Standards - Test Measure Procedures

Procedures for the Calibration of Test Measures

  • Please call the Metrology Laboratory at (984) 236-4800 to make a calibration appointment. We cannot provide same day service for unscheduled test measures at the lab. Whenever possible, unscheduled test measures will be tested the Friday following delivery for pick up the following Monday.
  • 5 gallon test measures must have been tested withing the last 12 months. Large provers for terminal meters must have been tested within the last 36 months. Dynamic small volume provers (SVPs) must have been tested within the last 12 months.
  • Only test measures that meet NIST Handbook 105-3 specifications will be accepted for calibration. No other test measures will be approved for use by petroleum device technicians.
  • There is a fee of $30.00 to calibrate each 5 gallon test measure. Test measures and provers larger than 5 gallons are charged at the rate of $30.00 for the first 5 gallons and $0.40 for each additional gallon. (For example, the charge to calibrate a 100 gallon prover would be $30.00 plus 95 gallons x $0.40 for a total of $68.00.)
  • Complete the Submitted Equipment Information Form before bringing (or sending) your test measure or prover to be calibrated. This form is designed to prevent errors, expedite the calibration process, and prevent long lines on test measure calibration days. More than one test measure may be listed on a form. List model and serial numbers on the back of the form.
  • We will bill you for test measure calibrations. It is very important that we have an accurate billing address.
  • If you require a purchase order, list the purchase order number on the form. If not specified, purchase authorization will be considered verbal per the person signing the form.
  • All test measures must be in good condition and cleaned with soap or detergent and water, both inside and outside. There can be no petroleum residue in or on the test measure. All major dents, broken or scratched sight glasses, leaks, or other damage must be repaired before a test measure is submitted for calibration.
  • Calibration charges will be assessed for test measures that are tested and rejected for repair. Retest of a rejected test measure will result in an additional calibration charge.
  • Failure to comply with these instructions may result in the automatic rejection or condemnation of your test measure.

  • All measures shipped to the laboratory must be shipped in a rigid container designed to prevent damage in shipment. All shipments to the laboratory must be prearranged and shipped “PREPAID” to:


       For UPS, FedEx, Freight, etc.                                                                          US Postal Service Only     
       NC Metrology Laboratory                                                                                   NC Metrology Laboratory
       4400 Reedy Creek Rd                                                                                            1051 Mail Service Center
       Raleigh, NC 27607                                                                                                  Raleigh, NC 27699-1051
     
           

Thank you for your cooperation and prompt attention to these requirements. If we may be of any further assistance, please feel free to contact us (phone 984-236-4800, fax 919-831-1325).


METHOD FOR USING 5 AND 1 GALLON TEST MEASURES

Any test measure must be properly "wet down" before being used. The test measure must be filled and carefully poured out in exactly 30 seconds. The 30 second pour must be done very smoothly and uniformly. Any time the pour takes less than 25 seconds or more than 35 seconds, the test measure must be filled and poured again. Next, the measure must be inverted and held upside down without shaking for exactly 10 seconds. Then it is ready to use. On the completion of each test, the test measure must be emptied and drained using this procedure to prepare it for the next test. Standards Division inspectors are using this procedure and will reject improperly adjusted dispensers. We will be happy to demonstrate this procedure and answer any questions when your test measure is tested or call us at (984) 236-4800.

We solicit your cooperation in these matters. If we may be of any further assistance, please feel free to contact us.