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Assessment of Methods for Block Volume Measurement

This study assesses various methods for measuring block volume on production lines for ABC Blocks. The research compares accuracy and merits of direct measurement and fluid displacement methods and recommends the latter for further development due to its rapid and low-cost implementation. The study outlines project objectives, methods tested, procedures followed, results, and critical evaluations of the methods. Conclusions highlight the need for improved accuracy and efficiency in volume measurement, ultimately recommending the refinement of apparatus for measuring fluid displacement as the method of choice for ABC Blocks' production line monitoring.

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Assessment of Methods for Block Volume Measurement

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  1. Assessment of Methods forBlock Volume Measurement Carl R. F. Lund February 28, 1999

  2. Business Opportunity with ABC Blocks • ABC Blocks may contract with Big C Enterprises for the manufacture of ABC’s blocks • ABC Blocks requires production line monitoring of blocks • Must meet volume specification • Big C Enterprises currently does not have standardized methods for production line monitoring of block volume

  3. Outline • Project Objectives • Summary of Findings • Methods Tested • Procedure • Results • Critical Examination of Methods • Conclusions • Recommendations

  4. Project Objectives • Identify different methods that could be used to check the volume of blocks as they come off the production line • Compare the accuracy and other merits of the methods • Select the best method for development and implementation in the process.

  5. Summary • Three methods for volume measurement were examined • One based upon direct measurement • Two based upon fluid displacement • As tested, none were completely satisfactory • A method based upon fluid displacement is recommended for further development • Rapid, lowest cost • Can be implemented with sufficient accuracy

  6. Methods Considered • Measure length, width and height; multiply to get volume • Displace fluid from a container, collect the displaced fluid and measure its volume • Displace fluid within a container, measure volume of fluid only, add block and measure volume of block and fluid, find block volume from difference

  7. Procedure • A test block was machined from pure aluminum • volume was found by weighing, using well-established density of pure aluminum • Each method was used in the lab to measure the volume of this same block. • assessed accuracy, ease of implementation, and reliability

  8. Results • Test block volume: 3.83 cm3 • Volume by measuring dimensions: 4.03 ± 0.15 cm3 • Volume by collecting displaced fluid: 3.06 ± 0.05 cm3 • Volume from change upon displacing fluid: 3.0 ± 1.4 cm3

  9. Critical Evaluation of Method ofMeasuring Dimensions • The method is time-consuming and labor intensive • There are multiple sources of error: • Each of 3 dimensional measurements • Block may not be true • Computational errors • Any one of these errors can be significant enough invalidate the result • Accuracy as tested is not satisfactory • Measured 4.03 ± 0.15 vs. 3.83 cm3 true volume • Could be improved but might increase time required to make the measurement

  10. Critical Evaluation of Collecting Displaced Fluid • Results were accurate but imprecise • Measured 3.06 ± 0.05 vs. 3.83 cm3 true volume • Suspect systematic error in gradations of graduated cylinder • Could repeat, don’t recommend doing so • Method is moderately time consuming • Must top off container before each measurement • Requires care not to spill or lose displaced fluid

  11. Critical Evaluation of Measuring the Change in Volume • As tested the accuracy was not sufficient • Measured 3.0 ± 1.4 vs. 3.83 cm3 true volume • Can be improved by better design of equipment • Method is rapid • Potential operator errors are no worse than with other methods • With improvement in accuracy this is the method of choice.

  12. Conclusions • Measuring dimensions is not accurate enough, time consuming, and subject to several sources of error • Collecting displaced fluid is awkward and time-consuming compared to measuring change in fluid volume due to adding block • Further development of apparatus for measuring the change in fluid volume is necessary • It is the method of choice • It is accurate (with redesign), rapid, and inexpensive

  13. Recommendations • Design apparatus specifically for present purposes and ensure accuracy is adequate. • Mark volume gradations on the vessel that are finer than the desired accuracy • Make the container cross-section only slightly larger than the size of the blocks being measured • If desired accuracy can’t be attained consider collecting displaced fluid • eliminate systematic errors in equipment.

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