The National Institute of Metrology (Thailand) (NIMT) successfully hosted the 1st International Conference on Measurement Sciences and Applications (IMSA 2024) under the theme “Measurement for Sustainable Future” on 21-23 August 2024 at Impact Forum, Muang Thong Thani, Nonthaburi, Thailand.

The event was presided over by H.E. Supamas Isarabhakdi, Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), emphasizing the importance of “Metrology” which had a long history in Thailand. It has undergone two major reforms. The first was in 1912 when Siam signed the Metre Convention, which led to the Weights and Measures Act 1923, introduced the metric system as the first unit of measurement. The second reform was in 1997 with the enactment of the National Metrology System Development Act 1997, which laid out the working structure for the development of the national metrology system in three parts: the National Metrology Committee, the National Metrology System Development Fund, and the National Institute of Metrology (Thailand). At present, NIMT is currently in the midst of the third reform of Thailand’s metrology system to prepare for the changes in the International System of Units (SI Units) towards the digital age, climate change and the transition to the quantum age, with the aim of establishing a national metrology system that can serve Thailand’s interests now and in the future.

Pol.Lt.Gen Pornchai Suteerakune, Director of NIMT, mentioned that this conference served as an international academic forum that exchanged knowledge, including research results in measurement sciences and applications in various fields, leading to the further development of sustainable research and innovation that will be beneficial to the country in the future. It was also a platform for honoring the individuals and/or organizations that promoted and supported the development of the country’s metrology system.

The conference comprised of five activities : keynote speeches; plenary talks; oral presentation; poster presentation and exhibitions. The highlights were the special lectures (Keynote Speeches) from three honorary speakers and NIMT was honored to have Mr. Anusorn Tonmuenwai, Deputy Director of NIMT as a session chair.

Keynote Speech 1: Dr. Victoria Coleman, Member of International Committee for Weights and Measures (CIPM) and President of Consultative Committee for Length (CCL), giving a speech on “Science as the fundamental enabler of metrology and technological opportunities”.

Keynote Speech 2: Dr. Kieran Stanley, Expert from Atmospheric Chemistry Research Group, University of Bristol, United Kingdom, giving a speech on “Climate and environmental monitoring: Using atmospheric greenhouse gas measurements to quantify emissions”.

Keynote Speech 3: Dr. Sivinee Sawatdiaree, Head of Electrical Metrology Department of NIMT giving a speech on “NIMT’s Approach, Roadmap and Progresses in Implementing the (New) SI”.

 

Another important activity was a special lecture (Plenary Talks) from four honorary speakers. The topics were related to the latest advances in measurement sciences and its applications.

Plenary Talk 1: Dr. Tetsuya Ido, Director of Space-Time Standards Laboratory, National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT), Japan, giving a talk on “The Role of Optical Clocks in Modern Society and the Quantum Future”.

Plenary Talk 2: Dr. Ing. Jan Kučera, Deputy Director of Regional Inspectorate Praha. 1011 – Department of primary metrology of electrical impedance and electrical quantities, Czech Republic, giving a talk on “Novel “Digital & Quantum” Impedance Bridges and On-going Challenges in Electrical Impedance Metrology”.

 

Plenary Talk 3: Dr. Wei-En Fu, Deputy General Director of Center for Measurement Standards/Industrial Technology Research Institute (CMS/ITRI), Taiwan, giving a talk on “Digital Transformation as Moving Standards to In-Line Measurements for Smart Manufacturing”.

Plenary Talk 4: Dr. Visarn Lilavivat, Expert from National Energy Technology Center (ENTEC), Thailand , giving a talk on “Energy Policy Perspectives on Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Development in Thailand”.

This conference also provided an opportunity for researchers and academics to present their works and exchange knowledge in both oral and poster presentation; it was divided into 11 breakout rooms:

• Room 1: SI and Electrical Measurement | Chair: Dr. Ing. Jan Kučera
• Room 2: Dimensional Measurement | Chair: Dr. Narin Chanthawong
• Room 3: Climate – Energy – Pollution | Chair: Dr. Kieran Stanley
• Room 4: Thermometry | Chair: Ms. Rojana Leecharoen
• Room 5: Materials | Chair: Dr. Chanchana Thanachayanont
• Room 6: Future Trends Review | Chair: Dr. Wei-En Fu
• Room 7: SI and Time & Frequency | Chair: Dr. Tetsuya Ido
• Room 8: Biotechnology and Food | Chair: Dr. Kittiya Shearman
• Room 9: Mechanical Measurement | Chair: Dr. Patcharapol Gorgitrattanagul
• Room 10: Health and Drugs | Chair: Dr. Christoph Nehrbass-Ahles
• Room 11: Digital Transformation | Chair: Ms. Praiya Thongluang

On the last day, there was an announcement of four awards for the Best Oral Presentation and the Best Poster Presentation.

In addition, there were the exhibitions from the calibration laboratories and measuring instrument manufacturers.

Mr. Anusorn Tonmueanwai, Deputy Director, Dr. Jariya Buajarern, Expert Metrologist and ISO/IEC 17025 Quality Manager, Ms. Rugkanawan Wongpithayadisai, Senior Metrologist and Deputy Quality Manager, Dr. Kittiya Sherman, Acting Head of Chemical Metrology and Biometry Department and Deputy Quality Manager, Mr. Wirun Laopornpichayanuwat, Head of Mechanical Metrology Department and metrologists  welcomed the Technical Experts to join the opening meeting of the ISO/IEC 17025 quality system assessment:

1. Dr. Wang Jintao, Technical Expert in the filed of Flow (Volume) from National Institute of Metrology (NIM), the People Republic of China
2. Dr. Wong KANG, Technical Exert in the filed of Flow (Gas and Liquid) from Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science (KRISS), the Republic of Korea
3. Dr. Qiao SUN, Technical Expert in the field of Vibration from National Institute of Metrology (NIM), the People Republic of China
4. Dr. Karl Jousten, Technical Expert in the field of Pressure and Vacuum from Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), the Federal Republic of Germany
5. Dr. Luis Manuel Pena Perez, Technical Expert in the field of Mass and Density from Centro Nacional de Metrologia (CENAM), the United Mexican States
6. Dr. Alessandro Germak, Technical Expert in the field of Hardness and Torque from National Metrology Institute of Italy (INRIM), the Italian Republic

NIMT laboratories requested to be assessed in Pathway A format and invited two Quality Experts from the Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI): Ms. Sirorat Thonhamkaew and Mr. Komsun Youngjaroon. The purpose of this assessment was to develop a quality system and establish international acceptance of the country’s measurement capabilities. It was held on 5-9 August 2024 at NIMT’s Phadungmat building, Klong 5, Pathumthani province.

 

 

 

Dr. Jariya Buajarern, Expert Metrologist and ISO/IEC 17025 Quality Manager, Ms. Rugkanawan Wongpithayadisai, Senior Metrologist and Deputy Quality Manager, Dr. Sivinee Sawatdiaree, Head of Electrical Metrology Department and metrologists from Electrical Metrology Department welcomed Dr. Anton WIDARTA and Dr. Takehiro MORIOKA, Technical Experts from National Metrology Institute of Japan (NMIJ), to join the opening meeting of the ISO/IEC 17025 quality system assessment. The High Frequency Electrical Quantities Laboratory of NIMT requested to be assessed in Pathway A format by Ms. Sirorat Thonhamkaew, a Quality Expert from the Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI). The purpose of this assessment was to develop a quality system and establish international acceptance of the country’s measurement capabilities. It was held on 30 July 2024 to 2 August 2024 at NIMT’s Phadungmat building, Klong 5, Pathumthani province.

 

The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), by Pol.Lt.Gen Pornchai Suteerakune, Director of NIMT, together with Mr. Anusorn Tomueanwai, Deputy Director, Dr. Jariya Buajarern, Head of International Relations Office and NIMT staffs warmly welcomed the participants of “Training Course on Sphygmomanometers” under the Project “Strengthening regional cooperation in the Asia-pacific region MEDEA 3.0 : Metrology – Enabling Developing Economies in Asia”, organized by NIMT and APLMF/APMP during 9-11 July 2024 at Centara Grand at Central Ladprao Hotel, Bangkok.

This training aimed to transfer knowledge in the international standard methods and requirements for Sphygmomanometers to members of APLMF and APMP to be used as a guideline for Type approval, Verification/Testing in each country. Most of the participants were from NMIs which operated in science metrology and legal metrology including representatives from Thailand : National Institute of Metrology (NIMT) and Weights and Measures Division, Department of Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce.

The main topics of this training consisted of:

1. Lecture on standard methods : OIML R148 and OIML R149
2. Lecture on Chinese standard method according to JJG692-2010 including procedures, instruments and related equipment
3. Practical training on sphygmomanometers according to Chinese standard method (JJG692-2010) in three topics: MPE test, Leak Test and Repeatability of blood pressure indicator by using NIMT instruments
4. Lecture on calculation of results, uncertainty assessment and reporting of measurement results

In addition, this training also presented the progress of research on traceability system for NIBP Simulator calibration conducted by the Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science (KRISS).

The main international guidelines presented in this training were OIML Recommendation R 148: Non-invasive non-automated sphygmomanometers and OIML Recommendation R 149: Non-invasive automated sphygmomanometers, which were the main standard methods used for Type approval, Verification/Testing of sphygmomanometers. In addition, the Chinese standard method, JJG692-2010, based on the above two international standards, was presented for domestic use.

The conclusion of this training was very beneficial to the participants in understanding the standard methods of Type approval, Verification/Testing for sphygmomanometers in both theoretical and practical aspects, as well as creating traceability of such testing. The participants would be able to apply it in their own countries. NIMT participants also gained knowledge and understanding of the standard methods, the implementation guidelines of China, and most importantly, they used guidelines for developing a traceability system for testing the repeatability of blood pressure indicator according to the standard methods in order to support the certification of quality system in the country.

9 July 2024 : Lecture session at Centara Grand at Central Ladprao Hotel, Bangkok

10 July 2024 : Lecture and practical training sessions at Centara Grand at Central Ladprao Hotel, Bangkok

11 July 2024 : Laboratory visit at Calibration Laboratory Co., Ltd.

11 July 2024 : Laboratory visit at National Institute of Metrology (Thailand)

On 19 June 2024, NIMT hosted the 9th meeting of Designated Institutes (DIs) of Thailand, chaired by Dr. Charun Yafa, the Assistant Director of NIMT. The committee consisted of representatives from NIMT, the Thailand Institute of Scientific and Technological Research (TISTR) and the Office of Atoms for Peace (OAP). The meeting aimed to follow up the progress of activities and assignments from the previous meeting. It was held at the BETA meeting room, 5th floor, 60th Anniversary Building, the Office of Atoms for Peace (OAP), Bangkok.

 

Pol.Lt.Gen Pornchai Suteerakune, Director, together with Mr. Anusorn Tomueanwai, Deputy Director, Dr. Charun Yafa, Assistant Director and NIMT staffs warmly welcomed Mr. Lazizbek Saidoripov, Director of the Uzbek National Institute of Metrology (UzNIM) and his team, Dr.-Ing. Clemens Sanetra, Long-term expert for quality infrastructure from the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) and Ms. Aynur Turabekova, Local project representative in Uzbekistan and interpreter, to visit NIMT on 11-14 June 2024 for the study visit, consultation, and experience sharing from NIMT. The program also included laboratory tour at NIMT, site visits to the Central Bureau of Weights and Measures (CBWM), the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), and the Technology Promotion Association (Thailand – Japan) (TPA).

11 June 2024: site visit at the Central Bureau of Weights and Measures (CBWM)

 

12 June 2024: meeting, discussion and laboratory tour at NIMT

 

13 June 2024: meeting, discussion and laboratory tour at NIMT

 

14 June 2024 (Morning): site visit at the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT)

 

14 June 2024 (Afternoon): site visit at the Technology Promotion Association (Thailand – Japan) (TPA)

The National Institute of Metrology (Thailand) (NIMT) was pleased to welcome the participants from the workshop on Technical Cooperation for Research and Development and Implementation of Railway Inspection and Monitoring Technology, organized by the Thailand Institute of Scientific and Technological Research (TISTR), to visit NIMT’s laboratories: temperature, large scale, vibration, and force 10MN. It was held on 10 June 2024 at Phadung Matra building and Rail System Developing building, Pathumthai province.

The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), the National Institute of Metrology (Thailand) (NIMT) led by Mr. Likit Sainoo and Ms. Theerarak Chinarak, metrologists from Fluid Mechanics Group, Mechanical Metrology Department welcomed the staffs from the National Metrology Laboratory of the Philippines (NMLPhil), the Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI), Department of Science and Technology (DOST) for the study visit, consultation, and discussions on the establishment of Infusion Systems Calibration (Flow/Pressure). It was held on 27 – 29 May 2024 at Phadung Matra building, Pathumthani province.

The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), by Pressure and Vacuum Laboratory of National Institute of Metrology (Thailand) (NIMT) and the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) jointly organized the training course on “Calibration of Dead Weight Tester (DWT)/Pressure Balance (PB)” on 20-24 May 2024 at NIMT, Pathumthani province. This training was under the framework of the project on “Strengthening regional cooperation in the Asia-pacific region-MEDEA 3: Metrology Enabling Developing Economies in Asia” supported by PTB and APMP DEC. There were 12 participants from 11 NMIs: Mongolian’s People Republic, Malaysia, the Republic of the Philippines, the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, the Republic of Uzbekistan, the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

The training agenda was as follows:

20 May 2024

• Basic theory of Pressure Balance (briefly)
• Requirement of the EURAMET cg-3 “Calibration of Pressure Balance guideline”

21 May 2024

• Set up of pressure calibration of Pressure Balance
• Practice on how to operate the laser displacement system to monitor the pistons floating position
• Practice on the cross-floating of hydraulic pressure balances
• Demonstration on the cross-floating of gas pressure balances (optional)

22 May 2024

• Calculation programs that necessary for the cross-floating process

23 May 2024

• Calculation programs that necessary for the cross-floating process (continue)

24 May 2024

• Calculate the calibration results by using the calculation program
• Practical on calibration of weight set of the pressure balance
• Q&A
• Summary of training results

 

 

 

On 22 May 2024 – the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), represented by Pol.Lt.Gen. Pornchai Suteerakune, Director of National Institute of Metrology (Thailand) (NIMT) and NIMT executives welcomed the delegates from the National Institute of Metrology, China (NIM) led by Mr. SHAO Haiming, Senior Researcher, Division of Electricity and Magnetism to visit NIMT for the discussion on Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC 2024). The visit included the laboratory tour at NIMT’s Rail System Developing building.

The Mekong – Lancang Cooperation (LMC) framework consists of six member countries: Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam, Thailand and China. It has been initiated by Thailand since 2012 to develop a framework for cooperation in the Mekong economic region with the emphasis on enhancing sustainable development, reducing inequality, and promoting ASEAN development process.

The LMC 2024 project under cooperation in metrology focused on 2 main topics as follows:
1. Electrical vehicle charging station measurement
2. Standard measurement of solar power systems (Photovoltaic measurements)
The National Institute of Metrology, China (NIM) provided scholarships for metrologists from LMC member countries to travel to the People’s Republic of China for training and developing skills and knowledge in metrology.