The laboratory maintains and disseminates the National Density Standard (1 kg silicon sphere). New measurement models are being developed to improve the accuracy of density measurements.
The laboratory performs precision calibrations of volume and density standards using the hydrostatic weighing method. The developed methods allow to obtain state-of-the-art uncertainties.
The reference standards are:
The density of distilled water (best relative expanded uncertainty 5×10-6);
The density standard consisting of a 1 kg silicon sphere (best relative expanded uncertainty 2×10-7).
Calibrations are also carried out on hydrometers (aerometers) used to determine the absolute density of liquids or concentration of dissolved compounds (alcohol content, salinity, etc.)
Calibration is performed by hydrostatic weighing using the Cuckow method, with a range from 500 kg/m3 to 2000 kg/m3.
Research activities concern the development of measurement models and the study of the thermos-physical properties of liquids.