Legal Metrology : Volumetric Measuring Instruments

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The Eighth Schedule of Legal Metrology (General) Rules, 2011 explains the various types of Volumetric Measuring Instruments.

Part I : Volumetric Container filling machines

The machine has basin or basins and are filled and then emptied to the container or containers. The capacity of the basin is the capacity of the containers, which are intended to be filled. The machine shall have one or more of the following capacities - 1, 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, 50, 100 & 200 litre.

A Volumetric filling machine has to be tested at the actual working condition 'in situ' with the liquid, which is intended to be used for filling.

Part II : Bulk meter/Flow meter

Mainly used for accurate measurement of flow of liquid Petroleum products. Here the liquid volume that passes through the meter causes positive pressure head and is measured by the meter. The two main classes of bulk meter are Capillary seal meter and Packed or mechanical seal meter. The instrument is tested under the actual working condition, flow rate with product using a proving tank (calibrated using the working standard measure, having sufficient capacity to store one minute flow of the liquid). Maximum permissible error is + or - 0.1 % for any quantity discharged.

Stamping fee & periodicity

Flow meter up to 500 l/min : Rs 3000
Above 500 l/min : Rs 5000, annual



Part III : Water meter

It is intended for metering potable cold water with threaded end connections and there is both wet & dry dial type meters. In wet dial type water meter, the complete counter unit is in contact with water. Based on the maximum verification scale interval and metrological characteristics, water meters are divided into class A & B. Meter size of 15,20 & 25 mm are able to read 9999 kl (minimum), 40 & 50 mm size meter can read 99999 kl (minimum) and shall thereafter indicate zero.

The indicator with pointer shall be non reversible and rotate in the clock wise direction. The meter will be marked with the direction of flow of water on both sides, model approval number, year of manufacture etc.

A water meter is tested for Loss of pressure and metering accuracy test. A suitable sealing arrangement shall be provided to receive the seal of the verification authority.

Stamping fee : Rs 25 per unit.





Part IV : Measuring System for liquids other than water

Applicable to liquid petroleum products, beer, alcohol, liquid chemicals and liquids other than water. The general requirements of a measuring system are a meter, transfer point, hydraulic circuit, gas elimination device, filter, pump, correction devices related to temperature and viscosity.

Part V : Volumetric Container type filling machines

It consists of a bucket, a float and a dip stick suitably graduated to indicate the volume of liquid at different heights in the bucket. This device is usually used for measuring milk.

Part VI : Clinical Thermometer

Part VII : Sphygmomanometer



Part VIII : Taximeter (Autorickshaw)

It is a measuring instrument which totalizes continuously and indicates at any moment of the journey the charges payable by the passenger of a public vehicle as function of the distance traveled and, below a certain speed, of the length of time occupied, independent of supplementary charges, according to the authorized tariff.

The distance drive shall be made through the medium of the wheels, and the reverse motion shall not cause a reduction in the fare or distance shown. During the distance drive, the first increment of the fare indication (money drop) shall occur after traveling the initial distance. The subsequent money drop shall correspond to equal distance between each of them.

A road test consists of driving the vehicle over a precisely measured road course. The load carried by the vehicle corresponds to the weight of four adult persons including the driver. The tyres are inflated at the standard pressure prescribed by the manufacturer. The vehicle is moving, under its own power, on level ground in a straight line, at a speed less than 40 km/h.

At least duplicate runs of sufficient length to cover at least the third money drop or one km, whichever is greater.

Stamping fee : Taxi meter : Rs 100, annual





Part IX : Compressed gaseous fuel (CNG) measuring systems for vehicles.

Stamping fee : Dispensing pump/CNG/LPG : Rs 1000 per unit, annual
Totalizing counter: Rs 500 per unit, annual

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Periodicity of stamping

The Rule 27 of Legal Metrology (General) Rules, 2011 directs, the volumetric measuring instruments, which are used for transaction or protection has to be get verified and stamped by Legal Metrology once in a year.

Stamping Fee

Schedule X of the Kerala Legal Metrology (Enforcement) Rules, 2012 gives the stamping fee details :

(10) Volumetric measuring instruments
(c) Other instruments :

Capacity exceeding 100 litre(l) : Rs 500 for the first 100 l plus Rs 250 for every additional 100 l or part thereof, subject to maximum of Rs 10 000.

Capacity exceeding 50 l & not exceeding 100 l : Rs 750
Not exceeding 50 l but exceeding 20 l : Rs 375
Not exceed 20 l : Rs 300.

Penalty

Sec 24 r/w 33 of the Legal Metrology Act, 2009 : Use of unverified weight or measure is punishable with a fine of Rs 2 000 to 10 000.

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Overflow liquid filling machines

This machine is also commonly referred to as a "fill to level" filling machine or cosmetic height filler. This means that machine fills to a target fill height in the container rather than volumetrically. But it can also be shown that as long as the container specification do not vary greatly, the volumetric accuracy of this machine is excellent.

The Fill-to-level rotary filling equipment consists of a fill, plug or stopper. It can have up to 53 spots/heads, individual piston-adjustment mechanism, bottom-up fill capability, no-container/no-fill and positive spiral feed.