International Erasmus + Students from the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at the Slovak University of Technology Visited the Slovak Institute of Metrology on the Occasion of the 150th Anniversary of the Metre Convention
Today, 17 Erasmus + students from the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at the Slovak University of Technology participated in a guided tour of the Slovak Institute of Metrology (SMÚ). During the visit, the students had the opportunity to explore selected metrological laboratories and facilities of the Institute, accompanied by expert explanations provided by SMÚ specialists.
The students visited laboratories dedicated to the maintenance and realization of the national standard for the amount of substance in the gas phase. They learned about its economic relevance for gas metrology and the verification of measuring instruments used for natural gas, exhaust gases, and reactive atmospheric gases originating from industrial processes, as well as for breath alcohol analysis. They also observed demonstrations of automated systems for the verification of breath analysers, which improve measurement efficiency and are tailored to specific analyser models. In accordance with Act No. 157/2018 Coll. on Metrology, SMÚ is the only authorized body in Slovakia responsible for the verification of designated measuring instruments of this category (kind). SMÚ also conducts type approval of the specific types of these designated measuring instruments prior to market introduction.
Students were also introduced to the national pH standard, which is realized using a primary measurement method for aqueous solutions in the range 1.679 to 10.000, based on potential measurements in a Harned cell comprising a hydrogen electrode and a silver/silver chloride electrode.
In the photometry laboratory, the students observed the calibration and verification of luxmeters, which are used to measure illuminance. The candela (cd), one of the seven base units of the International System of Units (SI), is realized through the national luminous intensity standard. Students were also introduced to the photometric bench utilized for the precise calibration and verification of luxmeters.
During the visit, SMÚ also presented the preparation and use of Certified Reference Materials (CRMs), which are calibrated against the appropriate standards to ensure measurement accuracy and reliability. The students gained insight into the operation of several national measurement standards, including those for electrical resistance, direct current voltage, time and frequency, as well as for power and energy at industrial frequency. Through laboratory lectures, the students became familiar with methods for realizing units of physical quantities and with procedures for ensuring the traceability of measurements and measuring instruments.
The Slovak Institute of Metrology continues to actively promote metrology to the public on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the Metre Convention, thereby contributing to raising awareness of measurement accuracy and its importance for everyday life and industry.