Proving ring calibrations using a deadweight pressure system

The Rocky Flats Standard Laboratory has devised a method to utilize a deadweight pressure gage to calibrate proving rings to 1,050 pounds of force (lbf). The equipment and the necessary modifications are described, as is the setup and operation. The modifications are additions to the main structure of the pressure gage allowing direct force measurements without damaging or permanently altering the pressure gage. Also included are a brief descrption of the computer program used with the system and an error analysis of the system. This development has increased the Standards Laboratory capabilities; previously, proving rings to be calibrated were sent to the National Bureau of Standards or the Primary Standards Laboratory.