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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