Applied Metrology Laboratory
The Applied Metrology Laboratory is integrated in the Scientific Instrumentation Centre / Metrological Quality Unit of LNEC
Established in 1993, it became the first accredited LNEC laboratory in 1995. Since then, its technical competence has been steadily recognized by The Portuguese Institute for Accreditation (IPAC) as a calibration and testing laboratory, providing metrological support to the activities carried out by LNEC-EM's laboratories. Also, a special reference must be made to the experimental support to R&D&I activities developed at LNEC’s Departments and its response to the metrological needs of some sectors of Society such as the academic and laboratory community, civil construction and public works, as well as industry and services.
Activity areas
The activity of UMA is developed in three distinct areas:
- Metrological traceability of measurement systems, equipment and standards;
- Metrological characterization of measuring systems, equipment and standards;
- Support to R&D& I activities within Applied Metrology field.
The metrological traceability aims to establish traceable calibration chains to international standards of the International System (SI) Metrological characterization consists of the study, analysis and evaluation of characteristics that determine the quality and performance of measurement systems and equipment. The activity in support to R&D&I developed at UMA consists of experimental activities of a metrological nature, associated with the planned research projects within Civil Engineering and Applied and Fundamental Metrology.
Testing
As part of its accreditation activity UMA performs calibration and metrological testing of measurement systems, equipment and standards, particularly in the following fields:
Dimensional and geometrical quantities:
- micrometres;
- dial gauges;
- displacement transducers;
- sieves, callipers;
- metallic moulds;
- extensometers;
- scales;
- tape measures and geometry components.
Quantities of mass, force and pressure:
- weighing instruments;
- weights;
- force testing machines;
- force transducers;
- dynamometers and dynamometer rings;
- pressure gauges; and
- transducers.
Quantities of temperature and humidity:
- liquid-in-glass thermometers;
- digital thermometers;
- platinum resistance thermometers;
- thermocouples;
- thermistors;
- stoves;
- climatic chambers;
- ovens and muffles;
- thermoanemometers;
- thermo-hygrometers and thermo-hygrographs.
Combined quantities:
- charpy impact tests machines;
- skid testers;
- ultrasonic flow meters.
Other services
In addition to calibration and metrological testing, the Applied Metrology Laboratory also provides other services that stand out for their complexity and innovation, in particular studies aiming at the characterization of measuring systems and equipment used in Civil Engineering. The metrological infrastructure UMA provides support to R&D&I activities related to Civil Engineering, such as:
- Research studies for the development of new standards, new measurement methods, as well as mathematical and computer models of measurement systems;
- Cooperation in multidisciplinary teams, aiming to design and develop new equipment and new methods of measurement;
- Expert advice for research projects;
- Support to construction sector activities, in particular, the metrological characterization of components and experimental setups.