Our flow meter calibration experts are highly experienced with the methods used in national and international test codes for a wide range of flow meters and fluids handling equipment. We are actively involved in the development of new testing techniques to keep up with today’s technology.
Our clients include power generators, potable and wastewater operators, petrochemical producers and government agencies—anyone who requires high accuracy flow measurements to calculate process uncertainty, perform acceptance testing, or handle custody transfer.
Traceability and Quality Assurance
As the largest independent supplier of National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) traceable water flow meter calibrations in the United States, we maintain the highest level of professionalism and integrity. We are committed to providing you with accurate, complete, and independent data.
Traceability of our Materials and Test Equipment (M&TE) is based on a series of artifacts traceable to national standards (NIST) for mass, time, temperature, and differential pressure.
Our quality system is designed to the requirements of ISO/IEC 17025, an international reference for laboratories to carry out calibration and testing activities around the world—developed by a committee of worldwide laboratory experts. In addition, the Nuclear Users Procurement Issues Committee (NUPIC) conducts regular surveys of our quality program, and we often provide commercial-grade calibrations for the nuclear industry. (Note our vendor number is 1077.)
We operate with continual improvement in mind. Our quality program and test methods are open for external review, and we promote our flow meter calibration leadership through education and the adoption of new technology and techniques into our best practices.
Did you know?
Virtually all flow meters used in nuclear power propulsion systems for the U.S. Navy have been tested at Alden.
Standard Test Program
We match each test meter to the calibration facility that is best suited to provide optimum accuracy. Eight of our test loops use the gravimetric method (primary standard) to measure flow. Our largest test line uses a master Venturi to measure flow (a secondary standard). Our test methods meet ASME/ANSI MFC-9M "Measurement of Liquid Flow in Closed Conduits by Weighing Method" and ISO 4185 "Measurement of Liquid Flow in Closed Conduits - Weighing Method."
Standard calibration includes 12 test points covering a range of Reynolds numbers— from the maximum attainable to about 10% of the maximum. Clients may supply external specifications to supplement our standard test program, including additional test points or modifications to the test range for their specific applications. Additionally, our spacious test floor allows us to reproduce plant piping geometry, including elbows, tees, or flow straighteners in order to evaluate the influence of specific upstream piping on flow meter performance.
Flow Measurement Uncertainty
Flow measurement uncertainty is estimated using ASME PTC 19.1, and the Joint Committee for Guides in Metrology (JCGM) 100 series—Guide to the expression of uncertainty in measurement (GUM series). Uncertainty values are dependent on the test line.
Flow Meter Calibration
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+1 508.829.6000
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Accreditation
ISO/IEC 17025 Accreditation
