Balances and scales form an integral part of any laboratory. Obtaining accurate readings in terms of weights and measurements is important to industry and research labs. Investing in analytical balances for laboratories makes tasks like tolerance weighing a bit easier. With an analytical balance, you will be able to set up limits for repetitive tasks. Each time weigh another test sample, it will let out a signal to show you whether you are doing so in excess or not. The accuracy is right down to the micromilligrams for some models.
When you purchase an analytical balance, choose one that has two platforms that remain unaffected by gravity. This is with the thought of maintaining accuracy levels. Having two platforms will allow you to use the balance in any environment irrespective of where you place it. Additional features that add the level of accuracy are the digital readings it gives out. Analytical balances have a higher level of control in changing environments than those powered by springs. The glass chamber enables a more accurate weighing and preserves the integrity of the sample .
Assess the purpose of the analytical balance. These vary in capacities and prices. You have models that simply give you measurements accurately. Following these are those known as microbalances and ultra-microbalances. These balances have a multi unit feature. Some of those popularly chosen are grains and newtons, grams and ounces. Analytical scales can be expensive, with a price range of $2000 to $4000. Calibration then plays an important role in the accuracy of the output.
When it comes to calibration, you will have to follow the recommendations of your vendor. You will also need to set protocols for your lab. Among these are ensuring that the balance is level at all times and is an environmentally stable area. Proper ventilation is also important. These are basic rules that will ensure the accuracy of your analytical balances above all other measuring equipment.
To preserve the accuracy of your analytical balance and thereby the test results, a few points must be kept in mind. Be well aware of the procedures relating to calibration. There can be constant checks on those machines to comply with ISO 9000 requirements. The onus falls on the owner of the machine to keep it well maintained. When measuring, especially when in milligrams, place the sample in the weighing container which is previously placed at the center of the pan, and allow time for it to stabilize . This is a good practice to reduce the rate of wrong readings. Put a discharge ionizer handy in case of weighing non-conductive materials. In such cases, measurements can be completely thrown off.
An analytical balance is important in a lab set-up. Accuracy of measurements is crucial when it comes to making of medicines or even related research. While analytical balances are accurate, the optimum levels depend on the appropriate usage of the machine.
This article was written by Dr. Bob Sandor, a Director at Tovatech, a leading North American supplier of analytical balances. When not busy running his company, he explores his fascination with the many aspects of various scientific & industrial devices. For more information on this article visit the Tovatech site from any of the above links.