Metrology is defined as the science that deals with measurement and includes the set of methodologies and tools used to attribute a measure to a quantity. There are countless fields that are based on the precise measurement of quantities, therefore metrology has a direct influence on human activities at any level: including scientific research, technological innovation, quality of life, industry and commerce. Without precise, accurate and reliable measures, the exchange of goods and services would be inefficient, and businesses would find it difficult to innovate and compete.
Metrology uses precision instruments that must be regulated; these instruments must provide results referable to the fundamental quantities defined in the international measurement system; furthermore, the tests and measurements must be referable to a certification, accreditation and calibration system. In Italy, the only body authorized by the state to carry out the accreditation of calibration laboratories is ACCREDIA.
“Interlaboratory Comparison”: the comparison of measurements between laboratories
The activities of “Interlaboratory Comparison ILC” fall within the broader scope of Proficiency Testing, one of the fundamental activities that make it possible to keep the national and international metrological system robust and reliable.
These are tests carried out to evaluate the performance of a laboratory against pre-established criteria, through comparisons with other ISO 17025 accredited laboratories and with primary metrological institutes (NMI) such as reference laboratories. These comparisons are managed by Proficiency Testing Providers (PTP) accredited according to ISO/IEC 17043.
According to this standard, the accredited interlaboratory assessment tests are carried out to:
- evaluate specific tests or measurements and monitor laboratory performance on an ongoing basis;
- identify problems and implement actions for improvement, if problems are related, for example, to inadequate testing or measurement procedures, deficiencies in the effectiveness of staff training and supervision or equipment calibration;
- define the effectiveness and comparability of testing or measurement methods;
- guarantee greater reliability to laboratory customers;
- train the laboratories participating in the PTs based on the results of such comparisons;
- validate the statements of uncertainty.
The Libra LAT laboratory 01021
, at the Hemina Spa production center, is a calibration laboratory accredited by ACCREDIA in compliance with the EN ISO 17025: 2017 standard for the calibration of instruments for measuring Volume, Mass and Flow of liquids, as well as flow meters produced by ISOIL Industria, and third-party meters.
This laboratory includes 8 calibration lines that guarantee the possibility of calibrating instruments from DN3 to DN3000, for a flow rate range from 0.0036 l/s to 4000 l/s. Currently Libra LAT 237 is the largest laboratory in Italy and one of the largest in Europe for water metrology.
Libra LAT 01021 applies measurement methods and calibration procedures accredited by ACCREDIA, uses reference standards with accredited calibration certificates and counts on the state-of-the-art technological equipment.
But this is not enough, to ensure maximum reliability and accuracy of measurements and calibrations Libra regularly participates in Inter Laboratory Comparison (ILC) and Bilateral Interlaboratory Comparison (BILC).
The continuous commitment and the choice of the laboratory to regularly check and evaluate its measurement performance using PT Providers of primary European level, is a guarantee of quality.
The positive results of the measurement comparisons performed up to now are the objective evidence of the reliability of the performance that the Libra LAT 237 Laboratory delivers daily to its customers.
If your company needs calibration reports or certificates for the above-mentioned quantities for instruments of any brand and based on different measurement principles, you can get in touch with ISOIL Industria: the efficient and qualified calibration service of Libra LAT 01021 is at your disposal.