Updated 1/23/2009

Metrology Laboratory

For more information, e-mail us or contact Dan Wright, State Metrologist, at (360) 753-5042

The WSDA metrology laboratory is accredited for calibration in mass (Echelons I, II, and III) and volume (Echelons I and II).  

NVLAP LAB CODE 200446-0

Fees
Scheduling & Turnaround
Shipping
Preparing Standards for Calibration
Laws & Rules
Links
Location

[Top of Page]

Fees

The Metrology Laboratory charges $105.50 per hour, minimum of 1/2 hour, for all services performed at the metrology laboratory. The fee schedule is outlined in chapter 16-675 WAC.  

[Top of Page]

Scheduling and Turnaround

Calibration services must be scheduled. The laboratory typically schedules two to four months in advance. Small quantities and singular items (i.e., 5-gallon test measure, 2 each 50 lb. test weights...) can normally be worked into the workload.  

The WSDA Metrology Laboratory's goal is to turnaround items within 10 business days.  

[Top of Page]

Shipping

It is the customer's responsibility to arrange shipment of their standards to and from the laboratory. The customer must call in advance if they are going to hand-carry items to the laboratory. Large items shipped by truck must be palletized. Small individual items packed in cardboard boxes should be wrapped well or protected with appropriate packing materials. Foam peanuts are not acceptable. Small weight kits should be secured to prevent opening during shipment.  

[Top of Page]

Preparing Standards for Calibration

All standards delivered to the WSDA Metrology Laboratory must be cleaned, and where necessary painted, and in good repair. Cleaning and/or repair of standards in the metrology laboratory will add considerably to the calibration cost.  

Mass Standards

• Cast iron weights should be free of rust, loose paint, and adhering debris.
• Cast iron weights should be painted with a light coat of aluminum paint (silver for avoirdupois and gold for metric weights). Do not use epoxy or enamel paints.
• Stainless steel weights can be wiped down with an ethanol-dampened rag. Echelon I weights should only be cleaned if there is visible debris or fingerprints.
• If 'as found' values are desired before painting, two tests may be required. In this case contact the laboratory prior to cleaning and painting.

Volumetric Standards

• 5-gallon field test measures must be cleaned inside and out with a mild detergent. Make sure the glass gauge tube is cleaned and that the gauge scale plate is readable.
• Large volume provers must be cleaned inside and out with detergent and water and all discharge pipes and/or hoses must be purged and cleaned.
• Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) provers must be purged and thoroughly flushed with water prior to delivery to the laboratory.
• 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.

[Top of Page]

Laws & Rules

• Chapter 16-675 WAC
• Chapter 19.94 RCW

[Top of Page]

Links

• National Institute of Technology (NIST), Weights & Measure Division (WMD), Laboratory Metrology
• NIST, National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP)
• NIST NVLAP Scope of Accreditation, Lab Code 200446-0
• NIST WMD Certificate of Measurement Traceability

Location

[Top of Page]