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.

Home Brewing: What You Need (The Basics)

Andrew, a technical support specialist for Cole-Parmer, has been home brewing since taking microbiology classes in college. “I even shadowed faculty at the National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research (NCAUR) biofuel facility,” he said. “The biofuels process and brewing are very similar, just different yeast strains and sugar sources.

Water chemistry and temperature control are crucial to the process,” he told us. “You’ll be surprised at the difference between filtered water and tap water. Temperature control is highly recommended during fermentation as environmental pressure can stress the yeast, creating off flavors.”

With our in-house expert ready to share his tips, we asked what equipment was necessary for home brewing. Based on all-grain brewing, this is what Andrew recommends:

Basics:

Hot Liquor Tank (HLT): a kettle used to heat your water to the appropriate temperature

Mash Tun: A container used to infuse grain and the water from the HLT. This process converts the complex starches from the grain to simple sugars (via enzymatic reaction). Usually there is a filter or false bottom that filters out the grain, giving you wort (or sugar water)

Brew Kettle: Typically stainless steel, this kettle is used to boil sugar water and to add hops and other adjuncts to your beer

Fermenter: After you cool your wort to the appropriate temperature, transfer the wort to a fermenter and pitch your yeast. Fermenters need to be airtight so no invasive bacteria or wild yeast get into your beer.

Hydrometer: Using a hydrometer, you can measure the alcohol content of your beer. You will need the initial gravity of the beer (before pitching yeast) and the final gravity when fermentation is complete

Siphoning Cane: Allows you to transfer liquid without pumps

Thermometer: During the mash process, it is essential to measure the temperature. If you heat it too low, you will get a dry finish. With too high temperatures, you will have lower ABV beers with lots of residual sugars, giving you an extremely sweet beer. This is due to alpha amylase and beta amylase enzymes in the beer. The Digi-Sense^® Calibrated Workhorse Thermocouple Thermometer is a cost-efficient thermometer with a quick response time. Stay away from glass as brewing is an arduous process and you don’t want it shattering in your beer

Tubing: Silicone works well for high temperatures. Use the tubing as a blowoff tube (Peroxide-Cured Silicone Tubing, 1/2″ ID) or attach it to the racking cane (Peroxide-Cured Silicone Tubing, 1/4″ ID)

Bottling Equipment: What you need is a bottling wand, lots of bottles, corn sugar for carbonation, and patience

Home Brewing: What You Need (The Basics)

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