Metrology and calibration training

A basic training to get acquainted with metrology, the science of measurement.
The student is introduced to the basics of measurement (units, traceability, etc.).
The next items will be introduced also:

1. setting up measuring systems
2. aspects of a quality system
3. uncertainty measurement

However, it is not a measurement technique training.

The increasing demand for reliable measurement results increases the need for a responsible estimate of the uncertainty in measurements and/or measurement systems. The EA-4/02 document contains the European requirements for uncertainty calculation for accredited laboratories. When applied correctly, this document provides you with the assurance of a correct and generally accepted measurement uncertainty determination. This training is a practical translation of this document. On the basis of a ‘recipe’ you will receive relevant background information and insight into and a feeling for sources of uncertainty.
You will also practice yourself and in class in setting up and calculating uncertainty budgets according to EA-4/02

Temperature is a commonly measured quantity. Insufficient knowledge about temperature and temperature measurement can lead to many mistakes that can have a direct impact on the results and/or costs of production, quality or safety. During the training, the problems associated with the different types of thermometers are made visible and discussed. This leads to more knowledge and insight into measuring temperature. After the training, the participants have more insight into which type of temperature sensor and which version is most suitable for their measurement process.

The training provides insight into measurement and calibration techniques in the low-frequency electrical field. It is indicated how sources of error in measurement setups can be discovered and how they should then be processed in the total uncertainty of the measurement. Afterwards, the students can realize and analyze calibration setups in the low-frequency electrical field.

In addition to an introduction to quality assurance and the (inter)national metrological structure, the following topics are discussed:

• precision measurement techniques for low-frequency electrical measurements (DC and AC voltage and current, resistance, impedance)
• factors affecting electrical measurements
• uncertainty of electrical measurements

Practical exercises and demonstrations are an important part of the course and help to apply the theoretical knowledge in practice.

Today, digital pressure meters are available for measuring absolute pressures with a resolution of 0.001 mbar at a measuring range of 2 bar. At the highest pressure, neglecting a gas column of 1 cm already gives a deviation of approximately 0.002 mbar.

Pressure measurement plays an important role in industry. More processes are being automated, which is why pressure sensors with an analog and/or digital output are playing an increasingly important role. The uncertainties with which pressure measurements are carried out in industry are getting smaller and smaller. A good knowledge of the uncertainty contributions of various influencing factors is therefore important.
The student is introduced to all facets of pressure measurement and must be able to recognize effects that influence a pressure measurement and be able to perform an uncertainty analysis afterwards.
In addition to theory, attention is paid to practical exercises/experiments.

This course focuses on the backgrounds of gas flow and energy measurement and the pitfalls that can be encountered performing these measurements.

Contents:

• Backgrounds of metrology (0,5 day) – The structure of metrology – Measurement uncertainty
• Legal metrology requirements (0,5 day)
• Fluid dynamics and instrumentation (1 day)
• Energy measurement (gas composition) (1 day)
• Gas properties (0,75 day)
• Calibration of meters (1,25 day)

A practical and comprehensive course on dosimetry in radiotherapy. Quality assurance is one of the foundations of radiotherapy practice. Due to a growing complexity of medical irradiation equipment, performing dosimetry is not always trivial. Therefore knowledge and expertise in dosimetry is of major importance to medical physics engineers and medical physicists. Each course program includes a practical assignment.

The 4 general modules of the course consists of dosimetrical concepts, translated to a practical methodology for using absolute dosimetry in daily practice and dealing with uncertainties.

Two specific modules deal with dosimetry in teletherapy and two more with dosimetry in brachytherapy.

The course has been developed at VSL in cooperation with medical physicists and engineers in the field of radiotherapy and can be a part of the professional training of medical physicists, dosimetrists, and medical physics engineers.

At first glance the calibration of a liquid flow meter may seem very easy, but it is a bit more complicated. For the determination of e.g. the measurement error, k-factor or mA output of a flow meter as a function of the flow rate, different calibration methods can be used depending on the measurement principle of the flow meter, the liquid or the needed accuracy. During the VSL training you will learn about the theoretical background of the methods and how to perform the calibration by yourself.

Contents:

• Gravimetric, volumetric (proving tank), master meter, pipe prover and tower calibration methods
• Calibration models (calculation of measurement error etc.)
• Important fluid dynamics properties like Bernoulli’s law, the Reynolds number, etc.
• Viscosity, density, temperature and pressure effects during calibration
• Specific requirements for the calibration of different flow meter types like turbine, PD, Mass, Ultrasonic, EMF, Delta P, and others using each calibration method
• Interpretation of BIPM, OIML, API and ISO documents about flow measurement
• ISO/IEC 17025 requirements for flow laboratories
• Laboratory vs field calibration
• Witness a calibration using different methods in a Liquid Flow Calibration facility with the possibility to ask questions

3D CMMs (Coordinate Measuring Machines) are complex measuring instruments for the fully automatic measurement of products in the manufacturing industry. These probe-based measuring instruments are available in many versions and with various sensors. This training focuses on knowledge about the measurement accuracy of the 3D-CMM based on the design of the machines, the measurement process and the calibration of the machine. The uncertainty sources and methods to characterize the deviations will be discussed. Even more aspects play a role in the accuracy of the measuring process, such as the environmental conditions and the clamping of the products. By knowing all the influences on the measurement accuracy, a good estimate can be made of the measurement uncertainty. Some methods will be discussed, such as comparison with reference standards and repeatability tests to substantiate the measurement uncertainty.

This training focuses on aspects that determine measurement accuracy, such as calibration of the 3D-CMM, fixture fixtures, environmental conditions, comparison measurements against reference standards, repeatability and calculation of measurement uncertainty.

An effective measurement management system ensures that measurement equipment and measurement processes are suitable for their intended use and are important in achieving product quality objectives. The purpose of a measurement management system is to manage the risks in which measurement equipment and measurement processes can produce incorrect results that affect the quality of the service product. The methods used for the measurement management system range from verification of basic equipment to the application of statistical techniques in the measurement process. All necessary for the implementation of a measurement management system and can be useful in improving measurement activities and therefore the quality of products. This training discusses the generic requirements and provides tools for the management of measurement processes and the metrological confirmation of measuring equipment to demonstrate that the metrological requirements are met.

This training focuses on the competence management of laboratory employees, the measurement processes and software, the management of the measurement files and equipment. Specific attention is paid to the characteristics of the measuring equipment in order to make a proper diagnosis for an optimal (re)calibration program of the equipment. An explanation is also given about the traceability of measurements to the measurement standard and the associated measurement uncertainty. This is linked to the quality management system, which also checks if equipment does not meet the requirements.