METROVAC
METROVAC – Laboratory of Vacuum Technology and Metrology develops research in vacuum science, gas flow metrology and leak detection. The laboratory combines primary metrology, accredited calibration services and applied research, supporting both scientific and industrial communities. METROVAC is accredited according to ISO 17025 for calibration and testing, ensuring international recognition of its capabilities through annual IPAC audits. Its activities include vacuum gauge calibration, reference leak development and calibration, low gas flow metrology, gas permeability measurements, leak detection technologies and the development of novel measurement systems for emerging applications such as hydrogen, refrigerants, ammonia and greenhouse gas monitoring. METROVAC actively participates in European Metrology Partnership (EMP) projects, contributing to the development of measurement science, traceability infrastructures and international standards in vacuum technology, gas flow metrology and gas leak detection.
METROVAC Laboratory Facilities
Vacuum Gauge Calibration
Primary laboratory facility dedicated to the calibration of vacuum gauges by direct comparison with traceable reference standards, covering pressures from high vacuum up to atmospheric pressure. The system is designed in accordance with ISO 3567 and supports the calibration of capacitance diaphragm gauges (CDG), Pirani, Penning, cold cathode, hot cathode and other vacuum sensors. The facility is used for accredited calibration services, metrological research and the development of new calibration methodologies.
Helium Reference Leak Calibration
Dedicated facility for the calibration of reference leaks by comparison methods according to ISO 20486. The system employs a helium mass spectrometer leak detector as a transfer standard and enables the calibration of permeation and conductance reference leaks used for the verification and calibration of industrial leak detectors.
Constant-Pressure Gas Flow Calibration System
Primary gas flow measurement system based on the constant-pressure principle, developed for the generation and measurement of very low gas flows. The facility provides SI-traceable calibration of gas flows and is also used for the characterization and calibration of reference leaks.
DryCal Piston Prover
High-accuracy volumetric piston prover used for the calibration of low gas flow rates under atmospheric conditions. The system supports traceable calibration of flowmeters/leaks, and complements the laboratory primary standards for applications involving gas distribution, leak quantification and environmental measurements.
Design of Reference Leaks
METROVAC designs, manufactures and characterizes portable gas reference leaks based on permeation and conductance principles. These artefacts provide stable and traceable leak rates for the testing and calibration of gas leak detectors. Reference leaks have been developed for helium, hydrogen, refrigerants and other gases, supporting industrial applications and European research projects.
European Research Projects
Metrology to support ammonia use in emerging applications
METROVAC is a partner in the European Metrology Partnership project MetNH3Energy, coordinated by PTB (Germany), which aims to develop the metrological infrastructure required for the safe and reliable use of ammonia (NH₃) as an emerging energy carrier. The project addresses challenges related to ammonia production, transport, storage and end-use by developing traceable measurement methods for gas composition, flow and leak detection.
Within the project, METROVAC leads the work on ammonia leak detection methodologies, contributing to the evaluation and comparison of different sensing technologies, the development of reference leak artefacts and the establishment of traceable calibration procedures. These activities support the safe deployment of ammonia technologies while contributing to future international standards and best practices.
Metrology support for the development of standardised methods for methane emission detection and quantification
METROVAC participates in the European Metrology Partnership project MetroNoME, coordinated by the National Physical Laboratory (NPL, United Kingdom). The project aims to strengthen the metrological framework supporting methane emission measurements by developing harmonised and traceable methodologies for the detection and quantification of methane leaks across laboratory and field conditions.
METROVAC contributes to the assessment of controlled methane release facilities and validation methodologies, supporting the comparison of experimental infrastructures across Europe and the development of standardised measurement protocols. The project will improve the comparability and reliability of methane emission measurements, supporting climate action, industrial emission monitoring and future international standards.
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