Volume Calibrations
17010C, 17020C, and 17030C

NIST provides calibration services for metal volumetric test measures in the range from 3.8 L to 7600 L (1 gallon to 2000 gallons). The procedure used for testing volumetric test measures is to weigh the amount of distilled water contained and/or delivered with reference to the graduations marked on the instrument, the volume being computed from the density of the water. The quality of the markings and the care exercised in reading or setting the liquid level are major factors in test calibration and usage.

NIST does not provide routine calibration services for glassware; however, NIST will accept factory standards and replacement glassware for the State Weights and Measures Offices or Departments, in the range of 10-2 L to 5 L, which conform to specified requirements. The technical contacts given below can give guidance on these requirements.

The volumetric test measures which are accepted for calibration should be free from dents, rust, etc. Special care should be taken by the customer to insure the cleanliness of the inside of the test measures. Should the test measure be equipped with a bottom drain valve, it is the customer's responsibility to insure that the valve be in proper working condition. These test measures should bear an inscription which indicates the nominal value of its volume, the thermal coefficient of expansion, an identification number, and its reference temperature. The scale plate should be legible in that the scale division can be estimated to one-tenth of a single division. NIST does not provided scale calibration. The zero index or the scale should, therefore, be adjusted prior to the calibration. The slicker-plate-type volume standards should be adjusted by the manufacturer.

To read more about our calibration service and see a sample report, see our Technical Notes and Publications.

The typical cost of calibration is $1,927 per test measure, for volumes smaller than 380 L (100 gallons); for volumes equal or larger than 380 L (> 100 gallons) the typical cost is $2,874 per test measure for a two-point determination (high uncertainty calibration) or $5,751 per test measure for a five-point determination (low uncertainty calibration). There are no discounts for multiple calibrations.

We deliver a calibration report per item tested that includes an uncertainty analysis.  The uncertainty of the vessel  will depend on its reproducibility and the uncertainty of any instrumentation associated with the determination of the vessel's volume. To read more about our procedures and uncertainties see our Technical Notes and Publications.

Turnaround time for a single vessel is approximately 3 weeks:

  1. Allow 2 weeks for shipping;
  2. 1 week for set-up, data collection, report writing and review.

However, please contact Sherry Sheckels to schedule the calibration of your instrument(s).

To have your volume provers calibrated:

  1. Contact Sherry Sheckels to schedule your calibration dates;
  2. Fax or mail a purchase order to Sherry Sheckels following purchase order guidelines and choosing a Service ID Number which can be found in the NIST Calibrations User's Guide SP 250, and
  3. Ship your test measure to Sherry Sheckels following shipping procedures outlined in the NIST Calibrations User's Guide SP 250.

 

Sherry D. Sheckels
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Fluid Flow Group 
100 Bureau Drive, Stop 8361 
Gaithersburg, MD  20899-8361 
Phone:  301-975-5940 
Fax:  301-258-9201
Email:  sherry.sheckels@nist.gov

John D. Wright
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Fluid Flow Group 
100 Bureau Drive, Stop 8361 
Gaithersburg, MD  20899-8361 
Phone:  301-975-5937
Fax:  301-258-9201 
Email: john.wright@nist.gov