Improvement and uncertainty evaluation of mercury sealed piston prover using laser interferometer

Many NMIs (National Measurement Institute) and calibration laboratories are using a mercury sealed piston prover as calibration system for gas flow meter. But it has problems in deciding measuring volume, traveling time of piston and generating low flow rate below 10 cc/min. In this study, a new structure of a piston prover is designed and its flow measurement uncertainty is evaluated according to ISO/IEC 17025. A laser interferometer, instead of optical sensors used in a typical piston prover, is employed to measure testing time and moving distance of the piston, accurately. A new material of the piston is used to eliminate contaminated particles from the material of the piston body. Uncertainty is calculated by evaluating various uncertainty factors which have influence on gas flow measurement. The expanded uncertainty of the piston prover is 0.11% at the confidence level of 95%. The uncertainty evaluation procedure of this study would be useful in flow measurement uncertainty determination of other types of gas flow measurement systems.     

Validation of the GUM using the Monte Carlo method when applied in the calculation of the measurement uncertainty of a compact prover calibration

This article presents the calibration of a compact prover using the weighing method. An evaluation of measurement uncertainty of the prover calibration has been developed using the GUM and Monte Carlo methodologies. A water draw kit was utilized to direct the liquid flow from the compact prover to a water container in order to weigh the transferred water mass on a balance. This amount of mass was used as reference for the calculation of the prover base volume. A modeling of the flow rate into the water draw kit as a function of time was conceived. This modeling was applied for calculating the error in the liquid volume of the water container due to the switching of two solenoid valves of the water draw kit. A mathematical model of the prover base volume has been developed. This model is non-linear and the two largest sources of uncertainty are related to the balance calibration certificate that together account for 31.84% of the uncertainty budget. This work showed that the GUM approach was validated by Monte Carlo method in the calculation of the measurement uncertainty of the calibration of a compact prover. The absolute differences of the respective endpoints of the coverage intervals of these two methods are less than 0.00023% of estimate of the prover base volume whose value is 151.427 dm³. This result was obtained for a coverage probability of 95% and ${10}^6$ Monte Carlo iterations. The density of the calibration water and its uncertainty have been calculated through an innovative approach.     

钟罩式气体流量标准装置控制单元的研制

利用现有的钟罩装置,加装精密光栅尺作为钟罩位移传感元件,并增设多路温度、压力传感器,设计了由计算机和控制器组成的自动检定系统。以控制器研制为核心,详细阐述了信号采集、调理、阀门控制等硬件电路设计和检定数据采集、处理等软件部分设计。     

可变臂轮式钟罩气体流量标准装置微机系统设计

本系统以钟罩气体流量标准装置检定规程(JJG165-89)为依据,通过微机硬件及软件的综合设计实现气体流量计检定过程的在线标定,自动控制,自动监测,自动计算,打印检定报表的工作.     

Correlation of the leakage flow rate with pressure changes in a clearance-sealed piston prover

Leakage flow rate is one of the most important contributions to the measurement uncertainty when measuring small gas flow rates with a clearance-sealed piston prover. Our previous study has shown that the systematic effects related to the change of the gas viscosity can be successfully corrected, whereas the effects related to the reproducibility of the leakage flow rate are poorly understood. This paper focuses on the interpretation and correction of the reproducibility related effects by analysing experimentally identified variations of the leakage flow rate and the gas pressure in the inclined piston prover. Small changes of the leakage flow in the inclined piston prover indicate that the position of the piston relative to the cylinder remains approximately the same. The obtained relationship between the leakage flow rate and the gas pressure below the piston led to the pressure-based correction of the leakage flow rate.     

Recommended treatment of precision measurements related to nuclear energy levels and atomic masses

An uncertainty of several ppm now exists in the Faraday constant and therefore in the conversion constant between electron volts and the atomic mass unit. We show that this uncertainty does not enter if the volt unit is replaced by the volt V_BI maintained by the Bureau International de Poids et Mésures. Also nuclear reaction measurements (Calibrated against nuclear gamma-rays) can with higher precision be expressed in eV_BI (or mass units) than in eV; we give the pertinent conversion factors. We also present a table useful in determining gamma-ray energies for calibration in neutron-capture gamma-ray measurements.     

Fundamental uncertainty analysis of flowrate measurement using the ultrasonic Doppler velocity profile method

The present paper describes a fundamental uncertainty analysis for a flowrate measurement in a pipe using an ultrasonic Doppler velocity profile method and an evaluation of the estimated uncertainty by an actual flow calibration. The uncertainties are estimated for internal factors originating from the measurement equipment; UVP provided by Met-Flow sa. and external factors depending on on-site measurements, such as the inclination angle of the ultrasonic transducer. The relative expanded uncertainty due to internal factors is estimated to be 0.34% with a coverage factor of 2. The relative external uncertainty including external factors is estimated to be from 0.42% to 2.13% depends on the inclination angle of the transducer. The results of the actual flow calibration under the same condition as the uncertainty analysis are within the range of uncertainty considering the internal factors.     

Water density formulations and their effect on gravimetric water meter calibration and measurement uncertainties

In the gravimetric calibration method of water meters, the volume of water that has passed through the equipment under test (EUT) is generally collected into a tank and the quantity (mass) determined by weighing. The mass of water collected is then converted into a volume. This conversion of mass into volume requires knowledge of the water density, which can be estimated, measured directly or determined by other means. The error of measurement of the EUT is determined by comparing the volume recorded by the EUT and the volume collected in the tank. The density of water is, therefore, one of the major causes of measurement uncertainty in laboratory calibration of water meters using the gravimetric method. Water meter calibration facilities commonly use density formulations proposed by the International Standards Organisation (ISO) and the Organisation for International Legal Metrology (OIML). In Australia, additional guidance in water density determination is provided by the National Measurement Institute (NMI). In this study, testing was undertaken using ten positive displacement water meters arranged in series in the test rig to evaluate some of the common water density formulations used in Australia. The effect of these different formulations on the water meter error measurement was determined, as well as the effect on the measurement uncertainties. The results shows that the use of these different density formulations evaluated do not significantly affect the water meter error of measurement or the uncertainty of measurement. There was no apparent correlation between the water meter error and the meter position in the test rig. It was also determined that if the water density was adjusted only for temperature effects, a maximum of 0.05 and 0.15% drift in meter error and measurement uncertainty respectively, can be expected.     

Uncertainty budgeting for range calibration

The Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement (GUM) established a general procedure to evaluate measurement uncertainty. The Guide covers only the evaluation of a single result or a set of individual results. Modern measuring instruments and procedures operate over a wide range of values. Therefore in practice a calibration procedure is needed that is valid for this range. The procedure should include an evaluation of uncertainty associated with the calibration results and for the subsequent measurements performed with the calibrated instrument. Traditionally regression analysis is used for this purpose. In this paper we will discuss some weaknesses of the regression approach and suggest an alternative. We show that for instruments with a linear response function the regression can be replaced by 2-point calibration. We introduce a limit of the deviation from linearity to address observed deviations from a linear response function of the instrument. To improve an existing instrument with a non-linear response function a combination of the instrument and a correction function can be treated as a virtual linear measuring device and a 2-point calibration can be applied. As an example we use the calibration of a pressure sensor to illustrate the procedure. The approach can be used for instruments and measurement procedures with a linear or non-linear response function.     

Characterization study on NIS X-ray beam qualities and its applications

Quality of low and medium energy X-ray beam at the National Institute for Standards (NIS) of Egypt is studied in details in accordance with the recommendations of the Bureau International des Poids et Measures (BIPM) consultative committee for ionizing radiation (CCRI). The Half Value Layer (HVL) at each applied voltage is precisely determined. The setting up for the X-ray tube according to the TRS No. 469 of IAEA is performed. The effective energy of X-ray is determined using Hyper Pure Germanium Detector (HPGD) connected to photon energy spectrometer. The X-ray air Kerma is measured using NIS secondary standard dosimetry system, which is traceable to the SI units through BIPM. A proposed method for non-invasive tube voltage determination by HPGD is performed. Consequently, all X-ray beam quality parameters are extracted and found to be complying with CCRI recommended values for NIS X-ray tube.     

油田水中新型水驱示踪剂氟苯甲酸的气相色谱-质谱分析

建立了油田水中新型水驱示踪剂 2 -( 2 -FBA)的痕量分析方法。该方法将过滤、固相萃取、衍生等样品前处理技术有效地结合在一起 ,应用气相色谱 -质谱 ( GC/ MS)技术对其进行定性和定量测定。结果表明 :方法具有较高的灵敏度和可靠的不确定度 ,油田水取样量为 2 5 0 m L时 ,2 -FBA最低检测限达 4ng/ L。 40 0 ng/ L2 -FBA的单次测量结果扩展不确定度为 5 0 ng/ L,即相对扩展不确定度优于 1 4%。本方法采用 4-甲基 -氟苯甲酸 ( 4 -TMFBA)作为内标物质校正衍生及测量过程。2 -FBA的浓度为 5～ 2 0 0 0 ng/ L,标准曲线的相关系数>0 .9998。此方法适用于油田、环境、生物、药物等样品中痕量 2 -FBA的快速、准确分析。同时也为其它氟代苯甲酸作为油田示踪剂提供了分析方法     

Uncertainty analysis of displacement measurement with Imetrum Video Gauge

Imetrum Video Gauge is a commercial image-based two-dimensional displacement measurement system which has been widely used. Its uncertainty analysis is presented in this paper. First, the procedure to use Video Gauge is introduced. Then, based on the measurement model, two major sources of uncertainty are identified: (1) the uncertainty associated with the calibration procedure u(C) which is composed of the uncertainty of the known length used in calibration u(L) and the uncertainty of the projection of the known length in the image u(D) and (2) the uncertainty associated with the measurement system itself u(P). Following the Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement, the uncertainties can be quantified. In the end, 60 experiments are performed to analyze the relationship between the measurement uncertainty and the working parameters, which are working distance, acquisition frequency and focal length of the lens. In order to ensure the validity of the calculation, two calculation methods are used. The main results of this paper are as follows: (1) the displacement measurement uncertainty increases along with working distance and decreases with the increase of focal length. At the same time, the results indicate that using a longer known length in calibration can also reduce the measurement uncertainty. (2) u(C) is greatly influenced by the known length used in the calibration procedure. It can be reduced when u(L) is reduced. (3) Under the laboratory circumstances, reducing u(C) can greatly reduce the total measurement uncertainty. (4) The displacement measurement uncertainty is more sensitive to the measurement uncertainty of the known length used in calibration than the projection of the known length in the image. (5) As the working distance grows, the sensitivity to the known length is getting weaker and the sensitivity to the projection of the known length in the image is getting stronger. (6) When a longer focal length lens is used, the influence of the working distance to the sensitivity gets weaker. The reported results can help people better understand the characteristics of this system and better use the system for their own purposes.     

LNG energy transfer uncertainty–sensitivity to composition and temperature changes

Determining and reducing the measurement uncertainty of LNG energy transfer in custody transfer operations is considered extremely important and challenging for industry. The European Metrology Research Programme (EMRP) for Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) has been focused on reducing the uncertainty in the evaluation of LNG energy transfers by improving existing measurement methods, validating new measurement methods and development of new traceable calibration systems. Part of this project was to produce realistic measurement uncertainty budgets and to determine the sensitivity of the overall LNG energy transfer uncertainty to changes in the composition and temperature of different LNG cargoes.This paper provides details on the development of an uncertainty budget and the results from the sensitivity study. It was found that the uncertainty in the LNG energy transfer ranged from 0.56% to 0.77% when using the uncertainty budget for 461 LNG cargoes. The variation was mainly due to the difference in the LNG composition and its associated uncertainty.     

Design and development for amelioration of primary water flow standard and calibration systems

The present study outlines the efforts made to improve national primary water flow standards and calibration systems through design and development. The facility has been designed and developed in accordance with ISO 4185 standard in the flow range 0.03 m³/h to 650 m³/h to calibrate various types of flow meters up to DN200 (Nominal diameter) using 12 kg, 300 kg, 3000 kg, and 6000 kg weighing systems. In the flow range up to 530 m³/h, the expanded uncertainty in flow meter calibration in totalized mode is found to be ±0.01% to ±0.025% (k = 2), whereas it is ±(0.03–0.05) % (k = 2) up to DN200 size (test rigs) for mass flow rate (MFR) and volume flow rate (VFR) in the flow range 0.1 m³/h to 650 m³/h. The measurement uncertainty achieved is comparable to that of state-of-the-art water flow measurement capabilities available at numerous National Metrology Institutes (NMIs). Thus, the present designed and developed system at CSIR-National Physical Laboratory (CSIR-NPL) is a solution to maintain traceability to the users and industries.     

Can coverage factor 2 be interpreted as an equivalent to 95% coverage level in uncertainty estimation? Two case studies

The GUM modelling, its Bayesian modification and the Monte Carlo method (MCM) to estimate the uncertainty are compared in two practical measurement situations (finding reference value of relative humidity and a generic chemical instrumental analysis procedure). The results of the three approaches agree very well when there are no dominant input quantities with type A evaluated uncertainty estimated from small number of repeated measurements. In the opposite case the GUM gives underestimated expanded uncertainties (by up to 20–25%), compared to both other approaches. Analysis of the practical measurement situations reveals that even in the case of several dominating input quantities of similar uncertainty contributions, if one of them is distributed according to the t-distribution and has a low number (3–4) of degrees of freedom, the output quantity cannot be safely assumed Normally distributed and in such a case coverage factor 2 is not an equivalent to 95% coverage level.     

Air flow rate thermal control system at low pressure drop

Low pressure drop thermal Mass Flow Controllers are generally thought to fulfill needs concerning the realization of a dynamic reference gas mixture generator for accurate gas analysis. A small air flow rate at low pressure drop must be controlled in a stable and precise way in the generator. True operative pressure drop limits, set point reproducibility, calibration needs and flow rate stability during operations were investigated for a low pressure drop thermal Mass Flow Controller. The flow rate bias due to late calibration and flow rate short-term stability were measured and discussed. The Allan method was used to calculate stability during operation. Calibration uncertainty, bias for late calibration, stability and set point reproducibility were composed to calculate the total uncertainty of the flow rate as a function of the operation time. Results show that it is possible to operate below the target uncertainty stated for a dynamic generator of gas mixtures down to 100 Pa pressure drop. Stability gives the main contribution to total uncertainty at very short operation times, while calibration uncertainty gives the main contribution to total uncertainty at normal operation times. The calibration uncertainty at 0.1% is low enough to assure the target uncertainty for operation times over 10 s. Daily verification of calibration enhances the reliability of the measurement. An accurate voltmeter is necessary for the reproducibility of the set point.     

Uncertainty analysis of positional deviations of CNC machine tools

The assessment of the measurement uncertainty is an indispensable task in all calibration procedures. By international accord, the evaluation is to be done in accordance with the ISO Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement (GUM). To calibrate the positional deviations of computer numerically controlled (CNC) machine tools, calibration laboratories will usually follow the guidelines in ISO 230-2 International Standard. However, that standard does not address uncertainty. In this paper, we present an uncertainty evaluation scheme that is firmly grounded in the GUM, and can therefore be of use as a guide to develop appropriate uncertainty calculations in this and similar types of calibrations.     

A new calibration facility for water flowrate at high Reynolds number

A new test facility has been constructed for the National Metrology Institute of Japan (NMIJ) and the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) for calibration of feedwater flowmeters used in nuclear power stations at Reynolds numbers of up to 18 million. This very large Reynolds number is achieved in a 600 mm pipe at a flowrate of 3.33  m³/s (12,000  m³/h) and a water temperature of 70  ^°C. This calibration facility consists of a circulation loop with four pumps and four reference flowmeter sets, a prover system, a heating and cooling unit, and other components. The expanded uncertainty of this facility is 0.077%. The present paper describes, in detail, the new facility, the calibration method of the reference flowmeter, experiments for flow field, uncertainty estimation, and the results of an example calibration.     

差压式湿气两相流量计的校准

伴随着工业技术的不断发展,湿气流量的测量日益增多,湿气流量计的校准工作日益迫切,亟待解决.本文介绍了在湿气流量计量领域中广泛应用的差压式湿气两相流流量计的原理,并在天津大学电气与自动化工程学院的中压闭环湿气标定装置中对其进行了校准,对该流量计的气相和液相的不确定度进行了评定,为今后开展相关流量计的校准工作提供了参考和数...     

机器视觉非接触测量系统在线校准及不确定度分析

高精度、大面阵CCD和CMOS传感器件的出现,使得机器视觉非接触测量技术得到越来越广泛的应用。本研究以典型机器视觉非接触测量模型为研究对象,通过对其原理、测量数学模型和计量特性进行了阐述和分析,创新性提出了一种机器视觉非接触测量系统的在线校准方法,分析并确立了测量过程中的不确定度来源,并对校准结果进行了不确定度评定。实验表明,机器视觉非接触测量系统在线校准方法具备两个优点：一是易操作性,优化了测量标准的追溯关系;二是校准精度高,在95％的置信概率下。校准系统不确定度为0．008mm。