What is the difference between an analytical balance and a precision balance?

An analytical balance provides readability of 0.1 mg or better, while a precision balance typically reads to 0.001 g or 0.01 g. Analytical balances include draft shields and are designed for highly sensitive measurements. Precision balances handle larger samples and are less affected by environmental conditions.

What readability do I need for my lab application?

You need a readability that is at least one-tenth of your smallest sample weight or required measurement increment. For example, measuring 100 mg samples may require 0.01 mg readability, while gram-level work may only need 0.01 g. Selecting higher readability than necessary increases cost without improving results.

Do lab balances need to be calibrated?

Yes, all lab balances require regular calibration to maintain accuracy. Calibration ensures measurements remain traceable to certified standards. Internal calibration simplifies this process by automating adjustments, while external calibration requires manual verification with certified weights. In regulated environments, calibration records must be documented and retained.

What is the difference between readability and repeatability?

Readability is the smallest increment of weight a balance will display. Repeatability is the degree of agreement between multiple measurements of the same mass, on the same balance, under the same conditions.

What is the best way to clean my balance to ensure accurate readings?

Inspect and clean before each use. A flannel cloth or soft brush works well for dusting and light cleaning. Use a non-abrasive cleaner for light spills, and a dry flannel cloth for glass parts. Set a regular maintenance schedule for deep cleaning to ensure optimal performance and instrument longevity.

Can vibration affect the accuracy of my balance?

Yes — even slight vibration from a heavy footstep can affect accuracy. Place the balance on a sturdy benchtop away from high-traffic areas such as hallways, elevators, stairways, and doors. If that placement is not possible, an anti-vibration table should be considered.

Oil & Grease Extraction: How to automate

Manual extraction is no longer necessary.

If you are performing EPA Method 1664, you know how much time the manual method can take. Routine lab methods like EPA Method 1664 are a mainstay of sample assessment requirements in most environmental or regulatory compliance labs. Often considered as an afterthought, these methods are seldom changed or improved upon. And, many of these methods take time. But using updated technology such as the new Environmental Express® SPE-Express 2 system can offer opportunities for you become more efficient and capture time savings, conserving valuable resource time for other critical activities.

What is the SPE Express 2?

The new SPE Express® 2 system is intended for the automated extraction of oil and grease material following US EPA Method 1664. This product can save hours of time in the lab as opposed to performing oil and grease extraction manual method.

The self-contained unit employs a Solid Phase Extraction (SPE) disk to capture and separate oil and grease components from sample media. Components are eluted from the SPE disk using n-hexane and collected in an aluminum pan. Following elution and collection, the remaining solvent mixture is then evaporated through gently applied heat source removing the n-hexane and capturing the oil and grease component residue.

The SPE-Express® 2 method is superior to manual methods through utilization of innovative SPE methodology in place of antiquated liquid/liquid extraction techniques that require manual time-intensive sample interaction. By adding a fluid management system to the extraction process and built-in evaporation capability, a hands-free method is accomplished.

Learn more about the SPE-Express

Learn more about Oil & Grease extraction

A Slick Tip for Oil and Grease Analysis

Oil & Grease Extraction: How to automate the method

Manual extraction is no longer necessary.

What is the SPE Express 2?

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