Liquid flow calibration from 0.5 mL/min to 500 L/min
UKAS-accredited calibration for electromagnetic, Coriolis, turbine and other liquid flow meters, measured gravimetrically with water in Lymington by Labcal, the Gill Group's calibration laboratory.
What is liquid flow calibration?
Liquid flow calibration runs a measured quantity of liquid through a flow meter and compares the meter's reading with a traceable reference. The certificate gives the flow error and its uncertainty at each calibrated rate, which is the evidence behind dosing, batching and process compliance records.
Labcal measures liquid flow gravimetrically, by weighing the water that has passed rather than estimating it. Water is the reference liquid. Meters used on other low-viscosity liquids of similar density are often suitable, and a conversion factor may be needed where the liquid's properties differ more.
Weighed, not estimated
The accredited range covers mass, volume, flow rate and quantity passed, in three overlapping bands.
| Instrument or quantity | Range | Expanded uncertainty (k=2) |
|---|---|---|
| Water: mass, volume, flow rate and quantity passed | 0.5 to 500 mL/min | 0.17 % |
| Water: mass, volume, flow rate and quantity passed | 500 mL/min to 2 L/min | 0.20 % |
| Water: mass, volume, flow rate and quantity passed | 2 to 500 L/min | 0.14 % |
Ranges and best measurement capability from the UKAS schedule of accreditation for laboratory 0625, issue 055, 18 August 2026. Q[a, b] means the two terms are combined in quadrature. The uncertainty on your certificate depends on the instrument under test.
Meters that control dosing, batching and process flow
Electromagnetic flow meters
Magnetic flow meters used on conductive liquids in water, food and process applications.
Coriolis mass flow meters
Coriolis meters where mass accuracy matters, independent of density changes with temperature or concentration.
Turbine and paddle wheel meters
Turbine and paddle wheel flow meters used for monitoring and batching.
Variable area meters
Rotameters for liquid service, read from a float against a scale.
Positive displacement and ultrasonic meters
Positive displacement and ultrasonic liquid meters, subject to confirming suitability for the meter type.
Volume totalisers
Totalisers and meters with integrated or remote displays, calibrated as the user reads them.
Typical makes include Bronkhorst, Cole-Parmer, Dwyer, Endress+Hauser, GF Piping Systems, Krohne, Omega and Siemens.
From your bench to a certificate and back
Tell us what needs calibrating
Use the form on this page with the instrument, the quantity and the points you need. If you are moving from another laboratory, your current certificate is enough for a like-for-like quote, usually within 24 hours.
Send it to Lymington
Instruments come to the Labcal laboratory at Ampress Park, Lymington. Calibration is laboratory based rather than on site. Courier collection can be arranged for regular and high-volume customers.
Calibration against traceable references
Turnaround averages 8 working days from the day the instrument arrives, with a 3-day fast track available by arrangement. Where an instrument can be adjusted, it is recorded as found, adjusted and recorded again as left.
Certificate and return
A UKAS certificate states the measured values, the expanded uncertainty at k=2 and the traceability to national standards, with as-found and as-left results where adjustment was made.
Request a quote
Tell us what needs calibrating
The instrument, how many and the points you need are enough to start. If you are switching laboratory, mention it and we will ask for your current certificate so the quote matches it like for like.
UKAS accredited. Labcal, laboratory 0625, ISO/IEC 17025:2017.
We aim to respond in one working day. Turnaround averages 8 working days from arrival, with a 3-day fast track by arrangement.
Switching laboratory? Send your current certificate for a like-for-like quote.
Frequently asked questions
Gravimetric liquid flow calibration means the reference quantity is established by weighing the water collected during the test. Weighing gives a direct, traceable measure of mass, from which volume and flow rate are derived. Labcal's UKAS schedule lists the gravimetric method for its accredited liquid flow range.
A meter calibrated with water can often be used on other low-viscosity liquids of similar density. Where the service liquid's viscosity or density differs significantly, a conversion factor may be needed, and some meter types are more sensitive to this than others. Discuss the liquid with the laboratory before calibration.
Volumetric flow measures volume per unit time, while mass flow measures mass per unit time and is unaffected by density changes caused by temperature or concentration. Coriolis meters are usually chosen where mass accuracy is critical. The calibration should match the quantity your process records.
The calibration interval for a liquid flow meter should reflect how critical the measurement is, the accuracy required, the operating conditions and the meter's stability history. Annual calibration is common in regulated industries such as pharmaceutical and food production, but your quality system should set the interval.
Many liquid flow meters can be adjusted where they are found out of tolerance. The certificate then records the as-found result, the adjustment and the as-left result, so your records show the condition the meter was in during service and the condition it was returned in.
Talk to an engineer
Tell us what you need to measure, where and under what conditions. We’ll help you work out the appropriate approach.