measurement uncertainties
provided by measurement standards and corresponding indications
with associated measurement uncertainties, and in a second step, uses this
information to establish a relation for obtaining a measurement result from
an indication ” International Vocabulary of Metrology )
( JCGM 200:2012 – International Vocabulary of Metrology )
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 10
Metrology Laboratories
 Primary Laboratories NML, NMI, NPL etc
 Reference Laboratories
 Calibration Laboratories
11
Measurement Uncertainty
“ non-negative parameter characterizing the dispersion
of the quantity values being attributed to a measurand,
based on the information used”
It arises due to the imperfections in the measurement

system
No measurement system is perfect !!!!!
12
Uncertainty
An estimate of the possible error in a measurement
Type A evaluation
A series of repeated observations is obtained to determine
the standard deviation of the measurement result.
Type B evaluation
The evaluation is carried out using available information
found in calibration reports, certificates, specifications etc.
13
Expanded Uncertainty
Calculate combined standard uncertainties

Type A
Type B
Exp. Unc. U = Combined Uncertainty X Coverage factor
14
Ishikawa diagram
Reference T/C
Digital
Calibration (B) Thermometer
Resolution (B)
Scatter (A)
CJC (B)
Uncertainty
of an oven
Test oven
Resolution (B)
15
Confidence Level
Gaussian probability distribution
-kσ  +kσ
68% Within 1σ of mean
16
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”
or
“HOW TO ENSURE THAT TWO MEASUREMENTS OF THE SAME

QUANTITIES ARE COMPATIBLE”
17
How Do We Get Traceability ?
Common point of reference
My laboratory Your laboratory Their laboratory
18
NMI: The Link Organisation to the International Arena
International standards
National Metrology Institute
National community that is using

measurements
19
HIERACHY OF MEASUREMENT STANDARDS
HIERARCHY OF MEASUREMENTS
Primary Standards
Traceable to BIPM
Secondary
Standards
Working
Standards
Instruments
Used in Lab/
Industry
Metal fixed-point
Defining temperature
Number Substances State
K oC
Hg T 234.3156 -38.8344
1 H20 T 273.16 0.01
2 Ga M 302.9146 29.7646
3 In F 429.7485 156.5985
4 Sn F 505.078 231.928
5 Zn F 692.677 419.527
6 Al F 933.473 660.323
7 Ag F 1234.93 961.78
8 Au F 1337.33 1064.18
9 Cu F 1357.77 1084.62
21
CALIBRATION HIERARCHY OF MASS STANDARDS
BIPM Kilogram
National Kilogram
Class E1, E2,F1, F2

Masses
OIML OIML R47

M1,M2,M3
Masses
Masses
Analytical &Top loading
Precision Platform & Top Weighing
TRADE
Balances loading balances
MASSES Bridges
22
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

23
GAUGE BLOCK COMPARATOR

Primary Standard
Traceable to
Laser interferometer
Compare
USE
Grade K set
Calibrate
Grade 1 set
24
Examples
1. Performance Test on a Incubator at 35 + 0.5 oC
Set Temp. Indicator Value Measured Mean value Expanded

Uncertainty
oC oC oC
oC
Min Max Near Upper Middle Lower
Sensor
34.5 34.5 34.6 34.9 34.7 34.5 34.2  0.2
25
2. Performance Test on a Water Bath at 50 oC
Set Temp. Indicator Value Measurement Measured Expanded

oC Mean Uncertainty
oC Locations
Value oC
Min Max
48.0 49.5 50.0 C 50.1

P 50.2
Q 50.1 1
R 50.1
S 50.0
P
Uniformity : 0.61 oC
S C Q
R Stability : 0.33 oC
26
MASS
Reference and Auxiliary Equipment
 COMPARATOR BALANCES
 CLASS E1 1 kg
 CLASS E1 SET
 CLASS E2 SET
 CLASS F1 SET
 CLASS F2 SET
 CLASS M1 SET
27
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
28
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
29
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
30
RECOMMENDED CALBRATION INTERVALS
Final Analysis Period between two calibrations
Determined & Monitored
USER HIMSELF
31
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
32
RECOMMENDED PRACTICES
 Calibration at (planned) periodic intervals to
ensure acceptable accuracy & reliability
 Shorten the intervals when results of previous
calibration suggest it
 May lengthen intervals on basis of demonstrated
performance
 Documented procedure for assigning and adjusting
calibration intervals
 Fully documented re-calibration system
33
CALIBRATION OF VOLUMETRIC GLASSWARE
 FLASKS
 CYLINDERS
 BURETTES
 PIPETTES
ACCURACY CLASSES
CLASS A – Higher grade
CLASS B – Lower grade
34
Example - Pipettes
Nominal Limit of Error (ml)

capacity(ml) Class A Class B
1 0.008 0.015
25 0.03 0.06
100 0.08 0.15
200 0.1 0.2
METHOD
Gravimetric Method – IS0 4787 -2010

(Laboratory Glassware- Volumetric instruments- Method of
Testing of capacity and for use)
35
IN-HOUSE PERFORMANCE CHECKS

(During Calibration Interval)
 ANALYTICAL BALANCES – Using a Calibrated

Weight
 INCUBATORS - Using a Calibrated

Thermocouple
 GLASS THERMOMETERS- Ice Point
36
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
37
How we ensure
Technical Competence of
Calibration Laboratories
&
Measurements are
traceable to SI Units
ACCREDITATION
38
Defined Criteria for Laboratory Accreditation
Metrology Laboratory
• Organization
• Laboratory Quality System
• Qualified personnel
• Range of the work capabilities and test methods
• Laboratory practices and management system
• Reliable standards and measuring devices
• Laboratory facilities
• Adequate measuring capabilities
• Traceability maintenance
• Calibration records
• Satisfactory completion of internal audits
QUALITY SYSTEM ISO/IEC 17025
 QUALITY MANUAL
 PROCEDURE MANUAL
 METHOD MANUAL
 FACILITIES MANUAL
 SAFETY MANUAL
40
ACCREDITED LABORATORY
 IMPLEMENTATION OF ISO 17025
MANAGEMENT REQUIREMENTS
TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
 TRACEABILITY
 MAINTENANCE OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
 TRAINED STAFF
41
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
TEMPERATURE
HUMIDITY
AIR VELOCITY
FREE OF VIBRATION
ILLUMINANCE
42
ACCREDITED MASS LABORATORY
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS: TEMPERATURE: 23 ± 0.5 0C , HUMIDITY : 50 ±10%
43
ACCREDITED TEMPERATURE LABORATORY
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS: TEMPERATURE: 23 ±1 0C , HUMIDITY : 50 ±10%
44
CONTENTS OF CALIBRATION CERTIFICATE

 NAME AND ADDRESS : CUSTOMER/ LABORATORY
 METHOD
 CONDITION RECEIVED
 IDENTIFICATION
 DATE OF CALIBRATION
 DATE OF RECALIBRATION ?
 CALIBRATION RESULTS
 UNCERTAINTY OF MEASUREMENT
 TRACEABILITY
 ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITION
46
SAMPLE OFSCOPE OF ACCREDITATION

CALIBRATION
RANGE C.M.C
mL mL
• ONE MARK PIPETTE 0 to 200 0.01
•GRADUATED PIPETTE 0 to 25 0.001
•BURETTE 0 to 200 0.01
• VOLUMETRIC FLASK 0 to 2000 0.01
•GRADUATED MEASURING CYLINDER 0 to 2000 0.01
47
Accredited Metrology
Facilities
Ensure
Traceable Measurements
Technical Competency
Industries Better Place in

Global Market
ISO Certified QMS
Products
Quality
Life
48
“Calibration of
laboratory equipment
is important to obtain
reliable test results”
49

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Bangladesh BEST Programme

CONCEPTS OF METROLOGY AND IMPORTANCE OF

Experiment CAN BE SEEN

“Metrology is essential in scientific research”

AREAS OF INDUSTRIAL METROLOGY

 Electrical Metrology –– Realises , maintains and disseminates

 Services offered by legal metrology are:

Calibration (Old Definition)

Quantity Unit Symbol

 Primary Laboratories NML, NMI, NPL etc

It arises due to the imperfections in the measurement

No measurement system is perfect !!!!!

Calculate combined standard uncertainties

Exp. Unc. U = Combined Uncertainty X Coverage factor

Gaussian probability distribution

”property of a measurement result whereby the

“HOW TO ENSURE THAT TWO MEASUREMENTS OF THE SAME

How Do We Get Traceability ?

Common point of reference

My laboratory Your laboratory Their laboratory

NMI: The Link Organisation to the International Arena

National Metrology Institute

National community that is using

Class E1, E2,F1, F2

OIML OIML R47

BIPM Prototype 1kg

Analytical Balance Set of Classes E2, F1, F2, and M1

GAUGE BLOCK COMPARATOR

1. Performance Test on a Incubator at 35 + 0.5 oC

Set Temp. Indicator Value Measured Mean value Expanded

2. Performance Test on a Water Bath at 50 oC

Set Temp. Indicator Value Measurement Measured Expanded

48.0 49.5 50.0 C 50.1

Reference and Auxiliary Equipment

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

ISO 17025 Requirements:

Capable of achieving required accuracy

Define required accuracy

RECOMMENDED CALBRATION INTERVALS

N No single correct answer Calibration represents an

Level of stress - subjected

RECOMMENDED CALBRATION INTERVALS

Final Analysis Period between two calibrations

Determined & Monitored

HOW TO ESTABLISH CALIBRATION INTERVAL

Consider influencing factors and existing knowledge : eg

Accuracy sought & consequences of error

Ref. - ILAC – G 24 : Guidelines for determination of calibration interval of

CALIBRATION OF VOLUMETRIC GLASSWARE

CLASS A – Higher grade

CLASS B – Lower grade

Nominal Limit of Error (ml)

Gravimetric Method – IS0 4787 -2010

IN-HOUSE PERFORMANCE CHECKS

 ANALYTICAL BALANCES – Using a Calibrated

 INCUBATORS - Using a Calibrated

 GLASS THERMOMETERS- Ice Point

QUALITY SYSTEM ISO/IEC 17025

 IMPLEMENTATION OF ISO 17025

 MAINTENANCE OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS