Uncertainties in the Realization of the SPRT Sub-ranges of the ITS-90

Abstract

Working Group 3 of the Consultative Committee for Thermometry is responsible for recommending methods to assess uncertainties in contact thermometry. Accordingly, it has now completed a guide summarizing the uncertainties in the realization of the standard platinum resistance thermometer subranges of ITS-90 between the triple point of neon (24.5561K) and the freezing point of silver (961.78 °C). The document provides guidance to assess the uncertainties of both SPRT calibrations and temperature measurements. The document describes all known sources of uncertainty and influence variables, identifies key references in the literature that discuss, model or evaluate each effect, gives an indication of the typical magnitudes of the uncertainties, and provides propagation laws. This article is an overview of the guide emphasizing aspects that may be different from common practice, which includes: associating all uncertainty terms with a physical cause to ensure they can be propagated and to prevent double counting; uncertainty due to the oxidation state of the SPRT; uncertainty due to the isotopic composition of fixed-point substances; uncertainty due to impurities in fixed-point substances; and uncertainty due to non-uniqueness of the SPRT interpolations. The article gives a graphical summary of the total uncertainties in ITS-90 over the SPRT temperature range.