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.

Challenge: What’s the Best Instrument to Test the Concentration of Sulfuric Acid Under these Conditions?

Posted By: Cole-Parmer Blog Team April 21, 2011

Testing Sulfuric Acid Concentration

Battery Recycling has contacted you for a way to measure the concentration of their battery acid. The samples are generally warm after use, up to 35°C, and concentrations can be as high as 50%.

What is the best instrument to test the concentration of sulfuric acid under these conditions?

A. Use waterproof non-glass ISFET pH testers and suggest that the customer convert pH to hydrogen ion concentration, and then calculate the molar concentration of the acid.

B. Use a Reichert coolant/battery acid refractometer with automatic temperature compensation, then a chart to see the correlation between the RI value displayed and the acid concentration.

C. Use an Atago coolant/battery acid refractometer, then a chart to see the correlation between the RI value and acid concentration

D. Use an Oakton® Waterproof pHTestr® 10 and suggest that the customer convert pH into hydrogen ion concentration, and then molar concentration of the acid.

See answer.

Challenge: What’s the Best Instrument to Test the Concentration of Sulfuric Acid Under these Conditions?

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