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.

10 Tech Tips for Today | from Cole-Parmer Blog

Our technical support team has assembled a list of tips that cover everything from fittings to flowmeters. Here’s our top ten:

Select immersion heaters based on the wattage you require. This formula can be used as a guide to estimate your wattage requirements. For water: kW= (gallons x temperature rise (ºF)) /(325 x heat-up time (hours))
Gas bubbles sometimes form on small bore tubings and fittings due to the pressure drop that occurs as the liquid passes through the office of the connecting fitting. Try boiling the water used to make the solution to remove dissoved gasses from the water.
Remember, when selecting a pipe thread fitting, the outside diameter of the pipe does not equal the NPT size.
To convert parts per million (ppm) to parts per thousand (ppt) when measuring total dissolved solids or salinity, divide the value by 1000 or move the decimal point to the left three spots.
For the ½” and ¾” sanitary fittings, the outer diameter of the flange is the same, and uses the same clamp size. Similarly, the 1” and 1 ½” sanitary fittings also have the same outer diameter and therefore use the same clamp size.
When using a Buchner funnel for vacuum filtration, you may need filter cones, which provide a good seal with the top of the flask.
Which thermocouple type probe do you have? Thermocouple types are color coded for a specific type (i.e. yellow is type K, blue is type T, black is type J and purple is type E).
Hose barb fittings are for flexible tubing (such as silicone or Tygon) and are sized according to the inner diameter of the tubing they connect with. Compression fittings are for rigid tubing (such as PTFE and polypropylene) and are sized according to the outer diameter of the tubing they connect with.
Vortex flowmeter technology requires a positive back pressure to prevent cavitation.
Another name for a rotameter is a variable area flowmeter.

10 Tech Tips for Today

Be the first to comment on "10 Tech Tips for Today"

Leave a comment Cancel reply