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Metrology
Laboratory Services |
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For more information,
e-mail us or contact Steve Schultz, Chief State Metrologist, at:
(775) 688-1166 x 233
The State of Nevada Dept. of Agriculture, Division
of Measurement Standards, Metrology Laboratory is recognized by the
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) for traceability
of measurement standards to the national standards of mass and volume.
We are fully ISO 17025 compliant. In addition, the State Metrologist
has been certified by the NIST Weights and Measures Division for
advanced level measurements. The main laboratory in Sparks is
recognized for calibration in mass (Echelons II and III, with Echelon I
coming soon) and volume (Echelons I and II). The certified weights and
volume measures used by the weights and measures inspectors must be
checked to maintain their accuracy for the inspection and testing of
various scales and meters. As a service, the metrologist certifies
equipment of the registered service agencies and private industry.
A limited facility
is available in the Las Vegas area. The assistant state metrologist at
our Las Vegas satellite laboratory can perform calibrations on 25, 50,
500 and 1000 pound weights (NIST Class F), and 5 gallon test measures
only. See below for contact info.
To view the laboratories
NIST Recognition Certificate and demonstrated areas of proficiency,
please go to:
http://www.nist.gov/pml/wmd/labmetrology/upload/nv-cert-2011-2012.pdf
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Fees:
Fees are $80.00 per hour, minimum charge of ½ hour, for certification of
standards for use in testing noncommercial devices, and $40.00 per hour
for certification of standards for use in testing commercial devices (NIST
Class F). Mass standards of a tolerance class higher than NIST Class F
will be charged $80.00 per hour due to the use of higher level equipment
and standards, and the more stringent and time consuming testing
procedures involved. Fees are in accordance with
Nevada Administrative Code (NAC) 581.210.2(d).
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Scheduling and Turnaround Time:
To ensure a timely response and shorter turnaround time, calibration
services should be scheduled. While the laboratory schedules one to two
months in advance, small items can usually be fitted into the workload.
Our goal is a turnaround time of 5
working days for lower echelon standards, and 10 working days for upper
echelon standards.
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Shipping:
It is the customer’s responsibility to arrange shipment of their
equipment to and from the laboratory. When sending a package to the
laboratory, a filled out return shipment form shall be included. Small
individual items packed into cardboard boxes should be well wrapped or
protected with appropriate packaging materials. FOAM PEANUTS ARE NOT
ACCEPTABLE due to the excessive static generated. Containers or boxes
with small weights should be secured to prevent inadvertent opening
during shipment.
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Condition of Standards Submitted For Calibration:
All standards must be clean, and if needed,
painted, and be in a serviceable condition. Cleaning and/or repair of
standards by the metrology laboratory will add considerably to the cost
of calibration. Under no circumstances will the metrology laboratory
paint any customers weights.
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Mass:
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Cast iron weights should be free of rust, loose paint and clinging
debris. Excessive dirt, flaking paint and overall condition may be
cause for non-acceptance or rejection.
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Cast iron weights should be painted with a light coat of aluminum paint
(silver for avoirdupois, gold for metric weights). Weights painted with
epoxy or enamel paints will be rejected until the customer removes the
paint and repaints with the proper paint (refer to
NIST HB 105-1 Specifications and Tolerances for Field Standard Weights
NIST Class F).
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Occasionally, when large (500 and 1000 lb) weights require adjustment,
the cavity plug is frozen due to corrosion and cannot be removed. In
such a case, the weight will be rejected back to the customer for
removal of the plug, at which time he may resubmit the weight for
calibration.
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Homemade weights that do not meet the requirements of NIST HB 105-1 will
not be issued an official certificate of calibration as they are not
legal for use in testing commercial scales. However, the metrologist
may issue a memo to the customer stating the unofficial weight of the
item.
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Stainless steel weights may be gently wiped with an ethanol (ethyl
alcohol, pure grain alcohol) dampened cloth. Echelon I weights should
only be cleaned with an un-dampened soft cloth or a clean sable hair
brush only if there is visible debris or fingerprints.
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Volume:
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5-gallon field test measures should be cleaned internally and externally
with a mild detergent.
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Large volume provers should be cleaned internally and externally with a
mild detergent and all discharge pipes and/or hoses must be purged and
cleaned.
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Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) provers must be purged and thoroughly flushed
with water prior to submission to the laboratory.
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Provers and test measures can not be tested if they have not been
cleaned or are received with leaks, large dents, or badly corroded
interiors.
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All provers and test measures must meet the requirements of
NIST HB 105-3 Specifications and Tolerances for Graduated Neck Type
Volumetric Field Standards or
NIST HB 105-4 Specifications and Tolerances for Liquefied Petroleum Gas
and Anhydrous Ammonia Liquid Volumetric Provers.
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Useful Links:
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Where to Find Us: |
Sparks Main Laboratory
2150 Frazer Avenue
Sparks, NV 89431
Phone: (775) 688-1166 x 233
Fax: (775) 688-2533
Las Vegas Satellite Laboratory
2300 McLeod Street
Las Vegas, NV 89104
Phone: (702) 668-4555
Fax: (702) 668-4567
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