Målevæsken

Målevæsken is a Danish term that refers to any liquid prepared and used for calibration, verification, or testing of measuring instruments. It does not denote a single chemical substance; rather, it describes liquids chosen for known properties and stability that are suitable for calibrating equipment such as pipettes, burettes, refractometers, hydrometers, and various meters (pH, conductivity, temperature, etc.).

The composition and properties of målevæsken depend on the instrument and the measurement task. For volumetric calibration, a stable aqueous or saline solution with precisely characterized density or refractive index may be used. For pH calibration, buffer solutions at defined pH values are common. For density or viscosity measurements, glycerol–water or sugar solutions with known densities and viscosities might be employed. In some cases, reference liquids are formulated to mimic the properties of the sample material being measured.

Preparation and handling of målevæsken require careful attention to quality and traceability. Solutions are typically prepared under clean conditions, with batch records, certificates of analysis, and expiry dates. They should be stored in appropriate containers, protected from contamination, evaporation, and light when necessary. Any changes in concentration, temperature, or contamination can introduce systematic measurement errors.

Safety and disposal considerations depend on the specific liquid. Some målevæsken may be hazardous or irritant, necessitating proper labeling, personal protective equipment, and adherence to local regulations for handling, storage, and disposal. Standard operating procedures and institutional quality systems often govern the use and documentation of målevæsken to maintain measurement accuracy and traceability in metrology and laboratory work.