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.

Using New Technology to Switch Electrodes to Test Water

What’s smart, interchangeable, and tests multiparameters? It’s the new Smart Meter Technology with digital “Intelligent Design” sensors in the YSI^® MultiLab DO/BOD Benchtop Meter Kits . The “plug-and-play” feature enables you to switch electrodes to test for pH/ORP, conductivity, and optical DO/BOD as well as operate the unit as a conductivity meter.

For water and wastewater applications and quality control for the food & beverage, pharmaceutical, and chemicals industries, the Smart Meter Technology offers several advantages.

It complies with US EPA regulations by meeting approved methods for dissolved oxygen and BOD. With highly accurate measurements, it displays readings in large graphics on an easy-on-the-eyes backlit screen. Manual and automatic data logging has GLP traceability. The CMC function continually monitors the sensors, measuring range against calibration range. The sensors digitally store their serial number, unique ID, and calibration data and transfer this data when moved.

View the YSI^® MultiLab DO/BOD Benchtop Meter Kits, available in single-channel meter, two-channel meter, or three-channel meter formats.

Browse All Dissolved Oxygen Meters available at Cole-Parmer

Using New Technology to Switch Electrodes to Test Water

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