Temperature metrology

Changes in temperature have a major effect on people, nature and the environment as well as on the quality, safety and cost of production processes. There can be a very fine line – or no line at all – between a chemical reaction and the absence of one. This can be monitored using accurate and traceable temperature measurements.

Introduction

Temperature

Temperature directly affects quality, safety and costs in multiple processes. In food production and packaging, for instance, the correct temperature is crucial to product quality and to preventing contamination. The temperature of perishable foods and substances used in the pharmaceutical industry has to be carefully recorded during storage and transport to ensure product safety.

Temperature is also an essential factor in processes where chemical reactions are necessary or where they actually have to be prevented. In this regard, the line between a chemical reaction and the absence of one is often extremely thin. Accurate temperature measurement is important not only for quality and safety, but also as regards cost. Consider a blast furnace, for instance. The temperature must be high enough to produce high-quality steel, but it is also expensive to maintain the temperature at 5°C above the required process temperature all the time.

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Michel Brakel
Sales Engineer

VSL and temperature

VSL provides various traceable temperature measurement services for the food, pharmaceuticals, and process industries as well as accredited calibration laboratories and other parties.

Consultancy

We support and advise manufacturers and end users with regard to questions, enabling them to improve measurement and inspection methods to optimise the quality of their processes and products.

Custom services

Custom temperature metrology

VSL regularly performs temperature measurements for clients with specific applications. Our knowledge of measurement and the interpretation of measurement data enable us to be of service in the following and other areas:

  • Development of and advice on temperature measurement methods.
  • Validation of temperature and moisture measurement systems (e.g., distributed temperature systems).
  • Preparing and reducing uncertainty budgets.
  • Guidance on setting up and accrediting quality systems.

Every situation is unique. Do you need advice or would you like to know what we can do for you? Don’t hesitate to contact us.

Calibration

Temperature calibration services

Temperature is important for improving products, reducing costs and enhancing human comfort. In addition, temperature (together with humidity) often plays a direct or indirect role in various processes, such as in the petrochemical industry, energy production, health care and environmental issues. Through accurate measurements, VSL can help minimise any adverse impact of temperature on processes and products. We also provide temperature measurement services to sensor manufacturers and calibration laboratories.

Calibration of thermometers

We calibrate thermometers against ITS-90 or derived standards (contact thermometry). This entire calibration process, including the analysis of results, uncertainty calculations and creating certificates, is automated. As a result, turnaround times are short.

Contactless temperature measurement

We use optical measuring devices to perform contactless temperature measurements, which are carried out at very high temperatures.

Calibration ranges for temperature measurements

We currently provide the following range of calibrations:

  • Primary calibration of SPRTs on fixed points from Argon (-189 °C) to Silver (961 °C)
  • Primary calibration of thermocouples from zinc (419 °C) through copper (1084 °C)
  • Primary calibration of fixed-point cells Argon (-189 °C) through Silver (961 °C)
  • Calibration of digital thermometers from -195 °C to 1550 °C
  • Calibration of liquid-in-glass thermometers from -80°C to 280°C
  • Calibration of resistance thermometers from -195 °C to 850 °C
  • Calibration of thermocouples from -195 °C to 1550 °C
  • Calibration of dry block / calibration ovens from -50 °C to 1100 °C
  • Calibration of simulators/calibrators electrical calibrations
  • Calibration of ice point references

Our areas of expertise