Application of Metrological Approaches in the Design of Calibration Equipment for Verification of Float Level Gauges

Abstract

The paper deals with a scientific approach for an increase of accuracy of measurement and possibilities for automation of the standard equipment for calibration and verification of float level gauges. They are applied in high-capacity fuel storage tanks, and they are intended to measure the level of stored liquid hydrocarbons. In the submitted paper, we describe original approaches towards metrological control of float level gauges. Firstly, we present and describe the current ways of control by means of the standard equipment of the first generation with a precision caliper and manual measuring wire with the application of modern scientific and developing processes. A new system, whose design is based on research and development, represents a fully automated measuring system which utilizes the incremental optical encoder with a precision graduated ring and a rewind pulley. The paper deals with the issue of a design of the standard equipment and its measurement system from the standpoint of metrology and construction. Based on scientific procedures, we solve reasons of errors in measurement and their reduction on concrete components of the measurement system. The result is that, following the scientific approach and mathematical description of the determination of measurement uncertainties, constructors are able to design suitable tolerances for the production of components of measuring devices and related materials and technologies.

Keywords

• calibration
• verification
• accuracy of measurement
• precision of measurement
• production tolerances
• float level gauge
• incremental optical encoder