MEASUREMENT CONFORMITY

Grain reference materials are one of the most important elements of the measurement conformity system as a means of transferring a unit of measurement to other elements - from the primary standard to the secondary standard, etc.

Reference materials of grain (cake, meal) are a key link in ensuring metrological traceability, reliability and comparability of analysis results - it is one of the available and effective means without long and expensive laboratory analysis.

The main areas of use of reference materials are:

• accuracy control of measurement results; 
• calibration, verification, calibration of measuring instruments (infrared grain analyzers, moisture meters);
• control of metrological characteristics during testing (including for the purpose of type approval);
• validation of measurement methods;
• assessment of laboratory qualifications.

The use of standard samples to establish the metrological traceability of the results of measurements of grain quality parameters (in particular, protein, fat, moisture, gluten, falling number, and nature) and the comparability of results in laboratories cannot be overemphasized.

The correct choice of control samples is the foundation and the key to an objective assessment of the quality of the results obtained.

A mistake at the stage of selecting standard samples of grain, seeds (wheat, sunflower, barley, soybeans, rapeseed), cake and meal will lead to a negative economic effect (if the laboratory device - express grain analyzer - is not calibrated correctly), when a difference of only 1% in a large batch will lead to significant financial losses.

That is why it is very important to:

• a competent manufacturer of reference grain samples (including equipment, personnel, management);
• comply with both the frequency and compliance with the methodology when calibrating IR analyzers on standard grain samples;
• whether the storage conditions of reference samples meet the standard conditions - before and after opening the vacuum bag.

Unfortunately, at present, the nomenclature of reference (standard) samples of grain crops is insufficient for the normal functioning of the system of ensuring the uniformity of measurements within the laboratories for grain quality analysis. Our company is engaged in the creation of reference samples of grain crops with different indicators.

All produced standard (reference) samples undergo the procedure for determining the quality indicators of grain in certified laboratories that meet the requirements of DSTU ISO/IEC 17025 and have official confirmation of this.

Each standard (reference) sample of grain, cake, and meal is accompanied by a passport that contains all the information necessary for its proper use and storage.