Bilateral Comparison of Mercury and Gallium Fixed-Point Cells Using Standard Platinum Resistance Thermometer

The objective of project EURAMET 1127 (Bilateral comparison of triple point of mercury and melting point of gallium) in the field of thermometry is to compare realization of a triple point of mercury (?38.8344 °C) and melting point of gallium (29.7646 °C) between the Slovenian national laboratory MIRS/UL-FE/LMK and the Croatian national laboratory HMI/FSB-LPM using a long-stem 25 ?? standard platinum resistance thermometer (SPRT). MIRS/UL/FE-LMK participated in a number of intercomparisons on the level of EURAMET. On the other hand, the HMI/LPM-FSB laboratory recently acquired new fixed-point cells which had to be evaluated in the process of intercomparisons. A quartz-sheathed SPRT has been selected and calibrated at HMI/LPM-FSB at the triple point of mercury, the melting point of gallium, and the water triple point. A second set of measurements was made at MIRS/UL/FE-LMK. After its return, the SPRT was again recalibrated at HMI/LPM-FSB. In the comparison, the W value of the SPRT has been used. Results of the bilateral intercomparison confirmed that the new gallium cell of the HMI/LPM-FSB has a value that is within uncertainty limits of both laboratories that participated in the exercise, while the mercury cell experienced problems. After further research, a small leakage in the mercury fixed-point cell has been found.     

Comparison of the Calibration of Standard Platinum Thermometers by Comparison in the Range from $$-80\,^{\circ }\hbox {C}$$ to $$300\,^{\circ }\hbox {C}$$300∘C

In this paper, an interlaboratory comparison in the field of measurement of temperature is presented. Within the comparison, calibration of a standard platinum resistance thermometer (SPRT) by comparisons in the range from \(-80\,^{\circ }\hbox {C}\) to \(300\,^{\circ }\hbox {C}\) was performed. At the same time, in order to support the calibration and measurement capabilities (CMCs) entries of the participating laboratories, we have registered this as EURAMET Project 1251 (Comparison of the calibration of standard platinum resistance thermometers in the range from \(-80\,^{\circ }\hbox {C}\) to \(300\,^{\circ }\hbox {C}\) by comparison). It was recommended that the participants use their standard procedure for the calibration of the standard platinum resistance thermometers and follow instructions from the protocol of EURAMET Project 1251 during the temperature calibration and, if possible, avoid making extra time-consuming measurements. The interlaboratory comparison was organized by the University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Laboratory of Metrology and Quality (MIRS/UL-FE/LMK) in the scope of the IPA 2011 project. The interlaboratory comparison included a maximum of eleven measurement points. However, certain laboratories did not perform measurements at all points in the range. They have performed only measurements in the range that they cover. Prior to the calibration by comparison in each laboratory, a test measurement at the triple point of water or ice point was done in order to assess the stability of the instruments. Results of the comparison show that all the measurements agree within declared uncertainties and thus supporting declared capabilities of the participating laboratories.     

Comparison of Meteorological Service Calibration Laboratories in Southeastern Europe

Interlaboratory comparisons serve as tools for assessment of measurement results performed by calibration laboratories in the relevant field of measurement. They are effective means to demonstrate technical competence of the participant and are used as a technical base for accreditation. However, in the network of meteorological services calibration laboratories, comparisons among laboratories are still rare. Some laboratories are still not evaluating measurement uncertainty, thus causing problems when comparing meteorological data from different countries. The Environmental Agency of the Republic of Slovenia (EARS), serving in the frame of the World Meteorological Organization as a Regional Instrument Centre, has organized a round-robin comparison of calibration laboratories of meteorological services in the southeastern part of Europe using instruments for temperature, relative humidity, and barometric pressure. Each participant laboratory had to calibrate a set of instruments at defined calibration points, to evaluate the measurement uncertainty (if possible), and to report the results. EARS RIC invited the National Hydrometeorological Services in the southeastern part of Europe to take part in the intercomparison. In addition, the Laboratory of Metrology and Quality (MIRS/UL-FE/LMK), which holds the Slovenian national standard for temperature and relative humidity, was also invited to participate in the comparison and in the data analysis. Results from MIRS/UL-FE/LMK and EARS were used to calculate the temperature and humidity comparison reference values, while the EARS results were taken as reference values for barometric pressure.     

Inter-laboratory Comparison of Impedance-Type Hygrometer in the Range from 10 % to 95 % at 5\,^{\circ }\hbox {C} to 55\,^{\circ }\hbox {C}

Traceability in the field of relative humidity (RH) measurements is typically assured indirectly through dew point and temperature scales. Conducting an inter-laboratory comparison at the national metrology institute (NMI) level, using a direct approach with a precision RH hygrometer as a transfer standard would, therefore, be of a particular interest, especially if the measurement setups were of a different type. This paper presents an RH comparison at the NMI level between the National Metrology Institute of South Africa (NMISA) and University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Laboratory of Metrology and Quality (MIRS/UL-FE/LMK). In scope of this inter-comparison, calibration of an impedance-type hygrometer in the range from 10 %rh to 95 %rh at air temperatures of \(5\,^\circ \hbox {C}\) , \(25\,^\circ \hbox {C}\) , and \(55\,^\circ \hbox {C}\) , respectively, was performed. It was recommended that the participants use their standard procedure for the calibration of RH sensors and, at the same time, follow the specific criteria of the review protocol for uncertainty estimation accepted by Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM), marked as BIPM CCT-WG8/CMC-10. An interesting part of the comparison was the two different calibration methods which were used by the two partners and which also have different traceability routes. MIRS/UL-FE/LMK calibrated the sensor in the humidity generator by comparison against the reference chilled mirror hygrometer, which is traceable to the MIRS/UL-FE/LMK primary dew-point generator. NMISA calibrated the transfer standard against certified salt solutions, which were kept in a temperature-controlled chamber. Results showed acceptable agreement at all 15 calibration points.     

Bilateral Comparison Between CEM and LACOMET in the Range from 83.8058?K to 933.473?K, Linking to CCT Comparisons

A bilateral comparison between Centro Español de Metrología (CEM) and Laboratorio Costarricense de Metrología (LACOMET) in the range from 83.8058 K to 933.473 K was carried out during 2009, and it is aimed to provide linkage of the CCT key comparisons K3 and K4 to LACOMET. This comparison gives support to the calibration measurement capabilities requested by LACOMET. The participation of CEM in the EURAMET regional comparisons EUROMET-T.K3 and EUROMET-T.K4 is the basis of the link. Two 25 ?? standard platinum resistance thermometers (SPRTs) were used as travelling standards and were hand carried. One of them was used only in the aluminum freezing point while the other one covered the remaining fixed points. At the temperature of the argon triple point (83.8058 K), CEM performed the measurements in an argon triple-point apparatus, but LACOMET calibrated the SPRT at a temperature close to the argon point using a liquid-nitrogen boiling-point apparatus. Both SPRTs were provided by LACOMET, and LACOMET measured them before and after CEM. The SPRTs showed no significant drifts during the comparison. The results for both laboratories agreed within their expanded uncertainties and are summarized. A proposal for the linkage to the results of CCT-K3 and CCT-K4 is presented.     

EURAMET.T-K7 Key Comparison of Water Triple-Point Cells

The results of a EURAMET key comparison of water triple-point cells (EURAMET.T-K7) are reported. The equipment used, the measuring conditions applied, and the procedures adopted for the water triple-point measurement at the participating laboratories are synthetically presented. The definitions of the national reference for the water triple-point temperature adopted by each laboratory are disclosed. The multiplicity of degrees of equivalence arising for the linking laboratories with respect to the ??mother?? comparison CCT-K7 is discussed in detail.     

Comparison of Blackbodies for Calibration of Infrared Ear Thermometers

The article presents the results of the EURAMET Project No. 927 ??Comparison of blackbodies for calibration of infrared ear thermometers (IRETs)??. The objective of the comparison was to determine the agreement of blackbodies used for the calibration of IRETs among European national laboratories. To verify the accuracy of an IRET, a suitable blackbody (BB) is needed. Such a blackbody related to the EN standard, designed for the calibration of ear thermometers and immersed in a stirred water bath, was provided for the comparison by the pilot laboratory. The pilot provided also the transfer IRET and organized the comparison.     

Aluminum Fixed Point: Impact of the Time Spent in the Liquid Phase on the Liquid�CSolid Transition and Obviousness of the Pollution of the Ingot

In order to improve the uncertainty on the aluminum fixed point, a study was launched by Laboratoire Commun de Métrologie LNE-CNAM in the frame of the EURAMET Project 732 ??Toward more accurate temperature fixed points?? (coordinating laboratory: France, 17 partner countries). An earlier study completed in this laboratory showed that in regular realization of the melting?Cfreezing plateaus, there is no diffusion of impurities in the thickness of the ingot, or the diffusion is excessively slow and cannot allow a uniform distribution of the impurities. On the other hand, it is frequently noticed that the experimental conditions before the freezing plateau have an impact on its characteristics (value, slope,??). Up to now, no systematic study was performed on the influence of this parameter. So, the objective of the task started recently in this laboratory is to investigate the influence of the time spent in the liquid phase on the phase transition. As a final result, it is demonstrated that in order to reach the equilibrium of the concentration of impurities, it is necessary to ensure that the metal remains in the liquid phase at least 24 h before initiating the freeze. At the end of the process, the aluminum ingot was chemically analyzed. The analyses reveal large contaminations of the surface of the ingot (sodium, sulfur, and phosphorus). One of the important outputs of this study is that the conditions of usage of the cells should be given important attention since large contaminations can be brought by the furnace.     

Evaluation of a Modified ADC-Based Thermometry Bridge

This article presents the modification and testing of an ADC-based thermometry bridge. The instrument under investigation is an Anton Paar MKT 50 Millikelvin Thermometer (developed at the IFE, TU-Graz) based on a precision analog-to-digital converter (ADC). During preliminary testing, it was found that the MKT 50 performs better than its declared uncertainty (1 mK equal to 1 ppm when using a 100 ?? PRT) and is comparable to thermometry resistance ratio bridges typically used in secondary thermometry laboratories (with typical uncertainties from 0.1 mK to 1 mK). The modifications to the original bridge were undertaken by the development team of the MKT 50 at the Graz University of Technology, Austria. Measurements and evaluation of the modified instruments were performed at the MIRS/UL-FE/LMK. For the MKT 50 to be used in thermometry laboratories as a reference unit, measuring parameters of the instrument had to be changed. During the first modification, the upper limit of the instrument range was decreased from 400 ?? to 133 ??, this is a preferred range for standard platinum resistance thermometers (SPRTs). This also meant an increase in the measuring current from 0.5 mA to the more frequently used 1 mA. A modification of the programmable ADC control unit increased the resolution from 24 bit to 27 bit. By adding a switch, the use of an external standard resistor was enabled. After this stage of the modification, the first tests on the instrument were performed. The second stage was aimed at the removal of noise sources. The instrument was prepared in such a way that it only used two input channels, one connected to the SPRT and the other to the standard resistor. Also, the components of the ADC were upgraded to further reduce noise. The elimination of one input channel sped up measurements, making the PC software capable of taking several readings in a shorter time period. All tests were performed in laboratory conditions, where precision AC and DC resistance ratio bridges are typically used. The non-linearity was assessed by the use of an automated resistance bridge calibrator (RBC, Model RBC100), while the noise value was determined both from the standard deviation of RBC measurements as well as from comparison measurements of two standard resistors. All tests were repeated several times to assure confidence in the results. With its lowered range of 133 ?? and an increased resolution of 27 bit, the instrument non-linearity, its value below 2 ???, was comparable to primary resistance ratio bridges such as the ASL F900 or MI 6015T. However, the noise of the instrument remained relatively high at 4 ???. Since the modified MKT-50 is a much faster instrument than AC and DC bridges, averaging was used for true comparison. Measurements done with the modified MKT 50 were also averaged every 15 s (the time a classic resistance ratio bridge takes for one measurement). When measurements with the MKT-50 were averaged, the noise of measurements would be comparable to primary resistance ratio bridges.     

铝凝固点及银凝固点容器国际关键比对评述

介绍了国际计量局（BIPM）温度咨询委员会（CCT）关键比对4即铝凝固点及银凝固点容器国际比对。采用固定点容器直接比对的形式进行，共11个国家实验室参加了该项比对，介绍了比对的组织、比对过程、实验方法以及参考值的选取，同时给出了比对结果及比对等效图。     

Intercomparison of Copper Fixed-Point Cells by Using Pt/Pd Thermocouples

The objective of the EUROMET Project No. 844 in the field of thermometry was the intercomparison of the freezing temperatures of the copper fixed-point cells (t ₉₀ = 1084.62°C) of the participating laboratories by using Pt/Pd thermocouples. For most of the 13 participating laboratories, agreement of the freezing temperatures of the different copper fixed points within ±0.06 K was found. Furthermore, the results of the intercomparison show that Pt/Pd thermocouples are suitable for use as transfer standards for the dissemination of temperatures and to approximate the ITS-90, at least up to the freezing point of copper.     

Measuring Systems for Thermometer Calibration in Low-Temperature Range

The national temperature standard for the low-temperature range between 13.8033 K and 273.16 K has been established in Poland at the Institute of Low Temperature and Structure Research (INTiBS). The standard consists of sealed cells for realization of six fixed points of the International Temperature Scale of 1990 (ITS-90) in the low-temperature range, an adiabatic cryostat and Isotech water and mercury triple-point baths, capsule standard resistance thermometers (CSPRT), and AC and DC bridges with standard resistors for thermometers resistance measurements. INTiBS calibrates CSPRTs at the low-temperature fixed points with uncertainties less than 1 mK. In lower temperature range??between 2.5 K and about 25 K ?? rhodium?Ciron (RhFe) resistance thermometers are calibrated by comparison with a standard which participated in the EURAMET.T-K1.1 comparison. INTiBS offers a calibration service for industrial platinum resistance thermometers and for digital thermometers between 77 K and 273 K. These types of thermometers may be calibrated at INTiBS also in a higher temperature range up to 550°C. The Laboratory of Temperature Standard at INTiBS acquired an accreditation from the Polish Centre for Accreditation. A management system according to EN ISO/IEC 17025:2005 was established at the Laboratory and presented on EURAMET QSM Forum.     

高精度钾热管铝凝固点炉研制及性能测试

热管作为等温炉衬可提高固定点炉温场均匀性。为提高铝凝固点复现水平,研制了1套高精度钾热管铝凝固点炉。介绍了钾热管和固定点炉的研制流程,并测试了钾热管固定点炉性能。测试结果表明:采用分段升温的方式,炉子升温曲线平缓,整个升温过程中没有明显过冲现象,可有效保护铝凝固点容器的使用寿命;钾热管铝凝固点炉垂直温场均匀性为6.6mK;利用该钾热管铝凝定点炉可以实现铝凝固点温坪的复现,温坪重复性为0.02mK。     

International comparison of power measurements at 33 GHz(GT-RF/92-4)

A measurement comparison of effective efficiency has been carried out between eight national metrology laboratories at 33 GHz in rectangular waveguide IEC R320. Two waveguide thermistor mounts were measured. The following national laboratories participated: BNM-LCIE (France), NIST (U.S.), NRC (Canada), KRISS (Korea), CSIRO (Australia), PTB (Germany), NMi VSL (The Netherlands), and NPL (U.K.). The Bureau National de Metrologie-Laboratoire Central des Industries Electriques (France) acted as the pilot laboratory for the comparison. Excellent harmony is observed between results given by the participants, especially for the item LCIE-92021     

Intercomparison of the Realizations of the ITS-90 from 83.8058 K to 692.677 K among European NMIs

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. Institut National de Métrologie (BNM-INM/CNAM at the time of the comparison, LNE-INM/CNAM since 1 January 2005), Paris, France.     

Establishment of a New National Reference Ensemble of Water Triple Point Cells

The results of the Bilateral Comparison EURAMET.T-K3.5 (w/VSL, The Netherlands) with the goal to link Switzerland’s ITS-90 realization (Ar to Al) to the latest key comparisons gave strong indications for a discrepancy in the realization of the triple point of water. Due to the age of the cells of about twenty years, it was decided to replace the complete reference ensemble with new “state-of-the-art” cells. Three new water triple point cells from three different suppliers were purchased, as well as a new maintenance bath for an additional improvement of the realization. In several loops measurements were taken, each cell of both ensembles intercompared, and the deviations and characteristics determined. The measurements show a significant lower average value of the old ensemble of \(0.59 \pm 0.25\hbox { mK }(k=2)\) in comparison with the new one. Likewise, the behavior of the old cells is very unstable with a drift downward during the realization of the triple point. Based on these results the impact of the new ensemble on the ITS-90 realization from Ar to Al was calculated and set in the context to performed calibrations and their related uncertainties in the past. This paper presents the instrumentation, cells, measurement procedure, results, uncertainties and impact of the new national reference ensemble of water triple point cells on the current ITS-90 realization in Switzerland.     

A New Generation of Open Zinc Freezing Point Cells at TUBITAK UME

The Temperature Laboratory at TUBITAK UME initiated a study which focused on the construction of freezing point cells of ITS-90 as primary temperature standards. The first cell constructed within the scope of this study was an open tin freezing point cell and the results were in good agreement with the reference tin fixed point cell of UME. The second set of cells constructed was two open zinc freezing point cells. The design of these cells is similar to the tin freezing point cell. After construction, all the home-made cells were evaluated by analyzing their melting and freezing curves. Finally comparison measurements were performed between the current laboratory reference zinc cell and all newly constructed cells.     

Practical Study of Psychrometer Calibrations

Psychrometers remain the most widely used instruments for controlling the humidity in climatic test chambers, yet the calibration of these instruments is particularly challenging. Psychrometer calibrations require careful consideration of influence variables such as the fitting and cleanliness of the wick, the effect of the calibration chamber on the air flow past the sensors, on radiation incident on the sensors, and on the dissipation heat from the built-in fan (if included). In addition, uncertainty requirements for calibration of such psychrometers are typically around 1?%rh to 2?%rh, i.e., close to the best calibration and measurement uncertainties (CMCs) claimed by national metrology institutes (NMIs). As well as their role in supporting CMCs, inter-comparisons provide a good test-ground to ensure all influence variables are controlled or otherwise accounted for in the uncertainty budget. This paper presents the results of a comparison of psychrometer calibrations performed by the NMIs in Denmark, Slovenia, and Finland. The comparison was carried out under EURAMET Project No. 1033 with the aim to investigate the equivalence of psychrometer calibrations performed at the highest level and to gather practical experience to be used in similar comparisons in the future. An aspirated electro-psychrometer was used for the comparison, and calibrations were carried out in the range from 15 %rh to 93?%rh in a temperature range from 15?°C to 70?°C. While the results show good agreement at high relative humidity, significant differences at low relative humidity are reported. It is suggested that the differences are caused by a combination of psychrometer wick contamination and a difference in the wick-wetting methods used by the participant laboratories.     

Measurement of Al Freezing-Point Temperature: Effect of Initiation Process

In CCT documents it is stated that “...for the freezing curves of the metallic fixed points, the maximum observed temperature on the plateau should be taken as the best approximation of the liquidus temperature. The fixed points should be realized with the inner and outer liquid-solid interfaces and extend past the maximum by 10 % to 20 % of the fraction frozen, to clearly establish the value of the maximum and the resolution of its determination.” Also, it is accepted that “...the inner interface is essentially static. It is the temperature of the inner liquid/solid interface that is measured by the thermometer.” The analysis of freezing curves obtained by the standard method of fixed-point realization shows that the parameters of the initial part of the freezing curve, the mean temperature value of which is usually taken as the liquidus temperature, depend on how the inner interface is initiated. Variations in the duration and intensity of initiation cause changes in the initial part of the freezing curve and in the resulting SPRT measurement. Moreover, the relation between the duration of the initial section of the plateau with a minor temperature change and the duration of its final section with a significant slope also depend on the initiation method used and on the furnace temperature. The effect of freezing initiation conditions on the measurement result is individual for each fixed point because of the differences in thermophysical properties of metals and in conditions of the heat transfer from the liquid–solid interface to the thermometer. Aluminum has a maximum value of the melting specific heat in comparison with other metals used in ITS-90 fixed points; in the present study, the effect of the intensity and duration of the inner liquid–solid interface initiation was investigated both experimentally and through calculation.     

Interlaboratory Comparison of Reference Surface Temperature Apparatus at NMIs

During 2001 and 2002, the first international comparison of surface temperature measurements at national metrology institutes (NMIs) was organized under EUROMET Project No 635. The coordinator for this project was the National Office of Measures (OMH) in Hungary. Among the participants were the Swedish National Testing and Research Institute (SP) from Sweden, the Centre for Metrology and Accreditation (MIKES) in Finland, and Justervesenet (JV) in Norway. The comparison showed a need for better apparatus to reduce the differences in the results from the different laboratories. As a result, a new apparatus was designed at SP and MIKES made some changes to their apparatus. To test the new and modified apparatus, SP took the initiative to arrange and coordinate a new comparison. In this recent comparison, measurements were made at temperatures from 50 to 300°C on surfaces of aluminum and stainless steel. The comparison was arranged and performed during 2005 and 2006. Participants in the comparison were OMH, MIKES, RISOE, JV, and SP. The comparison results using the newly developed apparatus show improved agreement with the earlier EUROMET intercomparison, but also indicate a need for a more standardized calibration method and apparatus to be able to perform calibrations in different laboratories with good agreement.