Case studies for the MATHMET Quality Management System at VSL, the Dutch National Metrology Institute

As the new millennium dawned, the European national metrology institutes (NMIs) were faced with what we now refer to as the “European metrology dilemma.” Demands for wider scope and greater precisi...

Measurement of moisture in materials presents many challenges, due to diverse measuring principles, sample interactions with atmosphere, and variation in what is measured (either water content alone or moisture including other liquids). Calibrations are variously referenced to published standard methods, primary calibration facilities, or certified reference materials, but each of these addresses limited substances and ranges of measurement. Overall, metrology infrastructure is not as fully developed or coherent for this field as it is for many other areas of measurement. In order to understand the metrology needs and to support developments, several European national metrology institutes (NMIs) have undertaken some collaborative activities. These have included a “cooperation in research” project for sharing of information, a survey of moisture capabilities at NMIs, the formulation of a strategy for moisture metrology at the NMI level, and a funded research project to develop improved metrology for the moisture field. This paper summarizes the information gathered, giving an overview of the status of moisture metrology at NMIs, and it reports a proposed strategy to improve the current situation.

Nine european national metrology institutes (NMIs) are collaborating in a new project funded by the european metrology research programme (EMRP) to establish traceable dynamic measurement of the mechanical quantities force, pressure, and torque. The aim of this joint research project (JRP) is to develop appropriate calibration methods, mathematical models, and uncertainty evaluation. The duration of the project is 3 years for a global amount of €3.6 million. It began in September 2011.

Advanced manufacturing has been identified as one of the key enabling technologies with applications in multiple industries. The growing importance of advanced manufacturing is reflected by an increased number of publications on this topic in recent years. Advanced manufacturing requires new and enhanced metrology methods to assure the quality of manufacturing processes and the resulting products. However, a high-level coordination of the metrology community is currently absent in this field and consequently this limits the impact of metrology developments on advanced manufacturing. In this article we introduce the new European Metrology Network (EMN) for Advanced Manufacturing within EURAMET, the European Association of National Metrology Institutes (NMIs). The EMN is intended to be operated sustainably by NMIs and Designated Institutes in close cooperation with stakeholders interested in advanced manufacturing. The objectives of the EMN are to set up a permanent stakeholder dialogue, to develop a Strategic Research Agenda for the metrology input required for advanced manufacturing technologies, to create and maintain a knowledge sharing programme and to implement a web-based service desk for stakeholders. The EMN development is supported by a Joint Network Project within the European Metrology Programme for Innovation and Research.

The results and the measurement methods of the EUROMET comparison 525 are summarized in this report. The task of the comparison was to determine the calibration factor for frequencies up to 26 GHz of two identical RF power sensors with PC 3.5 mm connector in the coaxial 3.5 mm line system. Eight European national metrology institutes (NMIs) participated in this comparison, which was organized as a successor to the CCEM key comparison CCEM.RF-K10.CL on the same subject. Two RF power travelling standards with male PC 3.5 mm connectors were measured at: EIM (Greece), AREPA (Denmark), BNM-LCIE (France), NPL (United Kingdom), NMI-VSL (Netherlands), SP (Sweden), UME (Turkey), with PTB (Germany) as the pilot laboratory.Main text. To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/.The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCEM, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA).

Measurements have been made at four European national metrology institutes (NMIs) in the subject field of angle measurement. Specifically, each NMI made measurements of two precision polygons: a six-sided polygon made of glass with aluminium-coated faces and a twelve-sided polygon, made of steel. Each participant used a different device to rotate the polygons. Among the participants, three different models of autocollimator were used to measure the deviation from nominal angle (two participants used the same model). The report lists the results obtained by the individual participants, as well as an analysis of the results and their uncertainties, based on calculation of the weighted means and En values. The results are in good agreement with one another.Main text.To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/.The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCL, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA).

A bilateral comparison has been undertaken between two European national metrology institutes (NMIs) in the subject field of squareness measurement. Specifically, both NMIs made measurements of a rectangular squareness standard, made of granite. Both participants made measurements of the internal angle at a defined position along the measuring faces, as well as measurement of the corresponding straightness profiles on the two adjoining sides. The report lists the results obtained by both participants, as well as an analysis of the results and their uncertainties. The results are in good agreement with one another. This bilateral comparison followed the same technical protocol as a previous supplementary comparison (EUROMET.L-S10).Main text.To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/.The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by EURAMET, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA).

A bilateral comparison has been undertaken between two European national metrology institutes (NMIs) in the subject field of squareness measurement. Specifically, both NMIs made measurements of a cylindrical squareness standard, made of steel. Both participants made measurements of the internal angles at several positions around the circumference, as well as measurement of the corresponding straightness profiles. The report lists the results obtained by both participants, as well as an analysis of the results and their uncertainties. The results are in good agreement with one another. This bilateral comparison followed the same technical protocol as a previous supplementary comparison (EUROMET.L-S10).Main text.To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/.The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by EURAMET, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA).

The EUROMET.T-K3 comparison is the regional extension of CCT-K3. The comparison involved the six European national metrology institutes (NMIs) previously involved in CCT-K3 (LNE-INM/CNAM, SMU, INRiM, NMi-VSL, NPL, PTB) and 18 additional European national laboratories. The comparison was divided into five different loops, each coordinated by a co-pilot chosen from the laboratories having participated in the CCT-K3 comparison. LNE-INM/CNAM played the role of pilot in linking the five loops. In each loop, an artifact in the form of a standard platinum resistance thermometer (SPRT, 25 Ω) was circulated among the participating laboratories. To have sufficient information about the possible drift of the SPRTs, the co-pilots performed a calibration over the full temperature range at the beginning and at the end of the loop. A EUROMET reference value (ERV), taking into account the whole comparison, was defined, and the differences (T Lab − T ERV) were calculated with the associated uncertainties. The method for establishing the link between the participants in CCT-K3 and in EUROMET.T-K3 is described.

Comparison measurements of the diameter of small ring gauges (0.1 mm to 1 mm) were carried out by six European national metrology institutes (NMIs). The participants applied different measurement principles: mechanical contacting measurement and optical measurement with respect to the projection of the inner diameter or with respect to the position of the cylinder edges. The uncertainties associated with the diameter measurement results vary considerably among the different participants, from U = 10 µm to U = 5 µm. In general the measurement results agree within their associated uncertainties, with the exception of the optical measurements of the position of the cylinder edges which exceed the reference values by between 10 µm and 30 µm, probably because of the lacerated edges of the ring gauges.

This paper presents recent time keeping and time transfer research activities at National Institute of Metrology (NIM). In 2018, 4 more Hydrogen masers joined the NIM clock ensemble, the total relative weight of NIM clocks has been increased, and correspondingly the algorithm of UTC (NIM) has also been modified based on the new clock ensemble. With the modification of the algorithm, the performance of UTC (NIM) has been improved continuously, the deviation of UTC (NIM) from UTC has been kept within ±5 ns, and its stability has also been improved. For GNSS time and frequency transfer, NIM has done some research work based on Beidou Navigation Satellite System(BDS), BDS time transfer experiment with the NIM-made GNSS receivers on multiple baselines has been carried out in order to promote the implementation of BDS time transfer in the calculation International Atomic Time(TAI). The experiment has shown that BDS and GPS time transfer results are consistent, and less than 1 ns time stability could be achieved at some thousand seconds averaging time. For Two Way Satellite Time and Frequency Transfer(TWSTFT), NIM started to join the Europe-Asia links with satellite ABS-2a from March 2018, the very first results of NIM-PTB showed a time stability of 0.1 ns/d. NIM has operated Software-Defined Radio (SDR)Receiver since 2017 in parallel with Satre Modem, some beneficial results could be seen . For time transfer system calibration, as one of the GNSS “Group 1” (G1) laboratories designated by BIPM, NIM has organized several calibration campaigns with the NIM-made transportable calibrator. Two Way Optical fiber Time and Frequency Transfer (TWOTFT) has also been carried out continuously at NIM.

An implementation of a Quality Management System (QMS) according ISO 17025:2005 and obtaining formal accreditation can significantly improve the reliability and credibility of laboratory testing and calibration in the greatness gravity. This standard establishes the criteria for those laboratories wishing to demonstrate their technical and scientific, which have a system of effective quality and are able to generate technically valid results, establishing a single international standard and to certify the competence of laboratories to carry out tests and / or calibrations, including sampling. The main document of the QMS is the Quality Manual, where the general policies of the Laboratory are established. The general policies list the procedures and other documents that constitute the Management System. The technical-scientific procedures and methods will provide the instructions and also designate the personal responsibility of the tanging actives. And finally, the documentation for the plans, systems, instructions, schedules, programs and the other items of the “Master List”, which are all Quality Documents. Introduction In order to align the ways of managing the systems aiming at the improvement of results, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), present in over 160 countries, is a non-governmental organization with the largest number of international publications regarding the for standardization of systems and methods. So the quest for Excellence and Quality in products, services and scientific circles has made to grow the demand for certification and accreditation. In the case of Calibration laboratories and testing, the ISO sets to the ISO 17025, this establishes basic requirements for standardization at the international level. The implementation of this standard norm happens in institutions foreign counterparts that are in the process of implementing a Quality Management System in its laboratories and research groups in gravimetric, for example: METAS, Switzerland (equivalent to Inmetro), BKG, Germany (Equivalent to IBGE), National Geografic Institute, Spain (equivalent to IBGE), Geodetic Observatory Pecný, Czech Republic (Equivalent to ON) and NIST, USA (equivalent to Inmetro). The implementation of a QMS based on ISO/IEC 17025:2005 attests: the degree of quality of technical and scientific experiments tests performed in the laboratory (reliability of results) as well as the competence of the laboratory to quantitatively measure gravity, the permission to participate in programs of comparison testing in quality laboratory accredited by the National Metrological Institute (Inmetro) and equivalence and international acceptance of their laboratory activities. Objectives and Relevance The Gravity Laboratory of Observatorio Nacional (LabGrav/ON, Figure 1) performs gravimetric tests and calibrations to meet the needs of both research and teaching as other academic institutions in partnership. Moreover, it is occasionally required to meet demands from customers external to ON, whether in geophysical exploration, either in metrology force, pressure and viscosity. Though, the need to have a QMS implemented in the LabGrav, thus enabling quality assurance to all internal and external clients of the laboratory. Figure 1 – The Gravity Laboratory of Observatorio Nacional in Vassouras (RJ, Brasil) It is extremely important to implement a quality management system based on ISO 17025:2005 for the Gravity Laboratory of ON. To be recognized and integrate: the Brazilian Calibration Network (RBC/Inmetro), the Brazilian Network Testing Laboratories (RBLE/Inmetro) and the Brazilian System of Technology (Sibratec/Finep-MCTI). The accreditation allows the formalization of laboratory activities with the Regulatory Agencies, academic institutions and the private sector regarding the quality of greatness gravity, Contributes to greater visibility of the

In the framework of the Agreement of International Committee on Weights and Measures on Mutual Recognition of national standards, calibration and measurement certificates issued by national metrology institutes (NMIs), key comparisons serve as the basis for establishing calibration and measurement capabilities of NMI with implemented quality management system. On this basis, the competence of a specific NMI to perform calibration of working standards and measuring instruments for the customer laboratories is determined. In order to attract as many NMIs as possible to participate in key comparisons of standards, Regional Metrology Organizations are widely involved in conducting such comparisons. The practical application of traditional evaluation the results of key standards comparisons and displaying them in the special database of key comparisons (KCDB) of International Bureau on Weights and Measures (BIPM) may be difficult for some NMIs and for national laboratories accredited by national accreditation bodies that wish to use NMI calibration services. This is due to the fact that the KCDB BIPM only displays the degree of equivalence of a NMI standard with corresponding expanded uncertainty without any other characteristics for evaluating calibration or measurement capabilities. The paper presents a proposed alternative evaluation of results of key comparisons of standards, which simplifies the analysis of calibration services by NMIs. It envisages the use as a criterion of consistency of the results obtained from the comparisons of the En index to analyze the degree of equivalence of the NMI standard and the corresponding extended uncertainty. The practical application of the evaluation for results of key comparisons of standards of electric power is considered. This contributes to a more streamlined calibration of work standards for specific established purposes for both NMIs and accredited laboratories.

TA (NIM) system which is the latest atomic time system was constructed in NIM (National Institute of Metrology) in 2008 to improve the standard of atomic time and the frequency stability and accuracy of China. In this system, the H-maser is reference clock which is steered directly by cesium fountain clock, and local atomic time TA (NIM) is generated by algorithm. The technical scheme of TA (NIM) system was studied in detail, which includes instrument and equipment, working principle of system and algorithm design. And also the software in the system has been completed under the present condition of the timekeeping laboratory. After the operation of the TA (NIM) system and software for half an year, the intercomparison of TA (NIM),TAI and UTC (NIST) showed that the TA (NIM) system is the optimal under the present condition of laboratory. There are two advantages in the TA (NIM) system. Firstly, time stability of one day is lower than 1ns compared to UTC (NIST) and few countries can reach the standard. Secondly, frequency accuracy of long-term keeps the same as that of cesium fountain clock, and achieves 10-15 order, approaches to international standards.

Within this publication a detailed overview about the national and international solal‘t1lel1nai standards is made. The various tests are described and a cross reference list for comparing the different standards is given. Moreover a certification model is presented and the advantage of third party assessment is carried out. The requirement for a solar thermal test laboratory to conduct independent third party assessment by means of an ISO/IEC17065 accreditation is given. Finally the concept of a quality system for solar thermal markets is explained and major advantages are outlined. Solar thermal systems and their components are described in various national and international standards. In Europe the standard EN12975 de?nes the regulations and requirements for solar thermal collectors. The standard EN12976 is established for the evaluation of factory made solar thermal systems. The EN12977 is the state of the art standard for the evaluation of custom build systems. Nowadays in Libya the standard ISO9806 for solar collectors and the standard ISO9459 for domestic water heating systems de?ne the regulations and requirements for solar thermal collectors and systems. In the meanwhile, empowered Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Ef?ciency Certi?cation Body is under construction. This body is working now to set the minimum requirements of the testing facilities of solar thermal systems. The international standard for collector testing is the ISO9806 and the standard ISO9459 Part2,4,5 for domestic water heating systems. Within the year 2013 a revision of the ISO9806 will be published and, for the ?rst time, a consistent harmonized standard for the main solar thermal markets will be set in force. Besides the various standards for solar thermal products a meaningful element for the quality assurance and the customer protection is third party certi?cation. Third party certi?cation involves an independent assessment, declaring that speci?ed requirements regarding a product are ful?lled. In a certi?cation process based on speci?ed certi?cation rules an authorized certi?cation body is con?rming that a solar thermal product has passed performance tests, reliability tests and further requirements according to the standards. In Europe a certi?cation body holds an accreditation according to EN45011. At international level the standard ISO/IEC17065 is in force. Test results as a basis for product certi?cation are determined by solar thermal test laboratories. The implementation and the business operation of such a solar thermal test laboratory is an important element within the national/regional solar thermal market. To ensure the quality of the products and to attend the role of an observer on the market, the test facility has to ful?ll a number of requirements. Besides the necessary technical equipment and the implementation of tests in accordance with the various national and international standards, the laboratory shall realize a quality management system to guarantee the quality of tests and services. Based on the technical equipment, the testing scope and an implemented Quality Management System (QMS), the test laboratory can achieve an accreditation according to ISO/IEC17025 as basis for independent third party testing. Independent testing and evaluation of solar thermal collectors and components like hot water stores and controllers offers an important medium for quality assurance. To guarantee a high degree of product quality and consumer protection a quality system for the solar thermal market is necessary. Core of the quality assurance of a functioning solar thermal market are the national standards body, which is developing standards and regulations as a working basis ill technical committees, the national metrology institute that guarantees the traceability of measurements on fundamental and natural constants, and ?nally the national accreditation body which ensures the conformity of the various actors to a speci?c standard. Laboratories work closely with the certi?cation authorities and apply the developed speci?c norms and standards. The certi?cation bodies must ensure the conformance of their test laboratories with the standard ISO/IEC17025, which include the quality standard ISO 9001:2008 and also include additional requirements. The traceability of the metrics of solar thermal testing laboratories is usually made with the help of calibration laboratories that are specialized on certain measurements. Those are also accredited and ensure the traceability of their measurements to the national meteorology institute. Other stakeholders are the group of importers and exporters and foreign investors who are on the national market in entrepreneurial activities, as well as the group of consumer organizations that represent the interests of customers. By means of good networking of stakeholders and focusing 011 the quality process, a high-quality and ?ourishing solar thermal market can be created.