Measurement uncertainty in chemical process

Measurement uncertainty is a statistical measure, offering a range within which there is an equal probability of the result value lying, at a particular confidence. This uncertainty estimate is therefore a combination of all  the factors that affect the variability of results, on a method to method basis. The approach is to firstly know your method and the process steps, then determine the type of contributors to uncertainty. This depends on your method. It helps to use a checklist and record to guide and report the process. Where detailed measurement uncertainty evaluation is not possible due to the nature of the test method, the measurement uncertainty may be estimated based on principles of the techniques or practical experience of the performance of the method.

Advisera’s ISO 17025 toolkit guides you through the implementation of ISO 17025. The  ISO 17025 document template: Evaluation of Measurement Uncertainty Procedure and related Measurement Uncertainty Checklist and Measurement Uncertainty Record are available as part of the ISO 17025 toolkit; or as separate documents; to guide you in the process.   A complete discussion of measurement uncertainty is however outside of the scope of the toolkit. 

Technicians responsible for uncertainty calculations need some technical training and support to fully understand what is required because you need to have an understanding of type a and type b uncertainties and the statistical calculations. Type A are based on the statistical analysis of measurements and Type B is based on other sources of information such as calibration or reference material certificates and that reported uncertainty from the certificate. In many chemical processes , Type A contributors to precision are typically the largest contribution.

For more information regarding the measurement uncertainty, see the ISO 17025 toolkit document template: Evaluation of Measurement Uncertainty Procedure at https://advisera.com/17025academy/documentation/evaluation-of-measurement-uncertainty-procedure/ This covers the basic principles and steps to plan, measure and calculate the data required for an evaluation of measurement uncertainty. The two appendices related to the document, Measurement Uncertainty Checklist and Measurement Uncertainty Record support the process. 

I recommend you also look to your sector and suppliers for commonly used approaches.