Key Comparison Reference Value Research Articles

Final report on CCM key comparison CCM.D-K2: Comparison of liquid density standards

The results are presented of the key comparison CCM.D-K2 that covered the density measurements of four liquids: the density of water at 20 °C, of pentadecane at 15 °C, 20 °C, 40 °C and 60°C, of tetrachloroethlyene at 5 °C and 20 °C and of a viscous oil at 20 °C. Seven national metrology institutes measured the densities at atmospheric pressure by hydrostatic weighing of solid density standards in the time interval from 27 April 2004 to 28 June 2004.Since the participants were asked not to include components for a possible drift or inhomogeneity of the liquid in their uncertainty budget, these uncertainty contributions are investigated for the final evaluation of the data. For this purpose, results of stability and homogeneity measurements of the pilot laboratory are used. The participants decided not to include a possible drift of the liquid's density since no significant drift could be detected, and the influence of the drift and its uncertainty are negligible. Similarly, the inhomogeneity of the water and pentadecane samples is not significant and has no influence on the evaluation. Thus, it was neglected. Only the inhomogeneities of tetrachloroethylene and of the viscous oil were significant. Consequently, they were included in the evaluation.With one or two exceptions, the results show good agreement among the participants. Only in the case of water are the results clearly discrepant. The key comparison reference values were calculated by the weighted mean (taking into account a small correlation between two participants) in the case of consistent results. Otherwise the Procedure B of Cox was used.The expanded uncertainties of all reference densities are below 1 × 10−5 in relative terms. This satisfies the needs of all customers who wish to calibrate or check liquid density measuring instruments such as oscillation-type density meters.The comparison fully supports the calibration measurement capabilities table in the BIPM key comparison database. The results can be used to link regional comparisons to this CCM key comparison.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 CCM, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).

Final results of bilateral comparison between NIST and PTB for flows of high pressure natural gas

In 2009 NIST developed a US national flow standard to provide traceability for flow meters used for custody transfer of pipeline quality natural gas. NIST disseminates the SI unit of flow by calibrating a customer flow meter against a parallel array of turbine meter working standards, which in turn are traceable to a pressure–volume–temperature–time (PVTt) primary standard. The calibration flow range extends from 0.125 actual m3/s to 9 actual m3/s with an expanded uncertainty as low as 0.22% at high flows, and increasing to almost 0.40% at the lowest flows. Details regarding the traceability chain and uncertainty analysis are documented in prior publications. The current manuscript verifies NIST's calibration uncertainty via a bilateral comparison with the German National Metrology Institute PTB. The results of the bilateral are linked to the 2006 key comparison results between three EURAMET national metrology institutes (i.e., PTB, VSL and LNE). Linkage is accomplished in spite of using a different transfer standard in the bilateral versus the key comparison. A mathematical proof is included that demonstrates that the relative difference between a laboratory's measured flow and the key comparison reference value is independent of the transfer package for most flow measurement applications. The bilateral results demonstrate that NIST's natural gas flow measurements are within their specified uncertainties and are equivalent to those of the EURAMET National Metrology Institutes.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 CCM, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).

Final report on CCQM-K30.1: Lead in wine

The key comparison CCQM-K30.1 was organized by the Inorganic Analysis Working Group of CCQM to test the abilities of the National Metrology Institutes to measure the mass fraction of lead in wine. CMQ-Fundacion Chile acted as the coordinating laboratory. Twelve institutes registered to participate in the key comparison but only eleven submitted results. One of these agreed that its result should not be included in the key comparison reference value and another indicated after completion of the study that it had recalculated its uncertainty. The participants used different measurement methods, though the most common was isotope-dilution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ID-ICP-MS). Accounting for the achieved uncertainty, comparability of measurement results was successfully demonstrated by the majority of participating NMIs for this measurement. Participants were also asked to indicate the core capabilities required for their measurements and these are summarized in the report. This comparison may be directly used to support CMCs for lead in wine and indirectly by institutes wishing to support appropriate CMCs via the core capability route.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 CCQM, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).

APMP comparison of activity measurements of I-131 (APMP.RI(II)-K2.I-131)

The international comparison of activity measurements of 131I (APMP.RI(II)-K2.I-131) was carried out within the framework of the Asia-Pacific Metrology Programme (APMP). Seven laboratories took part in the comparison, and five of them undertook absolute measurements. One ampoule containing the same radioactive solution as that used in the APMP comparison was sent to the International Reference System (SIR) for activity comparison at the Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM) in order to link the APMP comparison to the BIPM.RI(II)-K1.I-131 comparison and to evaluate degrees of equivalence with the key comparison reference value (KCRV).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 CCRI, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).

Activity measurements of the radionuclide 99mTc for the NIM, China in the ongoing comparison BIPM.RI(II)-K4.Tc-99m

In 2012, the fourth comparison of activity measurements of 99mTc using the Transfer Instrument of the International Reference System (SIRTI) took place at the Chinese National Institute of Metrology (NIM). An ampoule containing about 70 kBq of 99mTc traceable to the NIM primary standard was measured in the SIRTI for more than three half-lives. The comparison, identifier BIPM.RI(II)-K4.Tc-99m, is linked to the BIPM.RI(II)-K1.Tc-99m comparison and the degrees of equivalence with the key comparison reference value and between the present NIM result, the other K4 participant and the six participants in the K1 comparison have been evaluated.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 CCRI, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).

Activity measurements of the radionuclide 99mTc for the CNEA, Argentina and the LNMRI/IRD, Brazil in the ongoing comparison BIPM.RI(II)-K4.Tc-99m

In 2012 and 2013, comparisons of activity measurements of 99mTc using the Transfer Instrument of the International Reference System (SIRTI) took place, respectively, at the Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica (CNEA, Argentina) and at the Laboratório Nacional de Metrologia das Radiações Ionizantes, Instituto de Radioproteção e Dosimetria (LNMRI/IRD, Brazil). Ampoules containing about 21 kBq (CNEA) and 66 kBq (LNMRI/IRD) of a 99mTc solution were measured in the SIRTI for more than two half-lives. The comparison, identifier BIPM.RI(II)-K4.Tc-99m, is linked to the BIPM.RI(II)-K1.Tc-99m comparison and the degrees of equivalence with the key comparison reference value and between the present CNEA and LNMRI/IRD results, the other K4 participants and the six participants in the K1 comparison have been evaluated.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 CCRI, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).

Final report on the key comparison CCPR-K5: Spectral diffuse reflectance

The CCPR K5 key comparison on spectral diffuse reflectance was carried out in the framework of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement, by 13 national metrology institutes (MMIs) as participants. The participants were CSIR-NML (South Africa), HUT (Finland), IFA-CSIC (Spain), KRISS (Republic of Korea), MSL (New Zealand), NIM (China), NIST (United States of America), NMIJ (Japan), NPL (United Kingdom), NRC (Canada), OMH (Hungary), PTB (Germany) and VNIIOFI (Russia Federation). NIST (USA) piloted the comparison.The aim of this comparison was to check the agreement of measurement of the spectral diffuse reflectance among participants, using the measurement geometry of d/0 or 0/d in the wavelength range of 360 nm to 820 nm at 20 nm increment. The comparison was a star type comparison with the samples provided by the pilot laboratory and with the measurement sequence: Pilot–Participant–Pilot. Spectralon and matte white ceramic tiles were used as the transfer standards. Each participant received three of each type of sample and at least one sample of each type was measured three times on three separate days, and the other two samples were measured once.The report presents the description of the measurement facilities, procedures and uncertainties of all the participants as well as the results of the comparison. Measurement results from the participants and their associated uncertainties were analyzed in accordance with the Guidelines for CCPR Key Comparison Report Preparation, using weighted mean with cut-off. For the calculation of the Key Comparison Reference Value (KCRV), as agreed by the participants, the data of both samples were used for the 460 nm to 820 nm region and only the data of the Spectralon samples were used in the spectral region of 360 nm to 440 nm. The unilateral degrees of equivalence (DoE) calculated for each participant are mostly consistent within the uncertainty (k = 2) of the DoE. This international comparison of spectral diffuse reflectance shows overall good agreement among all participants.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 CCPR, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).

Final report on CCQM-K85: Malachite green in fish tissue

During a review of its activities, the organic analysis working group of the consultative committee for amount of substance noted that evidence supporting institute capabilities for providing services supporting the food sector was lacking. A request was made for a proposal of a study that would imply an institute's broader capability for the analysis of trace residues in food.Malachite green is a triphenylmethane dye with powerful antifungal properties. Its presence in food is not permitted and routine monitoring is performed in many regions at the µg/kg level. Its measurement is considered challenging for a number of reasons. Malachite green readily metabolises to leucomalachite green, with the sum of both forms being reported as 'total' malachite green. However, the two compounds have different stability and extraction requirements and often readily interconvert, proving a challenge for the successful quantification of both. The study material was a specially prepared homogenized salmon tissue from fish that had been administered with malachite green. Laboratories were requested to measure malachite green and leucomalachite green with the sum of both being reported and used for this key comparison. All laboratories used liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry with a compound-specific isotope dilution method.Six laboratories participated in the study, with all six providing results for malachite green, leucomalachite green and 'total' malachite green, reported as the sum of the two forms. A number of estimators were proposed for the calculation of the key comparison reference value (KCRV), with the working group deciding on the median and its uncertainty estimate as the most appropriate. This resulted in a KCRV of (9.77 ± 0.35) ng/g. The calculated degrees of equivalence for all laboratories were less than 1 ng/g. This was considered exceptional, especially when the complexity of the matrix, the differential partitioning of the two interconverting compounds and their sub 10 ng/g levels in the fish are considered. Participating labs demonstrated their capability in extracting trace levels of potentially unstable compounds from a solid matrix. Successful participation is considered indicative of an institute's ability to measure low levels (1 ng/g to 100 ng/g) of medium to high polarity residues in muscle tissue.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 CCQM, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).

Update of the BIPM comparison BIPM.RI(II)-K1.Cs-137 of activity measurements of the radionuclide 137Cs to include the 2007 results of the VNIIM (Russia), the 2009 result of the IFIN-HH (Romania), the 2010 result of the NMISA (South Africa) and the 2011 result of the BEV (Austria)

Since 2007, four national metrology institutes (NMI) have submitted four samples of known activity of 137Cs to the International Reference System (SIR) for activity comparison at the Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM), with comparison identifier BIPM.RI(II)-K1.Cs-137. The values of the activity submitted were between about 1.4 MBq and 3.6 MBq. The results for the IFIN-HH, Romania, the NMISA, South Africa and the BEV, Austria, replace their earlier results in the key comparison database (KCDB). There are now fourteen results in the BIPM.RI(II)-K1.Cs-137 comparison to which three results of the COOMET.RI(II)-K2.Cs-137 are linked through the VNIIM, Russia, who participated in both comparisons. The degrees of equivalence between each equivalent activity measured in the SIR and the revised key comparison reference value (KCRV) have been calculated and the results are given in the form of a table and a graph, together with those of the previous participants.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 CCRI, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).

Final report on APMP.RI(I)-K1: APMP/TCRI key comparison report of measurement of air kerma for 60Co gamma-rays

The APMP.RI(I)-K1 key comparison of the measurement standards of air kerma for 60Co gamma-rays was undertaken by the APMP/TCRI Dosimetry Working Group between 2004 and 2006, coordinated by the Korean Research Institute of Standards and Science (KRISS). In total, 10 institutes took part in the comparison, among which 7 were APMP member laboratories. Three Farmer-type commercial cavity chambers were used as transfer chambers and circulated among the participants. All the participants carried out their measurements according to the guidelines for the comparison established by the KRISS with the cooperation of the ARPANSA. For each transfer chamber, an NMI calibration coefficient was obtained and a ratio derived by dividing by the average result from the linking laboratories, ARPANSA and NMIJ. The APMP comparison reference value for each chamber was calculated as the mean of the NMI-determined calibration coefficients divided by the average result from the linking laboratories. The results showed that the maximum difference between the APMP linked ratio of a participating NMI and the APMP reference value was 1.76%.The measured ratios of the calibration coefficient RNMI, BIPM between the participating NMI and the BIPM via the link laboratories for the transfer chambers were obtained. The maximum expanded uncertainty of RNMI, BIPM for any participating laboratory was 2.0%.The degree of equivalence of each participating laboratory with respect to the key comparison reference value was also evaluated. The expanded uncertainty of the difference between the results ranged from 0.5% to 1.2%. The pair-wise degree of equivalence between each pair of laboratories was also obtained and the largest difference of the expanded uncertainty of the difference for any pair-wise degree of equivalence was within the expanded uncertainty of the measurement for the pair of laboratories.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 CCRI, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).

Final report for the APMP.T-K4: Comparison of realizations of aluminium freezing-point temperatures

The comparison APMP.T-K4 is the regional extension of the CCT-K4: an intercomparison of the realizations of the freezing-points of Al (660.323 °C) and Ag (961.78 °C). The comparison was organized in two loops and four sub-loops with high temperature standard platinum resistance thermometers (HTSPRTs) as transfer thermometers in the freezing-point comparisons. The comparison involved eight APMP NMIs (KRISS, NMIJ, SCL, NMC, CMS, NIMT, SIRIM, NPL), and KRISS and NMIJ acted as linking laboratories to the CCT-K4.The transfer HTSPRTs showed a strong drift during the transportation between the NMIs. In the case of the Ag freezing-point comparison, the comparison results were scattered much more than expected. In the APMP meeting held in 2009, the participants agreed that the Ag comparison results would be omitted in the report. It revealed that the measurement results at the Al freezing-point of participants were in agreement with the key comparison reference value of the CCT-K4 within 4 mK except for one laboratory. Details of the comparison results, the uncertainty evaluation and the drift of the HTSPRTs are described in this report.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 CCT, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).

Final report on RMO Vickers key comparison COOMET M.H-K1

This report describes a COOMET key comparison on Vickers hardness scales involving five National Metrology Institutes: PTB (Germany), BelGIM (Belarus), NSC IM (Ukraine), KazInMetr (Kazakhstan) and VNIIFTRI (Russia). The pilot laboratory was VNIIFTRI, and PTB acted as the linking institute to key comparisons CCM.H-K1.b and CCM.H-K1.c conducted for the Vickers hardness scales HV1 and HV30, respectively.The comparison was also conducted for the HV5 Vickers hardness scale, since this scale is most frequently used in practice in Russia and CIS countries that work according to GOST standards.In the key comparison, two sets of hardness reference blocks for the Vickers hardness scales HV1, HV5 and HV30 consisting each of three hardness reference blocks with hardness levels of 450 HV and 750 HV were used. The measurement results and uncertainty assessments for HV1 and HV30 hardness scales, as announced by BelGIM, NSC IM, KazInMetr and VNIIFTRI, are in good agreement with the key comparison reference values of CCM.H-K1.b and CCM.H-K1.c. The comparison results for the HV5 hardness scale are viewed as additional information, since up to today no CCM key comparisons on this scale have yet been carried out.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 CCM, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).

Final report on COOMET Vickers PTB/VNIIFTRI key comparison (COOMET.M.H-K1.b and COOMET.M.H-K1.c)

This report describes a COOMET key comparison on Vickers hardness scales of two National Metrology Institutes—PTB and VNIIFTRI. The pilot laboratory was PTB, which was the linking institute with the key comparison reference values of CCM.H-K1. In the key comparison two sets of hardness reference blocks for the Vickers hardness scales HV1 and HV30, each consisting of three hardness reference blocks with the hardness levels 240 HV, 540 HV and 840 HV, are used. The same hardness reference blocks were used previously in the key comparison CCM.H-K1. The measurement results and uncertainty assessments, announced by VNIIFTRI, are in good agreement with the key comparison reference values of CCM.H-K1.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 CCM, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).

Update of the BIPM comparison BIPM.RI(II)-K1.Cs-134 of activity measurements of the radionuclide 134Cs to include the 2008 results of the BEV (Austria), the 2009 result of the IRA (Switzerland) and the 2010 results of the NMISA (South Africa)

Since 2008, three national metrology institutes have submitted ampoules for the measurement of 134Cs in the International Reference System (SIR). The values of the activity submitted were between about 0.17 MBq and 2.3 MBq. The primary standardization result for the IRA, Switzerland, replaces their earlier result of 1978 but no change is proposed for the key comparison reference value at the present time. There are now 14 results in the BIPM.RI(II)-K1.Cs-134 comparison.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 CCRI, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).

Final report on BIPM/CIPM key comparison CCM.FF-K4.2.2011: Volume comparison at 100 µL—Calibration of micropipettes (piston pipettes)

Five fixed micropipettes of 100 µl were tested by eight different National Metrology Institutes from different Regional Metrology Organizations between July 2011 and June 2012. The micropipettes had a stable volume, during the whole comparison, with a maximum standard deviation of 0.06 µl. After a careful analysis of the original results it was decided to make corrections to the standard atmospheric pressure in order to compare results under the same calibration conditions. These corrections led to a decrease of variability within the laboratories. It was also decided to include the stability of the standard and the method variability, determined by the pilot laboratory, in the uncertainty budget of each laboratory.The corrected results (volume and uncertainty) are consistent and overlap with the key comparison reference values for the micropipettes 354828Z, 354853Z and 354864Z. For the other two micropipettes only one result is not consistent with the reference value. Most results also overlap with those of the other laboratories di,j < U(di,j).An important outcome of this comparison is that in order to have comparable results, corrections for the working conditions must be applied to the laboratory results. Laboratories must always correct their reported volume results to a reference pressure condition and temperature (for example 101.325 kPa and 20 ºC) and this information should be stated in the calibration certificate of the micropipette. Also the standard uncertainty of the method variability and reproducibility values should always be included in the uncertainty budget (around 0.1%) to lead to more realistic uncertainty values.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 CCM, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).

Final report on AFRIMETS.QM-K27: Determination of ethanol in aqueous matrix

From within AFRIMETS, the Regional Metrology Organization (RMO) for Africa, the RMO Key Comparison AFRIMETS.QM-K27 was coordinated by the National Metrology Institute of South Africa (NMISA) in 2011. Ten Metrology Institutes participated, comprising three AFRIMETS, two APMP, four EURAMET and one SIM participant. Participants were required to determine the forensic level concentration of two aqueous ethanol solutions that were gravimetrically prepared by the NMISA. Concentrations were expected to lie in the range of 0.1 mg/g to 5.0 mg/g.The accurate determination of ethanol content in aqueous medium is critical for regulatory forensic and trade purposes. The CCQM Organic Analysis Working Group has carried out several key comparisons (CCQM-K27 series) on the determination of ethanol in wine and aqueous matrices. Developing NMIs now had the opportunity to link to the earlier CCQM-K27 studies through the AFRIMETS.QM-K27 study.Gas chromatography coupled to flame ionisation or mass spectrometric detection was applied by eight of the participants, while three participants (including NMISA) applied titrimetry for the ethanol assay.The assigned reference value of the aqueous ethanol solutions was used to link AFRIMETS.QM-K27 to the CCQM-K27 key comparison reference value. The assigned reference values for AFRIMETS.QM-K27 Level 1 and Level 2 were (0.3249 ± 0.0021) mg/g (k = 2) and (4.6649 ± 0.0152) mg/g (k = 2), respectively. The reference values were determined using the purity-corrected gravimetric preparation values, while the standard uncertainty incorporated the gravimetric preparation and titrimetric homogeneity uncertainties.From previous CCQM-K27 studies, the expected spread (%CV) of higher order measurements of ethanol in aqueous medium is about 0.85% relative. In this study the CV for Level 1 is about 12% (10% with two outliers removed) and for Level 2 about 4%.Three of the ten laboratories submitted results within 1.5% of the gravimetric reference value for Level 1; four of the ten participating laboratories submitted mean results within 1.5% of the gravimetric reference value for Level 2. Two of the participating laboratories achieved mean results within 1.5% of the gravimetric reference value for both levels.Participants in the AFRIMETS-K27 study would therefore have benefited from a pilot study in which to test their measurement capability prior to participation in the key comparison. Several NMIs, however, will still be able to make new CMC claims based on their performance in this comparison.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 CCQM, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).

Summary of the BIPM.RI(I)-K5 comparison for air kerma in 137Cs gamma radiation

International comparisons of air kerma in 137Cs gamma radiation beams have been made at the Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM) since 1994. Twelve national metrology institutes have taken part, seven of which have repeated the comparison over the intervening years. The key comparison reference value (KCRV) is taken as the BIPM evaluation, each comparison result being the ratio of the national metrology institute (NMI) evaluation to that of the BIPM standard under the same reference conditions. The degrees of equivalence between each NMI and the KCRV and a graphical presentation are given using the most recent published result for eleven NMIs.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 CCRI, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).

Final report on key comparison CCQM-K73: Amount content of H+ in hydrochloric acid (0.1 mol kg−1)

This key comparison (KC), CCQM-K73, was performed to demonstrate the capability of the participating National Metrology Institutes (NMIs) to measure the amount content of H+, νH+, in an HCl solution with a nominal νH+ of 0.1 mol kg−1. The comparison was a joint activity of the Electrochemical Working Group (EAWG) and Inorganic Analysis Working Group (IAWG) of the CCQM and was coordinated by NIST (USA) and CENAM (Mexico).The agreement of the results was not commensurate with the claimed uncertainties of the subset of participants that claimed small uncertainties for this determination. A workshop on technical issues relating to the CCQM-K73 measurements was conducted at the joint IAWG-EAWG meeting at the Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM), Paris (Sèvres) in April 2010. Several possible sources of bias were investigated, but none could explain the observed dispersion among the participants' results.In the absence of a specific cause for the dispersion, the IAWG and EAWG decided to assign a Key Comparison Reference Value, KCRV, and standard uncertainty of the KCRV, uKCRV, based on the DerSimonian–Laird statistical estimator. The uKCRV is dominated by the between-laboratory scatter of results in CCQM-K73. The uncertainty estimates from the participants with the lowest reported uncertainties remain unsupported by this KC.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 CCQM, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).

The evaluation of key comparison data using key comparison reference curves

The concern is with key comparisons for which the participating laboratories provide measured data at each of a number of prescribed values of an auxiliary parameter, such as wavelength or frequency. Key comparison reference curves provide a continuous counterpart of the key comparison reference values (KCRVs) currently determined independently from the measured data relating to each value of the auxiliary parameter. They have the potential to provide a smoother realization of KCRVs across the interval of values of the auxiliary parameter and thus avoid the anomalous erratic sequences of KCRVs, associated standard uncertainties and degrees of equivalence that can be obtained otherwise. Key comparison reference curves may also help in assuring the consistency of statements of calibration and measurement capabilities with the results of key comparisons in cases where the former relate to a continuous interval of values of an auxiliary parameter and the latter to discrete values within the interval.

High accuracy measurements of trace elements in drinking water by exact matching isotope dilution mass spectrometry (IDMS)

The accurate determination of trace elements in drinking water (nickel, cadmium and lead) has been achieved by adopting exact-matching isotope dilution mass spectrometry (IDMS) technique. The measurement uncertainty of the method was rigorously investigated and values with less than 2% combined uncertainty (k=2) were achieved for all 3 analytes. These results were submitted for an international intercomparison and were in excellent agreement with the Key Comparison Reference Value (KCRV).