Uncertainty Analysis of Newly Developed Low Liquid Flow Calibration Facility at CSIR-NPL, India

Abstract

Over the past decade, micro-liquid flow measurement has become increasingly important, particularly in India, where devices like syringe pumps, infusion pumps, and infusion device analyzers are critical in hospitals and research laboratories. These devices are essential for precise drug dosing in applications such as chemotherapy, pain management, insulin therapy, and other vital treatments, making accurate calibration crucial. To meet this need, the Fluid Flow Metrology Section at the CSIR-National Physical Laboratory (CSIR-NPL) in New Delhi has developed a state-of-the-art calibration facility for micro-liquid flow, capable of measuring flow rates from 10 mL/h to 1500 mL/h. The facility employs a static weighing method, utilizing a dual-range analytical balance with a capacity of 220 g/82 g and a digital timer as reference standards. This setup achieves an expanded uncertainty of 0.30% (at k=2) for both totalized volume and volume flow rate measurements, thereby ensuring the facility's status as a National Metrology Institute (NMI) in micro-liquid flow measurement.