Department of Mechanical Engineering

Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology,

Hisar, Haryana - 125001

An Industrial Training Report

On
Mechanical Metrology
Submitted in the partial fulfilment of the requirement for the award of
Degree of Bachelor of Technology
In
Mechanical Engineering (2019-2023)

Submitted By: Submitted To:

Lovish Kumar (190161629007) Prof H.C. Garg

Dr. Rajender Singh
B.Tech (Mech.) 7th Sem
(Mechanical Department)

Fare Labs Private Limited

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Firstly, I would like to express my special thanks of gratitude to Mr. C.S. Joshi,
Director of Fare Labs Pvt. Ltd for giving me the opportunity to do an internship
within the organization. I would like to thank all the people with whom I worked
aside at Fare Labs Pvt. Ltd for their patience and openness to create an enjoyable
working environment.
I am highly indebted to Mr. Rajesh (Calibration Executive) from Mechanical
Metrology Section of Fare Labs Pvt. Ltd, for their guidance at each step during the
internship.
I would like to thank Dr. Puneet Katyal, Chairman of Department of Mechanical
Engineering for his constructive criticism throughout the internship.
Lastly, I would like to thank the almighty, my parents and friends for their moral
support which helped me in successful completion of this internship.

Lovish Kumar
190161629007
B.Tech Mechanical Engg.

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 ABSTRACT

Here in this report, I have mainly focused on the concept of metrological calibration.
Calibration is a comparison between a known measurement (the standard) and the
measurement using your instrument. The reference standard may be also referred to
as a “calibrator”. Logically, the reference is more accurate than the device to be
calibrated. Instrument calibration is one of the primary processes used to maintain
instrument accuracy. Calibration of your measuring instruments has two objectives:
it checks the accuracy of the instrument and it determines the traceability of the
measurement. The goal of calibration is to minimize any measurement uncertainty
by ensuring the accuracy of test equipment. Calibration is the process of configuring
an instrument to provide a result for a sample within an acceptable range. The
equipment used as a reference should itself be directly traceable to equipment that is
calibrated according to ISO/IEC 17025.ISO/IEC 17025 is the international standard
for the accreditation of Testing and calibration laboratories. It includes quality
management system requirements along with technical requirements. How often to
calibrate? For most industries, the standard is to calibrate annually. As you gain
results from calibration tests, you will be in a position to potentially adjust the
frequency of calibrations, or upgrade to more robust measuring instruments if
needed. Most calibration laboratories supply a printed calibration certificate for the
customer to retain as proof of quality standards. Metrology is concerned with the
establishment, reproduction, conservation and transfer of units of measurement &
their standards. As a rule, calibration should be performed at least once a year.
Metrology refers to calibration and ensures predictable output from your
measurement tools.

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 CONTENT
1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................ 1
1.1 Background .........................................................................................................................................1
1.2 Metrology ............................................................................................................................................1
1.2.1 Function of Metrology .................................................................................................................2
1.2.2 Objective of Metrology ................................................................................................................2
1.3 Measurements ....................................................................................................................................2
1.3.1 Measurement in practice ............................................................................................................3
1.3.2 Precision, accuracy and uncertainty ............................................................................................3
1.3.3 Repeatability and reproducibility ................................................................................................4
1.3.4 Traceability and calibration .........................................................................................................5
1.4 Calibration ...........................................................................................................................................7

2 MEASUREMENT ERROR AND UNCERTAINTY ................................. 9

2.1 Errors ...................................................................................................................................................9
2.2 Uncertainty .......................................................................................................................................10

3 STANDARD EQUIPMENTS ........................................................... 11

3.1 Digital Pressure Gauge ......................................................................................................................11
3.2 Tachometer Calibrator ......................................................................................................................11
3.3 Digital Tachometer............................................................................................................................11
3.4 Sound Level Calibrator ......................................................................................................................12
3.5 Anemometer Calibration Setup.........................................................................................................12
3.6 Anemometer .....................................................................................................................................12
3.7 Micro Balance ...................................................................................................................................13
3.8 Semi-Micro Balance ..........................................................................................................................13
3.9 Digital Weighing Balance ..................................................................................................................13

4 CALIBRATION PROCEDURE.......................................................... 14
4.1 Glassware ..........................................................................................................................................14
4.2 Piston Operated Micropipette ..........................................................................................................15
4.3 Weighing Balance .............................................................................................................................16
4.4 Sound Level Meter.............................................................................................................................17
4.5 Tachometer .......................................................................................................................................18
4.6 Pressure Gauge .................................................................................................................................19

5 STANDARD REFERENCE DOCUMENTS ......................................... 21

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 5.1 ISO/IEC 17025 ...................................................................................................................................21
5.1.1 Aim of ISO/IEC 17025:2017 .......................................................................................................21
5.1.2 Benefits of ISO/IEC 17025:2017 ................................................................................................21
5.1.3 ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Document Requirements .........................................................................22
5.1.4 ISO 17025:2017 Manual ............................................................................................................22
5.1.5 ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Procedures................................................................................................22
5.1.6 Exhibits.......................................................................................................................................23
5.1.7 Work Instruction ........................................................................................................................23
5.2 NABL ..................................................................................................................................................23
5.2.1 Introduction ...............................................................................................................................23
5.3 National Physical Laboratory ............................................................................................................24
5.4 Why Laboratory Accreditation? ........................................................................................................25
5.4.1 Benefits of Accreditation: ..........................................................................................................25
5.4.2 Benefits of Accreditation for Proficiency Testing Providers ......................................................26

6 CONCLUSION .............................................................................. 28
7 REFERENCES ............................................................................... 30

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 INDEX OF FIGURES
Fig. 1.1 Metrology ..............................................................................................................................................1
Fig. 1.2 Traceability ............................................................................................................................................2
Fig. 1.3 Accuracy & Precision .............................................................................................................................3
Fig. 1.4 Traceability Chain ..................................................................................................................................6
Fig. 1.5 Calibration .............................................................................................................................................7
Fig. 3.1 Digital Pressure Gauge ........................................................................................................................11
Fig. 3.2 Tachometer Calibrator ........................................................................................................................11
Fig. 3.3 Digital Tachometer ..............................................................................................................................11
Fig. 3.4 Sound Level Calibrator ........................................................................................................................12
Fig. 3.5 Anemometer Calibration Setup ..........................................................................................................12
Fig. 3.6 Anemometer .......................................................................................................................................12
Fig. 3.7 Micro Balance ......................................................................................................................................13
Fig. 3.8 Semi-Micro Balance.............................................................................................................................13
Fig. 3.9 Digital Weighing Balance .....................................................................................................................13
Fig. 4.1 Glassware ............................................................................................................................................14
Fig. 4.2 Micropipette........................................................................................................................................15
Fig. 4.3 Weighing Balance ................................................................................................................................16
Fig. 4.4 Sound Level Calibrator ........................................................................................................................17
Fig. 4.5 Sound Level Meter ..............................................................................................................................17
Fig. 4.6 Tachometer Calibrator ........................................................................................................................18
Fig. 4.7 Pressure Gauge ...................................................................................................................................19
Fig. 5.1 NABL Logo ...........................................................................................................................................24
Fig. 6.1 Calibration in our daily lives ................................................................................................................29

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 1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background
Metrology is defined as the science of measurement. Metrology dates back to the ancient world, but
modern metrology is derived from the politics French revolution, where the standardisation of units
was introduced.
Metrology can be split into different activities. The first activity defines the units of measurement, the
second puts the units of measurement in practice, and the last applies them to traceability. In science
and engineering, objects of interest have to be characterized by measurement and testing.
Measurement is the process of experimentally obtaining quantity values that can reasonably be
attributed to a property of a body or substance.
1. Metrology is the science of measurement.
2. Metrology is also a fine avenue for discussing accuracy, error, and calibration.

Testing is the technical procedure consisting of the determination of characteristics of a given object
or process, in accordance with a specified method.

1.2 Metrology
The word metrology actually derives from the Greek words ‘metron’ and ‘logos’ which translated
means the study of measurement.

Fig. 1.1 Metrology

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 Metrology is “the science of measurement, embracing both experimental and theoretical
determinations at any level of uncertainty in any field of science and technology,” as defined
by the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM, 2004). “Metrology is essential in
scientific Research”

1.2.1 Function of Metrology

● To ensure conservation of national standards.
● Guarantee their accuracy by comparison with national standards.
● To organize training in their field.
● Take part in the work of other National organizations.
● To impact proper accuracy to the secondary standards.

Metrology Covers Three Main Tasks:

● The definition of internationally accepted units of
measurements.
● The realization of units of measurement by scientific
method.
● Establishment of traceability chain in documenting the
accuracy of a measurement
Fig. 1.2 Traceability

1.2.2 Objective of Metrology

● Used for selection of proper measuring instruments.
● Used for deciding the proper measuring standards.
● Used for minimizing cost of inspection.
● Determining process capabilities.
● Achieve standardization.
● Maintaining accuracy and precision at the time of inspection.

1.3 Measurements
The measurement of a given quantity is essentially an act or the result of comparison between the
quantity (whose magnitude is unknown) and a predefined standard.
Our daily activities: -
Buying things- grocery, gold, petrol, cloth
Measuring blood pressure, sugar level, and body temperature.
The process of measurement gives a number relating the item under the study and the referenced unit
of measurement.

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1.3.1 Measurement in practice
People make measurements for many reasons: to make sure an item will fit, to determine the correct
price to pay for something, or to check that a manufactured item is within specification. In all cases, a
measurement is only useful if it is suitable for the intended purpose. Consider the following
questions:
● Do you know how accurate your measurement result is?
● Is this accurate enough?
● How strongly do you trust the result?
These questions relate to the quality of a measurement. When talking about measurement quality,
it is important to understand the following concepts.

1.3.2 Precision, accuracy and uncertainty

Precision is about how close measurements are to one another.
Accuracy is about how close measurements are to the ‘true answer’.
In reality, it is not possible to know the ‘true answer’ and so we introduce the concept of uncertainty
to help quantify how wrong our answer might be.

The difference between accuracy and precision is illustrated here. The idea is that firing an arrow at a
target is like making a measurement.

Accuracy is a qualitative measure of how close a measurement is to the centre of the target – the 'true
answer’.

Precision is represented by a cluster of consistent measurements, but there is no guarantee that these
are accurate.

Fig. 1.3 Accuracy & Precision

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 In practice we are not able to view the target and assess how close to the ‘true answer’ our
measurements are. What interests us is the answer to the question "How far from the target could our
arrows have fallen?" and we also need to ask "How wrong could we have been?" To answer this
question, we need to look at all the factors that go into making a measurement and how each factor
could have affected the final estimate of the answer.

The answer to "How wrong are we likely to have been?" is known as the 'measurement uncertainty',
and this is the most useful assessment of how far our estimate is likely to lie from the ‘true answer’
Don't confuse mistakes with errors!

Measurement scientists use the term ‘error’ to specify the difference between an estimate of quantity
and its ‘true value’. The word 'error' does not imply that any mistakes have been made. Where the
size and effect of an error are known (e.g., from a calibration certificate) a correction can be applied
to the measurement result. If the value of an error is not known, this is a source of uncertainty.

Uncertainty is the quantification of the doubt about the measurement result and tells us something
about its quality.
Error is the difference between the measured value and the true value of the thing being measured.
True value is the value that would be obtained by a theoretically perfect measurement.

1.3.3 Repeatability and reproducibility

'Measure twice and cut once.' This popular proverb expresses the need to make sure we have a good
measurement before committing to a potentially irreversible decision. It is a concept that you should
adhere to. By repeating a measurement many times, a mean (average) value can be calculated. If the
repeatability is high, the statistical uncertainty in the mean value will be low.
However, if different measuring equipment is used, a different result may be obtained because of
errors and offsets in the instruments.
If you measure a screw three times in one minute using the same micrometre, you would expect to
get a similar answer each time.
Repeatability describes the agreement within sets of measurements where the same person uses the
same equipment in the same way, under the same conditions.
But, if your colleagues each had a go at measuring the same screw on different days using different
measuring tools, a wider range of answers would be much less surprising. This is known as
'reproducibility' and describes the agreement within a set of measurements where different people,
equipment, methods, locations or conditions are involved.

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 Repeatability is the closeness of agreement between repeated measurements of the same thing,
carried out in the same place, by the same person, on the same equipment, in the same way, at similar
times.

Reproducibility is the closeness of agreement between measurements of the same thing carried out
in different circumstances, e.g., by a different person, or a different method, or at a different time.

What affects your measurements?

Many factors can reduce accuracy or precision and increase the uncertainty of your measurement
result. Some of the most common are:

● Environmental conditions – changes in temperature or humidity can expand and contract

materials as well as affect the performance of measurement equipment.

● Inferior measuring equipment – equipment which is poorly maintained, damaged or not

calibrated will give less reliable results.

● Poor measuring techniques – having consistent procedures for your measurements is vital.

● Inadequate staff training – not knowing how to make the right measurement, not having the
confidence to challenge the results and not being willing to seek advice can all have a negative
impact.

1.3.4 Traceability and calibration

When we talk about traceability of measurements, we mean that the measurements can be related to a
national standard through a documented unbroken chain of calibrations.

The primary standards at NPL are used to calibrate reference (secondary) standards held by
accredited calibration laboratories. These reference standards are subsequently used to calibrate
working standards, which may be company master standards owned by industry or hospitals, for
example. Reference (secondary) and working standards can be measuring instruments such as
thermometers or physical objects such as gauge blocks.

During a calibration process, instrument readings are compared to the certified values produced for a
reference standard. The results are recorded in a calibration certificate. If the results are consistent
with the reference values (the differences between them are within acceptable limits) then no further
action is required.

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 Definition of unit

Realisation of unit ‘primary Standard’ Calibrate secondary against

primary standards
Secondary Reference standard Calibrate working standard
against secondary standard
Master working standard Calibrate equipment
against working standard
Measuring equipment

Fig. 1.4 Traceability Chain

If the results are significantly different, calibration corrections must be applied to measurements
made with the instrument. Sometimes the instrument can be adjusted until it reads correctly, and
these adjustments are recorded on the certificate. Each calibration must be accompanied by a
statement of uncertainty.

Calibration is the comparison of a test instrument or artefact against a more accurate standard
Measurement traceability refers to the unbroken chain of calibrations linking an instrument or
standard to primary standards

Accreditation means that a calibration laboratory in a specific field has been independently assessed
and audited to show that it is competent to carry out specific tests and calibrations in that field.

The internationally agreed procedures that describe how a laboratory should carry out accurate
measurements on specific items are called 'International Standards', and the International
Organization for Standardization (ISO), based in Geneva, Switzerland, is responsible for publishing
and revising them. National standardisation bodies such as BSI (British Standards Institution)
participate in the preparation of international standards and also prepare standards which address
national measurement needs not covered by ISO standards.

ISO 17025, ‘General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories’ is the
standard that specifies how the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) and its overseas
equivalents accredited calibration laboratories.

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 Many large companies have their own internal calibration hierarchies where they calibrate, at
appropriate intervals, the company’s own working standards against reference standards calibrated by
NPL or an accredited calibration laboratory.

It is important to note that for every step away from the national standard the uncertainty increases.
Measurement uncertainty is calculated at each step of the traceability chain and then an overall
uncertainty for the whole chain is calculated.

1.4 Calibration
Calibration is a comparison between a known measurement (the standard) and the measurement using
your instrument. Typically, the accuracy of the standard should be ten times the accuracy of the
measuring device being tested. However, an accuracy ratio of 3:1 is acceptable by most standards
organizations. Sure, Controls provides preventative field service to help you ensure your instruments
and controls are accurately calibrated.

Calibration of your measuring instruments has two objectives:

● It checks the accuracy of the instrument and it determines the traceability of the measurement. In
practice, calibration also includes repair of the device if it is out of calibration.

● A report is provided by the calibration expert, which shows the error in measurements with the
measuring device before and after the calibration.

Fig. 1.5 Calibration

When should we calibrate our measuring device A measuring device should be calibrated:
● According to the recommendation of the manufacturer.
● After any mechanical or electrical shock.
● Periodically (annually, quarterly, monthly).
The hidden costs and risks associated with un-calibrated measuring devices could be much higher
than the cost of calibration. Therefore, it is recommended that the measuring instruments are

7
calibrated regularly by a reputable company to ensure that errors associated with the measurements
are in the acceptable range.

Purpose of calibration
● To ensure readings from an instrument are consistent with other measurements.
● To determine the accuracy of the instrument readings.
● To establish the reliability of the instrument i.e., it can be trusted.
Advantages of Calibration:

The results of a calibration permit either the assignment of values of measurement to the indication or
the determination of correctness with respect to indications. A calibration may also determine other
metrological properties such as the effect of influential quantities. The result of a calibration may be
recorded in a document, sometimes called the calibration certificate or a calibration report.

Importance of calibration relevant to Industry:

Any measuring device used in an industry will suffer with wear & tear and drift over a period of time,
and will go out of calibration which may lead to wrong measurements. Reasons for this may be
environmental conditions of operation, wrong handling etc.

Hence, calibration or verification of a measuring device is of great importance which will help to
overcome the following effects:

● To keep the measurements within the specified tolerances.

● To maintain consistent product quality during manufacture.
● To optimize the process and increase capacity.
● To control operation and maintain safety.
● To comply with regulations and quality systems.
● To improve quality of life.

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 2 MEASUREMENT ERROR AND UNCERTAINTY

2.1 Errors
An error may be defined as the difference between the measured value and the actual value. For
example, if the two operators use the same device or instrument for measurement. It is not necessary
that both operators get similar results. The difference that occurs between both the measurements is
referred to as an ERROR.

Sequentially, to understand the concept of errors in measurement, you should know the two terms
that define the error.
They are true value and measured value.

● The true value is impossible to find by experimental means. It may be defined as the average
value of an infinite number of measured values.

● The measured value is a single measurement of the object with the aim of being as accurate as
possible.

There are three types of errors that are classified on the basis of the source they arise from;

1. Gross Errors: This category basically takes into account human oversight and other mistakes
while reading, recording, and reading. The most common errors, the human error in the
measurement fall under this category of errors in measurement.
● For example, the person taking the reading from the meter of the instrument he may read 23 as
28.

Gross errors can be avoided by using two suitable measures, and they are written below:
➢ Proper care should be taken in reading, recording the data. Also, the calculation of error should
be done accurately.
➢ By increasing the number of experimenters, we can reduce the gross errors. If each experimenter
takes different readings at different points, then by taking the average of more readings we can
reduce the gross errors.

2. Systematic Errors: Systematic errors can be better understood if we divide it into subgroups: -

● Instrumental Errors: These errors arise due to faulty construction and calibration of the
measuring instruments. Such errors arise due to the hysteresis of the equipment or due to friction.
Lots of the time, the equipment being used is faulty due to misuse or neglect which changes the

9
 reading of the equipment. The zero error is a very common type of error. This error is common
in devices like vernier callipers and screw gauge. The zero error can be either positive or
negative. Sometimes the readings of the scale are worn off and this can also lead to a bad
reading.

● Environmental Errors: This type of error arises in the measurement due to the effect of the
external conditions on the measurement. The external condition includes temperature, pressure,
and humidity and can also include an external field. If you measure your temperature under the
armpits and during the measurement, if the electricity goes out and the room gets hot, it will
affect your body temperature thereby affecting the reading.

● Observational Errors: These are the errors that arise due to an individual’s bias, lack of proper
setting of the apparatus, or an individual’s carelessness in taking observations. The measurement
errors also include wrong readings due to Parallax errors.

● Random Error: The random errors are those errors, which occur irregularly and hence are
random. These can arise due to random and unpredictable fluctuations in experimental conditions
(e.g. unpredictable fluctuations in temperature, voltage supply, mechanical vibrations of
experimental set-ups, etc, errors by the observer taking readings, etc.
➢ For example, when the same person repeats the same observation, it is very likely that he may
get different readings every time.

2.2 Uncertainty
The uncertainty of a measurement tells us something about its quality. Uncertainty of measurement is
the doubt that exists about the result of any measurement. You might think that well-made rulers,
clocks and thermometers should be trustworthy, and give the right answers. But for every
measurement - even the most careful - there is always a margin of doubt. In everyday speech, this
might be expressed as ‘give or take’.

Why is uncertainty of measurement important?

You may be interested in uncertainty of measurement simply because you wish to make good quality
measurements and to understand the results. However, there are other more particular reasons for
thinking about measurement uncertainty.

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 3 STANDARD EQUIPMENTS

3.1 Digital Pressure Gauge

● Make: FLUKE
● Model: 2700G
● Range: (0 to 700) bar
● Resolution: 0.01 bar

Fig. 3.1 Digital Pressure Gauge

3.2 Tachometer Calibrator

● Make: Sansel
● Sr/ID No.: FL/C/M-116
● Range: (0 to 1,20,000) rpm (Non-Contact)
(0 to 8,000) rpm (Contact)
● Resolution: 0.001 rpm

Fig. 3.2 Tachometer Calibrator

3.3 Digital Tachometer

● Make: Fluke

● Model: 931

● Sr/ID No.: 5147030/FL/C/M-118

● Range: up to 9996 rpm (Contact)

up to 99994 rpm (Non-contact)
Fig. 3.3 Digital Tachometer

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3.4 Sound Level Calibrator
● Make: Narsonic

● Sr/ID No.: FL/C/M-115

● Range: 94 dB, 114 dB

➔ Device that can be calibrated:

• Sound Level Meters. Fig. 3.4 Sound Level Calibrator

3.5 Anemometer Calibration Setup

● Make: Indeecon

● Sr. No.: WT/023/2019-2020

● Range: (0 to 20) m/sec

➔ Device that can be calibrated:

• Anemometers.
Fig. 3.5 Anemometer Calibration Setup

3.6 Anemometer
● Make: Fluke

● Model: 925

● Sr/ID No.: 1091828/FL/C/FF-11

● Range: (0 to 30) m/sec

● Resolution: 0.01 m/sec

Fig. 3.6 Anemometer

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3.7 Micro Balance
● Make: Mettler Toledo

● Model: XPE56

● Sr/ID No.: B617400630

● Range: up to 52 g

● Readability: 0.001 mg Fig. 3.7 Micro Balance

3.8 Semi-Micro Balance

● Make: Aczet

● Model: CY205C

● Sr/ID No.: 638508

● Range: up to 200 g

● Readability: 0.01mg

Fig. 3.8 Semi-Micro Balance

3.9 Digital Weighing Balance

● Make: Mettler Toledo

● Model: XS1203S

● Sr/ID No.: B812566061

● Range: up to 1210 g

● Readability: 0.001 g

Fig. 3.9 Digital Weighing Balance

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 4 CALIBRATION PROCEDURE

❖ Below are the Standard Operating Procedures for calibrating various instruments:

4.1 Glassware
● Scope- To determine the volume of a volumetric glassware, by gravimetric method, at reference
of 27 degree or as desired by the users.

● Purpose- To determine the volume of glassware and uncertainty associated with measurement.

● Calibration Procedure:
• Principle/Theory: The capacity of volume of a measure is determined by weighing the mass of
water, which the measure contains or delivers at the temperature of that water. The mass of
water is then converted into volume, dividing it by the density of water at its temperature
during the measurement process. This volume is converted into volume at the reference
temperature using a suitable conversion formula.
• Calibration Set-up: The standards used in calibration of volumetric measures are as follows:
▪ Double/triple distilled water complying with ISO 3696, as the reference liquid of known
density.
▪ Precision balances, periodically calibrated to maintain their performances satisfactory,
against the mass standard traceable to the national standards. Support equipment required
for calibration.
▪ Balance
▪ Hygrometer
▪ Barometer
▪ Calibration liquid
▪ Receiving Vessel
● Environmental Condition:
1. Temperature: (23 ± 1) C
2. Relative Humidity: (50 ± 10) % RH

● Measurement procedure: Fig. 4.1 Glassware

▪ Put the vessel on a weighing pan and tear the balance reading.
▪ Fill up the vessel with distilled water up to mark. Then dry up the outer surface of the vessel,
thoroughly, with tissue paper.

▪ Place the vessel full of water on the pan. When balance indication stabilized , and note down
the balance reading.

▪ Calculate volume of water.

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 ● Traceability
▪ Traceable to the national standards.
4.2 Piston Operated Micropipette
● Scope- To determine the volume of a micropipette by gravimetric method in the range of 1µl to
10ml, at reference temperature of 27-degree Celsius or as desired by the user, the procedure is
based on ISO-8655-06.
● Purpose- To determine volume of piston operated micropipette including recording, calculating
and then reporting the measurement results along with the evaluation of uncertainty in
measurements, associated with these measured values traceable to the national standards.
● Calibration Procedure- The capacity or volume of a measure is determined by weighing the
mass of water, which the measure contains or delivers at the temperature of that water. This mass
of water is then converted into volume, dividing it by the density of water at its temperature
during the measurement process. This volume is converted into volume at the reference
temperature using a suitable conversion formula.
● Calibration Set-up- Standards required for calibration:
➔ Calibration liquid distilled or deionized water complying with ISO 3696, grade 3 should be
used for calibration.
➔ Precision balances, periodically calibrated to maintain their performances satisfactory, against
the mass standards traceable to the national standards. Support equipment required for
calibration.
➔ Balance.
➔ Liquid reservoir.
➔ Timing device.
➔ Thermometer.
➔ Hygrometer.
➔ Barometer.
● Environmental Condition-
1. Temperature: (23 ± 1) C
Fig. 4.2 Micropipette
2. Relative Humidity: (50 ± 10) %

● Precautions
1. Handle all the standards, instruments and equipment very carefully.
2. Operation of aspirate / dispense the test liquid with the help of piston-operated micropipettes
carefully.

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4.3 Weighing Balance
● Scope- It covers weights in the range of 1 mg to 1000 g. It is based on OIML R 111(2004). The
measured mass may be the mass or conventional mass as per OIML Document No. D-28.

● Purpose- To determine the conventional mass value of a weight and associated measurement
uncertainties.

● Calibration Principle- The weight to be calibrated is compared with a reference weight of

known mass normally of one accuracy class higher than that of the weight to be calibrated. This
comparison is done on a suitable precision balance, using substitution method of weighing.

● Environmental Condition-
1. Temperature: (23 ± 1) C
2. Relative Humidity: (50 ± 10) % RH

● Measurement Procedure-

➔ Note down the temperature, pressure and relative humidity of

air inside the Laboratory on the worksheet.

➔ Place the reference weight on the balance pan. When the scale
indication stabilizes, note down the scale reading on the
Fig. 4.3 Weighing Balance
worksheet, Remove the reference weight from the pan.

➔ Test weight to be calibrated on the balance pan. When the scale indication stabilizes, note down
the scale reading on the worksheet.

➔ Remove momentarily the test weight well-off the pan and place it back on the pan. When the
scale indication stabilizes, note down the scale reading on the worksheet.

➔ Remove the test weight from the pan and place the reference weight again on the pan and when
the scale indication stabilizes, note down this scale reading on the worksheet.

➔ Remove the reference weight from the pan.

➔ This procedure cycle (from step ii to step v) is repeated till 5 times.
➔ After 5 cycles are completed, note down the temperature, pressure and relative humidity of air
inside the Laboratory on the worksheet.

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4.4 Sound Level Meter
● Purpose- To calibrate sound level meter with the help of sound level calibrator.

● Principle- Sound level meter is the most basic noise measurement instrument, it is an electronic
instrument, but different from the voltmeter and other objective electronic instruments. When
converting the acoustic signal into an electrical signal, it can simulate the time characteristic of
the human ear's response speed to the acoustic wave; the frequency characteristic with different
sensitivity for high and low frequency and the intensity characteristic of changing frequency
characteristic when the loudness is different. Sound level meter is a kind of subjective electronic
instrument.

● Standard Required For Calibration: Standard Sound Level Calibrator: Calibrated standard
Sound Level Calibrator is used for calibration of sound level meter by direct method.
Detail of sound level calibrator is given below:
➔ Name: Sound level Calibrator.
➔ Make/Model: Kusam-Meco/TM 100.
➔ Traceability: PI Calibration Laboratory.

● Other Support Equipments:

➔ Thermometer (to measure temperature).
➔ Humidity meter (to measure relative humidity of air).
➔ Barometer (to measure the pressure of air inside the laboratory).
● Environmental Condition-
1. Temperature: (25 ± 2) C Fig. 4.4 Sound Level Calibrator

2. Relative Humidity: (50 ± 10) % RH

● Measurement Procedure-

➔ Turn on your sound meter and allow it to stabilise and acclimatise to the
conditions that it will be used in. Navigate to the Calibration screen (at
this point don’t start the calibration procedure).

➔ Carefully place the calibrator over the microphone capsule, ensuring not
to twist either your sound meter or the calibrator as this can damage the
microphone.

➔ Activate the calibrator at the desired tone, which is normally 94dB.

Fig. 4.5 Sound Level Meter
➔ Your calibrator may have a secondary tone, usually 114dB, which you
may want to check your sound meter to as a reference after the calibration procedure.

➔ Take 10 readings in the observation sheet at 94 dB & 114dB.

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 ➔ Within your sound meter again, press “OK” to begin the calibration procedure. Leave the
calibrator on until the procedure has completed, normally between 5-20 seconds depending on
the manufacturer and the model.

4.5 Tachometer
● Scope- The calibration of RPM Indicator in the range of (60 to 99000) rpm for non- contact rpm
indicator.

● Purpose- Calibration of RPM Indicator by the comparison Method using Tachometer Calibrator
as a standard.

● Calibration Principle- When the tachometer is attached with a rotating shaft it rotates in
between magnets and cuts the magnetic field. Thus, according to Faraday’s law, voltage should
be produced in the coil. This produced voltage is proportional to coil speed alternatively
proportional to device speed. Voltage generated inside is calibrated in terms of RPM and hence
the tachometer shows RPM of the shaft.

● Measurement Procedure-

➔ Switch on the tachometer calibrator and leave it for

30 mins for warm up.

➔ Click on the “Contact” button and “non-Contact”

button for contact type measurement and non-
contact type measurement respectively. Now click
on “SET” value to set the required calibration point.
Now press the Start button to run. Fig. 4.6 Tachometer Calibrator

➔ Now after the motor starts, run at a set RPM, after a few seconds and stabilize.
➔ For Contact type measurement, place the DUC carefully at the given test port on the centre of
the disc and hold without any shake of hands.

➔ For Non-Contact type measurement, focus the DUC steadily to given test port on corner of the
disc i.e., reflect the laser beam of tachometer on the reflector of calibrator (white colour slots
given) and hold without any shake of hands

➔ After taking both Master and DUC reading, click on the “STOP” button.

➔ Compare the value of STD. & DUC.

➔ Note down the value of generated rpm and observed rpm in the observation sheet.

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 ➔ Repeat the above cycle at least five or ten times.
➔ Calculate the error (measured value - standard value) and take correction.

4.6 Pressure Gauge

● Scope- This scope covers the calibration of Pressure Gauge in house for ranges from (0 to 700)
bar. This document is based on DKD-R 6-1 for calibration pressure gauge & NABL- 122-13.

● Purpose- Calibration of Pressure Gauge (Analogue/Digital) by Comparison Method using

standard Digital Pressure Gauge.

● Calibration Principle- Calibration of Hydraulic Pressure Gauge (Analogue/Digital) by

Comparison Method using standard Digital Pressure Gauge. The calibration takes place by
comparison of the measurement values for the calibration item with those of the reference or
working standard which has been directly or indirectly traced back to a national standard.

● Environmental Condition-
1. Temperature: (20 ± 2) C
2. Relative Humidity: (50 ± 10) %
● Measurement Procedure-
➔ Install both the DUC (Device Under Calibration)
& standard as per above shown block diagram,
confirm that during installation, the DUC &
standard both the valve should be open. Then
rotate the Hydraulic screw pump clockwise &
anticlockwise one cycle for removing the air gap
from the Hydraulic pump.

➔ Close release valve & create 5-10% pressure

according to the range of device by pumping the Fig. 4.7 Pressure Gauge
priming handle then close the priming valve, now
rotate the screw in clockwise direction to get required pressure.

➔ For leak testing pressurize both the standard and DUC* at maximum range and wait at least
for ten minutes, to ensure there is no leak in this set up.

➔ Complete range of DUC* shall be covered. First take the reading in increasing direction up to
maximum point. After maximum reading has been taken, take the reading for decreasing
pressure at the same point as before. Repeat the above process three times. At the time of
calibration at every step minimum 30 seconds will be waiting time & at maximum reading 2
minutes will be waiting time. Take at least 3 Cycles of reading in the same manner.

➔ For Bourdon tube pressure gauges, a waiting time of 5 minutes in between three successive
cycles.

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 ➔ Uncertainty shall be calculated at that point where deviation is maximum & Uncertainty
components are taken from the uncertainty component file.

➔ The resolution of the indicated device is obtained from the ratio of pointer width to the centre
distance of two neighbouring graduation lines (Scale interval) 1/2, 1/5, or 1/10 is
recommended as ratio. If 1/10 is chosen as the ratio (i.e., the estimable fraction of scale
interval), the scale spacing must be 2.mm or greater.

➔ If the indication varies by one digital step at most when the pressure gauge is not loaded, the
resolution corresponds to the digital step.

➔ If the reading fluctuates by more than the value precisely determined for the resolution with
the pressure gauge not being loaded, the resolution r is to be taken half the span of the
fluctuation, additionally added with a digital step and refer.

➔ The zero point can be at prior to every measurement cycle consisting of an increasing and
decreasing series and must be recorded prior to and after every measurement cycle. The
reading is to be made with the instrument being completely relieved

➔ If the reading fluctuates by more than the value precisely determined for the resolution with
the pressure gauge not being loaded, the resolution r is to be taken

● Precautions-
1. Place the Pressure Comparison Test Pump on a strong rigid table in the instrument room.
2. Direct rays of the sun should be avoided.
3. The instrument should not be near a furnace or in a hot area.
4. Dust is very harmful to the instruments.
5. Clean the instrument with a soft cloth.

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 5 STANDARD REFERENCE DOCUMENTS

5.1 ISO/IEC 17025

The ISO 17025 standard specifies the general requirements for the ability to hold our tests and
calibration as well as sampling. The check and calibration ways performed are categorized as
standard, non-standard and laboratory developed. It covers 1st, second- and third-party laboratories
wherever testing and calibration forms a part of security and products certification.
This international ISO 17025 standard is applicable to all or any laboratories in spite of the amount of
performance or the extent of the scope of testing and calibration activities. It’s employed by
laboratories to develop their management system for quality, body and technical operations.
CHANGES IN NEW VERSION OF ISO 17025:2017
The international organization for standardization (ISO) released a new version of its
Testing and Calibration Laboratory accreditation standard ISO/IEC 17025 in November,2017. The
format of the new standard has been significantly changed to be more in line with new ISO
formatting Guidelines.
One of the most important aspects of ISO/IEC 17025:2017 is the emergence of the concept of risk.
This implies a series of changes that directly and indirectly affects requirements that already existed
in the previous version: impartiality confidentiality, corrective actions, assurance of the validity of the
results, etc.

5.1.1 Aim of ISO/IEC 17025:2017

● Provide a basis for use by accreditation bodies in assessing the competence of laboratories
● Establish general requirements for demonstrating lab compliance to perform specific tests or
calibrations.
● Assist in the development and implementation of a lab’s quality system.

5.1.2 Benefits of ISO/IEC 17025:2017

● Increase in productivity
● Rework and retesting reduction
● Reduced instrument repairs and defect levels
● Due to establishment of control chart and regular monitoring test and instrument capability is
improved in turn benefited in higher yield
● Improvement in knowledge level and multi skirling
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5.1.3 ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Document Requirements
When laboratories go for accreditation, there are specific ISO/IEC 17025:2017 documentation
requirements that need to be fulfilled. Used to design and develop testing and calibration laboratories.
List of such requirements for better understanding and defining quality system in laboratory as per
ISO/IEC 17025:2017 are as below:
● ISO 17025:2017 manual
● Procedures
● Exhibits
● Work instruction
● Sample forms and templates
● ISO 17025:2017 Audit checklist

5.1.4 ISO 17025:2017 Manual

ISO 17025:2017 Manual states the ISO 17025 policy and describes the ISO 17025 system of an
organization.it may relate to an organization’s total activities or to a selected part of it, e.g. specifies
requirements depending upon the nature of products or services, processes, contractual requirements,
governing regulations etc. it should include how ISO 17025:2017 system is implemented in the
organization at macro level.
ISO 17025:2017 manual should normally contain, or refer to:
● Introduction
● Scope
● Definitions and terminology
● Management requirements
● Technical requirements

5.1.5 ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Procedures

ISO 17025 procedures are also called operational procedures, as they are a snapshot of the actual
activities taking place in a company at a particular point of time. They are considered to be the core
of the system documentation for ISO 17025:2017 achievements and assurance and confidential
documents. They are intended for internal use and should be protected from misuse. These
procedures are meant to instruct in board terms, how the policies and objectives expressed in the ISO

22
 17025 manual are to be various departments should be performed to meet the requirements of the
ISO 17025:2017 standard at micro level.

5.1.6 Exhibits
The ISO 17025 exhibits are a very helpful tool to reach all employees and staff about how to
implement and improve quality requirements for laboratories and get a number of benefits. Following
are a list of exhibits covering all the details of ISO 17025:2017 requirements.
● Skill requirements
● Codification system
● Calibration periodicity
● Secrecy rules
● Communication process
● Instrument receipt checklist
● Intermediate check frequency

5.1.7 Work Instruction

The standard requires work instruction to be available, where the absence of such instruction would
adversely affect ISO 17025. In the practical sense, work instructions may be written, drawings,
photographs, computer menu options, machine care/ operation, work production documentation etc.
Work instructions deal with shop-floor level of activities. Their purpose is to clearly direct the
operator as to what has to be done, and what standard of workmanship is required to control
significant aspects.

5.2 NABL
5.2.1 Introduction
NABL has developed “Specific Criteria” for each discipline of testing and calibration to provide
information on the additional requirements for each field /discipline of accreditation. Laboratories
seeking accreditation for site calibration/ testing must also meet the requirements outlined in the
Specific Criteria relevant to that field /discipline.
National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) provides
accreditation to Conformity Assessment Bodies (Laboratories). NABL Schemes include
Accreditation (Recognition) of Technical competence of testing, calibration, medical testing

23
 laboratories, Proficiency testing providers (PTP) & Reference Material Producers (RMP) for a
specific scope following ISO/IEC 17025 Standards.
NABL is a constituent board of Quality Council of India which is an autonomous body setup under
Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and
Industry, Government of India.
NABL provides accreditation in all major fields of Science and Engineering such as Biological,
Chemical, Electrical, Electronics, Mechanical, Fluid-Flow, Non-Destructive, Photometry,
Radiological, Thermal & Forensics disciplines under testing facilities and Electro-Technical,
Mechanical, Fluid Flow, Thermal, Optical & Radiological disciplines under Calibration facilities. In
the field of Medical Testing laboratories accreditation is granted in Clinical Biochemistry, Clinical
Pathology, Haematology & Immunohematology, Microbiology & Serology, Histopathology,
Cytopathology, Genetics, Nuclear Medicine (In-vitro tests only) disciplines. In addition, NABL
offers accreditation for Proficiency testing providers.

Fig. 5.1 NABL Logo

5.3 National Physical Laboratory

The National Physical Laboratory is the National Metrology Institute of India and a Premier Research
Laboratory in the field of Physical Sciences.
The National Physical Laboratory was conceptualized in 1943 by the Governing Body of
Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), with a view to pave the way for using
science and technology as a means for industrial growth and development, as well as to give fillip to
the fledgling Indian industry. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the then Prime Minister of India, laid the
foundation stone for the laboratory on January 4, 1947 and it was one of the first National Laboratory
to be set-up under the CSIR.

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 Maintenance of standards of measurements in India
Each modernized country, including India has a National Metrological Institute (NMI), which
maintains the standards of measurements. This responsibility has been given to the National Physical
Laboratory, New Delhi.

5.4 Why Laboratory Accreditation?

Accreditation is the third-party attestation related to a conformity assessment body conveying the
formal demonstration of its competence to carry out specific conformity assessment tasks.
Conformity Assessment Body (CAB) is a body which includes Testing including medical
Laboratory, Calibration Laboratory, Proficiency Testing Provider, Certified Reference Material
Producer.
Laboratory accreditation is a procedure by which an authoritative body gives formal recognition of
technical competence for specific tests/ measurements, based on third party assessment and following
international standards.
Similarly, Proficiency testing Provider accreditation gives formal recognition of competence for
organizations that provide proficiency testing. Reference Material Producers Accreditation gives
formal recognition of competence to carry out the production of reference materials based on third
party assessment and following international standards.

5.4.1 Benefits of Accreditation:

Formal recognition of competence of a conformity assessment body by NABL in accordance with
international standard has many advantages:
● International recognition,
● Access to Global market,
● Time and money efficient,
● Enhanced customer confidence and satisfaction,
● Robust Quality Management System,
● Continual improvements,
● Better operational control,
● Assurance of accurate and reliable results,
● Cost Reduction,
● Prevent loss due to defects

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 Benefits of Laboratory Accreditation
Formal recognition of competence of a laboratory by NABL in accordance with international criteria
has many advantages:
● A ready means for customers to identify and select reliable testing, measurement and calibration
services that are able to meet their needs.
● Increased confidence in Testing/ Calibration Reports issued by the testing, calibration and
medical testing laboratories which emphasise on accuracy and reliable results.
● The results from accredited laboratories are used extensively by regulators for the public benefit
in the provision of services that promote an unpolluted environment, safe food, clean water,
energy, health and social care services.
● Better control of laboratory operations and feedback to laboratories as to whether they have a
sound Quality Assurance System and are technically competent.
● Helpful in participating in tenders that require independently verified laboratories.
● Potential increase in business due to enhanced customer confidence and satisfaction: Accredited
laboratories receive a form of international recognition, which allows their data and results to be
more readily accepted in overseas markets. Accreditation helps to reduce costs for manufacturers
and exporters who have their products or materials tested in accredited laboratories, by reducing
or eliminating the need for retesting in another country.
● Customers can search and identify the laboratories accredited by NABL for their specific
requirements from the NABL website or Directory of Accredited Laboratories.
● Users of accredited laboratories enjoy greater access for their products, in both domestic and
international markets.
● Savings in terms of time and money due to reduction or elimination of the need for re-testing of
products.

5.4.2 Benefits of Accreditation for Proficiency Testing Providers

The benefits of proficiency testing are widely recognized. These include:
● Many laboratories operate in isolation from other laboratories and do not have ongoing
opportunities to compare their data with others. Without such opportunities there are risks that
the data of a laboratory may have errors, biases or significant differences when compared to data
from other similar laboratories. Proficiency testing provides an opportunity to undertake such
comparisons and to have an independent appraisal of the laboratory’s data compared to reference
values (or other performance criteria) or to the performance of similar laboratories. The results
from such participation provide laboratory managers with either a
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● confirmation that the laboratory’s performance is satisfactory or an alert that an investigation of
potential problems within the laboratory is required.
● Comparison of the performance of a facility’s performance with that of other participating (peer)
facilities
● Monitoring of the long-term performance of a facility.
● Improvement in the performance of tests/calibrations following investigation and identification
of the cause(s) of unsatisfactory PT performance, and the introduction of corrective action to
prevent re-occurrence
● Staff education, training and competence monitoring
● Evaluation of methods, including the establishment of method precision and accuracy
● Contribution to the facility’s overall risk management system
● Confidence building with interested parties, e.g., customers, accreditation bodies, regulators,
specifiers.
Proficiency testing providers play an important role in the value chain for assurance of products and
services. Being an NABL accredited PTP in accordance with ISO/IEC 17043 gives the organization
credibility for their PT service.

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 6 CONCLUSION

In fare labs, there are five departments for calibration:

● Mechanical Metrology
● Electro-technical Department
● Thermal Department
● Fluid Flow Metrology
● Dimension Lab
Working at Mechanical Lab, I acquired skills in calibrating DUC in accordance with standards,
preparing excel sheets, and drafting reports in order to keep track of data about the equipment.
Moreover, I have obtained a thorough understanding of how to dispatch the calibrated DUC and
retrieve information from the receiving end. In terms of the process, we must take the following
steps:
● Entry of the DUC in job order slip
● Calibrate the DUC and note down the readings, calibrated date, make/model, SRF no. and Serial
no.
● Make its draft report and excel sheet.
● Packed it properly
● Finally Dispatch to the client or customer.

Calibration is vital to ensure accurate measurements, and accurate measurements are required
virtually across all industries of most products and services we use every day for research,
development, and innovation.

“In short, if measurement results matter, calibration matters.”

The next time you turn on a light, drive a car, take medication, use a computer or phone, or use
millions of other man-made things, consider that the product or service you’re using likely depended
on accurate R&D, measurements, and calibration to deliver the safety, comfort, and reliability we all
depend on.
The image below helps illustrate, by industry, the hidden ubiquity, importance, and role of calibration
in our daily lives.

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 Fig. 6.1 Calibration in our daily lives

The Importance of Calibration in the Future

The importance of calibration only grows in the future. The further we push technology; the more
precise measurements need to be and the greater the significance of calibration. In the future, we can
expect even more technologically advanced transportation systems, requiring even more precise
measurements that need to be assured by calibration. As an example, think of the driverless cars that
we are beginning to see on our roads today and that will increasingly be a part of the transportation
system of the future. All of us will feel a bit better about driverless cars knowing that the accuracy of
their precise measurement systems passes an increased level of assurance provided by calibration.

In short, calibration is important because it helps keep your world efficiently running, progressive,
and safe. If you ever need something to be grateful for, look at the things around you and be thankful
for the quiet role calibration plays in your life.

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 7 REFERENCES

1. FARE Labs Calibration Procedure & NABL-129.

2. NABL 129 Specific Criteria for Accreditation of Calibration Laboratories (Mechanical, Fluid
Flow, Radiological, Electro-Technical & Thermal Calibration).
3. DKD-R 6-1: Calibration of pressure gauges.
4. NABL: 141:2016 Guideline for Estimation and Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement.
5. IS: 3944 – 1982 Determination of Flow time by use of Flow cups.
6. ASTM D1200 – 10 Standard Test Method for Viscosity by Ford Viscosity Cup.
7. OIML R76-1 - non-automatic weighing instruments Part 1: Metrological and technical
requirements – Tests.
8. OIML R111 - OIML R111: Weights of classes E1, E2, F1, F2, M1, M2, M3.
9. GUM Guidelines for Uncertainty Measurement.
10. Standard Operating Procedure for calibration (FARE Labs).

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