The requirement

Within the field of acoustical measurements in Poland there was an urgent need to upgrade standards capabilities bringing them closer to those of EU countries. With financial support from the EU through the PHARE Programme, the Central Office of Measures in Poland (GUM) sought the help of NPL.

PHARE awarded NPL a contract to supply a primary standard of sound pressure based on a facility developed for use at NPL but customised for use in Poland.

Commercial and specially-designed equipment combined

Although based on commercially available equipment, the facility supplied to GUM includes hardware specially designed and constructed at NPL to perform certain unique functions. The hardware is complemented by a suite of NPL software exploiting knowledge and expertise developed at NPL over many years. It also addresses many of the requirements for operating under an ISO 9000 quality regime.

Testing and Installation

Before delivery, the equipment was put through an extensive testing programme alongside NPL's own primary standard. It was then shipped to Poland and installed and tested in its permanent home at GUM by NPL staff.

Training

Once the facility was fully commissioned, NPL staff again visited GUM to conduct extensive training on the use and maintenance of the equipment, enabling GUM staff to take full advantage of the new facility.

Commitment to the future

Of course, a considerable depth of knowledge is required to maintain independently such specialised and complex equipment. NPL fully understands that this knowledge takes time to develop and is committed to giving continuing support to GUM. Details of new developments and enhancements of NPL's own primary standard facility will be passed on, ensuring that the facility at GUM remains state-of-the-art

Danuta Dobrowolska of GUM comments:

"We have achieved the best metrology capabilities in Eastern Europe. We have the primary standard [whose] accuracy is comparable with the accuracy achieved in EU countries."

"In future we may also assist countries of the Central and Eastern Europe providing them [with] consultations and comparisons of standards"

"With the primary standard of sound pressure realised by NPL we [can now] ensure traceability of measurements in Poland."

"It is [of] great benefit for the acoustical community in Poland, especially for two Polish manufacturers of acoustical measuring equipment."

Further Information

For more information, please contact Dr Richard Barham