Using An Analytical Balance

An Analytical Balance is a high precision instrument that gives you the most accurate weighing results possible. Their applications vary from industrial to academic setups. Analytical Balances are mainly used in research and scientific laboratories, and manufacturing organizations dealing in units that require extremely precise weight measures to the order of 0.1 milligrams.

Their high precision capability also comes with added responsibility for the personnel. They are very sensitive devices and and their performance will be altered if handled roughly. So extra care is needed while handling it to avoid erroneous weighing results. Here are a few easy tips that are guaranteed to get you the best experience out of your analytical balance.

Step 1: Assembling an Analytical Balance

If installation of the balance is not included as a package from your supplier, then you must know this. Analytical Balances are normally disassembled for delivery, and its various parts are packed separately. Take time to read the product manual. Make sure you know where the parts go and how to put them in place. Be very cautious while handling parts with delicate structure and sharp edges. One single mistake can damage the balance.

Step 2: Initial Setup of an Analytical Balance

The vital step in setting up your Analytical Balance is to fix its initial calibration. Follow the set rules of the manual and NTEP directives to a ‘T’ to set up the calibration. 

What you must do is to make certain that the weight vector  \is always perpendicular to the weighing pan for correct measurement. Adjust the balance level accordingly. Find the leveling bubble that usually at the back center of the weighing balance. Check if it is off center. To adjust, turn the leveling screws usually found at the foot of the balance. Just fine-tune the feet of the analytical balance slowly and keep an eye peeled for the level of the spirit bubble .

Step 3: How to use an Analytical Balance

Any object or person can be a strange beast until you start to understand its language. To get the jitters settled, it always helps to know what to expect. Here is a simple, step-by-step method to get you started with your analytical balance.

• Level the balance.
• Zero the balance. Shut the doors of the balance. Then press the zero or control bar or buttons at the front. The balance would be zeroed when all figures approximate zero .
• Tare the container . If you have to to weigh powders or liquids, you must use weighing containers. Place the empty container on the weighing pan and close its doors. Push the control button. Wait till the balance is stable. It will now be programmed to intuitively subtract the container weight from the final result.
• Remove  computer for buil’lt . rrr Add the content you wish to measure in it. Put the container back on the balance pan using tongs. Close the doors.
• The measuring display will now show the exact mass or weight of the content.

That’s all. Repeat the procedure to perfect it . Maintain balance precision for quality checks. Take care of the balance and calibrate periodically.

This article was written by Anindita Biswas, a marketing professional with a streak of geek that just refuses to go away!  At Tovatech she indulges in her passion for high precision engineering and scientific equipment.  Tovatech is a leading North American supplier of analytical balances.  For more information on this article visit the Tovatech site from any of the above links.