Metrology

Maryland's Metrology Laboratory maintains primary standards of mass, length, volume and temperature that are legally traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and provides a measurement capability at the state level that is consistent with national measurement goals.

The NIST Weights and Measures Division provide a Measurement Assurance Program for State laboratories. The Maryland Laboratory is currently recognized under this program. The laboratory developed a quality manual and quality program to meet new requirements in test reports for industry and manufacturers in accordance with changes in international regulations for reporting test information.

The laboratories were designed to provide maximum use and flexibility for current and future testing and operations. Our laboratory provides accurate and traceable measurement services in the following areas:

  • MASS: For mass standards from 1 micropound (0.453 mg) to 20,000 lb.
  • SMALL VOLUME: For one to ten gallon (5 to 40 liter) test measures
  • LARGE VOLUME: The large volume laboratory contains traceable standards from 10 gallons to 500 gallons. These standards are used alone or in combination to test large volumetric standards.
  • LENGTH: Steel tapes and rigid rules, used in the surveying and engineering fields
  • THERMOMETER: Thermometers, of various types and accuracy levels
  • SMALL DEVICE TESTING: micrometers, vernier calipers and thickness dial gauges
  • MILK TESTING: Milk is tested to determine the butterfat content and we also test the glassware used for this testing.
  • GRAIN MOISTURE TESTING: The laboratory tests grain moisture meters and prepares grain standard samples(used in the testing of grain moisture meters). We also test pet foods, and other commodities for moisture content.
  • VAPOR/SLO-FLO METER TESTING: Vapor(propane) and slo-flow meters are tested in this laboratory. A two-cubic-foot Bell Prover is used for testing vapor meters. Slo-flow meters are tested with volumetric flasks.
  • TIME/RADAR-INTERMEDIATE MASS: Timing devices are tested utilizing a short wave receiver, tuned to receive the standard time signal from Boulder Colorado (THE NATIONAL TIME STANDARD).

For additional information please contact: Stephen Barry, Metrology Program Manager, 410-841-5790.