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Cameron calibration flow lab receives ISO accreditation

09/03/2008

Pittsburgh, Pa. Cameron has received formal NIST certification of accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025/2005 for its hydrocarbon calibration laboratory located in Pittsburgh, Pa. The laboratory is the centerpiece of the Caldon Ultrasonics Technology Center, a $2-million facility designed and constructed specifically to support Cameron’s commitment to growing its ultrasonic flow measurement capability. The accreditation by NIST’s NVLAP (National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program) confirms that the laboratory can perform hydrocarbon calibrations on ultrasonic and other type flow meters from 4 in. to 24 in. in size, using up to three different oils and covering a viscosity range from 1.5 to 200 centistokes.

The laboratory is unique in that it has a heat exchange system that allows operating temperature to be controlled and stabilized. This provides a highly accurate calibration, since Reynolds numbers can be precisely controlled during a calibration. Up until now, oil calibrations were usually performed at independent facilities in Europe. The facility fees and shipping costs did not make it practical to calibrate every meter. In addition, lab time had to be booked well in advance which often delayed delivery of the meter to its destination.

Cal Hastings, general manager of the Caldon Ultrasonics Technology Center views the hydrocarbon laboratory as a strategic competitive advantage for Cameron. “No question the flow lab will continue to support our ability to deliver the world’s finest ultrasonic capability to all or our markets. Our customers were quick to experience the benefits of this highly valued capability in terms of accuracy, cost and speed.”