Acquisition of new systems for the Oceanographic Calibration and Metrology Center (CTMO)

Oceanographic instrumentation requires very precise controls and calibrations to ensure the quality of the data collected. The triple point of water, that is the coincidence of the three states solid, liquid and gas (0.01 °C) and the melting point of gallium (29.7646 °C) are very important values. They allow the evaluation of the instruments in the range of oceanographic measurements, which ranges from -2°C to 40°C.

As part of the IPANEMA project, funded by the PON - National Operational Program for Research and Innovation 2014-2020, the OGS Oceanographic Calibration and Metrology Center (CTMO) recently acquired two new systems for establishing the fixed points of mercury (-38.8344 °C) and indium (156.5985 °C). These new acquisitions extend the temperature range currently covered by the laboratory to negative values and to values above 100 °C.

Operational since 2001, the Oceanographic Calibration and Metrology Center (CTMO) provides the scientific and technical infrastructure necessary to carry out and guarantee high quality observations of the fundamental oceanographic variables, conductivity (salinity), temperature and pressure, and operates in the field of metrology in relation to marine measurements in general.

The CTMO is the only facility of its kind in the country with expertise in oceanographic sensor calibration and metrological characterisation of marine measurements. In recent years, the Centre has established a working relationship with the Italian National Institute of Metrology Research (INRiM), aimed at increasing collaboration on topics of mutual interest in marine measurements.