What is BS EN 16465- Calibration methods of BST, WST, BPT and WPT about?
BS EN 16465 is a European Standard that discusses plastics and the calibration of thermometers.
BS EN 16465 specifies traceable calibration methods of black-standard thermometers (BST), white-standard thermometers (WST), black-panel thermometers (BPT) and white-panel thermometers
(WPT) for use in natural and artificial weathering:
- Method A, a contact method, uses a traceable calibrated resistance standard thermometer
- Method B, a contactless method, uses a traceable calibrated pyrometer
A basic design of types of the thermometers is described in EN ISO 4892-1.
Note 1: Historically method A has been used for weathering applications for many years: Method B has been developed recently. Both methods are qualified for weathering applications. They may provide different calibration results that are not interchangeable
Note 2: Annex A gives information on the characteristics of BST/WST and BPT/WPT
Who is BS EN 16465- Calibration methods of BST, WST, BPT and WPT for?
BS EN 16465 on calibration of BST, WST, BPT and WPT is relevant to:
- Manufacturers of weathering devices
- Manufacturers of BST, WST, BPT and WPT
- Quality control and testing authorities
- Plastic industry
- Automotive industry
- Engineers
- Researchers
Why should you use BS EN 16465- Calibration methods of BST, WST, BPT and WPT?
Black/white standard thermometers and black/white panel thermometers are defined in EN ISO 4892-1. They are used in weathering applications to characterize the temperature level (maximum and minimum temperature) under given weathering exposure conditions. The accuracy of these thermometers depends on their design and especially on a well-defined and traceable calibration method. Such methods are the content of BS EN 16465.
Two methods are defined in BS EN 16465. Each method requires calibration of a black panel/standard
or white panel/standard to a traceable reference from a national metrological institute (NMI).
Thus, BS EN 16465 is your one-stop guide on ensuring BST, WST, BPT and WPT are fit for purpose and provide accurate assessment of surface temperature of specimens through weathering tests. This is ultimately useful to determine the extent of thermal degradation of polymers by solar radiation, which is a decisive factor for product development.