Flow measurements of liquids and gases
Flow measurements lay the foundation for fair trade, safe processes and accurate dosing. METAS implements primary standards and calibrates measuring systems with metrological traceability.
Flow measurements in everyday life
Refuelling, supplying gas and drinking water, and industrial production plants all involve continuously measuring the amount of liquid or gas flowing through a pipe. Accurate flow measurements like these are the basis for correct billing, stable processes and safe plant operation.
Typical applications of flow measurement
Measuring the flow of liquids and gases is used in various fields:
- Industry and production: for dosing reactants, controlling production processes and monitoring filling plants
- Energy and supply: for measuring natural gas and water flows for supply and consumption billing
- Transport: for measuring fuel and exhaust gas flows and to check filling stations
- Medicine and health: for monitoring gas and liquid flows in ventilators and infusion pumps
- Buildings and building technology: for controlling heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems
Our services in the field of flow
Calibrations
We offer the following calibration services:
- Calibration of gas meters from 1.2 mL/min to 6500 m3/h
- Calibration of meters for liquids from 20 nL/min to 400 mL/min
- Calibration of water meters in the range (6 to 1500) m3/h
- Calibration of hydrogen filling stations at 350 bar and 700 bar
On-site calibrations are also possible by arrangement.
Supervision of verification laboratories for gas volumes and thermal energy
Together with the Supervision and Retrospective Inspection department at METAS, we oversee the verification laboratories for gas volumes and thermal energy. In this way, we help ensure that gas flow and thermal energy are billed correctly to protect consumers and ensure fair trade in Switzerland.
Is the service you are looking for not listed on the website? Please do not hesitate to contact us so that we can work together to find a customised solution to your problem.
Measuring methods and technologies
Our measuring equipment uses primary methods that are internationally recognised. These include:
- Piston provers and bell prover for realising gas flow
- pVTt primary standard for realising hydrogen flow
- Gravimetric system for on-site calibration of hydrogen filling stations
- Gravimetric systems for the realisation of small flows
- Volumetric system for calibrating large water meters
- Transfer standards for on-site calibration of gas or liquid flow meters
Quality and expertise
You can find information on the quality of our services on the “Integrated Management System” page.
Enquiry and contact
Flow Laboratory
Federal Institute of Metrology METAS
Lindenweg 50
3003 Bern-Wabern
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More information
Calibration
Our calibrations are based on nationally and internationally traceable references and guarantee the highest measurement accuracy and traceability to the International System of Units (SI) for measuring instruments from industry, research and administration.