Metrology and Laboratory Services
Background
The Metrology and Laboratory Service Division (MLSD) was created to undertake the following two mandates enshrined in the Bhutan Standards Act 2010 under clause 4 (b) and (c):
- Establish and operate metrological referral and calibration laboratories
- Establish and operate product testing infrastructure
The MML has established three laboratories to undertake the above mandates:
- National Metrology Laboratory (NML)
- Product Testing Laboratory and
- Electrical Safety Laboratory
National Metrology Laboratory
METROLOGY is a study of measurement. It is concerned with providing accurate measurements which impact our economy, health, safety, and general well-being.
The national standards for measurement units traceable to international standards are maintained at the NML. The NML is presently accredited to render calibration services for the following scopes:-
- Mass (weights and Balances)
- Length (Measuring tapes, calipers and micrometers)
Pursuit of accreditation for additional scopes (volume, Pressure and Temperature) is under active consideration.
The NML functions as a technical authority to exercise control functions in the area of Metrology and provide services to legal Metrology and legal metrology system, industries, testing Laboratories and other members of standardizing and conformity assessment infrastructure.
Product Testing Laboratory
TESTING plays an important role in the international transaction of goods and services and is a critical link between standardization and quality control.
Product Testing Laboratory
The Product Testing Laboratory was established to:
- Provide testing facilities to exporters other products/materials and
- Conduct research and development for standards formulation
It is actively working in development of the following testing facilities to provide the following testing services:
Testing Services
- Tests on cements
- Tests on steel and steel compounds
- Tests on concrete building blocks
- Tests on fine aggregates
- Tests on coarse aggregates
- Tests on soil
- Tests on bitumen
- Tests on steel bolt grade
Electrical Safety Laboratory
The Electrical Safety Laboratory was set up recently to provide testing services for electrical and electrical related products.
Under the current setup, the following electrical parameters can be tested for different electrical components as given below:
| SL No. | Test Parameter | Test Equipment | Reference Standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pin / Receptant Test | Noodle Flame Tester | IEC 60695-11-5 |
| 2 | Heat Resistant Test | Glow Wire Tester |
IEC 60695-2-10 IEC 60695-2-11 IEC 60695-2-12 IEC 60695-2-13 |
| 3 | Ball Pressure Test | Ball Pressure Test Device | IEC 60695-10-2 |
| 4 | Insulation Resistance Test | Digital Insulation Tester | — |
| 5 | Earth Continuity Test | Earth Clamp Meter | — |