The Temperature Laboratory is responsible for establishing the Kelvin, one of the seven basic units of measurement according to the International System of Units (SI), and ensuring that all temperature measurements covering the contact temperature area within the country are harmonized with the international metrology system in a way that is traceable to the Kelvin.
For this purpose, it is the main obligation of the Temperature Laboratory to establish and maintain national standards, to ensure that the accuracy level of measurements is recognized internationally through international comparison measurements, and to transfer traceability to national standards to second and lower level laboratories within the country through calibration services.
As of May 20, 2019, the definition of the Kelvin — one of the seven base units of the International System of Units (SI) — has been redefined. It is now based on the Boltzmann constant, a physical constant that relates thermodynamic temperature to energy. Thus, the unit of thermodynamic temperature is no longer dependent on any material substance but is instead defined in terms of the SI unit of energy (kg·m²·s⁻²).
In this context, the Temperature Laboratory has introduced the Acoustic Gas Thermometer (AGT) system, which is the most important measurement method in the realization of the new definition of Kelvin.
In addition, the creation, development and maintenance of the International Temperature Scale (ITS-90), which entered into force in 1990 and is still in use, continues.
The temperature laboratory transfers its knowledge and experience to the industry through calibration and testing of first and second level thermometers and thermocouples, trainings and consultancy services on request.
Beyond providing calibration, training, and measurement services, the laboratory also produces reference ITS-90 fixed points, high-temperature metal-carbon eutectic fixed points for thermocouple calibrations, and develops fixed points such as the SF₆ or CO₂ triple point, which are not included in the current ITS-90 but are considered as future alternatives to the mercury triple point. The laboratory also manufactures platinum-based reference thermocouples intended for use as reference standards at high temperatures. Detailed information on all reference devices produced within the laboratory can be found in the Industrial Services Catalogue.
One of the main tasks and activities of the temperature laboratory is to participate in international comparisons to ensure the quality of its services and measurements. For this purpose, the laboratory has been participating in international comparisons organized by CCT and EURAMET for more than 25 years, and with the successful results it has achieved (CCT.K7-2021 and EURAMET.T-K9 as the most recent examples), it has made the quality of temperature measurements in our country reliable.
The industries served by the laboratory are primarily scientific activities, military, industry and industry, universities, pharmaceutical and health institutions and organizations.
TUBITAK UME Temperature Laboratory is involved in many internally and externally supported projects as an executor or participant. The laboratory has contributed to the development of new temperature measurement systems, the production of new measurement devices, and the obtaining of measurements with higher accuracy.
Email: ume@tubitak.gov.tr
Phone: 0 (262) 679 5000
