Replicating Real-World Conditions

We understand the importance of calibrating flow meters to meet your specific needs. Instead of relying on generic or ideal conditions, we work to replicate real-world scenarios when calibrating your flow meter. This means performing calibrations using the correct piping layout, flow ranges, and measurement outputs—whatever fits your specific need. 

Our clients include power generators, potable and wastewater operators, petrochemical producers, and government agencies, or anyone who requires precise flow measurements for calculating process uncertainty, performing acceptance testing, or handling custody transfer..

Traceability and Quality Assurance

Our team of flow meter calibration experts is highly experienced in the methods used in national and international test codes for a wide range of flow meters and fluids handling equipment. We stay current with the latest technology and actively participate in the development of new testing techniques.

Ensuring traceability and quality assurance is a top priority for us. 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 utmost professionalism and integrity. Our commitment to accuracy, completeness, and independence means you can rely on the data we provide.

To guarantee traceability, our Materials and Test Equipment (M&TE) are based on a series of artifacts that can be traced back to national standards (NIST) for mass, time, temperature, and differential pressure.

Our quality system adheres to the requirements of ISO/IEC 17025, an international reference for laboratories conducting calibration and testing activities worldwide. This system was developed by a committee of laboratory experts from around the world. Additionally, we undergo regular surveys by the Nuclear Users Procurement Issues Committee (NUPIC) and often provide commercial-grade calibrations for the nuclear industry (vendor number 1077).

We are constantly striving for improvement. Our quality program and test methods are open to external review, and we actively promote our leadership in flow meter calibration 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 the Alden Campus in Holden, Massachusetts.

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

Lower uncertainties in the calibrations can help improve process efficiencies, something that is especially of interest to utilities and power producers. Alden's 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 ranges, and measurement outputs of respective flow meters. 

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