Gravimetric Flow Meter Calibration

Gravimetric calibration is one of the highest-accuracy methods available for liquid flow meter verification. By measuring the mass of fluid collected over a precisely timed interval, gravimetric calibration eliminates the uncertainty introduced by secondary reference meters — producing a direct, primary-standard result traceable to fundamental SI units of mass and time.

Tactical Flow Meter's gravimetric prover is capable of calibrating magnetic, Coriolis, vortex, and ultrasonic flow meters with NIST traceable accuracy to ±0.1% of reading.

Gravimetric Prover Specifications

Specification	Details
Capacity	100 Gallons / 1,000 Pounds
Test Fluid	Water
Accuracy	±0.1% of Reading
Traceability	NIST Traceable
Meter Types	Magnetic, Coriolis, Vortex, Ultrasonic Flow Meters
Method	Weigh-tank gravimetric (mass collected over timed interval)

How Gravimetric Calibration Works

In gravimetric calibration, flow is diverted into a certified weigh tank for a precise time interval. The mass of fluid collected is measured using calibrated scales, and the true mass flow rate is calculated by dividing collected mass by elapsed time. This value is compared to the meter under test output to determine accuracy and generate correction factors.

Because it derives flow rate from mass and time — two of the most accurately measurable physical quantities — gravimetric calibration is recognized as a primary standard method by NIST and international metrology organizations.

Advantages of Gravimetric Calibration

•       Primary standard method — no reliance on a secondary reference meter

•       Extremely high accuracy — uncertainty traceable to SI units

•       Ideal for custody transfer and legal-for-trade applications

•       Suitable for meters where repeatability and linearity verification are critical

•       Full documentation including K-factor and linearization tables

Meter Types Calibrated

•       Magnetic (Electromagnetic) Flow Meters

•       Coriolis Mass Flow Meters

•       Vortex Flow Meters

•       Ultrasonic Flow Meters (inline and clamp-on)

Industries Served

•       Water Utilities — custody transfer and billing meter verification

•       Chemical & Petrochemical — high-value fluid measurement

•       Food & Beverage — batch control and filling line calibration

•       Pharmaceutical — regulatory-grade flow documentation

•       Research Institutions — primary standard calibration for R&D

Calibration Certificate

Each gravimetric calibration includes a detailed certificate documenting: test fluid conditions, flow points tested, collected mass, elapsed time, calculated flow rate, meter output, deviation, and NIST traceability chain. Certificates are suitable for ISO 9001, FDA, and other audit requirements.

Request Gravimetric Calibration

Contact our calibration team to discuss your application, pipe size, and flow range. We'll confirm compatibility and provide a fast, accurate quote.

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