Performance — Repeatability Test

Consultation — Performance — Repeatability Test

Measurement Canada is launching a consultation on proposed changes to its published Repeatability Test Procedure. This consultation will be of primary interest to those who play a role in the inspection of volumetric meters used for trade purposes. The consultation period starts November 14, 2012 and ends on December 22, 2012.

Under the current procedure, a full repeatability test consisting of three test runs is required on all volumetric meters inspected before use in trade and on all meters that are not of the positive displacement type. According to the guiding principle of the original procedure, a repeatability test was not required on measuring systems incorporating positive displacement meters if the difference between the results of the fast flow test and the slow flow test did not exceed the absolute value of the in-service limit of error.

During a recent examination of this guiding principle, Measurement Canada found that meters with a repeatability error beyond allowable limits are not being detected and remain in service. Measuring systems that are not capable of providing consistent results cannot be relied upon to provide accurate measurements and cannot be calibrated with any confidence.

As a result of the proposed changes to this test procedure, Measurement Canada inspectors and authorized service providers will be required to conduct full repeatability testing on all volumetric meters used in trade regardless of meter or inspection type.

Measurement Canada invites interested parties and industry stakeholders to provide their comments on the proposed changes to this test procedure. Please submit your response in writing to the undersigned by December 22, 2012.

Dennis Beattie
Senior Program Officer, Volume
Program Development Directorate
Measurement Canada
4th floor, 400 St. Mary Avenue
Winnipeg, MB R3C 4K5
Telephone: 204-983-8910
Fax: 204-983-5511