That's why it pays to ensure flowmeters are tested regularly and by professionals. So, what aspects need to be considered when choosing a testing laboratory?
The National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) - Australia's government-endorsed provider of accreditation for laboratories and testing facilities – outlines key considerations for companies wishing to calibrate, or test, their flowmeters.
Flowmeters are essential to the monitoring of manufacturing flows across many industries, from food processors to pharmaceutical companies as well as mining and water authorities. Correct calibration and attuning of flowmeters ensures accurate, safe and efficient water or product movement and can be an important part of saving money.
When looking for a calibration laboratory, it advises that customers should check that the laboratory holds NATA accreditation as this provides assurance of the technical competence of the laboratory.
Through the NATA certification process, independent technical experts regularly evaluate that the facility complies with requirements of ISO/IEC 17025 and that it can achieve the accuracy it claims, or the accuracy specified in an Australian or international standard.
The NATA assessment process involves technical evaluation of staff competence, accommodation, environment, calibration methods, equipment, traceability, measurement uncertainty, handling of test items, quality assurance measures and reporting.
To underpin technical expertise, the laboratory is also assessed to ensure that it has a management system based on ISO 9001 principles that ensures consistency of work and a focus on meeting the customer's requirements.
This is important because these are the areas where errors can occur and where inaccuracies can accumulate. NATA has been accrediting laboratories since 1947. Our requirements are based on the accumulated knowledge of what can go wrong in a laboratory.
NATA accreditation is also important because an incorrectly calibrated instrument can have a significant flow-on effect for a company's products and services, possibly involving product recall or even litigation. The proper calibration of instrumentation relies heavily on the skill, expertise and technical knowledge of the individuals performing the calibration.
ABB's Flowmeter Calibration Laboratory at Moorebank in Sydney is not only NATA accredited, but it also meets all the criteria outlined by NATA as essential when selecting testing facilities.
The laboratory can test flowmeters ranging from one millimetre in diameter (such as those used for highly accurate chemical dosing in the pharmaceutical industry) up to 750mm in diameter.
The ABB flow metering operations in Australia have been NATA-accredited since its establishment in 1977 and its highly skilled team of engineers and flow measurement technicians continue to provide the expertise our customers need to have confidence in their measurement equipment. This is critical when accuracy is so vital when monitoring the movement of product and generating revenue.
We can also refurbish, design and locally manufacture a completely customised electromagnetic flow meter to suit your application and specifications.
If you would like to be assured that your flowmeters are operating accurately, or you have a need for a custom build electromagnetic flowmeter please contact our team via phone: 1800 222 435 or email: au-instrumentation.service@abb.com
