WP1: Establishing the required basic competence on the realisation of the temperature scale and the MeP-K at the less experienced institutes (WP leader: CMI)

The aims of this work package are (i) to provide knowledge transfer on realisation of the kelvin at high temperatures (i.e. above around 1000 °C where ITS-90 changes from contact thermometry to the radiometric scale), (ii) to map the current capabilities of CMI, DFM, JV, SMU, RISE, UL and DTU, including equipment inventories, and to explore potential synergies and opportunities for smart specialisation, and (iii) to document and follow up on the progress of development of capabilities during the lifetime of the project. The current status of the less experienced laboratories varies from no scale realisation above 1100 °C to an ITS-90 based realisation at higher temperatures. The training sessions in Task 1.1 will ensure that all less experienced laboratories are at broadly the same level before embarking on the cell construction and scale implementations in WP2 and WP3. Task 1.2 will map the current capabilities of the less developed NMIs/DIs related to the realisation of the temperature scale and MeP-K and future needs. Task 1.3 will include work to ensure enhanced regional collaboration and smart specialisation and will assess the progress on developing capability.

WP2: Realisation of medium and high temperature fixed points (WP leader: SMU)

The aim of this work package is to construct and characterise the fixed point cells (FPCs) that each of the less experienced NMIs/DIs will use to realise the radiometric temperature scale.
Task 2.1 entails a series of intertwined actions to define the cell geometry, carbon purity and metal purity, and to purchase the materials and mechanical machining required. The training from WP1 will be completed with a laboratory visit to CNAM/LNE, where staff from CMI, DFM, JV, RISE, SMU, UL and DTU will learn practical skills for cell production. In Task 2.2 CMI, DFM, JV, RISE, SMU, TUBITAK, UL and DTU, will construct their new cells: the specific fixed points that will be constructed as part of this work package are Al (660.323 °C), Ag (961.78 °C), Cu (1084.62 °C), Fe-C (1154 °C), Co-C (1324.24 °C), Pd-C (1492 °C), Pt-C (1738.28 °C) and Re-C (2474.69 °C). The selected cells either have an assigned thermodynamic temperature or are in the process of obtaining one. Finally, in Task 2.3 the new cells will be characterised using techniques learnt in WP1. The aim is that each laboratory succeeds in constructing cells with an uncertainty in the practical realisation of the transition temperature of less than 0.6 °C (k=2). In addition, the determination of the thermodynamic temperature of the Al and Ag fixed points will be improved.

WP3: Establishing scale implementations using the multi–fixed point scheme (WP leader: UME)

The aim of this work package is to establish relative primary radiometric temperature scales at the less experienced NMIs/DIs with uncertainties less than 0.6 °C at 1500 °C and 1 °C at 2000 °C. In Task 3.1, three institutes (JV, DFM and TUBITAK) will construct suitable radiation thermometers to be used as interpolating instruments. In addition, appropriate characterisation tools will be established, in particular to measure the SSE property of the radiometers. Task 3.2 will develop the computational tools and implement the actual improved radiometric high-temperature scale above the silver point (961.78 °C) by performing calibration experiments using the fixed-point cells constructed in Task 2.2 and reporting the results in a peer reviewed paper. Task 3.3 will compare the interpolation scales established in Task 3.2 to realisations of the ITS-90.

WP4: Comparison with potential linkage to the CCT-K10 key comparison (WP leader: Cnam)

The aim of this work package is to validate the skills of the less experienced laboratories (CMI, JV, RISE, SMU, UL) and TUBITAK in performing the mise-en-pratique of the kelvin (MeP-K) by their participation in a regional
comparison, where the aim is to link to the Key Comparison CCT-K10 ‘Realisations of the ITS-90 between 960 °C and 3000 °C’. The pilot laboratory for the regional comparison, CNAM, participated in CCT-K10.
Successful participation in the regional comparison will enable the participating laboratories to demonstrate their Calibration Measurement Capabilities (CMC), and then be able to respond directly to requests from industry for advice or services, strengthening the link between the NMIs/DIs and manufacturers. Task 4.1 will undertake the preparations for the comparison, whilst Task 4.2 will involve the comparison measurements, analysis, and reporting.

WP5: Creating Impact (WP leader: Cnam)

The aims of this work package are to ensure that the knowledge developed during this project and in previous projects related to this topic is transferred to the user community, in particular the national metrology institutes seeking innovative methods for the realisation of the new definition of the kelvin at high temperatures through the schemes allowed by mise-en-pratique of this new definition. The consortium will work to establish the best means of communication to the stakeholders for example, the EURAMET TC-T, the CCT and the RMOs. The
wider scientific community will be made aware of this research through refereed papers and conference presentations.
Training sessions are planned in the early steps of the project to ensure a homogeneous level of information and skills for the members of the consortium. A final workshop will be devoted to the presentation of the methods and techniques developed and tested in this project. Communication will take place via a number of routes including scientific symposiums to university lectures. Early exploitation will be encouraged through collaborations with less experienced and experienced NMIs in the fields of high-temperatures and radiation thermometry and possibly with industrial users and manufacturers of fixed point cells and furnaces.