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.

Keeping pH EcoTestr Pocket Testers Clean

Suppose your Oakton^® pH EcoTestr^™ Pocket Tester is grimy after use in muddied waters. How do you clean it? pH testers with mechanically intact electrodes (containing no broken parts) can usually be restored to normal performance with one of the following:

General Cleaning: Soak the electrode in a 1:10 dilution of household laundry bleach in a 0.1 to 0.5% liquid detergent solution in hot water with vigorous stirring for 15 minutes. Place electrode under warm, running tap water for 15 seconds. Soak the electrode in storage solution for at least 10 minutes.
Remove Salt Deposits: Dissolve the deposit by immersing the electrode in 0.1 M HCl for five minutes, followed by immersion in 0.1 M NaOH for five minutes, and thorough rinsing with distilled water.
Eliminate Oil/Grease Films: Wash electrode pH bulb in mild detergent or methanol. Rinse electrode tip with distilled water.
Clogged Reference Junction: Heat a diluted KCl solution to 60 to 80°C. Place the pH electrode into the heated KCl solution for approximately 10 minutes. Allow the electrode to cool while immersed in unheated KCl solution.
Dispose of Protein Deposits: Dissolve the deposit by immersing the electrode in a 1% pepsin solution with 0.1 M HCl for five minutes, followed by thorough rinsing with distilled water.

For all of these, soak the electrode in storage solution for at least 10 minutes prior to use. If these steps fail to restore normal electrode response, replace the electrode.

Right now Oakton^® pH EcoTestr^™ Pocket Testers are specially priced! Take advantage of the savings before it ends.

Keeping pH EcoTestr Pocket Testers Clean

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