How Analytical Balances Improve Lab Analysis Results
Scales and balances are vital equipments for any laboratory. Being able to get accurate readings in terms of measurements and weights is vital to research and analysis based labs. Setting up analytical balances for laboratories makes weighing tasks easier and more accurate. With an analytical balance, you will be able to set up weighing limits for repetitive tasks. Each time you top up the measuring level, it will let out a signal to show you if you are doing so in excess or not. It can measure down to the micromilligrams for some models.
Ideally when investing in an analytical balance, choose one that remains unaffected by gravity, usually that has two platforms. This is to maintain accuracy levels. Having two platforms will allow you to use the balance in any environment regardless of where you put 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 that forms part of the analytical balance preserves the integrity of the sample .
Evaluate what features you really need from the analytical balance. These vary in capacities and prices. You have models that provide more accurate readings. Following these are those known as microbalances and ultra-microbalances. These balances have a multi unit feature. Some of those popularly chosen are newtons and grains, grams and kilograms as well as ounces. Analytical balances can be expensive, with a price range of $2000 to $4000. Calibration must be regularly done to improve accuracy.
Ask for calibration recommendations from you vendor. You will also need to follow your own set of procedures. 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 to ensure the accuracy of your analytical balances above all other measuring equipment.
To maintain the accuracy of your analytical balance and thereby the test results, a few points must be kept in mind. Know the procedures relating to calibration. There can be constant checks on those machines to comply with ISO 9000 requirements. It is the responsibility of lab personnel to keep it well maintained. When measuring, especially with small amounts, put the weighing container at the center of the pan, tare to zero reading then slowly add the test sample, and wait for it to stabilize . This is a good practice to reduce the rate of erroneous readings. Put a discharge ionizer in place in case of weighing non-conductive materials. Measurements can be completely thrown off in such cases.
An analytical balance is a necessary device in a laboratory set-up. Accuracy of measurements is crucial when it comes to making of medicines or even in a manufacturing industry. 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.
