Through a literature search and review of the uncertainty tool requirements, it became apparent there were deficiencies in the tools and techniques available to measurement station designers, and that an uncertainty tool would be applicable to both the design of new meter stations and to audit existing facilities. This required obtaining and entering equipment error specifications and their associated uncertainties over the operating range of the equipment selected. Individual component uncertainty can be amplified if proper design approach is not employed, and the tool identifies these cases and indicates optimum overall configurations for meter station equipment in order to reduce the overall station uncertainty.
The Multi-Run Uncertainty Calculator follows the GUM uncertainty calculation standard guidelines and definitions, and provides a summary of the station uncertainty calculation along with individual data sheets for the station and each meter run. Entry of the meter and equipment specifications into the data sheets provides the user with graphical feedback of equipment selection specifications on the uncertainty calculations. Documentation of optimal designs is easy and automatic.
The tool helps the user understand that the decisions made during the specification stage have a significant effect on the final results. It tries to balance simplicity of specification input with the effect of the equipment selected process on the final station uncertainty and draws attention to critical components, their configuration, and key design decisions.