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.

Remove Condensation from Your Lab | from Cole-Parmer Blog

Steam traps discharge condensate to provide greater efficiency in your lab. Essentially steam traps operate as valves to prevent valuable steam from being wasted, yet remove the unnecessary condensate. Generally, steam traps are energy-efficient and fairly economical.

Select from these configurations:

Thermodynamic, for drip applications, superheated steam applications, steam main drain and tracer lines, process equipment, laundry and kitchen equipment, outdoor installations subject to freezing
Thermostatic, for process and tracing applications, heat exchangers, air heating coils, and more
Inverted bucket for industrial dryers, storage tanks, laundry equipment, and steam main drip stations

Air eliminators improve the circulation of pressurized liquids by eliminating air and other non-condensable gases. They are used for suction lines to pumps, cold water lines, condensate return lines, mixing tanks, cool water lines on air compressors, and water storage tanks.

See our selection of steam traps and air eliminators.

Remove Condensation from Your Lab

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