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.

Which Conductivity Sensor Suits Your Application? (Part I)

Conductivity tests a solution’s ability to conduct electrical current and serves as a quick and simple indicator of water quality. Assessing the level of water purity via conductivity can help to prevent contamination. Testing salinity levels may aid in sustaining aquatic life or signal when recycled rinse water is spent. Water measured for conductivity comes from aquariums, waste streams, cooling towers, steam boilers, or laboratory research, among other applications.

When measuring conductivity to determine the purity or salinity of a solution, consider the conductivity cell along with expected measurement range, sample type, accuracy, and general usage. While most cells included with portable or benchtop instruments will suffice, cells with cell constants (K) for high or low ranges may be a better match.

Other common considerations are cell materials (usually glass or plastic) and the number of cells (four-electrode designs are more accurate than two). Special applications such as high-purity uses in the pharmaceutical industry or boiler water in power plants require additional considerations, such as temperature coefficients and instrument resolution.

Finally, keep in mind the target species. Most organic compounds such as solvents, alcohols, oils, and sugar contain little or no ionic material and therefore are invisible to conductivity measurement, which measures dissociation of ions in water.

Watch for part two of this article, in which we discuss special applications, posted on Thursday.

View our selection of conductivity meters.

2 Comments on "Which Conductivity Sensor Suits Your Application? (Part I)"

Service For Science & Industry Private Limited | May 27, 2014 at 1:46 pm | Reply

Please send your product detail. We are importer of Laboratory Equipments in Pakistan.
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- Beth Dumey | May 28, 2014 at 9:18 am | Reply
  
  Hi:
  I have sent your information forward to our international team. You should hear directly from them or one of our local dealers. Thank you.

2 Comments on "Which Conductivity Sensor Suits Your Application? (Part I)"

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