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.

How Pure is Your Water? | from Cole-Parmer Blog

Cole-Parmer® Ion-X-Changer Filter Cartridge, Research

Depending on your water purification needs, you may use one of several processes to purify water:

Adsorption: In this process, activated carbon bonds with chlorine and organic materials in feedwater to immobilize and remove these impurities.
Deionization: Removes ions and minerals with synthetic ion exchange resins. Cation resins eliminate positively charged ions while anion resins delete negatively charged ions.
Distillation: Water is heated to a gaseous state and recondensed in a separate vessel.
Filtration: Use as a stand-alone treatment or a pretreatment. At normal line pressures, water passes through a filter of specified porosity. The filter retains most particulates, with water passing through.
Reverse Osmosis: Use primarily as a pretreatment. In a U-tube, a semipermeable membrane separates equal amounts of saline solution and pure water. When the saline side experiences external pressure, the semipermeable membrane enables water to pass through while salts are concentrated and flushed down a drain.
Ultrafiltration: Use for removing bacteria and pyrogens. Water is forced under pressure through a membrane (with a pore size smaller than 0.005 ìm). Particulates remain, with only pure water passing through.
Ultraviolet (UV) Oxidation: UV light (at <280 nm) passes through water, which destroys bacteria, viruses, and trace organics.

See all of our water purification options.

How Pure is Your Water?

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