The Department of Physics at the College of Science in Al Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University has organized a visit to the Saudi Standards, Metrology, and Quality Organization (SASO) on Thursday 3 /November /2016 at 9:00 AM. The visit was under the supervision of Ms. Mervat Al-Zumay', vice head of the Department of Physics, and Ms. Tarfah Al-'Inad, activities supervisor in the Department of Physics.
The visit started with an introductory presentation about the Saudi Standards, Metrology, and Quality Organization (SASO), and then the delegation was taken to a field trip to the following scientific laboratories:
- Textile Laboratory
- Power and Electronics Laboratories.
- Electromagnetic Laboratory.
- Acoustic and Vibration Lab.
- Electrical Impedance and Voltage Lab.
- Time Laboratory.
- Mass Laboratory.
- Heat Laboratory.
During the visit, some specialists provided a detailed explanation about the working mechanism of the devices and its significance in testing the quality of available products in our local markets and evaluating them. Students were familiarized with other laboratories and the physical principle used in the examination process and in manufacturing materials and devices, and using them in specific measurements.
Introduction to Saudi Standards, Metrology, and Quality Organization Organization (SASO):
Saudi Standards, Metrology, and Quality Organization (SASO) was established by a Royal decree in 1392 as an independent organization to achieve the following strategic objectives:
1- Ensuring consumer safety through suitable standard specifications for goods and services.
2- Participating in the development of the national economy through applying Saudi standards suitable for goods and products and providing services to improve the competitiveness of the national products.
3- Controlling instruments/processes of metrology and standardization the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to match international metrology/standards.
4- Disseminating the culture of quality in industrial productivity, and public and private services, in addition to spreading awareness on the benefits of adopting quality standards.
Afterwards, A number of leaflets were distributed, including information and a method of examination of some devices and tools and the approved mechanism for selecting some products.
Textile Laboratory
Friction and Electro Cautery Device:
Some textiles especially 'abaya must pass through this test to measure the quality of the textiles. It goes through a washing test using a standard soap 50 ml and 40 heat. Also, textiles are subject to a fire test device where the quality is evaluated after 6 seconds. Most of the textiles subject to these tests are those used for civil tents, military clothes, and others.
Power and Electronics laboratories:
The main objective of this lab is to examine switches and electrical wiring in appliances such as washing machines, heaters, and air conditioners before they are approved for sale.
Switches:
Switches should pass through a testing device to examine the extent of heat tolerance and flame speed to evaluate their quality. In Saudi Arabia, it is required to use three-socket switchs with 220-volt outlets.
Heaters:
Heaters should be plugged to heavy-duty cables, the stronger the better.
Simulators:
Simulators include hair dryers and irons and they need special electrical wires as a result of exposure to friction on a regular basis.
Air conditioners, washing machines, and refrigerators:
Washing machines are evaluated by using special textiles for testing with a particular amount of soap and water and with the washing machines of at least 4 stars rating. Air conditioners are subject to 2 tests to measure the quality variance with place. The standards of Split air conditioners are different from those for window type conditioners.
Electromagnetic Laboratory:
Tests take place in an isolated room fully covered with carbon.
Acoustic and Vibration Lab:
In this lab, vibration is tested and standardized because of its effect on hands, such as the drill. Also, isolations are tested in this lab to measure reliability through microphones and others.
Electrical Impedance and Voltage Lab:
Resistors are tested in a bathroom full of special oil (not affected by electricity) and at a certain temperature to test resistance.
Time Laboratory:
This lab is of a high accuracy that is achieved by the use of satellites. Special devices record and send. This lab is mostly used in military fields.
Mass Laboratory:
The mass is measured by an electronic scale.
Temperature Laboratory:
A lab equipped with sensors hanged at the top of the ceiling to measure humidity and temperature inside the lab. It has a special device, that looks like a camera and produces rays to measure the temperature of any object directed at it.
At the end of the visit, Dr. Mervat Al-Zumay', vice head of the department, expressed deep gratitude to all officials of the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO), Dr. Ahmed Al-Qu'ood for his support for these visits, and Ms. Tarfah Al-'Inad, activities supervisor, for her blessed efforts in preparation and organization.
On the other side, the participating students expressed their gratitude for organizing such a productive visit that will reflect positively on their academic achievement and contribute to their occupational development after graduation.
It is worth mentioning that, the Department of Physics thanked Dr. Ra'id Al-Hthlool, the vice dean of the College of Science for Quality and Development, and his secretary Mr. Khaled Al-Khar'an for their efforts in organizing and preparing the visit.
