**March 17, 2006 (Revised March 22, 2006)**

**Abstracts for Agenda Topics & Technical Contacts**

**Agenda Topics, Contacts, & Abstracts**

+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------+
| **Agenda Topic**                  | **Technical Contact(s)**         |
+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------+
| Wheelload Weigher Calibrations    | -   Jim Gownley, PA              |
|                                   |                                  |
|                                   | -   Greg Boers, CA               |
|                                   |                                  |
|                                   | -   Harry Moody, HJM Enterprises |
+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------+
| *Abstract: Wheelload weighers are |                                  |
| designated as Class IV Scales (HB |                                  |
| 44) and are used for law          |                                  |
| enforcement activities, typically |                                  |
| truck weighing. Calibration of    |                                  |
| these scales is often done by     |                                  |
| metrology personnel but may also  |                                  |
| be done under field conditions.   |                                  |
| Laboratories typically test the   |                                  |
| scales using one of three types   |                                  |
| of standards 1) static (dead)     |                                  |
| weights, 2) proving rings, or 3)  |                                  |
| load cells. This session will     |                                  |
| touch on test methods,            |                                  |
| traceability hierarchy, sources   |                                  |
| of error and uncertainty          |                                  |
| analysis, and measurement         |                                  |
| assurance. Possible references:   |                                  |
| PA Testing Manual; ASTM E-74;     |                                  |
| Handbook 44 and Handbook 112      |                                  |
| Examination Procedure Outlines    |                                  |
| (EPOs). Possible objectives:      |                                  |
| implement procedures to ensure    |                                  |
| accurate and traceable            |                                  |
| measurements; understand          |                                  |
| differences and requirements of   |                                  |
| the standards. This session willl |                                  |
| be divided into 4 sections, with  |                                  |
| the last section being a panel    |                                  |
| discussion on issues related to   |                                  |
| these calibrations.*              |                                  |
+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------+
| Thermometry                       | -   Tom Wiandt, Hart Scientific  |
|                                   |                                  |
|                                   | -   Jeff Kelly, ICL              |
+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------+
| *Abstract: This session will      |                                  |
| cover the basics of calibrating   |                                  |
| thermometers (primarily           |                                  |
| liquid-in-glass or simple digital |                                  |
| thermisters/thermocouples) of the |                                  |
| type required for support to      |                                  |
| weights and measures applications |                                  |
| (as noted in Handbook 105-6) and  |                                  |
| the care, handling, and           |                                  |
| calibration and uncertainty       |                                  |
| requirements when thermometers    |                                  |
| are used as supporting            |                                  |
| instruments for environmental     |                                  |
| monitoring and for corrections to |                                  |
| calibrations in other parameters. |                                  |
| Possible objectives: know how to  |                                  |
| perform basic thermometer         |                                  |
| inspections and calibrations and  |                                  |
| understand how to assess          |                                  |
| measurement uncertainty for use   |                                  |
| and calibration.*                 |                                  |
+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------+
| Time & Frequency                  | -   Mike Lombardi, NIST          |
|                                   |                                  |
|                                   | -   Jeff Gust, Quametec          |
|                                   |     Corporation                  |
+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------+
| *Abstract: This session will      |                                  |
| cover the basic calibration       |                                  |
| procedures for stopwatch and      |                                  |
| timer calibrations and frequency  |                                  |
| topics (like radar devices and    |                                  |
| tuning fork calibration). Likely  |                                  |
| References: Handbook 44, 105-5,   |                                  |
| SP 960-12. Possible objectives:   |                                  |
| Perform calibrations and          |                                  |
| uncertainty estimates             |                                  |
| accurately.*                      |                                  |
+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------+
| Mass Calibration                  | -   Jose Torres, PR              |
+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------+
| *Abstract: This session will      |                                  |
| review the basic calibration      |                                  |
| procedures and topics of interest |                                  |
| in NISTIR 6969 and on the Basic   |                                  |
| Mass CD-ROM. Avoiding common      |                                  |
| errors and pitfalls in basic and  |                                  |
| intermediate mass calibrations is |                                  |
| an essential objective.           |                                  |
| Consideration will be given to    |                                  |
| the impact and implication of     |                                  |
| procedural deviations.*           |                                  |
+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------+
| Volume Calibration                | -   Dan Newcombe, ME             |
|                                   |                                  |
|                                   | -   Dan Wright, WA               |
+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------+
| *Abstract: This session will      |                                  |
| cover basic volume transfer       |                                  |
| calibration procedures (SOP 16,   |                                  |
| 17, 18, 19, 20), concepts, and    |                                  |
| the validation of spreadsheets    |                                  |
| that are used. Possible           |                                  |
| objectives: perform accurate and  |                                  |
| traceable volume transfer         |                                  |
| calibrations; maintain suitable   |                                  |
| calibration transfers (hierarchy) |                                  |
| and calibration intervals; use a  |                                  |
| standardized spreadsheet and be   |                                  |
| able to follow the validation     |                                  |
| steps; perform good uncertainty   |                                  |
| analyses. This session will be    |                                  |
| divided into 4 sessions, with the |                                  |
| first 3 being procedure related   |                                  |
| and 1 dealing with the WA         |                                  |
| spreadsheet.*                     |                                  |
+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------+
| Quality System Topics             | -   Barbara Belzer, NIST         |
|                                   |                                  |
|                                   | -   Elizabeth Gentry, NIST       |
+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------+
| *Abstract: This session consists  |                                  |
| of three components covering new  |                                  |
| management system criteria,       |                                  |
| frequently encountered "tripping  |                                  |
| points" and the implementation    |                                  |
| process. The first presentation   |                                  |
| will highlight new ISO 17025:2005 |                                  |
| and HB 143:2007 (DRAFT)           |                                  |
| criterion. Implementation         |                                  |
| deadlines will also be discussed. |                                  |
| The second presentation will      |                                  |
| highlight common barriers and     |                                  |
| frequently observed management    |                                  |
| system documentation problems.    |                                  |
| The session concludes with small  |                                  |
| group break-out sessions.         |                                  |
| Practical case studies are        |                                  |
| designed to familiarize           |                                  |
| laboratory personnel with the new |                                  |
| criterion and engage in action    |                                  |
| plan development to promote       |                                  |
| effective management system       |                                  |
| implementation.*                  |                                  |
+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------+
| Uncertainty -- Basic              | -   Georgia Harris, NIST         |
+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------+
| *Abstract: Review the basic       |                                  |
| concepts in SOP 29. The session   |                                  |
| will focus the majority of time   |                                  |
| on Steps 2 and 3 (Identifying and |                                  |
| Quantifying). It will be an       |                                  |
| attempt to answer: Where does all |                                  |
| of the information come from in   |                                  |
| doing a good uncertainty analysis |                                  |
| (both references and quantities)? |                                  |
| How do you know? How is it        |                                  |
| documented?*                      |                                  |
+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------+
| Small Volume Prover (SVP)         | -   L.F. Eason, NC               |
| Calibration, Etc.                 |                                  |
|                                   | -   Van Hyder, NC                |
|                                   |                                  |
|                                   | -   Bill Erickson, MI            |
|                                   |                                  |
|                                   | -   Kelley Larson, AZ            |
+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------+
| *Abstract: This session will      |                                  |
| cover SVP calibration             |                                  |
| procedure(s), laboratory design,  |                                  |
| uncertainty analysis,             |                                  |
| troubleshooting calibration       |                                  |
| problems, and possible field      |                                  |
| testing problems. Possible        |                                  |
| objectives -- 1) guidance for     |                                  |
| those who want to set up for      |                                  |
| calibrating SVPs and 2)           |                                  |
| reassurance of validity for       |                                  |
| others who are simply accepting   |                                  |
| results for SVP calibrations from |                                  |
| accredited labs. This session     |                                  |
| will be divided into a 4 person   |                                  |
| panel with each person having one |                                  |
| section.*                         |                                  |
+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------+
| Mass Panel: Special Topics        | -   Zeina Jabbour, NIST          |
|                                   |                                  |
|                                   | -   Rick Calkins, Rice Lake      |
|                                   |                                  |
|                                   | -   Joe Moran, Troemner          |
|                                   |                                  |
|                                   | -   Mark Ruefenacht,             |
|                                   |     Heusser-Neweigh              |
+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------+
| *Abstract: This session will be a |                                  |
| panel approach with each person   |                                  |
| discussing 1 or more of the       |                                  |
| following components of 1)        |                                  |
| density, 2) magnetism, 3) surface |                                  |
| finish and 4) automation and the  |                                  |
| effect on mass calibrations.      |                                  |
| Objectives may include sharing    |                                  |
| information about test            |                                  |
| procedures, impact on             |                                  |
| uncertainties, and knowledge of   |                                  |
| these characteristics over time,  |                                  |
| how these factors affect mass     |                                  |
| measurements, uncertainties, or   |                                  |
| stability and or ways to improve  |                                  |
| the mass calibration process.     |                                  |
| This session will be divided into |                                  |
| 4 sessions with each speaker      |                                  |
| having one section.*              |                                  |
+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------+
| Proficiency Testing               | -   Val Miller, NIST             |
|                                   |                                  |
|                                   | -   (and selected participants)  |
+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------+
| *Abstract: This session will      |                                  |
| provide guidance on spreadsheet   |                                  |
| analysis methods, basic PT        |                                  |
| statistical analysis methods, and |                                  |
| standardized verbiage tools that  |                                  |
| have been developed to improve    |                                  |
| the uniformity and consistency of |                                  |
| proficient testing analysis and   |                                  |
| final reports. Improvements in    |                                  |
| conducting and preparing full     |                                  |
| analyses and reports are critical |                                  |
| for complying with the WMD PT/ILC |                                  |
| quality system.*                  |                                  |
+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------+
| Uncertainty -- Intermediate       | -   Tom Vetter, NIST             |
|                                   |                                  |
|                                   | -   Will Guthrie, NIST           |
+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------+
| *Abstract: This session will      |                                  |
| cover additional concepts from    |                                  |
| the Guide to the Expression of    |                                  |
| Uncertainty in Measurement. It    |                                  |
| will build on basic concepts      |                                  |
| covered by WMD in the metrology   |                                  |
| seminars and at regional meetings |                                  |
| starting with review and          |                                  |
| providing additional instruction  |                                  |
| in three key areas: 1)            |                                  |
| identifying the appropriate       |                                  |
| measurement equations and         |                                  |
| linearizing nonlinear measurement |                                  |
| equations for combining           |                                  |
| uncertainties; 2) using partial   |                                  |
| derivatives as an approach to     |                                  |
| quantifying the sensitivity of a  |                                  |
| measurement to its input          |                                  |
| components and understanding      |                                  |
| their effective contributions to  |                                  |
| the combined uncertainty; and 3)  |                                  |
| using the simplified Kragten      |                                  |
| spreadsheet approach to quantify, |                                  |
| combine, and evaluate             |                                  |
| uncertainty. Prerequisite:        |                                  |
| attendance at Uncertainty - Basic |                                  |
| session on Tuesday or previous    |                                  |
| equivalent knowledge (SOP 29,     |                                  |
| especially Steps 2 and 3,         |                                  |
| identifying and quantifying       |                                  |
| uncertainty). Participants should |                                  |
| bring a laptop to gain "hands-on" |                                  |
| experience with practical         |                                  |
| applications using Excel to       |                                  |
| quantify measurement results and  |                                  |
| uncertainty.*                     |                                  |
+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------+
| OIML R111 vs. NIST 105-1 and E    | -   Rick Calkins, Rice Lake      |
| 617                               |                                  |
|                                   | -   Mark Ruefenacht,             |
|                                   |     Heusser-Neweigh              |
+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------+
| *Abstract: OIML R111was updated   |                                  |
| and approved at the end of 2004   |                                  |
| and became available on-line in   |                                  |
| 2005. NIST Handbook 105-1 and     |                                  |
| ASTM E 617-97 should be           |                                  |
| harmonized and updated as         |                                  |
| possible with a long-term goal of |                                  |
| minimizing and eliminating        |                                  |
| differences among world-wide      |                                  |
| documentary standards for mass. A |                                  |
| portion of the session will       |                                  |
| compare R111 to NIST Handbook     |                                  |
| 105-1, showing similarities and   |                                  |
| differences, and will include     |                                  |
| recommendations for change. A     |                                  |
| status report of the ASTM working |                                  |
| group to update E 617 will be     |                                  |
| presented and input requested. In |                                  |
| 1997, R111 was to be included as  |                                  |
| an appendix to E 617-97, but it   |                                  |
| was not finalized in time for     |                                  |
| publication. The introduction to  |                                  |
| E 617-97 indicates that either E  |                                  |
| 617 or R111 are acceptable for    |                                  |
| use in the United States. One     |                                  |
| objective is to improve awareness |                                  |
| of the differences among these    |                                  |
| standards. Another is to present  |                                  |
| recommendations for changes.      |                                  |
| Another objective is to gather    |                                  |
| input from the user community for |                                  |
| developing draft updates of HB    |                                  |
| 105-1 and E 617.*                 |                                  |
+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------+
| State Lab Vision & Strategies     | -   Georgia Harris, NIST         |
|                                   |                                  |
|                                   | -   Carol Hockert, NIST          |
+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------+
| *Abstract: This session will be a |                                  |
| facilitated focus group to gather |                                  |
| customer feedback on the          |                                  |
| Laboratory Metrology Group (State |                                  |
| Laboratory Program) activities in |                                  |
| 4 key areas: 1) Laboratory        |                                  |
| Recognition; 2) Proficiency       |                                  |
| Testing; 3) Metrology Training;   |                                  |
| and 4) Documentary Standards      |                                  |
| Development. We will conduct a    |                                  |
| SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses,      |                                  |
| Opportunities, and Threats)       |                                  |
| analysis as a group and consider  |                                  |
| ideas and priorities for future   |                                  |
| program directions in each of the |                                  |
| 4 programmatic areas.*            |                                  |
+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------+
| Ad-hoc: National Thermometry      | -   Val Miller, NIST             |
|                                   |                                  |
|                                   | -   Mark Ruefenacht,             |
|                                   |     Heusser-Neweigh              |
|                                   |                                  |
|                                   | -   Howard Maxim, QC Services    |
+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------+
| *Abstract: This session will      |                                  |
| present the report/results from   |                                  |
| thermometry proficiency tests.*   |                                  |
+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------+
| Ad-hoc: National Gravimetric      | -   Georgia Harris, NIST         |
| Volume                            |                                  |
|                                   | -   Van Hyder, NC                |
+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------+
| *Abstract: This session will      |                                  |
| present the report/results from   |                                  |
| gravimetric calibration           |                                  |
| proficiency tests for 5 gal and   |                                  |
| 15 gal provers.*                  |                                  |
+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------+
| Ad-hoc: Scale Company             | -   Val Miller, NIST             |
| Accreditation Issues              |                                  |
+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------+
| *Abstract: This session will be a |                                  |
| facilitated discussion to cover   |                                  |
| some key areas where improvements |                                  |
| to uniformity and consistency are |                                  |
| needed in scale company           |                                  |
| accreditations. Key topics to     |                                  |
| include: 1) uncertainty analyses  |                                  |
| and reporting; 2)                 |                                  |
| calibration/verification          |                                  |
| procedures (and ASTM E898         |                                  |
| updates); 3) proficiency testing  |                                  |
| methods and validation of these   |                                  |
| methods; 4) reporting "scopes"    |                                  |
| for accredited scale companies.*  |                                  |
+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------+
| Ad-hoc: Master Meters: Draft      | -   Dave Thompson, MSI           |
| Specifications                    |                                  |
+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------+
| *Abstract: This session will      |                                  |
| present the results of            |                                  |
| comparisons of graduated neck     |                                  |
| type measures with those of a     |                                  |
| specialized "master meter"        |                                  |
| approach. Draft performance       |                                  |
| specifications (a new HB 105-x)   |                                  |
| will be presented with a goal of  |                                  |
| having these standards gain       |                                  |
| acceptance as field standards in  |                                  |
| weights and measures. Questions   |                                  |
| and answers on the technology and |                                  |
| input on "what is needed" to gain |                                  |
| further acceptance will be        |                                  |
| encouraged.*                      |                                  |
+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------+