Balances are instruments used to measure the mass of a body or substance or also the weight of the same. Its origins lie more than 3500 years before Christ, in Egypt.
Balances differ in design, principles used and metrology criteria used. At present, two major groups could be considered: mechanical scales and electronic scales.
In the laboratory, they are used to perform quality control, prepare mixtures of components in predefined proportions and to determine specific densities or weights. Therefore, it is necessary to have optimal conditions from the environmental and structural point of view, as well as to provide the correct maintenance of these equipment, in order to ensure a correct weighing.
Proper use of the scales
First, the environmental conditions required for the balance to function properly should be considered. These include room temperature, exposure to sunlight, electrical surges, and the presence of dirt on and in the weighing mechanism, which could induce the equipment to give erroneous readings.
The use of environmental conditioning equipment should be studied, because sometimes these equipment produce air currents that affect weighing and produce instability. Stabilization requires a reasonable time of approximately 15 minutes for the airflow to stop.
As a recommendation, it is advised not to place the scales near furnaces, forklifts or loading platforms, among others, both when stored and in use. It is important to consider that because hot or warm objects are lighter in weight than when cold, these objects should be stabilized at room temperature before being weighed.
Maintenance and protection of the scales
As for the leveling, it is important that the scales are always level before performing a weighing. The correct way to check is to check the level indicator, which is usually located on the top or back of the equipment (if you are not there, check the equipment manual). If the instrument does not have a level indicator, an external level indicator can be used by placing it on the charging receiver
Cleanliness is an important factor. Both the weighing chamber and the saucer must be clean, so if for any reason the balance is exposed to dust or moisture it is essential to cover it. When weighing, it is suggested to use only clean containers and in case of spills of any substance during weighing. It should be cleaned immediately with a clean, dry cloth. Do not use organic solvents or chemicals to clean them as they can damage painted surfaces and the screen.
The minimum conditions for the equipment to behave regularly must be in place for the balance controls: they must be placed in a fixed position, on strong tables that reduce the sensitivity to movements and vibrations.
Scales should be calibrated periodically, especially when first operated or when moved, and checked after leveling and after major changes in temperature, humidity, or atmospheric pressure.
What is required to successfully install and operate a scale?
- Have an environment that does not present air currents, sudden changes in temperature and that is free of dust.
- Have a perfectly level inn. A high-inertia platform, insulated from neighboring structures, is ideal for reducing the effect of vibrations emitted by certain equipment such as centrifuges and refrigerators.
- Avoid the installation in the vicinity of equipment producing high magnetic fields or vibrations such as centrifuges, electric motors, compressors and generators.
- Avoid being under the direct influence of air conditioning systems – drafts – and sunlight.
- Have an electrical outlet in good condition, equipped with ground pole provided with switches, that meets the electrical regulations in force in the country or the laboratory.
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