Focus on High-quality Measurement

Vaisala and MIKES Metrology, now part of VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd, share a long history of cooperation already from the early 1990s. The mutual interest of both parties lies in the high-quality, reliability, and accuracy of measurement.

What Is MIKES Metrology?

MIKES Metrology specializes in measurement science and technology and is part of VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd. MIKES realizes the SI units (the International System of Units) in Finland, carries out top level research in measurement science, develops measurement techniques for the industry and society, and offers calibration and specialist services, and training. MIKES’s high-quality laboratories provide the most accurate measurements and calibrations in Finland – over 1600 certificates per year. MIKES also performs high-level metrological research and develops measuring applications in partnership with industry.

Past Projects

In a recent interview, Dr Martti Heinonen, Research Team Leader of MIKES, mentions one of the early mutual projects with Vaisala: developing a calibration system for the Vaisala radiosonde.

Cooperation Today

Currently Vaisala and MIKES Metrology are participating in the European Metrology Programme for Innovation and Research (EMPIR) within a project named as HIT. This project develops measurement and calibration for relative humidity at high temperatures, over +100 °C, and for dynamic measurements. Vaisala is a partner in this research project.

Vaisala and MIKES have also been partners in developing new, optical measurement technologies in CLEEN Oy’s 5–year SHOK–program called Measurement, Monitoring and Environmental Assessment (MMEA). The MeteoMet project – metrology for meteorology – is another project where Vaisala and MIKES are participating. The project aims to ensure the metrological traceability to the International System of Units (SI) through national standards in meteorological observations and climate data. The project covers several aspects of meteorological observations from upper air to ground based-measurements. It includes development and testing of novel instruments as well as improved calibration procedures and facilities. The project also encompasses in-situ practical calibrations, an instrument intercomparison under real dynamic conditions, and dissemination of best practices.

Additionally, Vaisala’s reference dew point transmitters are calibrated at MIKES Metrology and also NIST-traceability for humidity measurement is recognized by MIKES.

Mutual Benefits of Cooperation

According to Heikki Turtiainen, Technology Manager at Vaisala, cooperation with MIKES has always been very fruitful. Dr Martti Heinonen continues, ”It’s a pleasure to work with an equipment manufacturer who is genuinely interested in the quality of measurement. Rather than conducting studies for the sake of them, we can find useful solutions that have large global impact.”

Cooperation with MIKES Metrology will continue in the future, not only in the field of calibration but also as MIKES Metrology develops new and advanced measurement technologies.