TR 45-03

CRITERIA FOR LABORATORIES ACCREDITED TO

CALIBRATE TACHOMETERS, CENTRIFUGES
AND MEASURE ROTATIONAL SPEED

Approved By: Accreditation Executive: Mpho Phaloane

Revised By: Accreditation Manager: Neville Tayler
Date of Approval: 2023-08-15
Date of Implementation: 2023-08-16

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TR 45-03

CONTENTS:

1. Purpose and Scope ...........................................................................................................3

2. References, Definitions and Abbreviations ...........................................................................3
3. Abbreviations ...................................................................................................................4
4. Environmental Requirements ..............................................................................................4
5. General Requirements .......................................................................................................4
6. Technical Requirements .....................................................................................................5

6.1 Calibration Procedures ....................................................................................................... 5

6.2 Calibration of Tachometers - Requirements ........................................................................ 5
6.3 Centrifuge Calibration ......................................................................................................... 5
6.4 Calibration of Rotating Machines and Equipment ............................................................... 6

APPENDIX 1: Scope of Accreditation ........................................................................................7

ADDENDUM 1: Amendment Record ..........................................................................................8

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1. Purpose and Scope

The purpose of this document is to define the specific environmental, general and technical
accreditation criteria to be complied with by accredited bodies including accredited calibration
laboratories who undertake the calibration of tachometers, centrifuges and other rotating devices. This
document is applicable to accredited bodies undertaking this work and as defined in the Accreditation
Act, Act No. 19 of 2006 [3].

2. References, Definitions and Abbreviations

2.1 References

[1] OHS Act, 1993 Environmental Regulations 1987 - Lighting

[2] ISO/IEC 17025 General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration
laboratories.
[3] Accreditation Act: Accreditation for Conformity Assessment, Calibration and
No. 19 of 2006 Good Laboratory Practice Act, 2006
[4] ISO 6178 Centrifuges – Construction and safety rules – Method for the
calculation of tangerial stress in the shell of a cylindrical centrifuge
rotor.

2.2 Definitions

2.2.1 Accreditation Criteria

Accreditation criteria represent those requirements including technical requirements
that accredited bodies are required to comply with at all times. See subsection 24. (1)
of Act 19 of 2006. [3]

2.2.2 Accredited Body

“accredited body” means an organisation or facility that has been accredited by
SANAS or by a member of the recognition arrangements of the International
Laboratory Accreditation Co-operation (ILAC) or the International Accreditation Forum
(IAF). [3]

2.2.3 Contact Tachometer

A contact tachometer is a tachometer that makes physical contact with the shaft or
surface speed being measured. These tachometers comprise a metal shaft with a
rubber contact tip, and or rubber surface contact wheel, optical or mechanical
conversion section and readout display. The indication is typically in rpm, m/min, or
mm/sec.

2.2.4 Non-Contact Tachometers

This type of tachometer makes no physical contact with the object being tested. Non-
contact tachometers include Optical, Inductive and Acoustic tachometers.

The optical tachometer comprises a transmitter, receiver and a readout display. These
tachometers are typically used for measurements on rotating electrical motors or
machines.

An inductive tachometer is used to measure the rotational speed of an internal

combustion engine. This tachometer comprises an inductive pick-up (coil), cylinder
selection and readout display. The magnetic field emitted from the coil of the engine is
detected by the inductive pick-up of the tachometer and converted to an rpm readout.

The acoustic tachometer is used on internal combustion engines. It is comprised of an

acoustic transducer, cylinder selection and readout display. The sound emitted by the
spark plugs of the engine when fired is detected by the tachometer and displayed on
an rpm readout display.

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2.2.5 Stroboscope/Tachometer
A stroboscope is an instrument used for the inspection and/or the measurement of
the speed of moving or rotating machine parts. The strobe is synchronized to the
moving machinery and the rotational speed is then read from the integral tachometer.

2.2.6 Centrifuge
A machine designed for the separation of two liquid phases, or of one solid phase
held in suspension in one or more liquids, or for the drying of solid products, by
means of centrifugal force produced by the rotation of a rotor.[4]

2.2.7 Rotating equipment and machines

Rotating equipment is a common classification of mechanical components used to
add kinetic energy to any process in order to make a material move. The equipment
may include pumps, turbines, gearboxes, compressors, engines, orbital shakers, etc.
The equipment may be designed to operate at a variable or set speed. A laboratory
mixer is an example of rotating equipment that may be encountered in the laboratory
environment.

3. Abbreviations

AU&V - Acoustics, Ultrasound and Vibration

DCLF - Direct Current Low Frequency
RPM - Revolutions per Minute
T&F - Time and Frequency
UUT - Unit under Test

4. Environmental Requirements

4.1 The ambient temperature and temperature gradients in a laboratory where tachometers,
centrifuges and other rotating machines are calibrated shall comply with the relevant
requirements for the field of calibration (DCLF, AUV, T&F) under which this parameter has
been included.

4.2 Lighting within the laboratory shall be adequate to facilitate the correct performance of the
calibration work undertaken. Cognisance shall be taken of the minimum levels of lighting as
specified in the environmental regulations of the OHS Act.[1] [2]

4.3 Vibration levels in the laboratory shall be such that they do not have an adverse effect on the
measurement results.

4.4 Where the calibration is performed on-site, where the calibration laboratory does not have
control of the environment, then the laboratory shall monitor, record and report the
temperature at which the calibration was performed.

5. General Requirements

5.1 Raw data shall not be recorded in pencil or erasable ink.

5.2 The schedule of accreditation shall list the types of tachometer that the laboratory is
competent to calibrate under the parameter ‘tachometers’. This list may include:

• optical non-contact tachometers;

• acoustic tachometers;
• contact tachometers;
• centrifuges;
• other rotating devices and equipment (mixers etc.).

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6. Technical Requirements

6.1 Calibration Procedures

6.1.1 Calibration procedures shall be available for all the types of tachometers, rotating
equipment / machines, and centrifuges that the laboratory wishes to calibrate.

6.2 Calibration of Tachometers - Requirements

6.2.1 The calibration of a non-contact optical tachometer shall include a verification that
both the transmitter and receiver are functional over the range of specified
distances.

6.2.2 Any test rig shall be of adequate design, and any mechanical loading caused by the
UUT should not influence the measurement.

6.2.3 Calibration of contact tachometers shall include either direct coupling or

measurement using the supplied rubber cone tip and/or surface measuring wheel.
The procedure shall also address the contact angle of the probe tip with the rotating
object, the applied pressure, the condition of the rubber tip or wheel, and slippage
under working conditions.

6.2.4 The procedure for the calibration of a stroboscope shall address the method of
detection, and detection distance.

6.2.5 Procedures for the calibration of inductive and acoustical tachometers shall address
the stroke and cylinder selection.

6.2.6 The tachometer should be calibrated in accordance with the manufacturer’s

calibration procedure; in the absence of such procedures the laboratory shall
perform at least 5 measurements through the range of the tachometer. Dual or multi-
range tachometers shall be calibrated at least 3 points per range.

6.2.7 Multi-function tachometers shall be calibrated for contact and non-contact functions.
In instances where only one of the functions has been calibrated the calibration label
and certificate shall clearly indicate ‘partial calibration’.

6.2.8 The calculation of the uncertainty measurement for tachometers calibrated by the
laboratory shall consider at least the following contributors:

• the calibration of the standard,

• the resolution of the standard,
• or scale interval (analogue) or resolution of the UUT,
• alignment of the tachometer probe,
• slippage,
• stability of reading,
• the repeatability,
• the environmental conditions.

6.2.9 The requirements for the rounding of the calculated uncertainty of measurement
shall follow the requirements of SANAS TR 79 clause 5.17.

6.3 Centrifuge Calibration

6.3.1 Time and Frequency, Electrical DCLF and AUV Calibration laboratories may be
accredited to calibrate centrifuges for rotational speed and operating time. Those
laboratories wishing to calibrate any integral thermometer built into the centrifuge
must hold additional accreditation as a temperature metrology laboratory;

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6.3.2 Centrifuges used in the laboratory are to be considered as contaminated and should
only be handled with gloves and other personal protective equipment and/or
thoroughly disinfected before calibration.

6.3.3 The calibration laboratory personnel shall not as part of the calibration process
disable or tamper any with interlock installed on the centrifuge;

6.3.4 The calibration is normally performed with the centrifuge unloaded, the calibration
may also be performed with a normal and balanced load, if loaded the load shall be
recorded and reported on the calibration certificate;

6.3.5 The calibration procedure shall as a minimum address

• Measures to ensure the safety of the metrologist, and must include both
biological and mechanical hazards;
• How the measurements must be performed, taking available visible access into
account, or other non-intrusive methods;
• The time period to allow for stabilization time after changes to the operating
speed settings;
• Recording of the measurement results;

6.3.6 The indicated speed shall be calibrated at a minimum of 5 different speed settings
spread evenly through the range, unless the centrifuge is designed to be operated at
‘fixed speeds’, at fewer than 5 settings; in the case of the latter this shall be confirmed
by the customer during the contract review process. This shall be recorded on the
calibration certificate and noted as a ‘partial calibration’;

6.3.7 The timer shall be calibrated at a minimum of 2 different settings, one of which should
be typical of the time period required by the customer.

6.3.8 The following exclusion shall be included in the calibration certificate ‘The calibration
of this centrifuge is limited to the calibration of the rotational speed and excludes any
evaluation of the hazards that may result due to either overloading, excessive speed,
misuse or any other reason’.

6.4 Calibration of Rotating Machines and Equipment (including orbital mixers and shakers)

6.4.1 The speed of any rotational speed measuring equipment may be calibrated using any
non-intrusive mechanism.

6.4.2 If fitted with a timer it shall be calibrated at a minimum of 2 different settings, one of
which should be typical of the time period required by the customer.

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 TR 45-03

APPENDIX 1: Scope of Accreditation

SCOPE OF ACCREDITATION

TIME & FREQUENCY METROLOGY

Laboratory Accreditation Number: 0123

Permanent Address of Laboratory: Technical Signatory : Mr IR Faster

The Tachometer Shop (Pty) Ltd
63 West Street
Over the Hill
Johannesburg
1234

Postal Address: Nominated Representative : Ms C Tacho

P O BOX 32222
Johannesburg
2000 Issue No. : 02
Date of Issue : 05 August 2022
Tel: (011) 499-8778 Expiry Date : 04 August 2027
CALIBRATION AND
MEASURED
RANGE OF MEASUREMENT
QUANTITY OR TYPE METHOD /
ITEM MEASURED CAPABILITY
OF GAUGE OR PROCEDURE
QUANTITY EXPRESSED AS AN
INSTRUMENT
UNCERTAINTY (±)
5 Rotational Speed
Medical, Laboratory Calibration by direct
5.1 and Industrial 60 to 90 000 rpm 5·10-4·t + 1 rpm measurement using a
Centrifuges reference tachometer.
Comparison with reference
5 to 1 000 rpm 1·10-4·t + 0,1 rpm tachometer or frequency
5.2 Contact Tachometers
1 000 to 5 000 rpm 1·10-4·t + 1 rpm counter using rotational
speed generator.
5 to 100 rpm 1·10-4·t + 0,01 rpm
Non-Contact Comparison with reference
5.3 100 to 1 000 rpm 1·10-4·t + 0,1 rpm
Tachometers (optical) tachometer or frequency
1 000 to 40 000 rpm 1·10-4·t + 1 rpm
counter using a rotational
Non-Contact speed generator,
5.4 Tachometers 5 rpm to 10 000 rpm 1 rpm or optical simulator
(inductive/acoustic)
Comparison with reference
5.5 Stroboscope 5 rpm to 10 000 rpm 1 rpm tachometer or frequency
counter.

5 to 1 000 rpm 0,01 rpm + 5•10-4•f Calibration by direct

Other rotational
5.6 measurement against
devices 1 000 to 100 000 rpm 1 rpm + 5•10-4•f laboratory standard.
6 On-site calibration of item 5.1
Original date of accreditation: 5 August 2017 Page 1 of 1

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ADDENDUM 1: Amendment Record

Proposed By: Section Change

AM Appendix 1 Methods added to the Scope of Accreditation

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