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What role do analytical balances have?

Kathryn Roquette



The analytical balance is one of the most important laboratory items to obtain exact measurements of chemical components. In Adam Equipment analytical balances we have a wide variety of laboratory analytical balances that will allow you to obtain the best analytical results of your laboratory practices.

In this article, we will explain what the analytical balance’s role is and what care you should have regarding this instrument of measurement units.

What are laboratory analytical balances?

The analytical balances are measuring instruments used to calculate the weight of small masses under milligram. For this, it uses the force of gravity as a means of comparison and they are composed of a plate or load receiver that serves to place the object in spite of it.

Currently, this instrument was developed until the digital balance emerged, which differs from the analytical one because it offers read accuracy of up to 0.1 milligrams. Currently, the analytical balance is used to calculate the matrix mass of a particle, as well as the mass of substances and the mass of precipitates for correct chemical analysis.

How to use the analytical balance correctly? The analytical balance must be perfectly calibrated to obtain the exact results of the object’s weight. It is also necessary to have a good space and proper handling to avoid calculation errors and measurement accuracy.

Security measures

For the correct use of the analytical balance, it is required to wear a lab coat made of cotton and have a good pair of gloves.

In addition to the uniform, you should also pay attention to the measurement space and the conditions of the balance table. The table should be a very rigid stone anti-vibration table. The function of this table is to isolate the vibrations of the elements that are located on them. In this way, we will get more accurate results. If you want to know more about safety measures and operational care to achieve the best results of measures, we invite you to read the following article.

Use of the balance step by step

First, the balance must be located in an environment where there are no drafts or sudden temperature changes. Clean the laboratory well to remove dust that may be in place and do not forget to close the doors and windows well to prevent wind from outside.

After that, look at your lab table. It must be perfectly balanced, with a high platform and isolated from the interference or vibration of refrigerators or centrifuges. It is also important that space be wide enough to place the balance.

Once the previous step is done, proceed to open the door of the balance and, with a brush, clean the plate very well until there are no traces of dirt. After this, close the door and turn on the analytical balance until it reaches 0.000000.

Start weighing objects or particles one by one. Avoid using your hands to manipulate objects despite. Instead, take them with a clamp and start passing the objects through the plate. When you finish with a particle, take it out with the clamp and wait for it to return to 0.000000 to place another object.

If you need to move the plate, do not do it with bare hands. Always wear your gloves to prevent the grease from your fingers from getting impregnated in the device. Also, remember to degrease the clamp with alcohol so you can handle it better and not contaminate with it the objects to be measured.

When you have finished with the calculations, leave the analytical balance doors tightly closed. They should only be opened when you are going to measure a particle or when you have to clean the plate.

Requirements for balance maintenance

The analytical balance requires a very strict maintenance routine so that it can continue to release precise results of the particles to be measured.

In the first place, to clean the dish of the analytical balance with the brush, it is necessary that it be of soft hair to avoid grating it. You can also use a piece of clean cloth moistened with distilled water and, if you have any stains, you can use a mild detergent.

In addition to the dish, you must also clean the weighing chamber externally and internally. Both the glass and the plate must be free of dust, so the cleaning tools must be minimal and only limited to remove excess particles that may have been impregnated in the balance

Kathryn Roquette is a software developer with hands-on experience in analysis, designing, development, and delivery of Android apps. His key skills include knowledge of Core Java, JSON & XML Parsing. She’s also a foodie. So, either you’ll find him at his desk busy in building interesting mobile apps or at a restaurant relishing some new cuisine.