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5620: Volume Metrology Seminar

The 5-day OWM volume metrology seminar is designed to enable metrologists to apply fundamental measurement concepts to volume calibrations. A large percentage of time is spent on hands-on measurements, applying procedures and equations discussed in the classroom. The seminar focuses on the comprehension and application of the procedures, the equations, calculations involved, and the operation of the laboratory equipment, review of publications, standards, specifications, and tolerances relevant to the measurements. Training covers volume calibration procedures published in NISTIR 7383 as well as supplemental procedures from NISTIR 6969. Specific volume transfer procedures include SOP 14, 16, 18, 19, 21, and 31. SOP 14 is a gravimetric volume procedure and builds on the mass procedures SOP 2 and SOP 4 (thus the prerequisite for the Mass Metrology Seminar). This course is suitable for the calibration of volumetric standards for NIST HB 105-2, HB 105-3, HB 105-4, and concepts related to HB 105-7. The entire seminar incorporates statistical analysis, process measurement control methods, uncertainty analyses, traceability assessments, and generation of ISO/IEC 17025 compliant calibration certificates for all measurements made during the seminar and builds on the concepts covered in the Fundamentals of Metrology and Mass seminars.

Learning Objectives:

At the end of this seminar, using Standard Operating Procedures 2, 14, 17, 18, 19, 21, 29, 30, and 31 and Good Measurement Practices 3, 11, and 13, participants will be able to:

  • Accurately CALIBRATE volumetric glassware, field standard test measures and provers, LPG provers;
  • EVALUATE compliance of volumetric standards to NIST Handbook 105-2 and other documentary standards;
  • IMPLEMENT measurement assurance practices to monitor the measurement standards and processes;
  • CALCULATE and REPORT correct measurement results and uncertainties; and
  • PREPARE calibration certificates for volumetric calibrations that are ISO/IEC 17025 compliant.

Materials & Supplies:

Several notebooks and files (spreadsheets and documents) are provided.

Prerequisite(s):

Successful completion of the Fundamentals of Metrology Seminar AND the Mass Metrology Seminar are required. The Volume Metrology seminar is built on the concepts learned during the Fundamentals of Metrology Seminar, applying units, measurement uncertainty, measurement assurance, traceability and Quality Management System concepts as well as the buoyancy concepts and precision mass calibrations that are required for successful completion of gravimetric volume calibrations.

Pre-Work:

Reading and Excel preparation guidance will be provided by the instructors prior to the seminar.

Minimum Requirement(s):

To receive a Certificate for this course, successful completion requires participants to attend 100 % of the course, actively participate (e.g., take notes, engage in discussions, ask questions), complete all classroom, homework*, and application exercise assignments, submit assigned calibration certificates, and receive at least 70 % on the final written exam. A written final exam will contribute 50 percent of the grade and the class and laboratory exercises will be 50 percent of the grade. A passing grade (70 % minimum) on all components of the course is required to obtain a training certificate that indicates “successful completion”.

*Homework note: students generally report taking one to two hours for homework each night.

Audience:

State weights and measures officials and industry metrologists.

Cost:

The current fee for this seminar is $2,400. The payment deadline for this seminar is May 25, 2020. Registration fees for State weights and measures regulatory officials and metrologists are funded by NIST OWM.

Instructor(s):

Val Miller
Jose Torres
Isabel Chavez
Mike Hicks

Technology Requirement(s):

You will need to bring a 10-digit scientific calculator to use during this seminar. Participants MUST be familiar with the use of the hand-held scientific calculator. Additionally, use of a laptop or tablet PC is essential to success in the seminar. Participants must have access to Microsoft Excel (versions 2010 to present are acceptable) and be able to open and use template Excel workbooks that will be provided on either CD-ROM or USB media. You must also be able to save/store files to USB media devices to facilitate printing. There will be no internet service provided during the seminar.

Sponsors

NIST Office of Weights and Measures

You will need a government-issued photo ID (e.g., passport or driver's license) when you check into the Visitors Center at the entrance of NIST on Monday morning. If you will be driving, please bring your Vehicle Registration card also. PLEASE NOTE: Effective July 21, 2014, under the REAL ID Act of 2005 (http://www.dhs.gov/real-id-public-faqs), agencies, including NIST, can only accept a state-issued driver's license or identification card for access to federal facilities if issued by states that are REAL ID compliant or have an extension. NIST currently accepts other forms of federally issued identification in lieu of a state-issued driver's license, such as a valid passport, passport card, DOD's Common Access Card (CAC), Veterans ID, Federal Agency HSPD-12 IDs, Military Dependents ID, Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC), and TSA Trusted Traveler ID. See Visitor Information for the latest information.

Created October 18, 2019, Updated June 2, 2021