Calibration Guide

The Art of Measurement

The Art of Measurement

NMi VSL B.V.

P.O. Box 654
2600 AR Delft
The Netherlands

T +31 15 269 15 00
F +31 15 261 29 71

E nmi@nmi.nl
I www.nmi.nl
 The Art of Measurement

Best Way to Traceability

Calibration Guide 4

Mass, Pressure, Force and Viscosity 6

Chemistry 7

Low-pressure gas flow 8

Liquids 9

Temperature and Humidity 10

Electricity and Magnetism 11

Time and Frequency 12

Geometric calibrations 13

Optics 14

Ionising radiation and Radioactivity 15

The Art of Measurement

Best Way to Traceability

Calibration Guide

NMi Van Swinden Laboratorium (NMi VSL) is the National Metrology Institute of The Netherlands.
Metrology is the science of measurement. NMi VSL focuses on the development and maintenance of
primary measurement standards to provide traceability. Since products must meet increasingly stringent
requirements, measurement standards are vital for obtaining accurate and reliable measurement results
in industry and society.
In NMi VSL laboratories, highly accurate calibrations are carried out for industry, government and society.
The uncertainty in our most accurate and reliable primary measurement standards is better than 1 in 1013.
The maintenance and development of these measurement standards require a broad international
approach, which is achieved by close collaboration with other national metrology institutes.

Calibration
By means of a calibration against NMi VSL primary measurement standards, SI-traceable values can be
assigned to secondary and working measurement standards and the accuracy of measurement
instruments can be determined.
Calibration certificates issued by NMi VSL are internationally recognised under the CIPM Mutual
Recognition Arrangement. Our certificates are provided with the CIPM MRA logo.

Since measuring instruments and measurement standards may drift in time, they must be re-calibrated
after a certain period. We can assist in determining this period and can take care of timely re-calibration
by means of a monitoring and call system. In this way the loss of valuable production time can be kept
under control.

Interlaboratory Comparisons
NMi Van Swinden Laboratory has more than 30 years of experience in interlaboratory comparisons.
We conduct interlaboratory comparisons and proficiency testing programs in many different fields
from pressure, mass and viscosity to chemical analyses, and from temperature and humidity to electricity,
length and gas flow.
 The Art of Measurement

As the Dutch national institute for metrology, NMi participates in key comparisons with national metrology
institutes throughout the world. We are therefore well acquainted with the demands of participation in
such programs. For instance, we know just how important it is for laboratories to receive advance warning
on when test materials will arrive. And we know how important it is to receive clear, comprehensive, and
prudent reports on results. NMi is accredited to conduct interlaboratory comparisons and proficiency tes-
ting programs. We have gained an international reputation as a reliable, independent metrology institute.

R&D in Metrology
With the increasing technological developments and improved control, the demands on products and
services are becoming more and more stringent. In defining requirements, it is essential to know how
limit values and measurement values are to be determined and how to assure reliability.

NMi VSL supports industry and government on such metrological issues. We provide expertise to assist in
a wide range of areas, from nano-metrology used in microchip manufacturing, to policy making in
environmental issues. NMi VSL also conducts applied metrology projects. In close cooperation with
industry we investigate and develop new measuring methods and instruments in order to enhance product
quality and the control of measuring instruments in use.

Besides supporting industry, NMi VSL participates in projects for emerging markets and we carry out
international projects in the area of metrological infrastructures and conformity assessment.

4-5
The Art of Measurement

Mass, Pressure, Force and Viscosity

The most accurate mass standard in The Netherlands, a weight made We calibrate:
from Platinum-Iridium (PtIr) with a mass of 1,000000146 kg, is held at Weights
NMi Van Swinden Laboratorium. The standard is kept safely under two Pressure gauges
glass bell covers in a vault in the cleanrooms in the Mass and Related Barometers
Quantities section of NMi Van Swinden Laboratorium. In these clean- Pressure balances
rooms, the most accurate mass calibrations in The Netherlands are Pressure transmitters
performed with the aid of mass standards that are directly derived from Force meters
the PtIr standard. Tension and compression
The Dutch kilogram is directly linked to the primary kilogram (Grand K) testers
that is stored at the International Bureau of Weights and Measures Load cells
(BIPM) in Paris. Materials testing machines
Density of liquids
In addition, with the aid of our advanced weighing equipment, the Viscosity
Pressure, Force and Viscosity standards are realized, which provide
traceability to the SI. A top position in these fields is guaranteed,
that is gratefully used by the industry.

The Pressure section can cover an enormous range and, as such, can
calibrate a diverse range of pressure meters with an extremely high
degree of accuracy.

This applies also to the Force section, where our experts use three dead-
weight machines and a large number of more compact force standards,
such as force machines or (extremely) large weights for example, with
which calibrations can be carried out on location too.

The extensive range of viscosimetric reference liquids that is supplied

by the Viscosity section is used all over the world. The same is true for
the mineral oil standards used for NEN 5733. The section also carries out
viscosity and density measurements on liquids that are supplied by the
customer, at various temperatures if required.

Of course the experts from these sections are always ready to think
with our customers about the challenges that they meet in their own
practical situations and to offer their insights into the complex world
of metrology.
 The Art of Measurement

Chemistry

Our Primary Reference Gas Mixtures are used worldwide to make gas Our range of products is:
composition measurements traceable and comparable. The internati- Carbon monoxide in nitrogen
onally accepted Standard Gas Mixtures are used in both industrial and Carbon dioxide in nitrogen/
environmental analyses over a wide range of applications. From volatile synthetic air
organic compounds to synthetic natural gas, and from NH3 to typical car Nitric oxide in nitrogen
exhaust compounds. Nitrogen dioxide in nitrogen/
synthetic air
All of the well-known specialty gas suppliers use NMi VSLs Primary Oxygen in nitrogen
Reference Gas Mixtures to support their quality systems and to provide Propane in nitrogen/
their clients with internationally accepted traceability. For example, synthetic air
the calorific value of natural gas calculated in the laboratories of the Sulfur dioxide in nitrogen/
buyer and the seller can be compared properly, only if the calibration synthetic air
of the gas chromatographs that were used can be traced to comparable Hydrogen sulfide in
measurement standards, in this case primary gas mixtures. nitrogen/methane
Ethanol in nitrogen/
In addition to supplying gas mixtures we can also analyse gas mixtures synthetic air
that have been supplied by third parties and issue them with a calibration Methane in nitrogen/
certificate. We can also calibrate gas monitors in our state of the art synthetic air
laboratory in Delft. Nitrous oxide in nitrogen/
synthetic air
Ammonia in nitrogen
Water in nitrogen
Automotive Gases
Medical Diagnostics Standards
Noble Gas Standard
Explosimetry Standards
Leak detection Standards
BTEX in nitrogen
VOCs in nitrogen
Synthetic natural gas
Refinery Gas Standards
Coke-oven Gas Standards

6-7
The Art of Measurement

Low-pressure gas flow

NMi VSL realises the primary cubic metre which is an important trump We calibrate:
card that enables us to be a good partner in our (inter)national con- Turbine meters
tacts. NMi VSLs various flow installations are provided with traceability Rotary meters
directly from this primary cubic metre after which this is passed on Mass Flow meters
worldwide to laboratories, industry or end-users, by means of calibrations Mass Flow controllers
and ring comparisons (Proficience Testing schemes). Air speed meters
This is also known as a calibration chain. It is clear that our partners Mercury sealed piston provers
find it very important to have their instruments linked to this calibra- Diaphram meters
tion chain in order to keep measurement differences, measurement Wet gas meters
disputes and measurement uncertainty as small as possible. The ques- Soap bubble meters
tion is: How did you arrange your link to the calibration chain? Piston provers
Variable area meters
The section has a very well-equipped laboratory at its disposal, in which Venturi
various installations are set up. With these facilities it is possible to offer Respiratory equipment
our clients a very diverse range of flow measurements. Ultrasonic meters

The section carries out calibrations both in the laboratory and on

location. Our experts are regularly active worldwide carrying out
on-site calibrations and validations. In addition, they also regularly act
as independent mediators between suppliers and buyers of (natural)
gas in the event of disputes.
Often the clients are present during the calibrations in our laboratory.
This gives them the opportunity to discuss their practical situations with
our experts.

Of course, it is possible to draw on the expertise of the section when

developing new meters, installations and the associated programs and
procedures. All of this has lead to the section becoming an internation-
ally accepted and respected provider of traceability and accuracy in the
field of gas flow measurements.
 The Art of Measurement

Liquids

NMi VSL recently renewed its liquid laboratory, which makes our experts We calibrate:
your ideal partner when it comes to high-quality and internationally Liquid flow meters
accepted measurements in the field of volume and flow. Pipettes
When you consider how many cubic metres of crude oil, petrol or water Burettes
are transported by modern pipelines worldwide, you can imagine that Piston and ball provers
even a very small error can have enormous consequences for the costs. Flasks
This could be to your advantage, but it could also be to your disadvantage! Test and calibration set-ups
Of course, traceability and accuracy play a very important role too in on location
the smaller volumes that are used in the pharmaceuticals industry, for Liquid measurement equipment
example. These measurements can also be directly traced to NMi VSLs or systems in accordance with the
primary standards via a number of extremely careful processes. equipment or system specifications

The standards in our liquids laboratory are continuously compared

with the standards in other metrology institutes all over the world.
This guarantees the (inter)national comparability and acceptability
of the measurements.

The Liquids section is an authority in the field of reliable measurement

of liquid flows and the calibration of liquid meters.
With the aid of our facilities, a large variety of measurements can be
carried out both on-site and in our laboratory, under practically all con-
ditions. NMi VSL can help with all aspects of liquid measurements, from
volume to density, from temperature to pressure and from viscosity to
expansion coefficients. In all cases, NMi VSL has the capability to carry
out the measurements at the level of quality that you require.

8-9
The Art of Measurement

Temperature and Humidity

Temperature is one of the most frequently measured quantities world- We calibrate:

wide. Sometimes a small measurement error can have big consequences Digital thermometers
for the quality of a production process and for personal safety. Resistance thermometers
Measurements of both temperature and humidity play a major role in Thermocouples
process monitoring and personal comfort, amongst other things. Liquid-in-glass thermometers
For many years, NMi VSL has been a reliable partner for high quality Thermistors
temperature and humidity calibrations. Thanks to the presence of Dataloggers
primary standards that are in the European top 5 and our in-depth Simulators and calibrators
knowledge, we can always offer you the accuracy that you require and Fixed-point cells
advise you about your own measurements. Calibration ovens
Temperature transmitters
We understand that it is important to you to get results quickly and Dew point meters
correctly. We always ensure that you get a suitable offer within a couple Hygrometers
of days. We usually carry out the calibration of standard instruments Humidity generators
within 2 weeks of receiving your order.
Our measurements consist mainly of comparative calibrations. In this
case, the reading on your instrument (thermometer or hygrometer) is
compared with our working standards that are directly traceable to our
primary standards. This guarantees the highest possible accuracy.

Our temperature and humidity range is so large that you can be sure
that all your measurement requirements can be met at one location.
You can visit us too if you want to know more about temperature
and/or humidity measurement principles. With the aid of extremely
practical training courses and tailor-made advice, you will be able to
further improve the quality of your measurement processes and your
employees know-how.
You can also take part in one of our interlaboratory comparisons.
Participation in this is an important investment in the reliability of your
measurements and your employees self-confidence.
 The Art of Measurement

Electricity and Magnetism

At some point during almost all measurements the value of the We calibrate:
measured quantity is converted into an electrical analog signal or Zener references, voltage sources
(binary) digital value. Because of this the accuracy of electrical Resistors
measurements plays a major role in the determination of the measu- Amperemeters, incl. current
red value and/or the transmission of this value from the measurement transformers
location to the registration location. In addition, due to the increasing Capacitors, Inductors, IVDs,
integration of systems and software corrections in the equipment, there AC resistors
is an increasing need for a higher degree of measurement accuracy. AC Thermal voltage converters
Furthermore, when dealing with electricity we have to deal with a Calibrators and other generators
number of interrelated and derived quantities that together determine Digital multimeters
the accuracy of the measurement. Wattmeters, kWh meters,
The most important quantities are voltage, current and resistance. phase meters
However frequency and impedance also play a role. For high frequency High tension voltage dividers and
signals there are additional factors involved such as reflection, time and -generators
attenuation, and the inextricably linked (electro)magnetic fields. RF (Step)attenuators
In order to satisfy the need for calibration by the industry and laborato- RF Impedances, 50 ohm and
ries, NMi Van Swinden Laboratorium makes sure that there are suffi- mismatches
cient accurate primary standards for resistance and voltage available. Power sensors, thermistor mounts
To do this, standards based on quantum mechanical phenomena are Single-axis and multiple-axis
used, that are realised at temperatures at which superconduction takes electrical and magnetic field
place. By means of working standards for these quantities and the VSL strength meters
internal references for frequency and length, a wide range of calibra- (E)LF to RF radiation safety meters
tion options can be offered for the various laboratory references and Personal safety meters
measurement instruments. Reference magnets
For example, the available measurement range for frequency is from Coil constructions
DC (0 Hz) to 50 GHz, for voltage it is from less than 1 mV to 100 kV and EMC simulation and measurement
currents in the range of 100 A to 10 A can be measured. equipment
And more..

We are working on new

facilities for
Precision power measurements
up to 1 MHz
AC resistance measurements for
shunts
AC voltage measurements directly
linked to quantum standards
Low currents (less than 1 mA)
And more

We advise on
ISO/IEC 17025
Measurement problems
Primary voltage standard Uncertainty analysis
Traceability
Characterisation of measurement
systems
Training of personnel
Field strength measurements and
instruments
Measurements at frequencies
3D-Helmholtz coil in use for above 1 MHz
calibration of isotropic field And more 10 - 11
strength meters up to 10 kHz.
The Art of Measurement

Time and Frequency

Frequency is the quantity that can be measured with the highest We calibrate:
precision. Because of this there is an effort made worldwide to derive Frequency standards
a number of other quantities from this frequency standard. In the (Caesium, Rubidium, etc.)
meantime this has been realised for the voltage standard (by means of GPS receivers
a superconduction effect) and the length standard (by means of laser Frequency generators
light interference). Frequency and time (interval) are directly related to Frequency counters
each other. The most accurate commercially made standards are Time interval counters
caesium clocks. NMi has 4 of these clocks that form part of an international Stopwatches
network for the determination of the duration of a second. This sort of Oscilloscopes
comparison takes place under the coordination of the BIPM in Paris. Rise time meters
Comparison with clocks all over the world takes place 24 hours a day. Revolution counters
At the highest level, caesium clocks are compared with each other via Stroboscopes
signal transmissions (e.g. via the GPS satellites). Currently there are Sports timing instruments
actions being undertaken to set up a similar activity for the Galileo
satellite system. We supply:
Using this accurate frequency standard all kinds of time and frequency Time Service Bulletin
measurement instruments can be traceably calibrated. In addition time Time information via
information is provided as a service via the Time Service Bulletin or time telephone modem
synchronisation via the usual telecommunication lines. And more...

We are going to supply:

Time information via Galileo
satellites
Time information via NTP
server

We advise on:
ISO/IEC 17025
Measurement problems
Uncertainty analysis
Traceability
Characterisation of measure-
ment systems
Measurements in the field of
time and frequency
Training courses for personnel
And more

Measurement console for time

and frequency measurements
 The Art of Measurement

Geometric calibrations

More than 200 years ago, Jean Henri van Swinden, after whom We calibrate:
NMi Van Swinden Laboratorium is named, participated in the interna- 3D measurements at micro-
tional committee that defined our current unit of length, the metre. metre level
Nowadays the metre is related to the wavelength of a (red) standard Gauge blocks
laser. Recently, the link with the time and the frequency standards Angle gauge blocks
within NMi VSL was realised. Angle measurement
The facilities, that are based on the standard metre for calibrating your instruments
geometric measurement equipment and the dimensions of reference Ring and plug gauges
objects, range from a 50 m laser measuring bench to 3D measurement Laser interferometers
equipment for large, small, flat or irregularly shaped objects. (optical measuring systems)
Due to miniaturisation and the growing number of precision technolo- Leveling rods
gy applications, higher requirements are imposed on the measurement Measuring benches
uncertainty. Our limits fulfill the market demands, from micrometres and machines
to nanometres. That is why NMi Van Swinden Laboratorium is also an Reference spheres
active partner in research projects in the field of nanotechnology and is Roundness standards
developing new calibration instruments. Roughness standards
With this know-how we are pleased to provide you with the best pos- Screw thread standards
sible calibration results or to advise you about research, development (cylindrical and conical)
and production. Step gauges
Step standards
Graduated gauges
Theodolites
Free formed objects
Levelling instruments
And more
The traceable Atomic Force
Microscope Measurement We are going to calibrate:
volume 100 m x 100 m x 20 m 3D at nanometre level
for measurements with nanometre MST / MEMS products and
accuracy. standards
Nanotechnology products and
standards
Nanosensors
Precision mechanics and standards
And more

We advise on:
ISO/IEC 17025
Innovative solutions for
measurement problems
Uncertainty analysis
Traceability
Characterisation of measurement
systems
And more

Calibration of adjusting rings

12 - 13
The Art of Measurement

Optics

Do you have a question about the total radiated power of any lamp, We calibrate:
LED or fluorescent light for example? Then our recently developed Filters*
goniometer facility can offer you the answer. In addition we have a Pyrometers
wide range of facilities with the aid of which the most diverse optical Oven systems
questions can be answered in the field of the spectral properties of Light meters
materials, the properties of detectors or lamps and in the field of black Colour meters
radiators and radiation thermometers. Photometric lamps*
NMi Van Swinden Laboratorium provides traceability of optical measu- Maritime lighting systems
rements via calibrations of various optical measurement systems and Spectroradiometers
reference standards. Due to the continuous development of existing Spectral irradiance lamps*
and new facilities, it is possible to perform an ever-increasing range of Radiometers
high-quality calibrations. Optical power meters
Thanks to the years of in-house development, NMi Van Swinden Detectors*
Laboratorium has built up a great deal of metrological know-how in UVA meters
the field of optical measurement systems. We would be pleased to put And more..
this know-how to use in answering your questions and/or developing *We also can supply the object
new products. itself, incl. calibration

We are going to calibrate:

Radiation profiles of LEDS,
Fluorescent lights and other lamps
(spatially distributed over a
completely spherical surface)
Lamps, fluorescent lights
and LEDS
in terms of total radiated power
UVB and UVC meters
Measurement system for determining the
spatial distribution of light from sources. And more
With this virtual integrating sphere of
3 metres in diameter gas discharge lamps We advise on:
and displays can also be measured. ISO/IEC 17025
Measurement problems
Uncertainty analysis
Traceability
Characterisation of
measurement systems
And more

Measurement system for the

calibration of (reference
standard) detectors from
UV to infrared
(190 nm to 20 mm)
 The Art of Measurement

Ionising radiation and Radioactivity

Ionising radiation and radioactivity are used worldwide in industry, We calibrate:

healthcare, the environment and for our safety. Examples include Ionisation chambers and
making diagnostic X-rays, carrying out radiotherapy on tumours, scanning solid-state detectors
baggage at the airport and radiation safety in nuclear power plants. Contamination monitors
Electrometers and dosimeters
In order to deal with ionising radiation and radioactivity in a manage- Isotope calibrators
able, controllable and comparable way, we are dependent not only on Radiation survey meters
the rules and regulations, but also on measurement instruments. Radioactive sources
It is extremely important that these measurement instruments function Personal dosimeters
correctly, both from an economic and, in some cases, a human safety Area monitors
point of view. kVp/Dosimeters
A component of the quality assurance for these instruments is a periodic DAP meters
calibration. After all, calibration is the only means of determining the mAs meters
metrological deviation of a measurement instrument, so that Film cassette penetrameters
corrective measures can be taken if necessary.

For the calibration of these measurement instruments, NMi VSL has the
required expertise and facilities, not only for simple calibrations but also
for calibrations at the highest level of accuracy. In addition, NMi VSL has
a mobile measurement facility for on-site calibration of collimated radi-
ation bundles. Standards such as ISO 4037, IEC 1267 and NEN 10846 are
followed for carrying out the calibrations and to guarantee traceability
to the highest international standard(s).
In addition to the calibration of measurement instruments, there are
facilities for other experiments with X-ray radiation to 320 kV, gamma
radiation from 137Cs and 60Co, and 90Sr/Y beta radiation.

14 - 15
NMi VSL B.V.
P.O. Box 654
2600 AR Delft
The Netherlands

T +31 15 269 15 00
F +31 15 261 29 71

E nmi@nmi.nl
I www.nmi.nl