A significant role in the economy of any state is played by metrological standards, through which the physical parameters of various objects are measured. For this, measuring instruments are used, the application of which is regulated by certain provisions of the law. What is the specificity of metrology regulation in Russia? What legal norms characterize the approval and use of metrological measurements?
What is metrology?
To begin with, we will study some theoretical points that reflect the characteristics of metrology. Measuring instruments , metrological characteristics - terms related to this scientific field.
The main directions of metrology:
- measurement theory;
- application of physical quantities;
- the problems of determining the accuracy of certain measurements, as well as finding uniformity in approaches to them;
- selection of standards and samples, as well as their practical implementation in various fields of economy.
The main subject of study of the discipline under consideration is the methods and tools that are used to take into account certain objects, based on their mass, length, volume, power, etc.
The main concepts that are used in metrology:
- a physical parameter (which is a property of an object that distinguishes it according to certain criteria from others, even if they are sufficiently similar to it);
- measurement (a procedure involving the determination of a certain value by a physical parameter through the use of various tools and when compared with standard values);
- means of measurement and control - tools that are used to measure one or another unit of a physical parameter.
Speaking specifically about measuring instruments, it can be noted that such can be presented in several varieties. Let's consider them in more detail.
Classification
In the general case, it is customary to mean a measuring instrument as a technical tool used to measure certain objects that has normalized metrological parameters, and is capable of reproducing or storing certain physical parameters, the value of which is assumed to be constant within a specified time interval.
It can be noted that type approval of measuring instruments in Russia is carried out at the level of federal authorities, such as the Federal Agency for Technical Regulation and Metrology. What are the features of its classification? Measuring instruments (metrological characteristics are also closely related to this term) can be represented, in particular:
- a measure (as a means that is used to reproduce physical parameters of a specific size);
- a device (as a means that is used to generate a specific signal from the measurement data in a user-friendly form);
- a converter (as a means that is used to generate a signal from the measurement data, which is to be transmitted for further processing within the framework of the infrastructure involved);
- measuring system (as a set of tools that are used to generate measuring signals in the required format, including user-defined).
Another criterion for the classification of measuring instruments is the level of automation. So, they are:
- automatic;
- partially automated;
- tame.
Metrological measuring instruments can also be classified based on their standardization. So, they can be:
- standardized;
- unregulated.
Another criterion for the classification of measuring instruments is functionality within the verification scheme. So, they can be:
- standards;
- working tools.
Another important criterion for measuring instruments is the significance of the measured parameter. Based on the specified criterion, they can be:
- basic;
- auxiliary.
In the first case, a physical parameter is measured, which is important from the point of view of successfully solving the measurement problem. In turn, there are measuring instruments, the metrological characteristics of which involve the measurement of only those parameters that have a limited effect, but nevertheless important and require consideration.
Let us now consider the essence of the metrological characteristics of the instruments in question. One of the sources of data for us will be GOSTs that regulate the use of appropriate infrastructure.
Metrological characteristics of measuring instruments
In accordance with state standards governing how measuring instruments should be used, metrological characteristics are technical parameters that describe the properties of the corresponding instruments, as well as affecting the results of certain measurements carried out in order to assess their quality, as well as in order to correctly determine their results.
The characteristics in question can be standardized or experimental. The first are recorded in the regulatory documentation. For example, the one that is included in the state register of measuring instruments formed by VNIIMS. The latter are used in a specific situation, taking into account the characteristics of the production process or the environment in which measurements are made.
Features of the register of measuring instruments
It will be useful to consider in more detail what constitutes a state register of measurement instruments. This resource is included in the Federal Information Fund and is used to register those decisions that are approved by Rosstandart. The register of measuring instruments consists of sections in which information is reflected:
- on instruments approved by Rosstandart, certificates on the introduction of measuring instruments;
- specific copies of instruments approved by Rosstandart;
- accredited state centers in which tests of measuring instruments are carried out.
Registry Objectives
The registry in question is maintained in order to:
- accounting of measurement tools;
- the formation of centralized funds of information on the relevant decisions that are allowed for release by Russian enterprises, as well as for use in certain industries;
- registration of accredited institutions involved in testing measuring instruments;
- accounting for issued certificates on the implementation of measuring instruments, as well as certificates of accredited testing institutions,
- accounting of test programs for measuring instruments;
- information support of citizens, organizations, as well as national metrological institutions of states that participate in cooperation on the recognition of tests and the introduction of measuring instruments.
Registry Content
For each type of instrument, information about which is reflected in the Register, the following are recorded:
- name;
- registration number;
- purpose;
- Manufacturer country;
- manufacturer;
- name of the test center;
- certificate validity period;
- information about the interval between verification;
- information on the verification procedure.
The approval of a specific type of measuring instrument is carried out by Rosstandart on the basis of the results of tests of the corresponding instruments carried out by specialized state centers.
If we talk about the role of the state in regulating the use of the tools in question, and about supplementing the state register of measuring instruments created by VNIIMS from the point of view of normalizing the work of specialists conducting research of physical parameters in various fields, we can pay attention to such areas activities of government agencies, such as verification and certification of measurement infrastructure. We will study this aspect in more detail.
Calibration of measurement tools
So, along with such areas of activity as, for example, approving the type of measuring instruments, the state is actively working to regulate their use. In particular, in such a direction as verification. It is regulated by a separate federal law.
In accordance with its provisions, verification of measuring instruments in some cases is mandatory. So, for example, state measuring instruments before direct operation, as well as during the implementation of their repair should be checked - as part of an initial or periodic event of the appropriate type.
The task of users of these tools is to carry out verification in a timely manner. In principle, economic entities have the right to conduct it independently, but only under one condition - the presence of accreditation for activities in the field of ensuring the unity of technical measurements. In some cases, verification should be carried out by a specialized metrological service that is accredited. As a rule, this applies to cases where the government of the Russian Federation has determined a specific list of measurement instruments for which verification should be carried out according to an appropriate scheme.
After the procedure has been carried out, a certificate of its implementation is issued. Competent government departments may develop special calibration marks, as well as the structure of the relevant document. In addition, some government agencies may be authorized to collect the results of verifications on various measuring instruments.
In some cases, even if a particular instrument is not included in the list of measuring instruments for which verification is necessary, the user of such an infrastructure can conduct the corresponding procedure voluntarily.
Certification of measuring instruments
Within the framework of state regulation of the use of various measuring instruments, certification of this infrastructure is also carried out. Its essence lies in confirming, first of all, the safety of using one or another device. In addition, a certified instrument is included in the state register of measuring instruments. As a rule, the procedure in question involves the design of:
- certificate according to GOST R or declaration of conformity of the instrument GOST R;
- certificate of type of measurement tools.
Certification can be carried out in Rosstandart or in one of the accredited centers. Certification is a procedure that, like verification, may be mandatory for certain measurement instruments. As a rule, similar requirements are established for measuring instruments that are used in such areas:
- activities of the armed forces of the state;
- the medicine;
- activities of law enforcement agencies;
- cartography;
- geodesy;
- the scope of regulation of the implementation of the uniformity of measurements.
Approval of measurement tools
It will be useful to consider such an aspect of the application of the instruments in question as the approval of measuring instruments. This procedure is also carried out with the participation of the state as part of metrological control. The approval of a particular type of measuring instrument is carried out by a competent metrological service. This sets:
- methods for verifying the characteristics of the measuring instrument;
- specific accuracy indicators for measuring quantities;
- optimal intervals for checking the instrument.
Following the approval of the measuring instrument, the competent authority issues a special document. This is a source such as a certificate of approval of measuring instruments. It can be issued on a single device, and on the serial production of relevant solutions.
The condition for obtaining the second type of document may be compliance by the manufacturer with certain technical conditions. In order to issue a certificate of measuring instruments, it is also necessary to develop special documentation for the operation of the instrument. If we talk about a document for serial production of solutions, then it is issued by the competent authorities for 5 years. After that, its extension is possible on the basis of a request from the manufacturer. In turn, if the certificate is issued for a single product, then its validity period corresponds to the period of service of the device.
Calibration of measurement tools
Another important aspect of state regulation of the sphere of metrology is legal acts regulating how calibration of measuring instruments should be carried out. What does this term mean?
Calibration of measuring instruments is a procedure carried out in order to determine, as well as confirm the actual values for metrological characteristics, as well as the suitability of the measuring instrument for use. The main difference between calibration and verification is that the procedure under consideration is implemented primarily with respect to measuring instruments that are not subject to control and supervision by state bodies.
In accordance with the legislation of the Russian Federation, those instruments that are not used in the field of state regulation while ensuring the uniformity of measurements can be calibrated on a voluntary basis. This procedure is carried out using various standards that are compared with state primary standards or, in their absence, with national standards that are accepted in foreign countries.
Calibration can be carried out by private individuals - business companies and individual entrepreneurs, subject to voluntary accreditation. The results of this procedure can subsequently be used as part of the verification of certain measuring instruments in the manner determined by the Russian government. Thus, despite the fact that the calibration of measuring instruments is voluntary, the state can nevertheless prescribe the regulations governing the conduct of this procedure, as well as the application of its results.