Friday, July 12, 2013
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
T1 - Train the Trainer: Creating an Excellent Training Program
Georgia Harris, NIST W & M
This session will cover the elements associated with the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) standard and the associated activities of several organizations in moving toward compliance with this benchmark. Resources and examples will be shared for each element of the standard. This session will be especially useful for training directors and leaders in the metrology training community to become more familiar with this standard and then to develop and implement compliant programs.
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
T2 - Train the Trainer: Making Effective Presentations
Dilip Shah, E = mc3 Solutions
Technical Subject matter experts are frequently required to train a broad spectrum of individuals, including co-workers. They frequently think that facts, statistics and data speak for themselves. Facts require analysis, assessment, and evaluation. Facts require translation and interpretation from their knowledge base to that of the audience. The key to successfully presenting complex information is not what they say or do but what their audience hears and sees. Their ability to communicate simply, passionately and clearly will often determine whether the audience understands the content being delivered. This workshop shall demonstrate some effective presentation techniques with hands on exercises that will change the way one makes their presentations in the future.
Saturday and Sunday, July 13 - 14, 2013
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
T3 - An Introduction to Instrument Control and Calibration Automation in LabVIEW
Logan Kunitz, National Instruments
Automation of instrument calibration improves repeatability of service, reduces manpower requirements, and improves service margin. Many calibration laboratories understand the benefits of automation, but feel they lack the appropriate software development skills to perform coding tasks. Modern programming environments and tools are extremely powerful, but can seem daunting to laboratory engineers. Alleviating these concerns, a number of software companies supply simplified tools and libraries to ease the interactions between calibration standards and automation software. Additionally, programming tools exist that are designed with the automation engineer in mind. During this two day hands-on tutorial, session participants will explore the LabVIEW environment, learn to develop, instrument control, data-logging, and measurement analysis applications. At the end of the course, they will be able to create applications using basic design templates and architectures to automate processes, acquire, process, display, and store real-world data.
Saturday, July 13, 2013
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
T4 - ASTM E617: Standard Specification for Laboratory Weights and Precision Mass Standards (2013 Revision)
Val Miller, NIST OWM & Mark Ruefenacht, Heusser Neweigh
Mass reference standards are used daily in metrology laboratories for calibration of weights, torque devices, force gauges, balances, and other gravimetric applications; and used extensively in measurement assurance and quality control programs for intermediate checks of weighing instruments for accuracy and proper functioning. In 2013 ASTM E617: Standard Specification for Laboratory Weights and Precision Mass Standards was updated to meet the changing needs in industry and metrology. While the overarching goal was to align with international standards such as OIML R111: Weights of Classes E1-M3, Metrological & Technical Requirements, the outcome was a major revision to the weight class standards, specifications, and recommendations applicable to users in the U.S. New requirements resulting from the new tolerance classes ASTM Class 00 and Class 000 will be reviewed with application recommendations. Additionally, we will compare and contrast the three documentary standards (ASTM E617, OIML R111 & NIST Handbook 105-1: Specification and Tolerances for Field Standard Weights, NIST Class F) used for weights specifications and tolerances in the US; and apply various accreditation requirements from ISO/IEC 17025:2005.
At the end of this workshop, using your handouts and notes, you will be able to name the three major weight specifications used in the US, differentiate between the various weight classes, differentiate between appropriate mass calibration methods, choose the proper weight class for your measurement requirements, and outline the traceability of your mass measurements or weighing instruments. This workshop is recommended for metrologists, calibration technicians, ISO/IEC 17025 assessors, accrediting body personnel, and users of weights in the analytical laboratory and field calibration of weighing instruments.
T5 - Fundamentals of Calibration in Dimensional Metrology
Jim Salisbury, Amosh Kumar, Gordon Skattum, Mitutoyo
This tutorial provides an overview of calibration techniques and key issues in dimensional metrology. This tutorial will include a variety of hands-on practical calibration exercises. All the major types of dimensional calibrations will be discussed. We will start by studying the calibration, use, and traceability issues of the standards used in the field, such as gage blocks, ring gages, optical flats, thread wires, and length standards. We will then discuss the calibration of common small measuring tools such as micrometers, calipers, dial indicators, and height gages. Hands-on exercises in the calibration of small tools will include procedures, worksheets, and certificates. We will also discuss the field calibration of major instruments such as optical comparators and coordinate measuring machines. In addition to presenting specific calibration methods, a goal of the tutorial is on developing understanding of the principles behind the dimensional calibration methods thereby giving the attendee the necessary tools to extend the tutorial concepts to other types of calibrations. With that goal in mind, not only will recommended procedures be presented, but also optional methods, sources of errors and methods to reduce them, and techniques for estimating the uncertainty of measurement.
T6 - Understanding ISO/IEC 17025 Requirements and Most Common Deficiencies
Pamela Wright, A2LA
This full-day tutorial covers ISO/IEC 17025 requirements as well as the ten most commonly cited deficiencies for laboratories that are currently accredited, are in the process of obtaining their ISO 17025 accreditation or for those who are interested in applying the ISO 17025 requirements in their laboratory. Learning objectives for this half day workshop include:
- Introduction of the conformity assessment hierarchy
- Introduction of important words and phrases of the ISO 17025 standard
- Introduction of the requirements of ISO 17025
- Applying ISO 17025 requirements in the laboratory through team exercises
- Introduction of the most common ISO 17025 deficiencies and their root cause
This workshop is targeted for anyone who is interested in an overview of the ISO 17025 standard and how it is applied in an audit setting.
T8 - Pressure Metrology
Michael Bair, Fluke Calibration
This full day tutorial covers all the fundamental challenges of
calibrating pressure instruments. The first half of the tutorial
concentrates on the physics that have an effect on pressure measurement,
including measurement modes, engineering units, the equation for a dead
weight pressure gauge, the ideal gas law, surface tension and
viscosity. The discussion includes practical considerations such as
hardware selections, environmental concerns and data acquisition for
all modes, fluids and ranges. The second half applies those concepts to
hands on exercises with equipment supplied by the instructor. All
participants will have the opportunity to take low pressure gas and
high pressure oil calibrations. Error analysis and sources of
uncertainties are discussed that are relevant to the hands on
exercises.
T9 - Running the Effective Laboratory Better - Data Driven Improvements that Matter
Jesse Morse (Morse Metrology), Malcolm Smith (WesCan)
Today's business and organizational climates have usurped traditional
"seat-of-the-pants" calibration management by insisting on continuous
improvement and the use of data based management decisions. Caught up in
this new paradigm are independent calibration companies and calibration
laboratories operating within and servicing their own organizations.
This "How To" tutorial focuses on getting your calibration operation to
maximum operational effectiveness, which will lead you directly to
improvements in efficiencies. The tutorial covers five areas where
performance measurement is critical in running an effective calibration
operation. The five areas are: (1) customer satisfaction, (2) quality,
(3) service levels, (4) productivity, and (5) finance. You will learn a
range of necessary metrics and tools to help establish baselines and
laboratory performance over time, which you can use to establish goals
and monitor performance in each of the five mentioned areas.
Suggestions on how you might use these tools in practice will be
provided. Also, the tutorial includes examples of measurements you need
for process improvement projects, along with examples of real life,
practical experiences in implementing the many new ways of thinking
associated with the paradigm. Anyone involved in or responsible for
calibration management should take this tutorial.
Saturday, July 13, 2013
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
T7 - Fundamentals of Gas Flow Measurement
Robert DeRemer, CSA Group
The main thrust of the Fundamentals of Gas Flow Measurement tutorial will be the comparison of volumetric flow meters and mass flow meters used in gas flow measurement applications. Specific topics that will be covered will include principles of operation of various types of flow meters, factors that influence when to choose a mass flow meter or a volumetric flow meter, how to interpret performance specifications, how the various types of meters are calibrated, and an example of measurement uncertainty.
Saturday, July 13, 2013
1:00 - 5:00 PM
T10 - Microwave Network analysis and Power Calibrations
Bart Schrijver, Agilent Technologies
Introduction to microwave measurement concepts and specifically on
network analysis and RF power measurement. The measurement architecture
of both types of measurements will be shown and described in detail.
In addition topics like signal flow diagrams, S-parameters, network
analyzer calibration, calibration techniques, uncertainty analysis and
traceability for both network analysis and power measurements will be
reviewed.
T11 - Root Cause Analysis
Rob Knake, A2LA
This half day tutorial will provide tips and tools that can be used to identify the true root cause for identified problems/non-conformities. Many standards such as ISO/IEC 17025 & ISO 9001 require your quality management systems have a procedure for investigating and eliminating the root cause of a non conformance during the corrective action process. Learning objectives for this half day workshop includes:
- Tips on how to start a Root Cause Analysis (RCA)
- Principles of RCA
- How to identity the different types of causes
- General process for performing a RCA
- Tools and Techniques for performing a RCA
- Pitfalls to avoid when performing a RCA
- Examples of RCAs
This workshop is targeted for anyone who is interested in improving their Root Cause Analysis techniques to ensure that their corrective actions are effective and resolve the identified problems/non-conformities.
T12 - Control Charts and Stability Analysis for Calibration Laboratory Reference Standards
Jeff Gust, Fluke Calibration
Instruction on how to develop control charts for reference standards utilized in the calibration laboratory. The tutorial will primarily discuss electrical standards, but the application is valid for any metrological discipline. The primary focus will be an in-depth discussion of using linear regression to have a more complete understanding of all sources of uncertainty associated with reference standards. The tutorial also provides ideas about using control charts for daily use of check standards for calibrations that may perform a single measurement such as gage blocks. Real world examples of Laboratory Reference Standards will be used during the tutorial. The tutorial covers:
- The mathematics of linear regression
- The mathematics to determine the uncertainty of the regressed value
- The mathematics to estimate the uncertainty for predicted values based on linear regression
- How to build your own spreadsheets and control charts in Excel
- Analyzing data from a regression analysis
- Outlier detection and data purging techniques
- Consideration for accounting for uncertainty of reference standards that do not appear to be stable
- Using control charts in daily work for a more complete understanding of the measurement uncertainty for a given process.
Sunday, July 14, 2013
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
T15 - Calibration of Microwave Power Sensors
Andy Brush, Tegam
Sensors that measure low-power (below 100 mW) levels of guided RF
energy in the frequency range from 100 kHz to over 100 GHz have a wide
range of industrial uses. Traceability of these sensors to the SI units
is complicated, involving conversion of RF energy to thermal energy
and substituting DC energy. Additionally, measurement of RF scattering
parameters is required to reduce error in calibration transfer. When the
measurand is calculated from complex scattering parameters, DC voltage
and DC resistance, the propagation of uncertainty is particularly
involved. This tutorial starts with a theoretical basis for the
transfer of RF power, then explains the practice of actually
calibrating and adjusting RF power sensors, including the measurement
of power nonlinearity. After a theoretical foundation is established,
practical examples will be worked, showing students how to create their
own uncertainty budgets for RF power calibrations. Multiple methods for
estimating uncertainty will be presented. To cap the tutorial, a
common RF power sensor will be calibrated and adjusted using commercial
automation software, and the setup and output will be explained from
the perspective of the lab technician. This class is suitable for most
technicians or engineers with a basic knowledge of RF equipment.
Complex numbers and differential calculus are employed, briefly,
however skill with these concepts are not required for this course.
T16 - Applying LEAN techniques in a Calibration Laboratory Environment
Dean Williams (Duke Energy), Tom Knight (Invistics Corp)
This hands-on and practical interactive one day
tutorial provides participants with a basic knowledge of the history and
principles of LEAN and how those principles might apply to a
calibration laboratory environment. The tutorial will also present
examples of actual recent LEAN initiatives applied at the Duke Energy
Standards Lab which reduced waste and calibration turn times while
streamlining overall operations. The participants will then use this
background knowledge to identify and develop strategies for application
to their own specific calibration operation. All participants will be
provided with a student workbook which documents the information that
was presented, contains useful exercises, and provides a list of helpful
resources for future reference and study.The participants will be able
to:
- Identify the basic tenants of LEAN
- Define key LEAN terminology (e.g. Jidoka, Muda, Mura)
- Create and evaluate simple Value Stream Maps
- Identify the different types of "waste" within their laboratory.
- Apply basic PULL and related LEAN principles to improve throughput and reduce turn times and inventory needs.
- Optimize inventory levels of various instrument
types using LEAN methods, to prevent excessive testing requirements
while ensuring availability of all necessary instruments
- Utilize existing data to improve flow and implement LEAN pull methods.
T17 - Auditing, Traceability, and Auditing Traceability
Barbara Belzer, Kari Harper (NIST NVLAP), Isabelle Amen (SCC)
This tutorial will be of interest to managers and staff of
laboratories with new or mature quality systems. It will cover what
constitutes objective evidence by stepping through the internal audit
process, including skills that an auditor needs to have to be
effective. The tutorial will emphasize the importance of records for
all aspects of the management system including reference documents,
method validation and their interdependency with metrological
traceability and reporting results. Using the described internal audit
process prior to an on-site assessment companies new to the
accreditation process as well those with mature quality systems will be
able to prepare better for an upcoming on-site assessment.
T23 - Pipette Calibration, Use, and Uncertainty for the Metrologist, Assessor and Laboratory User
Dr. George Rodrigues and Mark Ruefenacht
Pipettes and other Piston Operated Volumetric Apparatus (POVA) are
taking an increasingly important role in the laboratory for accurate
small volumetric measurements. These devices are numerous, relatively
inexpensive and deceptively simple in appearance and function.
Experience shows many misconceptions and inconsistencies in use,
calibration and uncertainty analysis of pipettes. This hands-on workshop
will address proper pipette usage, pipette calibration, volume
measurement methods, and uncertainty analysis. Participants
will learn and practice proper pipetting technique, and investigate the
impact that technique variation has on accuracy and precision of
dispensed volume. Sample uncertainty budgets for the calibration and use
of pipettes will be shared and reviewed. Both gravimetric
and photometric methods of volume measurement will be included, along
with means for establishing traceability to the SI. Participates
will use gravimetric and photometric equipment to evaluate the impact
that user, pipette and measurement method have on the overall
uncertainty to the calibration process.
Documentary standards and other resources for pipette user training,
specification setting, and creating or evaluating calibration methods
will be provided.
At the end of this workshop, using your handouts and notes, you will
demonstrate good pipette technique, describe the sources of errors in
pipette calibrations, and list the major components for estimating
measurement uncertainty in pipette calibrations and use. This workshop
is recommended for metrologists, calibration technicians, ISO/IEC 17025
assessors, accrediting body personnel, and users of pipettes and POVA in
the laboratory.
Sunday, July 14, 2013
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
T13 - Measurement Uncertainty
Suzanne Castrup, Integrated Sciences
This half-day tutorial provides an overview of important uncertainty analysis principles and methods contained in NCSLI RP-12-2013 Determining and Reporting Measurement Uncertainty. Best practices, procedures and guidelines for applying these principles and methods will be discussed and illustrated. This tutorial is intended for metrology and quality assurance personnel responsible for estimating and reporting measurement uncertainty.
T14 - Fundamentals of Temperature Calibration
Mike Coleman, Fluke Calibration
This presentation is a review of the fundamentals of temperature calibration. Topics include calibration equipment, calibration techniques, curve fitting issues, and the mathematics important to thermometry. Types of thermometers covered include platinum resistance thermometers, thermistors, thermocouples, and combined thermometer/readout systems. This segment is intended for those who are new to temperature calibration, those who need to validate what they already know, or those who just have some nagging questions that need to be answered.
T18 - Intermediate Dimensional Metrology
Ted Doiron, NIST
There are a large number of books on dimensional metrology, and a few classes and tutorials, but nearly all of them are at the beginner level - how to use the instruments for inspection. Thermal expansion, elastic deformation, stability, refractive index of air, closure and reversal methods, and the large collection of tricks-of-the-trade that make up Dimensional Metrology are generally ignored. This tutorial will be an overview of important techniques and concepts not covered in books and classes. Each concept will be presented with examples of how the techniques make measurements more accurate, and in some cases, more efficient.
T19 - Fundamentals of Torque Calibration
Henry Zumbrun, William Lane, Morehouse Instruments
This session covers the fundamentals of torque calibration. Topics include an overview of torque standards including ASTM-E2428 and BS7882, uncertainty of torque calibration standards, Type A and B uncertainty analysis, torque calibration equipment, calibration and testing of torque transducers, proper calibration techniques, error sources associated with torque calibration,and why proper torque measurement is more than just a traceable length and mass calibration. This segment will cover torque transducers as well as proper torque wrench use. There will be a "hands on" demonstration on how to properly use a torque wrench and the errors associated with improper handling. This segment is intended for those who are involved with torque calibration, those wanting to minimize the errors associated with improper use of torque equipment, and for those who have questions that need to be answered.
Sunday, July 14, 2013
1:00 - 5:00 PM
T20 - Measurement Decision Risk
Howard Castrup, Integrated Sciences
This tutorial presents methods for the analysis of measurement decision risk (MDR). These methods include classical analysis, Bayesian analysis and confidence level analysis. In addition to MDR analysis methods, a number of special topics are outlined, including estimating alternative measurement quality metrics, the development of test guardbands, the analysis of "true" vs. "observed" in-tolerance probability, developing risk-based confidence limits, uncertainty growth and MDR during use. A brief summary of related uncertainty analysis concepts and methods is also presented.
The tutorial is built around NCSLI's RP-18, Estimating and Evaluating Measurement Decision Risk. It is intended for individuals with a need to develop and apply tools for the control of MDR, with attention given to compliance with Z540.3. Although some college level math will be employed, related concepts will be fleshed out to ensure comprehension by attendees with moderate mathematical training.
T21 - Force Calibration
Mike Tovey, Tovey Engineering
Force calibration is a special discipline with many considerations not common to other areas of metrology. Often measurement uncertainties are underestimated due to the omission of significant error sources. Metrologists must consider both mechanical and electrical boundary conditions to achieve calibrations with low measurement uncertainties. Factors such as second order material responses, and interaction of undesired parasitic loading due to fixture characteristics, misalignment of load frame components, stiffness, etc. can have significant influence on the measurement result. This tutorial will cover the characteristics of force transducers, force calibration methods, force calibration standards (E74 and ISO 376) and measurement uncertainty models for primary standards, secondary standards and field transfer standards. The tutorial begins at a basic level and leads to discussion of more complex issues.
T22 - Fundamentals of Radiation Thermometry Calibration
Frank Liebmann, Fluke Calibration
This session is an overview of the basic knowledge necessary to perform radiation thermometer calibrations. The presentation is divided into two parts. The first part is a lecture covering the basics of radiation temperature measurement and infrared thermometry calibration. The second part is a hands-on portion which covers the steps necessary to make a calibration measurement, plus a number of tests to determine measurement uncertainty, and the computation of uncertainties following international standards. The attendee will be provided with a spreadsheet to facilitate the computation of uncertainty. The type of radiation thermometer covered in this presentation is an infrared thermometer with a thermopile detector and an 8 - 14 µm bandwidth. However, the principals taught are applicable to other classifications of radiation thermometers to include radiation thermometers with pyroelectric detectors and thermal imagers. The presentation is geared to those who are new to radiation thermometer calibration, those who need a refresher on the subject, and to those who would like to perform better calibrations.