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How to correctly use an analytical balance?

The scale is a device that measures the mass of a specific body, giving accurate data on its weight. Among the many existing models, it stands out the analytical balance that has a high power of rigor, because with it you can obtain a great precision.

Analytical balance is a measuring instrument that offers a high degree of accuracy, but requires operator experience and skill. For its operation, it must be positioned under a specific environment and have the environmental conditions controlled so that it does not suffer alteration in the absolute value of the weighing.

Created in 1750 by the Scottish chemist Joseph Black, this type of balance has become an important scientific instrument for accurately delivering data. Basically all analytical results depend on it, that is why it is one of the most used measurement tools in the world’s laboratories.

What should you avoid when using a scale?

Firstly, to prevent equipment producing high magnetic fields or vibrations such as centrifuges, electric motors, compressors and generators from being installed in the vicinity.

Avoid being under the direct influence of air conditioning systems (drafts) and sunlight.

Avoid proximity to heat irradiators, fans or a door.

People should also avoid faulty electrical outlets that are not grounded.

Avoid touching the measuring plates directly with your fingers.

Usually, these analytical scales are manufactured inside a transparent box with doors to isolate it from certain factors that may affect its operation. Therefore, due to the need for extreme precision of the measurements made, these must have specific rooms for handling, with controlled environmental conditions, or as observed with the conditions of the power grid to supply voltage within the tolerance limits specified in the manual of each model.

What considerations should you consider?

For the proper functioning of the equipment and to have accurate and accurate results in the weighing of a sample, and that does not affect the study itself of the project you are doing, it is important:

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.

Regarding the environmental conditions, the room temperature should be constant and humidity should be between 45% and 60%, for that, it should be monitored whenever possible.

What are the basic care you need to give her?

For its proper operation, certain basic care must be taken, for example, always check the calibration of the balance, leave it plugged in and on to maintain the thermal balance of the electronic circuits, but always leave it in the stand by mode, avoiding the need for a new heating time.

And finally, constant care must be taken with the weighing bottle and plate, reading, calibration and balance maintenance to ensure accurate weighing.

It is recommended to calibrate the analytical balances regularly, especially when it is being operated for the first time, if it was changed site, after any leveling and after large variations of temperature or atmospheric pressure, the modern analytical balances, perform this function, automatically, when they detect any environmental variation.

At Kalstein we have innovative analytical scales. That’s why we invite you to take a look HERE.