Guidelines on the Calibration of

Automatic Catchweighing Instruments

AWICal ACI Guide
May 2018
 Guidelines on the Calibration of
Automatic Catchweighing Instruments

CONTENTS

1 INTRODUCTION 2
2 SCOPE 2
3 TERMINOLOGY AND SYMBOLS 3
4 GENERAL ASPECTS OF THE CALIBRATION 3
4.1 Elements of the calibration 3
4.2 Control instrument 4
4.3 Test loads 5
4.4 Indications 6
4.5 Reference value of mass of test loads 6
4.6 Operating parameters 8
5 MEASUREMENT METHODS 8
5.1 Test for errors and repeatability of indication 9
5.2 Eccentricity test 10
5.3 Auxiliary measurements 10
6 MEASUREMENT RESULTS 11
6.1 Repeatability 11
6.2 Mean error of indication 11
6.3 Effect of eccentric loading 11
7 UNCERTAINTY OF MEASUREMENT 11
7.1 Standard uncertainty of mean error 12
7.2 Expanded uncertainty at calibration 18
7.3 Standard uncertainty of a weighing result 18
7.4 Expanded uncertainty of a weighing result 21
8 CALIBRATION CERTIFICATE 21
8.1 General information 22
8.2 Information about the calibration procedure 22
8.3 Results of measurement 22
9 REFERENCES 23

APPENDICES

A SYMBOLS 24
B METHODS FOR DETERMINATION OF REFERENCE VALUE OF MASS 26
B1 Test load calibrated on the control instrument used as comparator 26
B2 Test load weighed on simultaneously calibrated control instrument 26
B3 Test load weighed on previously calibrated control instrument 28
C CONTROL INSTRUMENT CALIBRATED TO SPECIFIED TOLERANCES 30
D EXAMPLE 31

1
1 INTRODUCTION
Automatic catchweighing instruments (ACI) [1] are widely used to determine the
value of pre-assembled discrete loads in terms of mass. There is a growing need for
evaluation of their metrological characteristics by calibration, eg. where required by
EN ISO 9001 standard.

2 SCOPE
This document contains guidance for the calibration of automatic catchweighing
instruments (hereafter called “instrument”), in particular for

1. determination of the reference value of mass of test loads,

2. measurements to be performed,
3. calculation of the measuring results,
4. evaluation of the uncertainty of measurement,
5. contents of the calibration certificate.

The guide refers to automatic operation of the instrument [1]. The guide deals with
the instruments that weigh dynamically [1], but it could be as well used for the
instruments that weigh statically [1], i.e. for the instruments, which utilizes a so-
called start-stop mode of operation.

The guide doesn’t cover calibration of vehicle incorporated instruments [1] and
vehicle mounted instruments [1].

The object of the calibration is the indication provided by the instrument in response
to an applied load. The results are expressed in units of mass. The value of the load
indicated by the instrument will be affected by dynamic effects, speed of the load
transport system [1], the load dimensions, local gravity, the load temperature and
density, and the temperature and density of the surrounding air.

The uncertainty of measurement depends significantly on properties of the calibrated

instrument itself, the control instrument, the characteristics of the test loads, the
equipment of the calibrating laboratory. This guideline does not specify lower or
upper boundaries for the uncertainty of measurement. It is up to the calibrating
laboratory and the client to agree on the anticipated value of the uncertainty of
measurement, which is appropriate in view of the use of the instrument and in view
of the cost of the calibration.

While it is not intended to present one or few uniform procedures the use of which
would be obligatory, this document gives general guidance for establishing of
calibration procedures the results of which may be considered as equivalent within
the EURAMET Member Organisations.

Any such procedure must include, for a limited number of test loads, the
determination of the errors of indication and evaluation of the uncertainty of
measurement assigned to these errors. The calibration procedure should as closely as
possible resemble the weighing operations that are routinely being performed by the
user – e.g. using articles, which are actually weighed on the instrument by client,
using the same speed of operation.

The calibration can only deliver a measurement error in comparison to a reference at

the time of calibration and under the conditions of the calibration. Any transfer of this
information to other conditions or an extrapolation of the results into the future
requires additional succeeding calibrations or a priori information and the respective
extrapolation of the uncertainty based on the knowledge about the behaviour of the

2
 instrument.

The information presented in this guideline is intended to serve, and should be

observed by

1. bodies accrediting laboratories for the calibration of automatic catchweighing

instruments,
2. laboratories accredited for the calibration of automatic catchweighing
instruments,
3. manufacturers and other users using calibrated automatic catchweighing
instruments for measurements relevant for the quality of production subject to
QM requirements (e.g. EN ISO 9000 series, EN ISO 10012).

3 TERMINOLOGY AND SYMBOLS

The terminology used in this document is mainly based on existing documents

 OIML R51 [1] for terms related to the operation, construction and metrological
characterization of automatic catchweighing instruments
 EURAMET Calibration Guide No. 18 [2] for terms related with the static weighing
and calibration of control instrument,

Such terms are not explained in this document, but where they first appear,
references will be indicated.

Symbols whose meanings are not self-evident, will be explained where they are first
used. Those that are used in more than one section are collected in Appendix A.

4 GENERAL ASPECTS OF THE CALIBRATION

4.1 Elements of the calibration

Calibration consists of

1. determining the reference value of mass of the test loads,

2. applying the test loads to the instrument under specified conditions,
3. determining the mean error of the indications, and
4. evaluating the uncertainty of measurement to be attributed to the results.

4.1.1 Range of calibration

In agreement with the client, the calibration is performed at individual nominal
values, which are defined by the selected test loads, and it is only valid for the
specified test loads (with a small bandwidth for mass, volume and shape). It will
usually not be possible to calibrate a “range” for such instruments, because of their
dynamic behaviour.

On a multilane instrument (the instrument with several load receptors and a single
terminal), the client should identify which lane(s) shall be calibrated.

The calibration is performed at speed(s) of load transport system and rate(s) of

operation [1] requested and specified in advance by the client. Normally these
conditions are the same as conditions during the actual weighing process.

The calibration it is only valid for these conditions.

4.1.2 Place of calibration

Calibration is performed at the location where the instrument is being installed. The

3
 calibration is valid for the place of calibration.

4.1.3 Preconditions, preparations

The calibration should be performed under normal conditions of use (air flow,
vibrations, stability of the weighing site etc.) of the instrument. The calibration should
not be performed unless

1. the instrument can be readily identified,

2. all functions of the instrument are free from effects of contamination or damage,
and functions essential for the calibration operate as intended,
3. presentation of weight values is unambiguous and indications, where given, are
easily readable,
4. the instrument is energized prior to calibration for an appropriate period, e.g. as
long as the warm-up time specified for the instrument, or as set by the user,
5. the instrument is levelled, if applicable,
6. the instrument has been several times exercised in the automatic weighing mode
with the largest test load.

If the instrument is fitted with the dynamic setting facility [1], which is regularly used
by the user, the dynamic setting is executed for each test load value before
commencing the calibration. Such setting should be made with the means normally
used by the client and following the manufacturer's instructions when available.

If agreed with the client, the instrument could be statically adjusted before the
calibration. Adjustment should be performed with the means that are normally
applied by the client, and following the manufacturer’s instructions where available.

Instruments fitted with an automatic zero-setting device or a zero-tracking device [1]

should be calibrated with the device operative or not, as used by the client.

The user of the instrument should be asked to ensure that the normal conditions of
use prevail during the calibration. In this way disturbing effects such as air flow,
vibrations, or inclination of the measuring platform will, so far as is possible, be
inherent in the measured values and will therefore be included in the determined
uncertainty of measurement.

4.2 Control instrument

A control instrument [1] is used to determine the reference value of mass of the test
loads.

The control instrument may be either separate (a weighing instrument other than the
instrument being calibrated) or integral (when a static weighing mode is provided by
the instrument being calibrated).

The control instrument should ensure the determination of the reference value of
mass of each test load to accuracy, which is appropriate to the expected uncertainty
of calibration of the calibrated instrument.

As a recommendation it can be taken that the control instrument should have a

resolution better than or equal to that of the calibrated instrument and, if applicable,
ensure the determination of the reference value of mass of each test load to
accuracy of at least one-third of appropriate tolerances for the calibrated instrument
if they are defined by client.

Details on determination of the reference value of mass of the test load on the
control instrument and corresponding uncertainty are given in Section 4.5 and

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 Section 7.1.2, respectively.

4.3 Test loads

The test loads should preferably be the type of article(s), which are normally weighed
on the calibrated instrument. For the purpose of calibration, their traceability to the
SI unit of mass shall be demonstrated.

In addition, a selection of the test loads requires due consideration of the following:

1. appropriateness for the intended use of the instrument (if not exactly article(s),
which are usually weighed on the calibrated instrument)

2. shape, material, composition should allow easy handling,

3. shape, material, composition should allow to easily estimate the position of

centre of gravity in a direction perpendicular to movement of the belt,

4. their mass must remain constant throughout the period in which they are used
for the calibration,

5. non-hygroscopic, non-electrostatic, non-magnetic material.

The reference value of mass of the test loads is normally determined at the time and
place of calibration of the instrument. If it is not determined at the time and place of
calibration of the instrument, but elsewhere (e.g. in a permanent laboratory):

6. their density should be easy to estimate and reported on the calibration report,

7. the test loads of low density may require special attention due to buoyancy.
Monitoring of the temperature and the atmospheric pressure may be necessary
throughout the period of use of the loads during the calibration.

4.3.1 Determination of the reference value of mass of the test load

The necessary measurements to determine the reference value of mass of the test
load and its uncertainty are performed on the control instrument (cf. 4.2).
Recommended approaches are further discussed in Section 4.5.

4.3.2 Standard weights

Standard OIML weights [3] directly applied on the load transport system are not used
for calibration of the instrument.

The requirements for the standard weights, which are used for calibration of the
control instrument or calibration of the test loads using the control instrument as a
comparator are given in [2] and [3], respectively.

4.3.3 Effects of convection

The test loads may not be at the same temperature as the instrument and its
environment. The temperature difference ∆𝑇 is defined as the difference between the
temperature of the test load and the temperature of the environment. Two
phenomena should be noted in this case:

 An initial temperature difference ∆𝑇0 may be reduced to a smaller value ∆𝑇 by

acclimatisation over a time ∆𝑡.
 When the test load is put on the load receptor, the actual difference ∆𝑇 will
produce an air flow about the test load leading to parasitic forces which result in
an apparent change ∆𝑚𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑣 on its mass. The sign of ∆𝑚𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑣 is normally opposite

5
 to the sign of ∆𝑇, its value being greater for large test loads than for small ones.

The effect of convection should be minimized allowing the test loads to reach the
temperature of the environment, i.e. to the extent that the remaining change ∆𝑚𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑣
is negligible in view of the uncertainty of the calibration required by the client.

4.4 Indications

4.4.1 General
An automatic weighing instrument is capable of performing consecutive weighing
cycles without any intervention of an operator [4]. Unlike for non-automatic weighing
instrument, the automatic weighing instrument operator is neither capable nor
expected to make a correction of the indication under load with the indication at no
load.

Consequently, for the purpose of calibration of automatic catchweighing instrument,

only the test load indications 𝐼𝑇𝐿 are taken into account, and they are not corrected
for the no load indications 𝐼0 .

𝐼 = 𝐼𝑇𝐿 (4.4.1-1)

During calibration tests, the instrument indications should be recorded, not errors or
variations of the indication.

Instead of the visually observed indications, the indications stored electronically and
displayed on demand or printed by the calibrated instrument may be equivalently
used by the calibration laboratory.

4.4.2 Resolution
Indications are normally obtained as integer multiples of the scale interval d.

At the discretion of the calibration laboratory and with the consent of the client,
means to obtain indications in higher resolution than in d may be applied, e.g. where
compliance to a specification is checked and the smallest uncertainty is desired. Such
means may be switching the indicating device to a smaller scale interval dT < d
(“service mode”). In this case, the indications are obtained as integer multiple of dT.

4.5 Reference value of mass of test loads

To determine the errors of indication of an instrument, test loads are applied. Their
conventional value of mass 𝑚𝑐𝑇𝐿 is a priori not known, their density 𝜌𝑇𝐿 is normally
significantly different from the reference value 𝜌𝑐 and the air density 𝜌𝑎 at the time of
calibration is normally different from reference air density 𝜌0 .

Due to effects of air buoyancy, convection, drift and others, which may lead to minor
correction terms 𝛿𝑚𝑥 , the reference value of mass of test load, 𝑚𝑟𝑒𝑓 further called
reference value of mass, is not exactly equal to 𝑚𝑐𝑇𝐿 , the conventional mass value of
the load

𝑚𝑟𝑒𝑓 = 𝑚𝑐𝑇𝐿 + 𝛿𝑚𝐵 + 𝛿𝑚𝐷 + 𝛿𝑚𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑣 + 𝛿𝑚 … (4.5-1)

with
𝛿𝑚𝐵 – air buoyancy correction for the test load used for calibration of the
catchweigher,
𝛿𝑚𝐷 – correction due to possible drift of the test load of since its last calibration,

6
𝛿𝑚𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑣 – correction due to convection effects on the test load.
𝛿𝑚 − further corrections that it may be necessary to apply under special conditions,
these are not considered hereafter.

Opposite to calibration of NAWI, density of the test load used for calibration of the
catchweigher may significantly differ from the reference density of standard weights
𝜌𝑠 , i.e. 8000 kg/m3 [5]. Consequently, air buoyancy correction could be significant. If
reference value of mass is determined at air density, which is different from air
density at the time of calibration of catchweigher, the density of the test load need to
be known with relevant accuracy/uncertainty. On the other hand, if reference value
of mass is determined at the time and place of calibration of the catchweigher there
is no difference in the air density value. It will be shown that the density of the test
load doesn’t need to be known in such a case.

𝑚𝑟𝑒𝑓 could be determined in various ways. Some of these methods are summarised
in the table below, with further details given in subsections of Appendix B.

Method of Time of calibration Remarks Appendix

determination of
reference value of
mass
Test load calibrated Test load calibrated No significant drift of test load. B1
on the control at the time and Small air buoyancy correction.
instrument used as place of calibration No need to know density of
comparator of ACI. test load.
Test load weighed on Control instrument No drift of test load. B2
the simultaneously calibrated at time Small air buoyancy correction.
calibrated control and place of No need to know density of
instrument calibration of ACI. test load.

Test load weighed at

the time and place
of calibration of ACI.
Test load weighed on Control instrument Control instrument needs to B3
the previously calibrated have calibration certificate.
calibrated control previously. Uncertainty of control
instrument instrument in use needs to be
Test load weighed at taken into account.
the time and place No significant drift of test load
of calibration of ACI. Small air buoyancy correction.
No need to know density of
test load.
Test load with Test load calibrated Drift of test load is relevant. /
calibration certificate previously. Significant air buoyancy
correction.
Density of test load needs to
be known.

For the cases, where the test loads are calibrated at the time and place of calibration
of the catchweigher, and if the test loads are kept at the temperature conditions
prevailed during the calibration for longer time before the calibration, it can be with
negligible uncertainty assumed that the corrections due to possible drift and
convection effects are not necessary, 𝛿𝑚𝐷 ≈ 0 and 𝛿𝑚𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑣 = 0, respectively. In such
a case, (4.5.1) is simplified to

𝑚𝑟𝑒𝑓 = 𝑚𝑐𝑇𝐿 + 𝛿𝑚𝐵 . (4.5-2)

The air buoyancy correction 𝛿𝑚𝐵 for the test load used for calibration of the
catchweigher is evaluated based on [2]. It is affected by air density at the time of
calibration of the catchweigher 𝜌𝑎 , density of the test load 𝜌𝑇𝐿 and density of

7
 standard weights used for adjustment of the catchweigher 𝜌𝑠

1 1
𝛿𝑚𝐵 = −𝑚𝑐𝑇𝐿 [(𝜌𝑎 − 𝜌0 ) ( − )] (4.5-3)
𝜌𝑇𝐿 𝜌𝑠

with reference air density 𝜌0 = 1,2 𝑘𝑔/𝑚3 .

Appendix B provides complete description of determination of reference value of

mass 𝑚𝑟𝑒𝑓 , which results from determination of the conventional mass of test load
𝑚𝑐𝑇𝐿 and the air buoyancy correction for test load 𝛿𝑚𝐵 , considering the principle and
time of determination of the reference value of mass. Final results of Appendix B
subsections are used in Section 7.1.2.

4.6 Operating parameters

Article dimensions, the length of the platform and load transport system speed (belt
speed) must be determined, and the speed setting (indicated belt speed and/or rate
of operation, or position of speed setting switch) recorded for each case.

Based on the belt speed 𝑣, and the distance between the centres of consecutive
articles 𝑆, maximum rate 𝑐𝑚𝑎𝑥 is calculated according to the following expression:

𝑐𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝑣/𝑆 (4.6-1)

The distance 𝑆 is equal or larger than the length of the platform.

The dimensions of the article are given in the following standardized form a × b × c,
being
- a, length in the forward direction of the belt,
- b, width, perpendicular to the length in the plane of the belt,
- c, height, perpendicular to the plane of the belt.

5 MEASUREMENT METHODS
Tests are normally performed to determine:
 the errors and repeatability of indications, and
 the effect of eccentric application of a load on the indication.

The calibration laboratory deciding on the number of measurements for its routine
calibration procedure should consider that, in general, a larger number of
measurements tends to reduce the uncertainty of measurement.

Details of the tests performed for an individual calibration may be fixed by agreement
of the client and the calibration laboratory, in view of the normal use of the
instrument. The parties may also agree on further tests or checks, which may assist
in evaluating the performance of the instrument under special conditions of use. Any
such agreement should be consistent with the minimum numbers of tests as specified
in the following sections.

The general test procedure for the test specified in the following sections shall be as
follows:

1) Select the test loads as specified in Section 4.3 with the test load values as
specified in Sections 5.1 and 5.2 for the test for errors and repeatability of
indication and eccentricity test, respectively. Determine the reference value of
mass of each test load on the control instrument as specified in Section 4.5 and
Appendix B.

8
 2) The instrument should be tested in its normal mode of automatic operation (with
the consent of the client, indications in higher resolution may be obtained, see
Section 4.4.2). Start the automatic weighing system, including the surrounding
equipment, which is normally operational when the instrument is in use.

3) Set the load transport system to the speed agreed with the client. Normally this
is the speed used for weighing articles by the client. The speed may vary
depending on the mass of the test load.

4) The number of consecutive test weighings for each test load depends on the
nominal mass of the test load as specified in Sections 5.1 and 5.2 for the test for
errors and repeatability of indication and eccentricity test, respectively.

5) Where applicable, before commencing the tests select the corresponding dynamic
setting factor, or carry out the dynamic setting for each test load value if the
client regularly uses this facility.

6) Zero shall be set at the start of each test at a given load value and not
readjusted at any time during the test. It has to be allowed that automatic
adjustment of zero, if exists and used by user, is operational during the tests.

7) Enable the test loads to be automatically weighed for the specified number of
times and record each indication. The test load is introduced to the load
transport system and the load receptor preferably using the load conveyor of the
instrument.

8) The status of dynamic adjustment and automatic zeroing facilities shall be

recorded for each individual test.

5.1 Test for errors and repeatability of indication

The test consists of the passing repeatedly the same load over the middle of the load
receptor, under identical conditions of handling the load and the instrument, and
under constant test conditions. The purpose of this test is an appraisal of the
accuracy and repeatability of the instrument in selected test points. Each test point is
characterized by its own repeatability.

The test is performed with 𝑘 different test loads 𝐿 𝑇𝑗 , 1 ≤ 𝑗 ≤ 𝑘.

Examples for the test load target values:

 the minimum nominal load of weighed articles available on-site 𝑀𝑖𝑛′,
 the largest nominal load of weighed articles available on-site 𝑀𝑎𝑥′,
 one, two or more test points equally distributed between 𝑀𝑖𝑛′ and 𝑀𝑎𝑥′
according to use of the instrument and depending on articles available on-site.

Details about the test load target values need to be agreed with the client to
represent usual use of the calibrated instrument.

The minimum number of consecutive test weighings shall be as specified in the

following table:

Nominal mass 𝑚𝑁 of the test load Minimum number of repetitions, 𝑛

𝑚𝑁 ≤ 10 kg 30
10 kg < 𝑚𝑁 ≤ 20 kg 20
20 kg < 𝑚𝑁 10

9
 If the instrument is used to determine the net values of the weighed articles and one
of available tare devices (static or dynamic tare device, preset tare device) is used to
take into account the tare value of the packing of weighed article, this may be taken
into account during the test for errors and repeatability of indication. The (preset)
tare value(s) shall be agreed with the client.
 For the static taring, place the tare load on the load receptor and allow the tare
function to operate (refer to the manufacturer’s instructions).
 For the dynamic taring, pass the load to be tarred over the load receptor to allow
the tare function to operate (refer to manufacturer’s instructions).
 For the preset tare, determine the tare value in the same way as the load value
and introduce it into the instrument (refer to the manufacturer’s instructions).

5.2 Eccentricity test

The effect of the eccentric application of the load on the indication is tested when
applicable. This effect may occur where the instrument does not have guides to
centre the articles or where the guides are not suitable to this article. The test is not
applicable when the test load cannot be applied eccentrically on the load receptor
due to nature and shape of the article or the design of the load receptor, for example
due to existence of mechanical guides, adapted to the width of the article.

The test is performed with the same test loads and in the same test points as in the
test for errors and repeatability of indication (Section 5.1), 𝐿𝑒𝑐𝑐𝑗 = 𝐿 𝑇𝑗 .

The effect of eccentric loading shall be determined using the selected test load using
the portion of the load transport system that is halfway between the centre and the
back, and repeated with the same test load using the portion of the load transport
system that is halfway between the centre and the front as shown in figure 5.2-1.

Figure 5.2-1: Positions of load for test of eccentricity.

 


½W Band 1
 W W 


  Band 2 ½W
Direction of movement of the belt and Direction of movement of the belt and
load  load 

In figure 5.2-1, 𝑊 represents the width of the load transport system if there are no
guides or width between guides where they exist.

The minimum number of consecutive test weighings on each test band shall be as
specified in the following table:

Nominal mass 𝑚𝑁 of the test load Minimum number of repetitions 𝑛

𝑚𝑁 ≤ 10 kg 6
10 kg < 𝑚𝑁 ≤ 20 kg 5
20 kg < 𝑚𝑁 3

5.3 Auxiliary measurements

The following additional measurements or recordings are recommended, in particular
where a calibration is intended to be performed with the lowest possible uncertainty.

The air temperature in reasonable vicinity to the instrument should be measured, at

least once during the calibration. Where an instrument is used in a controlled

10
 environment, the span of the temperature variation should be noted, e.g. from a
thermograph, from the settings of the control device etc.

Barometric pressure or the altitude above sea-level of the site may also be useful.

Special care should be taken to prevent excessive convection effects, by observing a

limiting value for the temperature difference between the test loads and instrument,
and/or recording an acclimatisation time that has been executed.

6 MEASUREMENT RESULTS
The procedures and formulae in sections 6 and 7 provide the basis for the evaluation
of the results of the calibration tests and therefore require no further description on a
calibration certificate. If the procedures and formulae used deviate from those given
in the guide, additional information may need to be provided in the certificate.

The definition of an indication 𝐼 as given in 4.4.1 is used in this section.

6.1 Repeatability
From the 𝑛 indications 𝐼𝑖𝑗 for a given test load 𝐿 𝑇𝑗 , the standard deviation 𝑠(𝐼𝑗 ) is
calculated

1 2
𝑠(𝐼𝑗 ) = √ ∑𝑛1=1(𝐼𝑖𝑗 − 𝐼𝑗̅ ) (6.1-1)
𝑛−1

with the mean value of indications 𝐼𝑗

1
𝐼𝑗̅ = ∑𝑛1=1 𝐼𝑖𝑗 . (6.1-2)
𝑛

6.2 Mean error of indication

For each test load 𝐿 𝑇𝑗 , the mean error of indication 𝐸𝑗 is calculated as follows

𝐸𝑗 = 𝐼𝑗 − 𝑚𝑟𝑒𝑓,𝑗 (6.2-1)

where the mean value of several indications, 𝐼𝑗 , is calculated as per (6.1-2) and 𝑚𝑟𝑒𝑓,𝑗
is the value obtained according to Section 4.5 and Appendix B.

6.3 Effect of eccentric loading

For each tested band 𝑏 of the load transport system (cf. Figure 5.2-1) and for 𝑗-th
test load 𝐿𝑒𝑐𝑐,𝑗 = 𝐿 𝑇𝑗 , the average difference ∆𝐼𝑒𝑐𝑐,𝑏𝑗 is calculated as follows:

̅ − 𝐼̅𝑗
∆𝐼𝑒𝑐𝑐,𝑏𝑗 = 𝐼𝑏𝑗 (6.3-1)

̅ being the average of the indications of the test load 𝐿𝑒𝑐𝑐,𝑗 = 𝐿 𝑇𝑗 , on 𝑏-th tested
𝐼𝑏𝑗
band, 𝑏 being 1 or 2, and 𝐼𝑗̅ the average of the indications of the test load 𝐿 𝑇𝑗 in the
middle of the load transport system, cf. (6.1-2).

7 UNCERTAINTY OF MEASUREMENT
For the determination of uncertainty, second order terms have been considered
negligible, but when first order contributions cancel out, second order contributions
should be taken into account (see JCGM 101 [6], 9.3.2.6).

11
7.1 Standard uncertainty of mean error
Taking into account (6.2-1) the basic formula for the calibration is

𝐸 = 𝐼 − 𝑚𝑟𝑒𝑓 (7.1-1)

with standard uncertainty of the error

𝑢(𝐸) = √𝑢2 (𝐼) + 𝑢2 (𝑚𝑟𝑒𝑓 ) (7.1-2)

All input quantities are considered to be uncorrelated, therefore covariances are not
considered.

The terms are further expanded hereafter.

7.1.1 Standard uncertainty of the indication of the catchweigher

To account for sources of variability of the indication, (4.4.1-1) is amended by
correction terms 𝛿𝐼𝑥𝑥 as follows

𝐼 ̅ = 𝐼𝑇𝐿
̅ + 𝛿𝐼𝑑𝑖𝑔𝑇𝐿 + 𝛿𝐼𝑟𝑒𝑝 + 𝛿𝐼𝑒𝑐𝑐 (7.1.1-1)

Further correction terms may be applied in special conditions (temperature effects,

drift of zero, ...), which are not considered hereafter.

For the purpose of calibration of automatic catchweighing instrument, the load

indications 𝐼𝑇𝐿 are not corrected for the no load indications 𝐼0 .

All these corrections have the expectation value zero. Their standard uncertainties
are

7.1.1.1 𝛿𝐼𝑑𝑖𝑔𝑇𝐿 accounts for the effect of the resolution of indication at load. Limits are ±𝑑/2
or ±𝑑 𝑇 /2 as applicable (explanation for 𝑑 𝑇 is given in Section 4.4.2); rectangular
distribution to be assumed, therefore

𝑢(𝛿𝐼𝑑𝑖𝑔𝑇𝐿 ) = 𝑑/2√3 (7.1.1-2a)

or

𝑢(𝛿𝐼𝑑𝑖𝑔𝑇𝐿 ) = 𝑑 𝑇 /2√3 (7.1.1-2b)

respectively.

Note: on a multi-interval instrument, 𝑑 varies with 𝐼 .

7.1.1.2 𝛿𝐼𝑟𝑒𝑝 accounts for the repeatability of the instrument; normal distribution is assumed,
estimated as

𝑢(𝛿𝐼𝑟𝑒𝑝 ) = 𝑠(𝐼𝑗 )/√𝑛 (7.1.1-3)

where 𝑠(𝐼𝑗 ) is determined in 6.1 and 𝑛 is number of repeated weighings for the given
test load.

𝑠(𝐼𝑗 ) is determined for each given test load 𝐿 𝑇𝑗 and it is considered as representative
only for the respective test load.

12
 Note: For a standard deviation reported in a calibration certificate, it should be clear
whether it is related to a single indication or to the mean of 𝑛 indications.

7.1.1.3 𝛿𝐼𝑒𝑐𝑐 accounts for the error due to off-centre position of the centre of gravity of the
test load in a direction perpendicular to movement of the belt. Where this effect
cannot be neglected, an estimate of its magnitude may be based on these
assumptions:
- the average differences ∆𝐼𝑒𝑐𝑐 determined by (6.3-1) are proportional to the
distance of the load from the centre of the load receptor in a direction
perpendicular to movement of the belt,
- the effective centre of gravity of the test loads during the test for errors of
indication and repeatability of indication is not further from the centre of the load
receptor than half the distance between the load receptor centre and the
eccentricity load positions in a direction perpendicular to movement of the belt
(i.e. ¼ W), as per figure 5.2-1.

Based on the largest of the differences determined as per 6.3, 𝛿𝐼𝑒𝑐𝑐 is estimated to
be

𝛿𝐼𝑒𝑐𝑐 ≤ |∆𝐼𝑒𝑐𝑐,𝑏 |𝑚𝑎𝑥 /2 (7.1.1-4)

Rectangular distribution is assumed, so the standard uncertainty is

𝑢(𝛿𝐼𝑒𝑐𝑐 ) ≤ |∆𝐼𝑒𝑐𝑐,𝑏 |𝑚𝑎𝑥 /(2√3) (7.1.1-5)

𝛿𝐼𝑒𝑐𝑐 is determined for each given test load 𝐿𝑒𝑐𝑐,𝑗 = 𝐿 𝑇𝑗 and it is considered as
representative only for the respective test load.

7.1.1.4 The standard uncertainty of the indication for 𝑗-th test point is normally obtained by

2
𝑢2 (𝐼 )̅ = 𝑑 2 /12 + 𝑠 2 (𝐼)/𝑛 + (|∆𝐼𝑒𝑐𝑐,𝑏 |𝑚𝑎𝑥 /(2√3)) (7.1.1-7)

Note: The first term on the right hand side may have to be modified in special
cases as mentioned in 7.1.1.1.

7.1.2 Standard uncertainty of the reference value of mass

Taken into account the content of table in Section 4.5 and Appendix B, the following
cases of determination of the reference value of mass are treated in this section:
A. Test load calibrated on the control instrument
B. Test load weighed on the simultaneously calibrated control instrument
C. Test load weighed on the previously calibrated control instrument
D. Test load with calibration certificate

In general, uncertainty of reference value of mass gets larger from procedure A to

procedure C.

7.1.2.A Test load calibrated on the control instrument

The determination of the reference value of mass, when the test load is calibrated on
the control instrument, which is used as the comparator, is dealt with in Appendix B1
by (B1-5)

̅̅̅̅̅
𝑚𝑟𝑒𝑓 = 𝑚𝑐𝑅 + 𝛿𝑚𝐵𝑇𝑜𝑡 + ∆𝑚

To account for sources of variability of the reference value of mass for this case, (B1-

13
 5) is amended by correction term 𝛿𝑚𝑏𝑎 as follows

𝑚𝑟𝑒𝑓 = 𝑚𝑐𝑅 + 𝛿𝑚𝐵𝑇𝑜𝑡 + ̅̅̅̅̅

∆𝑚 + 𝛿𝑚𝑏𝑎 (7.1.2-1)

7.1.2.1 𝑚𝑐𝑅 is the conventional mass of the standard weights used for calibration of the test
load on the control instrument. Its standard uncertainty 𝑢(𝑚𝑐𝑅 ) should be evaluated
according to Section C.6.2 of OIML R111 [3].

7.1.2.2 𝛿𝑚𝐵𝑇𝑜𝑡 is the correction for air buoyancy as introduced in Appendix B1, equation (B1-
4)
1 1
𝛿𝑚𝐵𝑇𝑜𝑡 = −𝑚𝑐𝑅 [(𝜌𝑎 − 𝜌0 ) ( − )]
𝜌𝑅 𝜌𝑠

Where a comparison of expected values of 𝛿𝑚𝐵𝑇𝑜𝑡 with the resolution of the

instrument 𝑑 shows that the air buoyancy correction is small enough, a more
elaborate calculation of the correction and its uncertainty component based on actual
data may be superfluous. Consequently, no correction is applied, i.e. 𝛿𝑚𝐵𝑇𝑜𝑡 =0. If
conformity of the standard weights used for adjustment of the catchweigher and
calibration of the test load to OIML R111 [3] is established and if the catchweigher is
not adjusted before the calibration, the standard uncertainty is evaluated as given in
[2]

𝑢(𝛿𝑚𝐵𝑇𝑜𝑡 ) ≈ (0,1 𝜌0 𝑚𝑁 ⁄𝜌𝑐 + 𝑚𝑝𝑒 ⁄4)⁄√3 (7.1.2-2)

with 𝑚𝑁 being the nominal mass of the test load and 𝑚𝑝𝑒 the maximum permissible
error according to [3] of the standard weights corresponding to the nominal mass of
the test load. The lowest accuracy class of the standard weights used for adjustment
is applicable.

For smaller uncertainties, e.g. if the air buoyancy correction is taken into account
according to (B1-4) or the catchweigher is adjusted immediately before calibration,
the standard uncertainties could be evaluated according to Section 7.1.2.2 of [2].

7.1.2.3 ∆̅ is the average difference in indication between the test load and standard weight(s)
measurements on the control instrument as introduced in Annex B1, equation (B1-1).
Its standard uncertainty 𝑢(∆̅ ) should be evaluated according to Section C.6.1 of OIML
R111 [3].

7.1.2.4 𝛿𝑚𝑏𝑎 corresponds to the influences of the control instrument used for calibration of
the test load. No correction is apllied, 𝛿𝑚𝑏𝑎 = 0 and its standard uncertainty
𝑢(𝛿𝑚𝑏𝑎 ) should be evaluated according to Section C.6.4 of OIML R111 [3].

7.1.2.5 When the test load calibrated on the control instrument is used, the standard
uncertainty of the reference value of mass is obtained from

̅̅̅̅̅̅𝑐 ) + 𝑢2 (𝛿𝑚𝑏𝑎 )
𝑢2 (𝑚𝑟𝑒𝑓 ) = 𝑢2 (𝑚𝑐𝑇𝐿 ) + 𝑢2 (𝛿𝑚𝐵 ) + 𝑢2 (∆𝑚 (7.1.2-3)

with the contributions from 7.1.2.1 to 7.1.2.4.

7.1.2.B Test load weighed on simultaneously calibrated control instrument

The determination of the reference value of mass, when the test load is determined
by weighing on the control instrument, which was calibrated immediately before the
weighing took place, is dealt with in Appendix B2 by (B2-12)

𝑚𝑟𝑒𝑓 = (𝑅𝐿𝐶𝐼 − 𝑅0𝐶𝐼 ) − (𝐼𝐿𝐶𝐼 − 𝐼0𝐶𝐼 ) + 𝑚𝑐𝐶𝑎𝑙𝐶𝐼 + 𝛿𝑚𝐵𝑇𝑜𝑡

14
 To account for sources of variability of the reference value of mass for this case, (B2-
12) is amended by corrections terms 𝛿𝑋𝑥𝑥 as follows

(7.1.2-4)
𝑚𝑟𝑒𝑓 = (𝑅𝐿𝐶𝐼 + 𝛿𝑅𝑑𝑖𝑔𝐿𝐶𝐼 + 𝛿𝑅𝑟𝑒𝑝𝐶𝐼 + 𝛿𝑅𝑒𝑐𝑐𝐶𝐼 − (𝑅0𝐶𝐼 + 𝛿𝑅0𝐶𝐼 ))
− (𝐼𝐿𝐶𝐼 + 𝛿𝐼𝑑𝑖𝑔𝐿𝐶𝐼 + 𝛿𝐼𝑟𝑒𝑝𝐶𝐼 + 𝛿𝐼𝑒𝑐𝑐𝐶𝐼 − (𝐼0𝐶𝐼 + 𝛿𝐼𝑑𝑖𝑔0𝐶𝐼 ))
+ (𝑚𝑁𝐶𝑎𝑙𝐶𝐼 + 𝛿𝑚𝑐𝐶𝑎𝑙𝐶𝐼 + 𝛿𝑚𝐷𝐶𝑎𝑙𝐶𝐼 + 𝛿𝑚𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑣𝐶𝑎𝑙𝐶𝐼 ) + 𝛿𝑚𝐵𝑇𝑜𝑡

7.1.2.6 𝑅𝐶𝐼 is the reading of the test load on the control instrument (cf. also (B2-3)). Its
standard uncertainty 𝑢(𝑅𝐶𝐼 ) should be evaluated according to Section 7.4.1 of [2].

7.1.2.7 𝐼𝐶𝐼 is indication of the standard weights on the control instrument (cf. also (B2-5)). Its
standard uncertainty 𝑢(𝐼𝐶𝐼 ) should be evaluated according to Section 7.1.1 of [2].

7.1.2.8 𝑚𝐶𝑎𝑙𝐶𝐼 is the reference value of mass of standard weights used for calibration of the
control instrument, without taking into account the correction term for air buoyancy.
Its standard uncertainty 𝑢(𝑚𝐶𝑎𝑙𝐶𝐼 ) should be evaluated according to Section 7.1.2 of
[2], but not taking into account the standard uncertainty of the air buoyancy
correction. The standard uncertainty of the air buoyancy correction is treated
separately according the following paragraph.

7.1.2.9 𝛿𝑚𝐵𝑇𝑜𝑡 is the correction for air buoyancy as introduced in Appendix B2, equation (B2-
11)

1 1
𝛿𝑚𝐵𝑇𝑜𝑡 = −𝑚𝑐𝐶𝑎𝑙𝐶𝐼 [(𝜌𝑎 − 𝜌0 ) ( − )]
𝜌𝐶𝑎𝑙𝐶𝐼 𝜌𝑠

Where a simple comparison of expected values of 𝛿𝑚𝐵𝑇𝑜𝑡 with the resolution of the
instrument 𝑑 shows that the air buoyancy correction is small enough, a more
elaborate calculation of the correction and its uncertainty component based on actual
data may be superfluous. Consequently, no correction is applied, i.e. 𝛿𝑚𝐵𝑇𝑜𝑡 =0. If
conformity of the standard weights used for adjustment of the catchweigher and
calibration of the control instrument to OIML R111 [3] is established and if the
catchweigher is not adjusted before calibration, the standard uncertainty is evaluated
as given in [2] and by (7.1.2-2)

𝑢(𝛿𝑚𝐵𝑇𝑜𝑡 ) ≈ (0,1 𝜌0 𝑚𝑁 ⁄𝜌𝑐 + 𝑚𝑝𝑒 ⁄4)⁄√3

For smaller uncertainties, e.g. if the air buoyancy correction is taken into account
according to (B2-11) or the catchweigher is adjusted immediately before calibration,
the standard uncertainties could be evaluated according to Section 7.1.2.2 of [2].

7.1.2.10 When the test load weighed on the simultaneously calibrated control instrument is
used, the standard uncertainty of the reference value of mass is obtained from

𝑢2 (𝑚𝑟𝑒𝑓 ) = 𝑢2 (𝑅𝐶𝐼 ) + 𝑢2 (𝐼𝐶𝐼 ) + 𝑢2 (𝑚𝐶𝑎𝑙𝐶𝐼 ) + 𝑢2 (𝛿𝑚𝐵𝑇𝑜𝑡 ) (7.1.2-5)

with the contributions from 7.1.2.6 to 7.1.2.9.

7.1.2.C Test load weighed on previously calibrated control instrument

The determination of the reference value of mass, when the test load is determined
by weighing on the control instrument, which was calibrated previously and
separately from the weighing of test load, is dealt with in Appendix B3 by (B3-6)

𝑚𝑟𝑒𝑓 = 𝑊𝐶𝐼 + 𝛿𝑚𝐵𝑇𝑜𝑡

15
7.1.2.11 𝑊𝐶𝐼 is the weighing result of the control intrument. 𝑊𝐶𝐼 is determined according to
Appendix B3. Its standard uncertainty 𝑢(𝑊𝐶𝐼 ) should be evaluated according to
Sections 7.4.5 or 7.5.2 of [2] for the case when errors of the control instrument are
accounted by correction or included in a “global” uncertainty 𝑈𝑔𝑙 (𝑊𝐶𝐼 ), respectively.

According to [2], the standard uncertainty for the weighing result under conditions of
∗)
the calibration 𝑢(𝑊𝐶𝐼 could be used instead of 𝑢(𝑊𝐶𝐼 ) if the control instrument was
calibrated right before its use. Similar can be assumed if the control instrument was
adjusted right before its use and uncertainty contributions resulting from the
operation of the control instrument (as defined in Section 7.4.4 of [2]) are negligible.

The control instruments needs to have the calibration certificate. If the certificate
states uncertainty of the instrument in use, this is non-accredited value. On basis of
[2] the laboratory needs to independently evaluate uncertainty in use based on
actual conditions valid in a period since the last calibration of control instrument.

For a special case, where the control instrument is used, which conforms to [7,8] and
where the tolerance specified by the client 𝑇𝑜𝑙 equals maximum permissible error of
the non-automatic weighing instrument 𝑚𝑝𝑒𝑅76 [7,8], evaluation of the standard
global uncertainty is provided in Appendix C.

7.1.2.12 𝛿𝑚𝐵𝑇𝑜𝑡 is the correction for air buoyancy as introduced in Appendix B3, equation
(B3-5)

1 1
𝛿𝑚𝐵𝑇𝑜𝑡 = −𝑊𝐶𝐼 [(𝜌𝑎 − 𝜌0 ) ( − )]
𝜌𝑠𝐶𝐼 𝜌𝑠

Where a simple comparison of expected values of 𝛿𝑚𝐵𝑇𝑜𝑡 with the resolution of the
instrument d shows that the air buoyancy correction is small enough, a more
elaborate calculation of the correction and its uncertainty component based on actual
data may be superfluous. Consequently, no correction is applied, i.e. 𝛿𝑚𝐵𝑇𝑜𝑡 =0.
Where conformity of the standard weights used for adjustment of the catchweigher
and control instrument to OIML R111 [3] is established and if the catchweigher is not
adjusted before calibration, the standard uncertainty is evaluated as given in [2] and
by (7.1.2-2)

𝑢(𝛿𝑚𝐵𝑇𝑜𝑡 ) ≈ (0,1 𝜌0 𝑚𝑁 ⁄𝜌𝑐 + 𝑚𝑝𝑒 ⁄4)⁄√3

For smaller uncertainties, e.g. if the air buoyancy correction is taken into account
according to (B3-5) or the catchweigher is adjusted immediately before calibration,
the standard uncertainties could be evaluated according to Section 7.1.2.2 of [2].

7.1.2.13 When the test load weighed on the previously calibrated control instrument is used,
the standard uncertainty of the reference mass is obtained from

𝑢2 (𝑚𝑟𝑒𝑓 ) = 𝑢2 (𝑊𝐶𝐼 ) + 𝑢2 (𝛿𝑚𝐵𝑇𝑜𝑡 ) (7.1.2-6)

with the contributions from 7.1.2.11 and 7.1.2.12.

7.1.2.D Test load with calibration certificate

If it is justified that the test load is calibrated prior to the calibration of the instrument,
then it is accompanied with calibration certificate, which states its conventional mass
𝑚𝑐𝑇𝐿 with uncertainty and density with uncertainty. According to (4.5-1) the reference
value of mass is

𝑚𝑟𝑒𝑓 = 𝑚𝑐𝑇𝐿 + 𝛿𝑚𝐵 + 𝛿𝑚𝐷 + 𝛿𝑚𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑣

16
 The corrections and their standard uncertainties are

7.1.2.14 𝑚𝑐𝑇𝐿 is the conventional mass of the test load given in the calibration certificate for
the test load, together with the uncertainty of calibration 𝑈 and the coverage factor
𝑘. The standard uncertainty is

𝑢(𝑚𝑐𝑇𝐿 ) = 𝑈/𝑘 (7.1.2-7)

Where the test load has been calibrated to specified tolerances 𝑇𝑜𝑙, e.g. to the 𝑚𝑝𝑒
given in OIML R111 [3], and where its nominal value 𝑚𝑁 is used, rectangular
distribution is assumed, therefore

𝑢(𝑚𝑐𝑇𝐿 ) = 𝑇𝑜𝑙/√3 (7.1.2-8)

Where a test load consists of more than one test piece, the standard uncertainties
are summed arithmetically not by a sum of squares, to account for assumed
correlation.

7.1.2.15 𝛿𝑚𝐵 is the correction for air buoyancy for the test load used for calibration of the
catchweigher as given by (4.5-3)

1 1
𝛿𝑚𝐵 = −𝑚𝑐𝑇𝐿 [(𝜌𝑎 − 𝜌0 ) ( − )]
𝜌𝑇𝐿 𝜌𝑠

with the standard uncertainty

(7.1.2-9)
1 1 2 4
𝑢(𝛿𝑚𝐵 ) = 𝑚𝑐𝑇𝐿 √𝑢2 (𝜌𝑎 ) ( − ) + (𝜌𝑎 − 𝜌0 )2 𝑢2 (𝜌𝑠 )⁄𝜌𝑠4 + (𝜌𝑎 − 𝜌0 )2 𝑢2 (𝜌𝑇𝐿 )⁄𝜌𝑇𝐿
𝜌𝑇𝐿 𝜌𝑠

As far as values for 𝜌𝑇𝐿 , 𝑢(𝜌𝑇𝐿 ), 𝜌𝑠 , 𝑢(𝜌𝑠 ), 𝜌𝑎 and 𝑢(𝜌𝑎 ), are known, these values
should be used to determine 𝑢𝑟𝑒𝑙 (𝛿𝑚𝐵 ).

The calibration certificate for test load needs to provide information about the density
of the test load with uncertainty or the density 𝜌𝑇𝐿 (as well as the density 𝜌𝑠 ) and its
standard uncertainty may be estimated according to the state of the art or based on
information available. Table B7 from [3] offers internationally recognized values only
for common materials used for standard weights.

The air density 𝜌𝑎 and its standard uncertainty can be calculated from temperature
and barometric pressure if available (the relative humidity being of minor influence),
or may be estimated from the altitude above sea-level. Appendix A in [2] gives
further information on air density calculation.

Only if the density of test load equals to that of a certain accuracy class of the
standard OIML weights, recourse may be taken to section 10 of OIML R111 [3]. No
correction is applied, and the uncertainties can be determined according to Section
7.1.2.2 of [2].

7.1.2.16 𝛿𝑚𝐷 corresponds to the possible drift of 𝑚𝑐𝑇𝐿 since the last calibration. A limiting
value 𝐷 is best assumed, based on the difference in 𝑚𝑐𝑇𝐿 evident from consecutive
calibration certificates of the test load. 𝐷 could be also estimated as the maximum
allowed drift of the test load between its recalibrations, or the maximum drift
expected in the medium term, when the calibration of test load has been performed
for a particular use, but not immediately prior to the calibration of catchweigher.

17
 It is not advised to apply a correction but to assume even distribution within ±𝐷
(rectangular distribution). The standard uncertainty is then

𝑢(𝛿𝑚𝐷 ) = 𝐷/√3 (7.1.2-10)

7.1.2.17 𝛿𝑚𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑣 corresponds to the convection effects. It is not advised to apply a correction
but to assume an even distribution within ±Δ𝑚𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑣 . The standard uncertainty is then

𝑢(𝛿𝑚𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑣 ) = Δ𝑚𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑣 /√3 (7.1.2-11)

There are no studies available, which would give a simple elaboration of the
convection effects for a general case. It appears that this effect is only relevant for
uncertainties of calibration comparable to uncertainties for weights of class F 1 or
better [2]. In such a case, a suitable temperature equilibrium need to be reached
between the test load and surrounding air at location of calibration of the
catchweigher.

7.1.2.18 When the test load with calibration certificate is used, the standard uncertainty of
the reference value of mass is obtained by

𝑢2 (𝑚𝑟𝑒𝑓 ) = 𝑢2 (𝑚𝑐𝑇𝐿 ) + 𝑢2 (𝛿𝑚𝐵 ) + 𝑢 2 (𝛿𝑚𝐷 ) + 𝑢2 (𝛿𝑚𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑣 ) (7.1.2-12)

with the contributions from 7.1.2.14 to 7.1.2.17.

7.2 Expanded uncertainty at calibration

The expanded uncertainty of the error 𝑈(𝐸) is

𝑈(𝐸) = 𝑘𝑢(𝐸) (7.2-1)

where standard uncertainty of the error 𝑢(𝐸) is defined by (7.1-2) and 𝑘 is the
coverage factor.

The coverage factor 𝑘 = 2 is chosen such that the expanded uncertainty corresponds
to a coverage probability of 95,45 %.

7.3 Standard uncertainty of a weighing result

Chapters 7.3 and 7.4 provide advice how the measurement uncertainty of an
instrument could be estimated in normal usage, thereby taking into account the
measurement uncertainty at calibration. Where a calibration laboratory offers to its
clients such estimates which are based upon information that has not been measured
by the laboratory, the estimates must not be presented as part of the calibration
certificate. However, it is acceptable to provide such estimates as long as they are
clearly separated from the calibration results.

The user of an instrument should be aware of the fact that in normal usage, the
situation is different from that at calibration in some if not all of these aspects

1. the indications obtained for weighed articles are not the ones at calibration,

2. the weighing process may be different from the procedure at calibration

a. generally only one reading is taken for each load, not several readings
to obtain a mean value,
b. it is not possible to make corrections to the instrument indication,

18
 c. reading is to the scale interval 𝑑, of the instrument, not to a higher
resolution,
d. eccentric application of the load,
3. the environment (temperature, barometric pressure etc.) may be different,
4. the adjustment may have changed, due to drift or to wear and tear. This
effect should therefore be considered in relation to a certain period of time.

In order to clearly distinguish from the indications 𝐼 obtained during calibration, the
symbol 𝑅 is introduced for the weighing result obtained when weighing a load 𝐿 on
the calibrated instrument.

To take into account the remaining possible influences on the weighing result 𝑊, the
correction 𝛿𝑅𝑖𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑟 , which represents a correction term due to environmental
influences, is added to the reading 𝑅 resulting in the general weighing result

𝑊 = 𝑅 + 𝛿𝑅𝑖𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑟 − 𝐸 (7.3-1)

The associated standard uncertainty is

𝑢(𝑊) = √𝑢2 (𝑅) + 𝑢2 (𝛿𝑅𝑖𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑟 ) + 𝑢2 (𝐸) (7.3-2)

The added terms and the corresponding standard uncertainties are discussed in 7.3.1
and 7.3.2.

Sections 7.3 and 7.4, are meant as advice to the user of the instrument on how to
estimate the uncertainty of weighing results obtained under their normal conditions
of use. They are not meant to be exhaustive or mandatory.

7.3.1 Standard uncertainty of a reading in use

To account for sources of variability of the reading, (7.1.1-1) applies, with 𝐼 ̅ replaced
by 𝑅 and the test load replaced by the load 𝐿

𝑅 = 𝑅𝐿 + 𝛿𝑅𝑑𝑖𝑔𝐿 + 𝛿𝑅𝑟𝑒𝑝 + 𝛿𝑅𝑒𝑐𝑐 + 𝛿𝑅0 (7.3.1-1)

No corrections are actually applied but the corresponding uncertainties are estimated:

7.3.1.1 𝛿𝑅𝑑𝑖𝑔𝐿 accounts for the rounding error at load reading. 7.1.1.1 applies with the
exception that the variant 𝑑 𝑇 < 𝑑 is excluded, so

𝑢(𝛿𝐼𝑑𝑖𝑔𝐿 ) = 𝑑/2√3 (7.3.1-2)

7.3.1.2 𝛿𝑅𝑟𝑒𝑝 accounts for the repeatability of the instrument. 7.1.1.2 applies, the relevant
standard deviation 𝑠(𝐼) for a single reading is to be taken from the calibration
certificate, so

𝑢(𝛿𝑅𝑟𝑒𝑝 ) = 𝑠(𝐼) (7.3.1-3)

Note: The standard deviation not the standard deviation of the mean should be used
for the uncertainty calculation.

7.3.1.3 Where this effect is not neglected, 𝛿𝑅𝑒𝑐𝑐 accounts for the error due to off-centre
position of the centre of gravity of a load. (7.1.1-5) applies with the modification that
the effect found during calibration should be considered in full, so

19
 𝑢(𝛿𝑅𝑒𝑐𝑐 ) = |∆𝐼𝑒𝑐𝑐,𝑏 |𝑚𝑎𝑥 /√3 (7.3.1-4)

7.3.1.4 𝛿𝑅0 accounts for the stability of automatic zero-setting device. The automatic zero-
setting device may operate at the start of automatic operation, as part of every
automatic weighing cycle, or after a programmable time interval. A description of the
operation of the automatic zero-setting device may be included in the type approval
certificate or the instrument manual.

𝑢(𝛿𝑅0 ) = 𝑝𝑑/√3 (7.3.1-5)

𝑝 representing a portion of 𝑑, within which the zero is maintained.

7.3.1.5 The standard uncertainty of the reading is then obtained by

2
𝑢2 (𝑅) = 𝑑 2 /12 + 𝑠 2 (𝐼) + (|∆𝐼𝑒𝑐𝑐,𝑏 |𝑚𝑎𝑥 ) /3 + (𝑝𝑑)2 /3 (7.3.1-6)

7.3.2 Uncertainty from environmental influences

The term 𝛿𝑅𝑖𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑟 accounts for up to 3 effects 𝛿𝑅𝑡𝑒𝑚𝑝 , 𝛿𝑅𝑏𝑢𝑜𝑦 and 𝛿𝑅𝑎𝑑𝑗 , which are
discussed hereafter. No corrections are actually applied, the corresponding
uncertainties are estimated based on the user’s knowledge of the properties of the
instrument.

7.3.2.1 The term 𝛿𝑅𝑡𝑒𝑚𝑝 accounts for a change in the characteristic of the instrument caused
by a change in ambient temperature. A limiting value can be estimated to be
𝛿𝑅𝑡𝑒𝑚𝑝 = 𝐾𝑇 ∙ ∆𝑇 ∙ 𝑅 where ∆𝑇 is the maximum temperature variation at the
instrument location and 𝐾𝑇 is the sensitivity of the instrument to temperature
variation.

Normally there is a manufacturer’s specification such as 𝐾𝑇 = [𝜕𝐼(𝑀𝑎𝑥)/𝜕𝑇]/𝑀𝑎𝑥, in

many cases quoted in 10-6/K. By default, for instruments with type approval under
OIML R 51 [1], it may be assumed |𝐾𝑇 | ≤ 𝑚𝑝𝑒(𝑀𝑎𝑥)/(𝑀𝑎𝑥 ∙ ∆𝑇𝐴𝑝𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑣𝑎𝑙 ), where
∆𝑇𝐴𝑝𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑣𝑎𝑙 is the temperature range of approval marked on the instrument; for other
instruments, either a conservative assumption has to be made, leading to a multiple
(3 to 10 times) of the comparable value for instruments with type approval, or no
information can be given at all for a use of the instrument at other temperatures than
that at calibration.

The range of variation of temperature ∆𝑇 (full width) should be estimated in view of

the site where the instrument is being used.

Rectangular distribution is assumed, therefore the standard uncertainty is

𝑢(𝛿𝑅𝑡𝑒𝑚𝑝 ) = 𝐾𝑇 ∙ ∆𝑇 ∙ 𝑅/√12 (7.3.2-1)

7.3.2.2 The term 𝛿𝑅𝑏𝑢𝑜𝑦 accounts for a change in the adjustment of the instrument due to
the variation of the air density; no correction to be applied.

The most conservative approach would be

𝑢(𝛿𝑅𝑏𝑢𝑜𝑦 ) = 0,1𝜌0 𝑅/(𝜌𝑐 √3)

(7.3.2-2)

7.3.2.3 The term 𝛿𝑅𝑎𝑑𝑗 accounts for a change in the characteristics of the instrument since
the time of calibration due to drift, or wear and tear.

20
 A limiting value may be taken from previous calibrations where they exist, as the
largest difference |∆𝐸𝑚𝑎𝑥 | in the errors for the same test load between any two
consecutive calibrations. By default, ∆𝐸𝑚𝑎𝑥 should be taken from the manufacturer’s
specification for the instrument, or may be estimated as ∆𝐸𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝑚𝑝𝑒(𝑅) for
instruments conforming to a type approval under OIML R 51 [1]. Any such value can
be considered in view of the expected time interval between calibrations, assuming
fairly linear progress of the change with time.

Rectangular distribution is assumed, therefore the relative uncertainty is

𝑢(𝛿𝑅𝑎𝑑𝑗 ) = ∆𝐸𝑚𝑎𝑥 (𝑅)/√3 (7.3.2-3)

7.3.2.4 The standard uncertainty related to errors resulting from environmental effects is
calculated by

𝑢(𝛿𝑅𝑖𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑟 ) = √𝑢2 (𝛿𝑅𝑡𝑒𝑚𝑝 ) + 𝑢2 (𝛿𝑅𝑏𝑢𝑜𝑦 ) + 𝑢2 (𝛿𝑅𝑎𝑑𝑗 ) (7.3.2-4)

7.4 Expanded uncertainty of a weighing result

7.4.1 Errors accounted for by correction

The complete formula for a weighing result, which is equal to the reading corrected
for the error determined by calibration, is

𝑊 = 𝑅 − 𝐸 ± 𝑈(𝑊) (7.4.1-1)

The expanded uncertainty 𝑈(𝑊) is to be determined as

𝑈(𝑊) = 𝑘𝑢(𝑊) (7.4.1-2)

with 𝑢(𝑊) as applicable from (7.3-2) and the coverage factor 𝑘 = 2.

7.4.2 Errors included in uncertainty

It may have been agreed by the calibration laboratory and the client to derive a
“global uncertainty” 𝑈𝑔𝑙 (𝑊) which includes the errors of indication such that no
corrections have to be applied to the readings in use

𝑊 = 𝑅 ± 𝑈𝑔𝑙 (𝑊) (7.4.2-1)

The error generally forms a one-sided contribution to the uncertainty, which can only
be treated in an approximate manner. The combination with the uncertainties in use
may then, in principle, take on one of these forms

𝑈𝑔𝑙 (𝑊) = 𝑘√𝑢2 (𝑊) + 𝐸 2 (7.4.2-2)

𝑈𝑔𝑙 (𝑊) = 𝑘𝑢(𝑊) + |𝐸| (7.4.2-3)

with 𝑢(𝑊) as applicable from (7.3-2) and the coverage factor 𝑘 = 2.

8. CALIBRATION CERTIFICATE
This section contains advice what information may be useful to be given in a
calibration certificate. It is intended to be consistent with the requirements of
ISO/IEC 17025 which take precedence.

21
8.1 General information
Identification of the calibration laboratory,
reference to the accreditation (accreditation body, number of the accreditation),
identification of the certificate (number, date of issue, number of pages),
signature(s) of authorised person(s).

Identification of the client.

Identification of the calibrated automatic catchweighing instrument,

information about the instrument (manufacturer, type, 𝑀𝑎𝑥, 𝑑, (𝑑 𝑇 ), 𝑇).

Warning that the certificate may be reproduced only in full unless the calibration
laboratory permits otherwise in writing.

8.2 Information about the calibration procedure

Date of measurements,
site of calibration - place of installation,
conditions of environment and/or use that may affect the results of the calibration.

Information about the instrument operation for each measurement/test (adjustment

performed, dynamic setting performed, setting of software as far as relevant for the
calibration, belt speed and/or rate of operation, or position of speed setting switch
for specific measurements, maximum rate (cf. 4.6), zero settings, tare settings), any
anomalies of functions, purpose of use of the instrument as far as relevant for the
calibration etc..

Information if the indications were obtained as integer multiple of 𝑑 𝑇 ),.

Reference to, or description of the applied procedure for calibration of the

instrument.

Reference to, or description of the applied procedure for determination of the

reference mass of the test load(s).

Description of the test load(s) (e.g. material, dimensions (cf. 4.6), shape or other
applicable information, including drawing or photo, if applicable).

Agreement with the client e.g. over metrological specifications to which conformity is
declared.

Information about the traceability of the measuring results.

8.3 Results of measurement

Reference value of mass (gross or net), mean value of indications and mean errors of
indication for applied test loads, as discrete values;
number of repetitions, for each measurement/test;
details of the loading procedure if relevant for the understanding of the above,
referring to the feeding principle manually or by device;
standard deviation(s) determined, identified as related to the mean of indications, for
each measurement/test;
information about the eccentricity test, indicating effect of eccentric loading, as well
as position and direction of the belt (Band 1 or Band 2), where the max eccentricity
was determined, for each measurement/test;
expanded uncertainty of measurement for the reported results.

Indication of the coverage factor, with comment on coverage probability.

22
 Where the indications/errors have not been determined by normal readings - single
readings with the normal resolution of the instrument - a warning should be given
that the reported uncertainty is smaller than would be found with normal readings.

9 REFERENCES

[1] OIML R 51-1: Automatic catchweighing instruments. Part 1: Metrological and

technical requirements – Tests, Edition 2006 (E)

[2] EURAMET Calibration Guide No. 18: Guidelines on the Calibration of Non-Automatic
Weighing Instruments, Version 4.0 (1/2015)

[3] OIML R111, Weights of Classes E1, E2, F1, F2, M1, M1-2, M2, M2-3, M3, Edition 2004
(E)

[4] Welmec 2, Directive 2009/23/EC: Common application non-automatic weighing

instruments, 2015

[5] OIML D 28: Conventional value of the result of weighing in air , Edition 2004 (E)

[6] JCGM 101:2008, Evaluation of Measurement Data – Supplement 1 to the "Guide to

the expression of uncertainty in measurement" – Propagation of Distributions using a
Monte Carlo method, 1st edition, 2008

[7] OIML R 761-1: Non-automatic weighing instruments. Part 1: Metrological and

technical requirements – Tests, Edition 2006 (E)

[8] EN 45501:2015 Metrological aspects of non-automatic weighing instruments

23
APPENDIX A: SYMBOLS
Symbols that are used in more than in one section of the main document are listed
and explained hereafter.

Symbol Definition
𝐷 drift, variation of a value with time
𝐸 error (of an indication)
𝐼 indication of an instrument related to standard weights
𝐿 load on an instrument
𝑀𝑎𝑥 maximum weighing capacity
𝑅 indication (reading) of an instrument not related to a test load
𝑈 expanded uncertainty
𝑈𝑔𝑙 global expanded uncertainty
𝑇𝑜𝑙 specified tolerance value
𝑊 weighing result
scale interval, the difference in mass between two consecutive indications of
𝑑
the indicating device
𝑑𝑇 effective scale interval < d , used in calibration tests
𝑘 coverage factor
𝑚 mass of an object
𝑚𝑐 conventional value of mass
𝑚𝑁 nominal value of mass
𝑚𝑟𝑒𝑓 reference value of mass of a test load
maximum permissible error (of an indication, a standard weight etc.) in a
𝑚pe
given context
𝑛 number of items, as indicated in each case
𝑠 standard deviation
𝑢 standard uncertainty
𝜌 density
𝜌0 reference density of air, 𝜌0 = 1,2 kg/m³
𝜌𝑎 air density
𝜌𝑐 reference density of a standard weight, 𝜌𝑐 = 8 000 kg/m³

Suffix related to
𝐵 air buoyancy
𝐶𝑎𝑙 calibration
𝐶𝐼 control instrument
𝐷 drift
𝐿 at load
𝑁 nominal value
𝑇 test
𝑇𝐿 test load
𝑇𝑜𝑡 total contribution
𝑎 air

24
 𝑏𝑎 balance
𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑣 convection
𝑑𝑖𝑔 digitalisation
𝑒𝑐𝑐 eccentric loading
𝑔𝑙 global, overall
𝑖, 𝑗, 𝑏 numbering
𝑚𝑎𝑥 maximum value from a given population
𝑟𝑒𝑓, 𝑅 reference
𝑟𝑒𝑝 repeatability
𝑠 used for adjustment
0 zero, no-load, initial

25
APPENDIX B: METHODS FOR DETERMINATION OF REFERENCE
VALUE OF MASS

B1 Test load calibrated on the control instrument used as comparator

This section deals with the case where the control instrument is used as a mass
comparator and the reference value of mass of the test load is obtained by its
calibration with a reference standard weight(s) with conventional mass 𝑚𝑐𝑅 . The
reference value of mass of the test load is determined at the same time and place as
the calibration of catchweigher.

The procedure for determination of the conventional mass of the test load 𝑚𝑐𝑇𝐿 is to
that described in OIML R111 [3]

1 1
𝑚𝑐𝑇𝐿 = 𝑚𝑐𝑅 (1 + (𝜌𝑎𝐶𝐼 − 𝜌0 ) ( − ̅̅̅̅
)) + ∆𝑚 (B1-1)
𝜌𝑇𝐿 𝜌𝑅

with
̅̅̅̅̅
∆𝑚 – average difference in indication between the test load and standard weight(s)
measurements on the control instrument,
𝜌𝑎𝐶𝐼 - air density at the time of calibration of the test load on the control instrument,
𝜌0 - reference air density, 1,2 kg/m3,
𝜌𝑇𝐿 - density of the test load,
𝜌𝑅 - density of standard weights used for calibration of the test load on the control
instrument

Based on (4.5-2), taking into account (B1-1) for the conventional mass of the test
load, (4.5-3) for the air buoyancy correction, and under the condition that 𝑚𝑐𝑇𝐿 ≅
𝑚𝑐𝑅 , the reference value of mass 𝑚𝑟𝑒𝑓 is determined by

1 1 1 1
𝑚𝑟𝑒𝑓 = 𝑚𝑐𝑅 [1 + (𝜌𝑎𝐶𝐼 − 𝜌0 ) ( − )] + ̅̅̅̅̅̅
∆𝑚𝑐 − 𝑚𝑐𝑅 [(𝜌𝑎 − 𝜌0 ) ( − )] (B1-2)
𝜌𝑇𝐿 𝜌𝑅 𝜌𝑇𝐿 𝜌𝑠

Since the reference value of mass is determined at the same time and place as the
calibration of catchweigher, 𝜌𝑎𝐶𝐼 = 𝜌𝑎 , (B1-2) consequently simplifies to

1 1
𝑚𝑟𝑒𝑓 = 𝑚𝑐𝑅 + 𝑚𝑐𝑅 [(𝜌𝑎 − 𝜌0 ) ( − )] + ̅̅̅̅̅̅
∆𝑚𝑐 (B1-3)
𝜌𝑠 𝜌𝑅

If the total contribution of the correction for air buoyancy to 𝑚𝑟𝑒𝑓 in (B1-3) is called
𝛿𝑚𝐵𝑇𝑜𝑡 then

1 1
𝛿𝑚𝐵𝑇𝑜𝑡 = −𝑚𝑐𝑅 [(𝜌𝑎 − 𝜌0 ) ( − )] (B1-4)
𝜌𝑅 𝜌𝑠

and

𝑚𝑟𝑒𝑓 = 𝑚𝑐𝑅 + 𝛿𝑚𝐵𝑇𝑜𝑡 + ̅̅̅̅̅

∆𝑚 (B1-5)

B2 Test load weighed on simultaneously calibrated control instrument

This section deals with the case where the reference value of mass is determined by
weighing of the test loads on the calibrated control instrument. The control
instrument is calibrated at time and place of calibration of the catchweigher and also
the test load is weighed at the time and place of calibration of the catchweigher. The

26
control instrument should be calibrated in calibration points close to nominal masses
of the test loads and the error of indication of the control instrument is taken into
account.

Taking into account [2], the conventional mass of the test load 𝑚𝑐𝑇𝐿 is proportional to
the weighing result of the control instrument 𝑊𝐶𝐼 :

1 1
𝑚𝑐𝑇𝐿 = 𝑊𝐶𝐼 [1 + (𝜌𝑎𝐶𝐼 − 𝜌0 ) ( − )] (B2-1)
𝜌𝑇𝐿 𝜌𝑠𝐶𝐼

where

𝑊𝐶𝐼 = 𝑅𝐶𝐼 − 𝐸𝐶𝐼 (B2-2)

𝑅𝐶𝐼 = 𝑅𝐿𝐶𝐼 − 𝑅0𝐶𝐼 (B2-3)

𝐸𝐶𝐼 = 𝐼𝐶𝐼 − 𝑚𝑟𝑒𝑓𝐶𝐼 (B2-4)

𝐼𝐶𝐼 = 𝐼𝐿𝐶𝐼 − 𝐼0𝐶𝐼 (B2-5)

𝑚𝑟𝑒𝑓𝐶𝐼 = 𝑚𝑐𝐶𝑎𝑙𝐶𝐼 + 𝛿𝑚𝐵𝐶𝐼 (B2-6)

1 1
𝛿𝑚𝐵𝐶𝐼 = −𝑚𝑐𝐶𝑎𝑙𝐶𝐼 [(𝜌𝑎𝐶𝑎𝑙𝐶𝐼 − 𝜌0 ) ( − )] (B2-7)
𝜌𝐶𝑎𝑙𝐶𝐼 𝜌𝑠𝐶𝐼

with
𝑅𝐶𝐼 – reading of the test load on the control instrument corrected for zero reading
𝑅𝐿𝐶𝐼 – reading of the test load on the control instrument (loaded)
𝑅0𝐶𝐼 - reading of the test load on the control instrument (unloaded)
𝐸𝐶𝐼 – eror of the control instrument
𝐼𝐶𝐼 – indication of the standard weights on the control instrument corrected for zero
indication
𝐼𝐿𝐶𝐼 – indication of the standard weights on the control instrument (loaded)
𝐼0𝐶𝐼 - indication of the standard weights on the control instrument (unloaded)
𝑚𝑟𝑒𝑓𝐶𝐼 – reference value of mass of standard weights used for calibration of the
control instrument,
𝑚𝑐𝐶𝑎𝑙𝐶𝐼 - conventional mass of the standard weights used for calibration of the control
instrument,
𝛿𝑚𝐵𝐶𝐼 – air buoyancy correction for the standard weights used for calibration of the
control instrument,
𝜌𝑎𝐶𝐼 - air density at the time of weighing of the test load on the control instrument,
𝜌𝑎𝐶𝑎𝑙𝐶𝐼 - air density at the time of calibration of the control instrument,
𝜌𝑠𝐶𝐼 - density of standard weights used for adjustment of the control instrument,
𝜌𝐶𝑎𝑙𝐶𝐼 - density of standard weights used for calibration of the control instrument

Based on (B2-1) to (B2-7) for the conventional mass of the test load and (4.5-3) for
the air buoyancy correction we get the following general expression for 𝑚𝑟𝑒𝑓 :

(B2-8)

27
 𝑚𝑟𝑒𝑓 = {(𝑅𝐿𝐶𝐼 − 𝑅0𝐶𝐼 ) − (𝐼𝐿𝐶𝐼 − 𝐼0𝐶𝐼 ) + 𝑚𝑐𝐶𝑎𝑙𝐶𝐼
1 1 1 1
− 𝑚𝑐𝐶𝑎𝑙𝐶𝐼 [(𝜌𝑎𝐶𝑎𝑙𝐶𝐼 − 𝜌0 ) ( − )]} [1 + (𝜌𝑎𝐶𝐼 − 𝜌0 ) ( − )]
𝜌𝐶𝑎𝑙𝐶𝐼 𝜌𝑠𝐶𝐼 𝜌𝑇𝐿 𝜌𝑠𝐶𝐼
1 1
− 𝑚𝑐𝑇𝐿 [(𝜌𝑎 − 𝜌0 ) ( − )]
𝜌𝑇𝐿 𝜌𝑠

1
It is necessary that (𝑅𝐿𝐶𝐼 − 𝑅0𝐶𝐼 ) − (𝐼𝐿𝐶𝐼 − 𝐼0𝐶𝐼 ) − 𝑚𝑐𝐶𝑎𝑙𝐶𝐼 [(𝜌𝑎𝐶𝑎𝑙𝐶𝐼 − 𝜌0 ) ( −
𝜌𝐶𝑎𝑙𝐶𝐼
1
𝜌𝑠𝐶𝐼
)] ≪ 𝑚𝑐𝐶𝑎𝑙𝐶𝐼 and 𝑚𝑐𝑇𝐿 ≈ 𝑚𝑐𝐶𝑎𝑙𝐶𝐼 , then (B2-8) simplifies to
(B2-9)

1 1
𝑚𝑟𝑒𝑓 = (𝑅𝐿𝐶𝐼 − 𝑅0𝐶𝐼 ) − (𝐼𝐿𝐶𝐼 − 𝐼0𝐶𝐼 ) + 𝑚𝑐𝐶𝑎𝑙𝐶𝐼 − 𝑚𝑐𝐶𝑎𝑙𝐶𝐼 [(𝜌𝑎𝐶𝑎𝑙𝐶𝐼 − 𝜌0 ) ( − )]
𝜌𝐶𝑎𝑙𝐶𝐼 𝜌𝑠𝐶𝐼
1 1 1 1
+ 𝑚𝑐𝐶𝑎𝑙𝐶𝐼 [(𝜌𝑎𝐶𝐼 − 𝜌0 ) ( − )] − 𝑚𝑐𝐶𝑎𝑙𝐶𝐼 [(𝜌𝑎 − 𝜌0 ) ( − )]
𝜌𝑇𝐿 𝜌𝑠𝐶𝐼 𝜌𝑇𝐿 𝜌𝑠

Since the reference value of mass is determined at the same time and place as the
calibration of control instrument and catchweigher, then 𝜌𝑎𝐶𝐼 = 𝜌𝑎𝐶𝑎𝑙𝐶𝐼 = 𝜌𝑎 , and

1 1
𝑚𝑟𝑒𝑓 = (𝑅𝐿𝐶𝐼 − 𝑅0𝐶𝐼 ) − (𝐼𝐿𝐶𝐼 − 𝐼0𝐶𝐼 ) + 𝑚𝑐𝐶𝑎𝑙𝐶𝐼 [1 − (𝜌𝑎 − 𝜌0 ) ( − )] (B2-10)
𝜌𝐶𝑎𝑙𝐶𝐼 𝜌𝑠

The total contribution of the air buoyancy correction 𝛿𝑚𝐵𝑇𝑜𝑡 to 𝑚𝑟𝑒𝑓 in (B2-10)
equals

1 1
𝛿𝑚𝐵𝑇𝑜𝑡 = −𝑚𝑐𝐶𝑎𝑙𝐶𝐼 [(𝜌𝑎 − 𝜌0 ) ( − )] (B2-11)
𝜌𝐶𝑎𝑙𝐶𝐼 𝜌𝑠

and

𝑚𝑟𝑒𝑓 = (𝑅𝐿𝐶𝐼 − 𝑅0𝐶𝐼 ) − (𝐼𝐿𝐶𝐼 − 𝐼0𝐶𝐼 ) + 𝑚𝑐𝐶𝑎𝑙𝐶𝐼 + 𝛿𝑚𝐵𝑇𝑜𝑡 (B2-12)

B3 Test load weighed on previously calibrated control instrument

This section deals with the case where the reference value of mass is determined by
weighing of the test load on the control instrument. The test load is weighed at the
time and place of calibration of the catchweigher, but the control instrument has
been calibrated previously. The calibration certificate for the control instrument is on
a disposal. However, the same approach could be used in a case when the control
instrument is calibrated immediately prior to determination of the reference value of
mass.

If the mass of test load is close to the calibration point in which the error of control
instrument was determined, then the weighing result 𝑊𝐶𝐼 could be determined based
on the reading of the test load 𝑅𝐶𝐼 corrected for the error of the control instrument
𝐸𝐶𝐼 as given by (B2-2). The error of the control instrument is reported in its
calibration certificate.

𝑊𝐶𝐼 = 𝑅𝐶𝐼 − 𝐸𝐶𝐼

If this is not the case (e.g. when the mass of test load is not close to the calibration
point in which the error of control instrument was determined, or if so decided by the
calibration laboratory), no correction is applied to the reading

𝑊𝐶𝐼 = 𝑅𝐶𝐼 (B3-1)

28
but errors of the control instrument need to be included in an uncertainty (i.e. a
“global uncertainty” 𝑈𝑔𝑙 (𝑊𝐶𝐼 ), which includes the errors of indication such that no
corrections have to be applied to the readings in use).

For a reading taken under the same conditions as those prevailing at calibration of
the control instrument (e.g. immediately after its adjustment), the result may be
denominated as the weighing result under conditions of the calibration 𝑊𝐶𝐼∗ .

Based on (B2-1) for the conventional mass of the test load and (4.5-3) for the air
buoyancy correction, we get the following general expression for 𝑚𝑟𝑒𝑓 :

1 1 1 1
𝑚𝑟𝑒𝑓 = 𝑊𝐶𝐼 [1 + (𝜌𝑎𝐶𝐼 − 𝜌0 ) ( − )] − 𝑚𝑐𝑇𝐿 [(𝜌𝑎 − 𝜌0 ) ( − )] (B3-2)
𝜌𝑇𝐿 𝜌𝑠𝐶𝐼 𝜌𝑇𝐿 𝜌𝑠

Under the condition that 𝑚𝑐𝑇𝐿 ≅ 𝑊𝐶𝐼 , then

1 1 1 1
𝑚𝑟𝑒𝑓 = 𝑊𝐶𝐼 [1 + (𝜌𝑎𝐶𝐼 − 𝜌0 ) ( − ) − (𝜌𝑎 − 𝜌0 ) ( − )] (B3-3)
𝜌𝑇𝐿 𝜌𝑠𝐶𝐼 𝜌𝑇𝐿 𝜌𝑠

Since the reference value of mass is determined at the same time and place as
calibration of the catchweigher, 𝜌𝑎𝐶𝐼 = 𝜌𝑎 , and (B3-3) consequently simplifies to

1 1
𝑚𝑟𝑒𝑓 = 𝑊𝐶𝐼 [1 + (𝜌𝑎 − 𝜌0 ) ( − )] (B3-4)
𝜌𝑠 𝜌𝑠𝐶𝐼

The total contribution of the air buoyancy correction 𝛿𝑚𝐵𝑇𝑜𝑡 to 𝑚𝑟𝑒𝑓 in (B3-4) equals

1 1
𝛿𝑚𝐵𝑇𝑜𝑡 = −𝑊𝐶𝐼 [(𝜌𝑎 − 𝜌0 ) ( − )] (B3-5)
𝜌𝑠𝐶𝐼 𝜌𝑠

and

𝑚𝑟𝑒𝑓 = 𝑊𝐶𝐼 + 𝛿𝑚𝐵𝑇𝑜𝑡 (B3-6)

29
APPENDIX C: CONTROL INSTRUMENT CALIBRATED TO SPECIFIED
TOLERANCES
The standard global uncertainty of the weighing result 𝑢𝑔𝑙 (𝑊𝐶𝐼 ) for the control
instrument, which has been previously calibrated to specified tolerance 𝑇𝑜𝑙, which
equals to the maximum permissible error of the non-automatic weighing instrument
𝑚𝑝𝑒𝑅76 [7,8], can be conservatively estimated by:

2
𝑢𝑔𝑙 (𝑊𝐶𝐼 ) = 𝑢2 (𝑊𝐶𝐼 ) + 𝑚𝑝𝑒𝑅76
2
(C-1)

with

𝑢(𝑊𝐶𝐼 ) = √𝑢2 (𝑊𝐶𝐼∗ ) + 𝑢2 (𝛿𝑅𝑖𝑛𝑠𝑡 ) + 𝑢2 (𝛿𝑅𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑐 ) (C-2)

𝑢2 (𝑊𝐶𝐼
∗)
= 𝑢2 (𝐸) + 𝑢2 (𝛿𝑅𝑑𝑖𝑔0 ) + 𝑢2 (𝛿𝑅𝑑𝑖𝑔𝐿 ) + 𝑢2 (𝛿𝑅𝑟𝑒𝑝 ) + 𝑢2 (𝛿𝑅𝑒𝑐𝑐 ) (C-3)

𝑢 2 (𝛿𝑅𝑖𝑛𝑠𝑡 ) = 𝑢2 (𝛿𝑅𝑡𝑒𝑚𝑝 ) + 𝑢2 (𝛿𝑅𝑏𝑜𝑢𝑦 )+𝑢2 (𝛿𝑅𝑎𝑑𝑗 ) (C-4)

𝑢 2 (𝛿𝑅𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑐 ) = 𝑢2 (𝛿𝑅𝑇𝑎𝑟𝑒 ) + 𝑢2 (𝛿𝑅𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒 )+𝑢2 (𝛿𝑅𝑒𝑐𝑐 ) (C-5)

Approximate relation between standard uncertainties of above mentioned influencing

parameters and 𝑚𝑝𝑒𝑅76 is summarised in the table below. The following assumptions
are taken into account:
- 𝑑𝑇 ≤ 𝑚𝑝𝑒𝑅76 ⁄5
- 𝑅 = 20000𝑚𝑝𝑒𝑅76
- 𝑚𝑝𝑒𝑅76 is taken at 𝐿𝑇

𝑢(𝑊𝐶𝐼∗ ) 𝑢(𝐸) 𝑢(𝛿𝐼𝑑𝑖𝑔0 ) 𝑑 𝑇 ⁄(2√3) ≅ 𝑚𝑝𝑒𝑅76 ⁄(10√3) ≅ 0

𝑢(𝛿𝐼𝑑𝑖𝑔𝐿 ) 𝑑 𝑇 ⁄(2√3) ≅ 𝑚𝑝𝑒𝑅76 ⁄(10√3) ≅ 0
𝑢(𝛿𝐼𝑟𝑒𝑝 ) 𝑚𝑝𝑒𝑅76 ⁄(2√3)
𝑢(𝛿𝐼𝑒𝑐𝑐 ) 0
𝑢(𝛿𝑚𝑐 ) (𝑚𝑝𝑒𝑅76 ⁄3)⁄√3
𝑢(𝛿𝑚𝐵 ) (0,000015⁄√3)𝑅 + (𝑚𝑝𝑒𝑅76 ⁄3)⁄(4√3) ≤ 𝑚𝑝𝑒𝑅76 ⁄5
𝑢(𝛿𝑚𝐷 ) (𝑚𝑝𝑒𝑅76 ⁄3)⁄√3
𝑢(𝛿𝑚𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑣 ) 0

𝑢(𝛿𝑅𝑑𝑖𝑔0 ) 𝑑 ⁄(2√3) ≤ 𝑚𝑝𝑒𝑅76 ⁄(2√3)

𝑢(𝛿𝑅𝑑𝑖𝑔𝐿 ) 𝑑 ⁄(2√3) ≤ 𝑚𝑝𝑒𝑅76 ⁄(2√3)
𝑢(𝛿𝑅𝑟𝑒𝑝 ) 𝑚𝑝𝑒𝑅76 ⁄(2√3)
𝑢(𝛿𝑅𝑒𝑐𝑐 ) 𝑚𝑝𝑒𝑅76 ⁄(2√3)

𝑢(𝛿𝑅𝑖𝑛𝑠𝑡 ) 𝑢(𝛿𝑅𝑡𝑒𝑚𝑝 ) 𝑚𝑝𝑒𝑅76 ⁄√12

𝑢(𝛿𝑅𝑏𝑜𝑢𝑦 ) (0,000015⁄√3)𝑅 ≤ 𝑚𝑝𝑒𝑅76 ⁄5
𝑢(𝛿𝑅𝑎𝑑𝑗 ) 𝑚𝑝𝑒𝑅76 ⁄√3

𝑢(𝛿𝑅𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑐 ) 𝑢(𝛿𝑅𝑇𝑎𝑟𝑒 ) 0
𝑢(𝛿𝑅𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒 ) 0
𝑢(𝛿𝑅𝑒𝑐𝑐 ) evaluated and taken into account above

𝑢(𝑊𝐶𝐼 ) 𝑚𝑝𝑒𝑅76

𝑢𝑔𝑙 (𝑊𝐶𝐼 ) ≅ √𝑚𝑝𝑒𝑅76 2 + 𝑚𝑝𝑒𝑅76 2 𝑚𝑝𝑒𝑅76 √2 (C-6)

30
APPENDIX D: EXAMPLE

D1 Automatic Catchweighing Instrument (checkweigher X category),

Max = 2000 g
Note: The calculation is demonstrated on one sample test load in this example.

D1.1 Conditions specific for the calibration

Instrument: Automatic Catchweighing Instrument,
description and identification, with OIML R51 not
verified
Max 200 g/ 2000 g

Min 7g

d 0,1 / 0,2 g

dT 0,01 g

Installation In packaging workroom; 20 °C ≤ T ≤ 25 °C reported by

client
Temperature coefficient KT ≤ 4 × 10-6 /K (estimated value)

Type C 3570/Mettler-Toledo Garvens GmbH

designation/manufacturer
Belt speed 20 m/min

Last calibration -

Temperature during 23,0 °C to 23,5 °C

calibration
Barometric pressure 1 002 hPa ± 5 hPa
during calibration:
Test loads Solid box; weighed on the simultaneously calibrated
control instrument
Control instrument Separate simultaneously calibrated

D1.2 Tests and results

Test for errors and Test load of nominal value 500 g, applied 30 times
repeatability of over the middle of the load receptor
indication Readings recorded:
517,08 g, 517,08 g, 517,08 g ………517,06 g, 517,08 g,
517,06 g
Average Indication Ῑj = 517,060 g, Standard deviation
s(Ij) = 0,0265 g
Eccentricity test Test load of nominal value 500 g, applied 6 times
using the halfway portion of the load transport
system (left and right) Readings recorded:
Left:517,12 g, 516,98 g, 517,00 g, 516,98 g, 517,02 g,
517,04 g

31
 Right: 517,02 g, 517,04 g, 517,00 g,517,02g 517,06 g,
516,98 g
Repeatability 1 2
𝑠(𝐼𝑗 ) = √ ∑𝑛1=1(𝐼𝑖𝑗 − 𝐼𝑗̅ )
𝑛−1
s(Ij) = 0,0265 g
1
𝐼𝑗̅ = ∑𝑛1=1 𝐼𝑖𝑗
𝑛
Ῑj = 517,060 g
Mean error of 𝐸𝑗 = 𝐼𝑗 − 𝑚𝑟𝑒𝑓,𝑗
indication 𝑬𝒋 = 0,161 g
Effect of eccentric ̅ − 𝐼̅𝑗
∆𝐼𝑒𝑐𝑐,𝑏𝑗 = 𝐼𝑏𝑗
loading
ecc,k|max = 0,04 g

D1.3 Uncertainty of measurements

Standard 𝐸 = 𝐼 − 𝑚𝑟𝑒𝑓
uncertainty of mean
error 𝑢(𝐸) = √𝑢2 (𝐼) + 𝑢2 (𝑚𝑟𝑒𝑓 )

Standard 𝐼 ̅ = 𝐼𝑇𝐿
̅ + 𝛿𝐼𝑑𝑖𝑔𝑇𝐿 + 𝛿𝐼𝑟𝑒𝑝 + 𝛿𝐼𝑒𝑐𝑐
uncertainty of the 𝑢(𝛿𝐼𝑑𝑖𝑔𝑇𝐿 ) = 𝑑 𝑇 /2√3
indication of the 𝑢(𝛿𝐼𝑑𝑖𝑔𝑇𝐿 ) = 0,0029 g
catchweigher
𝑢(𝛿𝐼𝑟𝑒𝑝 ) = 𝑠(𝐼𝑗 )/√𝑛
𝑢(𝛿𝐼𝑟𝑒𝑝 ) = 0,0049 g
𝑢(𝛿𝐼𝑒𝑐𝑐 ) ≤ |∆𝐼𝑒𝑐𝑐,𝑏 |𝑚𝑎𝑥 /(2√3)
𝑢(𝛿𝐼𝑒𝑐𝑐 ) = 0,012 g
2
𝑢2 (𝐼 )̅ = 𝑑 2 /12 + 𝑠 2 (𝐼)/𝑛 + (|∆𝐼𝑒𝑐𝑐,𝑏 |𝑚𝑎𝑥 /(2√3))
𝒖𝟐 (𝑰̅) = 0,00017 g
Standard 𝑢2 (𝑚𝑟𝑒𝑓 ) = 𝑢2 (𝑅𝐶𝐼 ) + 𝑢2 (𝐼𝐶𝐼 ) + 𝑢2 (𝑚𝐶𝑎𝑙𝐶𝐼 ) + 𝑢2 (𝛿𝑚𝐵𝑇𝑜𝑡 )
uncertainty of the 𝑢(𝑚𝑟𝑒𝑓 ) = 0,0025 g
reference value of
mass

Standard 𝐸 = 𝐼 − 𝑚𝑟𝑒𝑓 = 0,161 g

uncertainty of mean 𝑚𝑟𝑒𝑓 = 516,9 g
error
𝑢(𝐸) = √𝑢2 (𝐼) + 𝑢2 (𝑚𝑟𝑒𝑓 )
𝒖(𝑬) = 0,013 g
Expanded 𝑈(𝐸) = 𝑘𝑢(𝐸)
uncertainty at 𝑼(𝑬) = 0,026 g
calibration The coverage factor 𝑘 = 2 is chosen such that the
expanded uncertainty corresponds to a coverage
probability of 95,45 %.

32
D1.4 Standard uncertainty of a weighing results
Standard 𝑊 = 𝑅 + 𝛿𝑅𝑖𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑟 − 𝐸
uncertainty of 𝑢(𝑊) = √𝑢2 (𝑅) + 𝑢2 (𝛿𝑅𝑖𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑟 ) + 𝑢2 (𝐸)
reading in use 𝑅 = 𝑅𝐿 + 𝛿𝑅𝑑𝑖𝑔𝐿 + 𝛿𝑅𝑟𝑒𝑝 + 𝛿𝑅𝑒𝑐𝑐 + 𝛿𝑅0
𝑢(𝛿𝑅𝑑𝑖𝑔𝐿 ) = 𝑑/2√3 = 0,058 g
𝑢(𝛿𝑅𝑟𝑒𝑝 ) = 𝑠(𝐼) = 0,027 g
𝑢(𝛿𝑅𝑒𝑐𝑐 ) = |∆𝐼𝑒𝑐𝑐,𝑏 |𝑚𝑎𝑥 /√3 = 0.0236 g
𝑢(𝛿𝑅0 ) = 𝑝𝑑/√3 = 0,058 g
Note: zero maintained within 0,5 e
2
𝑢2 (𝑅) = 𝑑 2 /12 + 𝑠 2 (𝐼) + (|∆𝐼𝑒𝑐𝑐,𝑏 |𝑚𝑎𝑥 ) /3 + (𝑝𝑑)2 /3
=0,0080g
Uncertainty from
𝑢(𝛿𝑅𝑖𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑟 ) = √𝑢2 (𝛿𝑅𝑡𝑒𝑚𝑝 ) + 𝑢2 (𝛿𝑅𝑏𝑢𝑜𝑦 ) + 𝑢2 (𝛿𝑅𝑎𝑑𝑗 )
environmental
influences 𝑢(𝛿𝑅𝑡𝑒𝑚𝑝 ) = 𝐾𝑇 ∙ ∆𝑇 ∙ 𝑅/√12 = 4*10-6*10*517,06*√12 =
0,0060g
Note: ∆𝑇 is taken as 10
𝑢(𝛿𝑅𝑏𝑢𝑜𝑦 ) = 0,1𝜌0 𝑅/(𝜌𝑐 √3) = 0,0045 g
𝑢(𝛿𝑅𝑎𝑑𝑗 ) = ∆𝐸𝑚𝑎𝑥 (𝑅)/√3 = 0,17 g
Note: ∆𝐸𝑚𝑎𝑥 (𝑅) is taken as 0,3 g
𝑢(𝛿𝑅𝑖𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑟 ) = √𝑢2 (𝛿𝑅𝑡𝑒𝑚𝑝 ) + 𝑢2 (𝛿𝑅𝑏𝑢𝑜𝑦 ) + 𝑢2 (𝛿𝑅𝑎𝑑𝑗 ) = 0,17
g

Standard 𝑢(𝑊) = √𝑢2 (𝑅) + 𝑢2 (𝛿𝑅𝑖𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑟 ) + 𝑢2 (𝐸) = 0,19 g

uncertainty of
reading in use

Expanded 𝑈(𝑊) = 𝑘𝑢(𝑊) = 0,40 g

uncertainty of a The coverage factor 𝑘 = 2
weighing result

33