National Measurement Act 1960 - Determination by the National Standards Commission - Recognized-Value Standard of Measurement of Density - Water

Administered by Department of Industry, Science and Resources

Legislation au F2009B00179 Not in force Legislative Instrument

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national measurement act 1960

 

determination by the national standards commission

 

Recognized-Value Standard of Measurement of Density


Water

 

In pursuance of paragraphs 8A(1) (a) and (b) of the National Measurement Act 1960, the National Standards Commission hereby determines that the magnitude of the density of water dt at a temperature t and a mean pressure p shall be a recognised-value standard of measurement, provided t lies within the range 0°C to 40°C and p lies within the range 2 104 Pa to 106  Pa.

 

For the purposes of this Determination -

(a)                when  p is 101 325 Pa and t is one of the temperatures listed in the attached table the magnitude of the density in kg.m-3 is as stated in the table, which is derived from the following formula:

 

dt = 999.972 – (t – 3.984 9)2      x     (t + 286.460 1)

    506.603 12  (t + 67.760 1)

 

where dt is the density in kg.m-3 , and

t is the temperature in °C;

 

(b)               when p is 101 325 Pa and t is between two adjacent values of temperature listed in the attached table then the magnitude of the density in kg.m-3 shall be determined from the table by linear interpolation;

 

(c)                when p differs from 101 325 Pa the magnitude of the density in kg.m-3 as stated in the attached table or derived therefrom in accordance with the above linear interpolation shall be algebraically increased by an amount equal to

(5.061 9 – 0.030 9 t + 0.000 361 4 t2) 10-7(p – 101 325); and

 

(d)               if the value of t used in the attached table and the above equations does not differ from the true mean temperature of the water by more than 0.1°C, if the value of p used in the equation does not differ from the true mean pressure within the water by more than 1 000 Pa, and if impurities in the water do not exceed 1 part in 105 by mass, the chance is not more than one in one hundred that the density so ascertained differs from the true density by more than 0.05 kg.m-3.

 

 

Dated this 21st day of March 1985

 

The common seal of the national    T.J. PETRY

standards commission was hereto

affixed by authority of the

Commission in the presence of


The density of water in kilograms per cubic metre as a function of the temperature in degrees Celsius

 

 

 

Overview

The National Measurement Act 1960 was enacted to standardise measurements across Australia and ensure consistency in trade, commerce, and industry. The Act provides the framework for the development and maintenance of national measurement standards. The National Standards Commission, as per the provisions of the Act, has introduced this determination to establish a recognised-value standard for the density of water within specified temperature and pressure ranges. This determination ensures that measurements of water density are reliable and consistent, thereby supporting the policy objective of maintaining high standards of accuracy in measurements used across various sectors. The determination specifies the recognised-value standard for the density of water at different temperatures and pressures, using a formula and a table for linear interpolation. This ensures that the measurements of water density are accurate and can be consistently applied, thereby addressing the need for precise and reliable measurement standards in Australia. The National Standards Commission has enacted this determination to provide a clear and reliable standard for the measurement of water density, ensuring compliance with the objectives set forth in the National Measurement Act 1960.

Scope and Application

The National Measurement Act 1960, through the determination by the National Standards Commission, establishes the recognized-value standard of measurement for the density of water, specifically for temperatures ranging from 0°C to 40°C and mean pressures from 2 x 10^4 Pa to 10^6 Pa. This Act applies to any entities or persons involved in measurement activities within Australia, ensuring consistency and accuracy in the measurement of water density. The determination provides precise values and methodologies for calculating the density of water under specified conditions, thereby promoting uniformity in measurements across various industries and sectors. The application of this Act extends nationally, and it does not explicitly state any exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds within the provided text. However, the Act may be further elaborated or specified through subordinate instruments, which can extend or restrict its application in certain contexts.

Key Provisions

The National Measurement Act 1960, through its Determination by the National Standards Commission, establishes that the density of water at specific temperatures and pressures is recognised as a standard measurement. This applies when the temperature (t) is between 0°C and 40°C and the pressure (p) is within the range of 2 × 10^4 Pa to 10^6 Pa (section 1). The density of water in kilograms per cubic metre (kg/m^3) is determined based on the formula provided, where dt is the density and t is the temperature in °C. If the pressure is 101,325 Pa, the density is directly derived from a table or linearly interpolated between listed values if the temperature falls between two specified points. If the pressure differs from 101,325 Pa, the density is adjusted by a specific algebraic formula. The conditions for accurate measurement also include stipulations regarding the temperature and pressure tolerances, as well as the allowable impurity levels in the water. The obligations under this Act require parties using the density of water as a standard in measurements to adhere to the specified conditions and calculations. This includes ensuring that the temperature and pressure measurements are accurate within the allowable tolerances and that impurities in the water are within the specified limits. Accurate and precise measurements are essential, and any deviation from the specified conditions may result in inaccurate density readings. Compliance with these standards is necessary for the integrity and consistency of measurements in scientific, industrial, and commercial applications. Failure to comply with the requirements set out in the Determination may result in inaccuracies in measurements, which can have significant implications in fields that depend on precise measurements of water density. While the Act does not explicitly outline specific penalties for non-compliance, breaches of such standards could potentially lead to legal consequences if they result in broader legal issues, such as misleading commercial practices or safety violations. The accuracy of measurements is critical in various sectors, including scientific research, industrial processes, and commercial transactions, and non-compliance could therefore lead to legal and financial repercussions for the offending parties.

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Sourced from the Federal Register of Legislation at 26 August 2026. For the latest information on Australian Government law please go to https://www.legislation.gov.au.