2026 NCWM Newsletter Issue #3

Inside This Issue: - Chair's Column - 111th NCWM Annual Meeting Highlights - 111th NCWM Annual Meeting Voting Results - 2027 NCWM Interim Meeting - The Meetup | Elisa Stritt - Event Calendar - 112th NCWM Annual Meeting - Across Borders, One Measurement: A Nigerian Woman in Weights & Measures First NCWM Annual Meeting | Chioma O.Obi - The Value of Connection | Heather Chappell - Things to do in Redondo Beach - NTEP Publication 14 Technical Policy, How to Propose Change | Jeff Gibson - NTEP Quick Guide - Hopper Scale Field Test | Richard Shipman - Safe from Litigation in Weights & Measures | John Bell - Welcome New NCWM Members

NCWM· NEWS National Council on Weights and Measures “That Equity May Prevail”

2026 Issue 3

Table of Contents Chair’s Column................................................................................................................01 111 NCWM Annual Meeting Highlights.......................................................................03 th 111 NCWM Annual Meeting Voting Results................................................................05 th 2027 NCWM Interim Meeting.........................................................................................08 The Meetup - Elisa Stritt..................................................................................................09 Event Calendar.................................................................................................................11 112 NCWM Annual Meeting.........................................................................................12 th Across Borders, One Measurement: A Nigerian Woman in Weights & Measures First NCWM Annual Meeting - Chioma O. Obi..............................................................13 The Value of Connection - Heather Chappell.................................................................18 Things to do in Redondo Beach.......................................................................................21 NTEP Publication 14 Technical Policy, How to Propose a Change - Jeff Gibson..........22 NTEP Quick Guide..........................................................................................................25 Hopper Scale Field Test - Richard Shipman....................................................................27 Safe from Litigation in Weights & Measures - John Bell................................................37 Welcome New NCWM Members....................................................................................41

Chair’s Column

Educating for Accuracy

Jason Flint - New Jersey NCWM Chair

Greetings, NCWM! First, I want to thank the NCWM staff and all members for a successful 111 Annual Conference in Philadelphia! It was great to see everyone, and I enjoyed catching up with old friends and meeting new ones. I hope everyone took time to see some of the rich history the city has to offer and sample the culinary delicacy Philly is known for: Cheesesteak, Whiz Wit. th In my 25 years in the weights and measures community, I have had the opportunity to work with people from all sectors of industry. Having a regulator show up at your business can be stressful. After all, everyone loves to see us, just somewhere else! But the one thing they all had in common was their praise for the professionalism of weights and measures officials. My underlying takeaway from these conversations was our ability to educate stakeholders on the laws and regulations of weights and measures. Whether field inspectors or administrators, great care and patience are taken by each of you to teach businesses and industry groups the smallest details to ensure compliance and equity. Through our recent EVSE courses, NCWM has proven that we can provide effective, high-level professional training. I plan to work with the Board of Directors to expand this training model to other disciplines. Our Professional Development Committee is a valuable resource with dedicated members who have a vision to bring the committee to its full potential. I look forward to supporting the growth of this committee, as it will greatly benefit all NCWM members. The Metrology Subcommittee has been hard at work providing education and an expansive toolkit for metrologists.

Chair’s Column

Metrology needs the support of the entire weights and measures community, as they are the foundation of every weights and measures program in the world. It is time their work receives more recognition and support, as it will provide insight for administrators on the importance of this oft- overlooked aspect of weights and measures. There is an adage, “Those who can, do; those who can’t, teach”. This does not ring true to me because whether you’re leading a class, speaking with a business owner after an inspection, or talking to a customer after calibrating their artifacts, you are indeed Educating for Accuracy. I was humbled to be asked to serve on the Board of Directors, then honored to become Chair-elect, and I would like to thank the membership of NCWM for allowing me the opportunity to serve as Chairman of this great organization. I am truly grateful. I look forward to collaborating with the NCWM staff, committee members, and the general membership to advance the organization's goals and mission. I hope to see you at your regional meetings, and in Redondo Beach for the NCWM Interim Meeting. If I don’t see you in person, please feel free to reach out to me anytime!

All the best for the coming year.

Special Award Recipients

Lifetime Achievement Award Christopher Guay

Distinguished Service Award David Sefcik

Inspector of the Year Marco Rivera

Outstanding Contributions Award Jerry Buendel, Constantine Cotsoradis, and Prentiss Searles

111th Annual Meeting Special Event Citizens Bank Park Home of the Phillies

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Coming up............

2027 Interim Meeting January 24th-27th | Redondo Beach, California

The Interim Meeting is where our standing committees come together to hear testimony on new proposals brought forth from the regional meetings as well as carryover items from the previous year. In addition, the committees will determine the status of each item for the voting session of our Annual Meeting in July. There will be presentations, testimony, and work sessions throughout the week. Committee agendas will be available on our Publication 15 page. Meeting Location Sonesta Redondo Beach & Marina 300 North Harbor Drive Redondo Beach, CA 90277 Group Rate: $191, Prevailing Government Per Diem, with the $30 /day destination fee waived. Make your Hotel Reservation Now! Reservation Discount Deadline: December 31st, 2026 Event The Chair’s Reception will honor Jason Flint from the State of New Jersey. The reception will be Sunday, January 24th, from 5:30pm- 7:00pm. Dress is business casual.

The Meetup

From Philadelphia to Redondo Beach: The Work Continues

Elisa Stritt - NCWM Director of Operations

Our 111th Annual Meeting in Philadelphia was one to remember! Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the meeting such a success. Philadelphia proved to be a terrific host city, and one of the things attendees appreciated most was its walkability. With restaurants, attractions, and plenty of history within easy reach, members had opportunities to explore the city and connect with colleagues outside the meeting rooms. Our special event was another highlight of the week. Citizens Bank Park: Home of the Phillies provided a welcome opportunity to step away from our business, spend time together, and enjoy the camaraderie that has always been such an important part of NCWM meetings. While the Annual Meeting may be behind us, the work of the Council certainly does not stop when everyone heads home. In fact, the months between our Annual and Interim Meetings are an important part of the standards-development process. What Happens after the Annual Meeting? Following the Annual Meeting, members and stakeholders have an opportunity to propose changes to NCWM handbooks, bylaws, and Publication 14 by submitting a Form 15. Form 15 proposals should be completed in entirety and include the research and documentation necessary to support the proposed change. Submissions received by August 15 are forwarded to the four regional weights and measures associations for consideration during their fall meetings. The regional meetings are a crucial step in the process. Each region considers the proposals on its agenda, and submitters are encouraged to attend and provide testimony. This gives submitters an opportunity to explain and support their proposals while also hearing comments and concerns from other stakeholders.

The Meetup

Based on feedback received during the regional meetings, a submitter may choose to refine a proposal. Updates can be sent to NCWM with a request that they be forwarded to the appropriate Standing Committee and posted to the NCWM website. If at least one regional association forwards a proposal to one of our Standing Committees, the proposal moves forward for consideration at the Interim Meeting in January.

Next Stop: Redondo Beach

As the regional meetings come to a close, we turn our attention to our next opportunity to gather as a conference: the NCWM Interim Meeting in Redondo Beach, California, this January. We strongly encourage Form 15 submitters to attend the Interim Meeting. It is an important opportunity to address concerns raised during the regional process, explain updates to an agenda item, provide additional justification, and answer questions from the Standing Committees. During the Interim Meeting, the Standing Committees determine the appropriate status for agenda items as they move toward consideration at the next Annual Meeting. Items may be designated Voting, Informational, Assigned, Developing, or Withdrawn, depending on their stage of development and the work that remains. It is a process that takes us from Annual to regional meetings, from the regions to Interim, and ultimately back to Annual—and it depends on the participation and expertise of our members and stakeholders every step of the way. Philadelphia gave us a great 111th Annual Meeting. Now the work continues, and before long, we’ll trade the streets of Philadelphia for the shores of Redondo Beach.

We look forward to seeing you in California!

September 14th - 17th | CWMA Interim Meeting Dubuque, Iowa 15th - 16th | NTEP Measuring Sector Meeting Pensacola Beach, Florida 16th - 17th | NTEP Software Sector Meeting Pensacola Beach, Florida 20th - 24th | WWMA Annual Meeting Portland, Oregon October 5th - 7th | NEWMA Interim Meeting Galloway, New Jersey 24th - 28th | SWMA Annual Meeting Atlanta, Georgia Event Calendar 2026 Event Calendar 2027 January 24th - 27th | 2027 NCWM Interim Meeting Redondo Beach, California April 26th - 29th | NEWMA Annual Meeting Portsmouth, New Hampshire July 11th - 15th | NCWM Annual Meeting Knoxville, Tennessee September 26th - 29th | NEWMA Interim Meeting Mystic, Connecticut

Looking Forward ....

112th NCWM Annual Meeting July 11th - 15th | Knoxville, Tennessee

The Annual Meeting is the high point of our year where all the hard work pays off. At this meeting, stakeholders will debate important proposals to amend the United States standards for weights and measures. When the debating is done, the votes will be cast. Our committees have their work cut out for them with some very full and diverse agendas. Committee agendas are available on our Publication 16 page.

Meeting Location Marriott Knoxville Downtown

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Room Rate: Prevailing Government Per Diem Reservation Discount Deadline: June 16 , 2027 th Make your Hotel Reservation Now!

Events The Chair’s Reception will honor Jason Flint from the State of New Jersey. The reception will be Sunday, July 11 , from 5:30pm - 7:00pm. The reception attire is business casual. th Our Special Event is on Wednesday, July 14 , at Top Golf! th

Guest Article

Chioma O. Obi Assistant Chief Legal Metrology Officer, Weights & Measures Deparment, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment - Nigeria Across Borders, One Measurement: A Nigerian Woman in Weights & Measures First NCWM Annual Meeting

There are moments in one's professional journey that quietly redefine the future. For me, attending the National Council on Weights and Measures (NCWM) Annual Meeting for the very first time was one of those moments. As a Legal Metrologist from Nigeria, travelling to the United States for the 111th NCWM Annual Meeting was much more than attending another professional conference. I arrived carrying my own experiences from Nigeria, but I also carried the experiences of women working in metrology in a developing country where our profession is essential to consumer protection, fair trade, economic development and confidence in the marketplace. I was curious about what I would find. What I found was a community, the warm welcoming smiles, and the general camaraderie. What struck me most was not the technical excellence on display, but the fact that every session reminded me that regardless of geography, the differing jurisdictions, the differing regulatory frameworks, and the difference in available resources, the heart of our work is remarkably similar: How do we ensure that measurement can be trusted? How do we protect the consumer? How do we keep pace with technology? And how do we prepare the next generation of professionals to carry the work forward? Those conversations motivated me. They reminded me that I am part of something much bigger than my immediate workplace or even my country. There is a global community of people who care deeply about measurement, and there is enormous value in connecting across borders. My reflections on women in metrology did not begin at NCWM. In 2023, I created a WhatsApp group called Nigerian Women in Metrology. At the time, the idea was quite simple; I wanted Nigerian women working in different areas of metrology to have a space where we could connect, share information and support one another. Women sometimes need a place where they can ask questions without feeling inadequate, share an opportunity without feeling competitive, discuss career challenges honestly, celebrate another woman's achievement without reservation and, perhaps most importantly, see what is possible through the journeys of other women.

Guest Article

That is why I found the mission and purpose of the NCWM Women in Weights and Measures Subcommittee particularly meaningful. Its mission is to empower women to develop their natural abilities, reach their fullest potential and excel as leaders in weights and measures. Its purpose also includes raising awareness of the value women bring to the profession and providing training and opportunities for leadership advancement. I immediately saw a connection with what we had started in Nigeria. The Nigerian Women in Metrology group may have started on WhatsApp, but the idea behind it is much larger: women should not have to navigate their professional journeys alone. One thing my first NCWM experience made clear to me is that we need to have more intentional conversations about careers in metrology. Not only about technical competence. Not only about getting the next qualification. Not only about doing our jobs well. We also need to talk about leadership. How does she find mentors? How does she gain international exposure? How does she build the confidence to contribute to technical discussions when she may be the only woman in the room? Considering women from developing countries, there is another layer to the conversation. Access matters. Access to training. Access to professional networks. Access to emerging technologies. Access to international conferences. Access to mentors. Access to information about fellowships, scholarships, technical programmes and leadership opportunities. Talent is distributed everywhere, but opportunities are not. That is why global professional communities such as the NCWM Women in Weights and Measures Subcommittee have such an important role to play. I would love to see more deliberate pathways through which women in developing countries can participate in technical training, exchange programmes, mentorship initiatives, standards development discussions and leadership opportunities in weights and measures. The goal should not simply be to bring women into the room. It should be to ensure that they are equipped to contribute meaningfully once they get there. This is also where my other passion comes in. In Nigeria, I founded the Know Your Measurement Series, an initiative I use to communicate measurement concepts to the public in a simple, relatable and engaging way through social media, particularly on Instagram and TikTok as @knowmetrology. I started the series because I believe that metrology should not remain a conversation only among metrologists. A consumer buying food in a market, a motorist purchasing fuel, a patient whose blood pressure is being measured, a manufacturer producing goods for export, or a trader weighing commodities is already participating in a measurement system. They may simply not know it.

Guest Article

Through Know Your Measurement Series, I have tried to take technical concepts out of the laboratory and the regulatory office and put them into everyday conversations. The objective is simple: help people understand why measurement matters and why accurate measurement is a matter of safety, fairness, economic value and trust. In many ways, I see this as complementary to the work of Women in Weights and Measures. The subcommittee is creating opportunities for women to grow professionally and become leaders within the weights and measures community. Initiatives such as the Know Your Measurement series can help women also become visible voices for metrology beyond the traditional professional space. Imagine what could happen if women metrologists across different countries collaborated to create public education campaigns, technical webinars, mentorship programmes and digital content around measurement. Imagine a young woman in Nigeria being able to watch a webinar led by a woman weights and measures professional in the United States, Canada or another part of the world and think, “I can do this too.” That is the kind of connection I hope we can build. My experience at the NCWM Annual Meeting has made me even more convinced that collaboration should be our next frontier. I would welcome opportunities for collaboration between women metrologists in Nigeria and the broader Women in Weights and Measures community, particularly around technical training, mentorship, knowledge exchange and leadership development. There is so much expertise within the global weights and measures community, and there are women in developing countries who are eager to learn, contribute and lead. Perhaps we can create virtual technical conversations where women from different jurisdictions share how they approach common challenges. Perhaps experienced professionals can mentor women who are beginning their careers, and most importantly, there can be opportunities for women from developing countries to participate in training programmes or gain exposure to weights and measures operations in other jurisdictions. NCWM itself recognizes the value of professional participation and networking, including opportunities to serve on committees, task groups and NTEP sectors and work groups. Those opportunities are important because leadership is often developed by participating long before someone receives the title of leader. I travelled to the NCWM Annual Meeting expecting to learn. I did. I expected to meet professionals. I did. However, I returned home with something I had not fully anticipated: a renewed sense of possibility.

Guest Article

Meeting metrologists from different backgrounds and hearing some of their experiences made me realize that the boundaries we sometimes place around our careers are not always as fixed as we imagine. I returned motivated to learn more, connect more and create more opportunities for other women. I also returned with a stronger appreciation for the small things we do locally. That WhatsApp group I created in 2023 suddenly looked different to me. The Know Your Measurement series looked different too. They were no longer simply individual initiatives. They were pieces of a much larger picture, one in which professional networks, public education, mentorship and leadership development can help strengthen the metrology profession. My first NCWM Annual Meeting therefore became more than a professional milestone. It became a reminder that representation creates possibilities. When a woman from Nigeria enters a global metrology space, another woman somewhere else may begin to believe that she can enter that space too. When one woman shares her knowledge, another woman gains confidence. When one professional opens a door, the next generation does not have to start from the beginning. That, to me, is the real power of women supporting women in weights and measures. I hope my first NCWM experience will be the beginning of many more connections, not only for me, but for the Nigerian women in metrology I represent and for women across developing countries who are looking for their place in this profession. We have much to learn from one another. We also have much to contribute, and perhaps the most important conversation we can have now is not whether women belong in metrology. We already do. The conversation should be about how we ensure that women have the knowledge, networks, opportunities and confidence to shape where metrology goes next. I left the NCWM Annual Meeting with gratitude. I left inspired by the people I met, and I left with an even stronger conviction that the future of weights and measures should be built with women. From Nigeria to the global metrology community, the invitation is open: let us connect, collaborate, learn from one another and create pathways for more women to lead.

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Women in Weights & Measures

Heather Chappell Director of Weights & Measures Tompkins County, New York The Value of Connection

This year’s NCWM Annual Meeting reminded me that one of the greatest values of our profession isn’t something we inspect or measure, it’s the connections we make. I had the honor of serving as a co-presenter for the Women in Weights and Measures Subcommittee. It was on my “Professional Bucket List” and when I reached out to volunteer to do a presentation, I was asked if I would mind presenting with Joanna Cartee, from the beautiful state of Georgia. We had never met. We were paired together with a shared goal in mind. And what started as a professional collaboration quickly grew into a genuine friendship. Living in different states meant that nearly all our planning took place through Microsoft Teams meetings, phone calls, and numerous emails. Together, we developed our presentation, shared ideas, encouraged one another, and discovered that despite the miles between us, we shared a passion for the Weights and Measures profession and for supporting others within it. To me, that experience perfectly captures the value of the Women in Weights and Measures. It creates opportunities to connect with colleagues you may never have met otherwise, transforming introductions into partnerships and, in many cases, lasting friendships. Those relationships don’t end when the conference ends. They continue throughout the year as we learn from each other, share resources, and support each other. Whether you are a first-time attendee or a longtime NCWM member, I encourage you to join us. The Women in Weights and Measures is about more than a meeting, it’s about building connections, fostering mentorship, and strengthening our profession together.

Women in Weights & Measures And yes, despite the name, everyone is welcome! In fact, some of our male colleagues joined us, and we are always glad to have them.I believe our male colleagues even gave themselves the unofficial nickname “The Back Row Baddies” this year, and they certainly added to the fun! I will leave you with this, we have a wonderful group to network with, seek support from, grow and learn with, laugh with, and celebrate alongside. Each of us has power. Each of us has wisdom. Each of us has worth. Always know your worth.

Precision meets peace of mind – even metrologists need a little balance in their lives. Jenny Adair of the Louisiana laboratory shows off her skills and captures the lighter side of the lab, reminding us that in metrology, balance is everything

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NTEP Column

NTEP Publication 14 Technical Policy: How to Propose a Change

Jeff Gibson NCWM - NTEP Administrator

Recently NCWM has received requests to grant exceptions to the NTEP Technical Policy. The requests are from device manufacturers that are new to the NTEP process and others that have years of experience in the process.

While each request may seem well-founded, it is not possible to deviate from NTEP Policy. However, it is possible to propose an amendment to the policy.

The following paragraphs outline the process of proposing an amendment to NTEP Technical Policy. This process is the same for any NTEP stakeholder.

NTEP Technical Policy appears in the first section for each instrument type in NCWM Publication 14. Before submitting a proposal, please familiarize yourself with all parts of the relevant technical policy to ensure that it does not unintentionally impact other device types that are covered by the same section.

Step 1: Go to https://www.ncwm.com/sectors-workgroups, click on the appropriate sector or work group, click the "Meeting Documents" tab and download the “Request for Agenda Item” file.

Step 2: Complete the “Request and Agenda Item” form in its entirety. Clearly define the problem and the justification. The proposal should use strikeouts of words to be deleted and underlined of new words. The "Alternatives Considered" portion should indicate that you have thoughtfully considered other ways to solve the problem or potential arguments against your proposal. Attachments can include such things as diagrams, supporting data, etc.

NTEP Column

Step 3: Email the proposal in Microsoft Word format to info@ncwm.com. NCWM will forward the proposal to the appropriate technical advisors for inclusion on the agenda of the Sector or Work Group's next meeting. A Technical Advisor may contact you for additional information or clarification, if necessary. Step 4: It is highly recommended that you attend the next Sector or Work Group meeting as the submitter of the proposal. The technical group will consider the item. All participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and present an opinion in support or opposition to the item. Your presence ensures that the Sector or Work Group has a correct understanding of the proposal. The goal of Sectors and Work Groups is to reach consensus, either in support or opposition. While rare, there are occasions where a group cannot reach clear agreement; in this situation, the Sector or Work Group Members will vote. The result of the consensus or vote will be recorded in the Meeting Summary. During the next scheduled NCWM Interim Meeting, the NTEP Committee will review the Meeting Summary and have further discussion. The Committee may adopt the report in its entirety or has the option to omit portions of the recommendations. If your proposal is approved, NCWM will amend the next edition of Publication 14 to reflect the change. If your proposal is not supported by the Sector or Work Group or not adopted by the NTEP Committee, you have the option to revise your proposal and submit it for the next annual meeting cycle.

WHAT IS AN NTEP CERTIFICATE OF CONFORMANCE? NTEP QUICK GUIDE A certificate issued by NCWM upon successful evaluation of a device, indicating the device tested is capable of meeting applicable Handbook 44 standards. NTEP CERTIFIED VERSES LEGAL FOR TRADE NTEP Certified: The evaluation demonstrated that the device is capable of meeting Handbook 44 standards. Legal for Trade: The inspector has verified the device can be installed and used in commerce. WHAT DOES AN NTEP EVALUATION COST? All applications fees are due at the time the application is submitted to NCWM. Applications will remain on hold until all funds are received. This fee is non-refundable. NCWM Member Rate: $950 Non-Member Rate: $1,425 Additional lab fees apply. HOW LONG DOES AN NTEP EVALUATION TAKE? It varies with the device type, any backlog that may exist at the laboratory, and if any corrective measures are required to achieve compliance. You will want to discuss progress and expectations directly with your assigned lab. ACTIVE VERSES INACTIVE STATUS Active: The devices are being manufactured or remanufactured for commercial use under an NTEP Certificate of Conformance (CC). The CC is in good standing and all fees are paid. Inactive: An NTEP CC going inactive means that the manufacturer decided not to continue manufacturing the device associated with the CC. Devices already manufactured and installed, or in inventory but not yet sold, may be used, sold, repaired, and resold under the inactive CC as long as they were manufactured prior to the inactive status date. WHAT ARE MAINTENANCE FEES? NCWM charges an annual maintenance fee for all active CCs. By paying the maintenance fees, the manufacturer declares intent to continue manufacturing the device and agrees to the terms and conditions for renewal of the NTEP CC. Maintenance Fees are invoiced each year on October 1st.

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Guest Article

Richard C. Suiter Richard Suiter Consulting Hopper Scale Field Test

The testing of hopper scales seems to intimidate many field inspectors. They dread the task of doing a substitution test or a strain load test; there is often confusion about the difference between the two types of tests, how the error is determined at the various test points, and how the tolerances are to be applied. I intend to explain those tests in a manner that will alleviate some of those apprehensions. While there are obstacles to be overcome, such as having the appropriate amount of known test weight readily available and having an easy method for applying that test load, the mechanics of the actual test procedure are, in reality, not much more difficult than a properly executed test of a large vehicle scale.The key is in having the right equipment for the test, understanding the tests to be performed, and understanding how to interpret the results of the tests. I’ll start with a list of equipment that may be necessary for the average hopper scale test. Then I will explain a few terms and types of tests that, while not unique to hopper scales, are more frequently associated with that type of inspection. Finally, I will outline the tests to be performed, including the application of weights, the calculation of the tolerances, and the determination of errors. For the purpose of this discussion I am going to assume that we are testing a scale we have not tested--nor even seen--previous to the request for inspection. Equipment. In order to know what equipment is necessary to conduct a proper test, you need to know something about the scale in advance of the test. An on-site visit prior to the scheduled test date is the best way to determine the necessary equipment for an appropriate test. Sometimes an on-site visit is not practical or even possible.

Guest Article

In that case, phone conversations with all of the parties to be involved in the test may be the next best option; this may include the testing official, the scale service agency, and representatives of the scale owner. Initial questions to address are: What is the capacity and division size?Is it full electronic, mechanical, or electromechanical? Once the capacity has been determined the following questions are very important: Can at least 25 percent of that capacity be applied in known test weights? What size of test weights can be used? Are the test weights already in place (i.e., permanently at the scale)?If they are not in place, what is required to get the appropriate weights to the load-receiving element?If the weights are in place, do they have a current laboratory certification? Once these questions have been addressed, the inspector must determine how the weights will be applied to the scale. The method of applying known test weights often presents the greatest challenge for the test. I am sure that many of you have been involved in the testing of a large capacity hopper scale using only fifty-pound test weights. Doing substitution testing of a hopper with as much as 10 000 lb in fifty-pound weights becomes very labor intensive, time consuming, and sometimes downright dangerous. I was involved in one test that required stacking 10 000 lb of fifty-pound weights on a bridge plank suspended from two chains on one side of the scale, and only one side was accessible. During the third time of stacking the weights on the plank, at more than 9 000 lb, the plank broke, sending the entire load scattering across the concrete floor. Fortunately, no one was injured. The preferred method of applying test weights to the scale is to use large block weights with chains of sufficient length and strength and “come-a-longs” in the appropriate capacity and quantity to apply the known test load to the load-receiving element. The better systems today have weights “permanently at the scale.” Some also incorporate hydraulic cylinders for lifting the weights. In addition to the larger test weight and equipment outlined above, it is necessary to have small weights in increments down to one tenth of the scale division for error weight testing. It is also helpful to have enough small weights to be able to trim substitution loads to an exact value, as will be discussed in detail in the next section. For an official test, you also need the proper report forms, seals, tags, sealing, pliers, etc.

Guest Article

It is also desirable to have a way to apply small weights to the load-receiving element.I have found that a small plastic bucket works well. It can be hung on one of the chains used for lifting test weights. One thing that is often omitted from an equipment list is NIST Handbook 44. It is a “tool” and is very important. You should not play the game without having the “rule book” handy. Terms to know. Before discussing the actual test, it is necessary to discuss some terms used in hopper scale testing and explore their meanings, specifically, error weight testing, substitution testing, and strain load testing. “Substitution tests” and “strain load tests” may be used independently as separate tests of a scale; they may also be used in combination in the testing of large capacity hoppers. “Error Weight Testing”. Error weights are used to determine the amount of error at a particular test load more accurately than can be determined from reading the indicator directly. On a mechanical beam scale, some small weights in increments equal to one tenth of the scale division can be applied to the load receiving element prior to establishing the zero load balance. Additional small weights can be used to re-establish a balance condition for the beam with the poise seated in the notch on the beam related to the applied test load. By using error weights the actual error of the device at a given test load can be determined to a more precise value than the smallest division of the beam. For example, the smallest division on the beam may be 20 lb. At a given test load if there is an error and the beam is not balanced, moving the fractional poise by 20 lb in either direction may be too much to establish a balance condition. With error weights added to or removed from the scale, the beam may be brought to an exact balance condition, and the actual error can be determined based on the amount of error weights used to balance the scale. On an electronic device the principle is similar, but a little more difficult to visualize.

Guest Article

(figure of error weight testing on digital instrument using break point)

Guest Article

Once a good zero has been established, small weights can be used to bring the indication into the zone of uncertainty between zero and the first scale division. If six pounds is required from zero to have the indicator alternate between zero and an indication of 10 lb, this becomes the breakpoint for this particular device. Handouts are available from Dick Suiter at: phone (301) 975-4406, fax (301) 926-0647, email rsuiter@nist.gov. “Substitution Test”. In a substitution test, material, product, vehicles, or other objects are substituted for known test weight on the load-receiving element of the scale, then the known test weights are again placed on the load-receiving element.For example, a load of 4 000 lb of known test standards may be applied to the load receiving element. The error is determined as accurately as possible using error weights. Once the error has been determined, the test weights are removed and product or material is placed in the hopper until exactly the same reading (including error weights) is established; again, error weights are used to determine the reading as closely as possible. If the reading of the indicator is exactly the same, including error weights, for both the known test weights and the substituted material, in effect the actual weight of the substituted material is the same as that of the known test standards, irrespective of any scale error at that point. The limitation on accuracy of this technique is the uncertainty of the error weight process and the readability of the scale. It is important to reduce that uncertainty as much as possible. Some of the sources of uncertainty are a change in zero balance, shift in load distribution, load cell creep, and the ability to achieve an exact substitution for known test weights. On a beam scale, as mentioned earlier, it is best to start with some small weights balanced on the scale load-receiving element at zero. This allows the determination of errors in both directions using error weights. At the 4000-lb load with the poise set at the 4000 lb graduation, small weights are added or removed until the beam is in balance. The difference in small weights from the original starting point is the scale error at that point. When the system has a digital indicator a “balance condition” is not available, so an alternative method must be used to establish a reference point. One alternative is to use the breakpoint as a reference point. In the earlier example, the weight required to get to the breakpoint was six pounds. To determine the error at a 4000 lb known test load and an indication of 4000 lb, the breakpoint is found using small weights. Any difference in the amount of weight required to reach the breakpoint and the original six pounds is the scale error at that point If the starting indication is not 4000 lb, the error in the indication must be included.

Guest Article

For example, if the indication is 3990 (on a 10-lb division scale) and the amount of error weights required to arrive at the breakpoint for that indication is 4 lb, the actual scale error at that point is minus 8 lb. Keeping track of error weights to determine actual errors can be confusing and some practice is required. Using a diagram with the division broken down into tenths, such as shown on the figure may help. The substitution process can be repeated several times to arrive at a larger “test load.” The Office of Weights and Measures recommends no more than three substitutions due to the uncertainty of the process. Particularly when only direct reading of errors is used (not using error weights and breakpoints), the uncertainty may approach the tolerance applied to the scale.Because of this uncertainty, it is necessary to apply at least 25 percent of capacity in known test weights.If that is not possible, strain load procedures should be used after three substitutions. “Strain Load Testing”. In strain load testing, the scale is tested using known test weights up to the amount of available weight. Then material or product is added to the hopper to some higher reading; in this case the true weight of the material is not known. For example, 5000 lb of known test weight can be used along with the substitution test procedure to test a scale up to 20 000 lb. If the capacity of the hopper is 60 000 lb, however, a strain load test must be used to test the device to a point near or at its capacity. To perform the strain load test in this example, material can be added to the hopper until the reading is 55 000 lb. At this point, error weights are used to determine a starting reference point using the procedures described earlier for error weights. Once the starting reference point is determined, the 5 000 lb of known weight is added to the scale and the scale reading is determined at that point (60 000 lb) using error weights. The difference between the starting reference point and the ending reference point is compared with the 5000 lb of known weight to determine the error at 60 000 lb. In this case, the tolerance is based on the 5000 lb of known weight and not the 60 000 lb value. The major difference and drawback to strain load testing is the fact that there is no way to determine the scale’s performance between the 5000 lb of known weight and the strain load of 55 000 lb. The Test. Now that we have some understanding of substitution and strain load testing we can proceed to review a complete test.

Guest Article

As with any scale examination, the first part is the inspection. During this phase the inspector will look at zero indication as found, suitability and appropriateness of design, correct installation, accessibility for testing (often this is a problem for older hoppers, particularly with respect to application of adequate test weights), marking requirements, and anything else required in the specifications section of Handbook 44. In an NTEP State, this also includes a determination that the scale and significant components are covered by an NTEP Certificate of Conformance. If only the load cells and indicator have Certificates ofConformance, this does not meet the requirements for an NTEP device. The load receiving element (hopper) must also have a Certificate of Conformance. Next are the pretest determinations for the device under test.The inspector considers items discussed earlier, including capacity and division size, test loads to be applied, and the tolerances for those test loads. The actual test is next. Ideally, the test will use known test weights to at least 25 percent of capacity and substitutions to the capacity of the device. If that is not possible, strain load testing may need to be incorporated.Regardless of the method used, the actual errors at the various test points will be determined and recorded. Finally, once the actual performance of the scale has been determined, it will be evaluated as to whether or not any errors are within tolerance.Appropriate action based on compliance with requirements can then be taken. Summary. The test procedures for hopper scales are not much more difficult than those for many other devices. The most difficult and time-consuming task can be the process of obtaining the necessary amount of known test weights and the process of applying weights to the load receiving element. Proper installation of new devices which include on-site test weights can aid immensely in that regard. For older devices, the addition of proper permanent test weights, where possible, can pay off in labor savings as well as increasing scale accuracy and reliability.The keys to a successful hopper scale test are having the right equipment for the test to be performed, knowing how to do them, and understanding how to interpret the results.

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Safety Column

John Bell Metrology Lab Manager Missouri Department of Agriculture Safe from Litigation in Weights & Measures

When we think of safety we often think of safety from physical harm, but in this article, I am going to discuss safety from lawsuits. Specifically, how do we as Weights and Measure regulators do our best to avoid litigation. Litigation can be costly both from a monetary perspective but also in the possibility of losing employees and/or programs due to the outcome of a case. I believe as a metrologist we need to take a close look at the seven elements of traceability to reduce our risk to lawsuits. These seven elements provide objective evidence to other individuals that a task was completed and how it was done. Evidence we may need to defend ourselves from a legal perspective.

The seven elements of traceability are as follows: 1.Traceability to the SI (Internation system of units) 2.Unbroken Chain of Comparisons 3.Calibration program for standards and equipment 4.Documented Measurement Uncertainty 5.Documented and Validated Procedures

6.Technical Competence 7.Measurement Assurance

Let’s start with traceability to the international system of units or SI. The results from testing a device will need to have the ability to be converted to the SI unit of measurement. NIST Handbook SP811 can help with converting units of measurement especially in parts of the world that use the Imperial system. SI units may assist in anchoring your defense to a globally recognized measurement rather than proprietary or arbitrary metrics.

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