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.

4 Essential Products for Biopharma | from Cole-Parmer Blog

Processes in the biopharma industry must be sterile, precise, and validated. With the specialized needs of biopharma, product selection is critical. Here are four that have resonated with users:

Safely transfer, sample, and store biopharmaceutical products and reagents with the Sterilized Sampling Bottle Assembly. Secure, single-piece cap/tubing assembly eliminates contamination and product loss due to loose connections.
B-D Plastic Disposable Syringe, Luer-Lock Tip is a sterile, polypropylene syringe in an easy-to-open sealed package. The syringes can be autoclaved out of the package.
PressureMAT Pressure/Flow Monitor is ideal for tangential flow filtration, cross flow filtration, depth filtration, bioreactor monitoring, and chromatography. The single-use solution for monitoring process pressure!
Use Whatman Polycap TF PTFE Capsule Filter or PP filter capsules for high-efficiency filtration and nylon filter capsules for filtering aqueous solutions. Nylon membranes are hydrophilic and low in extractables; they include a prefilter to prolong the life of the membrane. All capsules feature sturdy PP housings with fused seals-no glues or adhesives to contaminate filtrate.

4 Essential Products for Biopharma

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