Product category:
Engineering Industry Reports and Surveys
News Release from: Sira
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 08 November 2001
Report into vacuum metrology now
available
A survey to investigate the criticality and financial value of good vacuum metrology to industrial processes, with a particular emphasis on surface coating processes, is now available
The National Measurement System Policy Unit (NMSPU), which is part of the DTI, commissioned Sira to conduct a survey relating to vacuum metrology in industrial processes Sira Test and Certification Ltd announces that the survey is now available
This article was originally published on Engineeringtalk on 10 Apr 2000 at 8.00am (UK)
Related stories
Accelerometer calibration - and make it snappy
Sira Test and Certification has developed a fast turnaround accelerometer calibration service.
Single source EMC testing service launched
Sira Test and Certification has formed an alliance to offer a one-stop shop facility for customers who are manufacturing electrical equipment for use in hazardous areas.
The objective of the survey was to investigate the criticality and financial value of good vacuum metrology to industrial processes, with a particular emphasis on surface coating processes.
Previous studies had indicated that in the majority of vacuum plants, operators do not appreciate the potential magnitude of pressure uncertainty.
Assumptions are usually made that it is line with the 'accuracy' claims made by equipment manufacturers and calibration organisations (which mainly relate to the performance under ideal conditions, not the working environment).
The vital question to investigate was whether it was necessary for companies carrying out vacuum coating to be able to measure the precise absolute value of pressure within the process or whether it is sufficient to be able to reproduce process conditions reliably regardless of the absolute values.
The new report from Sira contains two relevant case studies, along with summary reports of interviews with a wide cross-section of operators from vacuum-dependent processes.
Vacuum metrology is perhaps less widely understood than many other areas of measurement.
The survey covers some of the issues, which need to be understood in order to make meaningful vacuum measurements including vacuum range, measurement technology, installation, environment and calibration.
The study background, findings, and details of the project strategy and work plan can be found in detail in the survey report.
It is ideal reading for ceramics, process, coatings, semi-conductor and other industries.
Observations made during this study suggest that major aspects of process plant design including vacuum measurement instrument selection and installation, are dictated by the system supplier.
Sira Test and Certification is the UK's leading supplier of conformity assessment solutions and is part of the Sira group.
The Sira group is one of the world's leading independent organisations specialising in the practical application of measurement and instrument related technologies.
Copies of the survey can be obtained for a fee of £25.00.
Please contact Pat Blazdell at Sira.
• Sira: contact details and other news
• Email this article to a colleague
• Register for the free Engineeringtalk email newsletter
• Engineeringtalk Home Page
Search the Pro-Talk network of sites
