This is a guest post from Kevin Hill, head of the marketing efforts at Quality Scales Unlimited in Byron, CA.
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An analytical balance is a highly sensitive lab instrument that is designed to accurately measure mass. They have a readability range between 0.1mg – 0.01mg. They are meant to detect very fine increments of the materials being weighed. Even the slightest breeze or vibration can affect the readings.
How to Calibrate an Analytical Balance?
Analytical balance calibration is important if you want accurate readings of the materials being weighed every single time.
Internal Calibration
It must be performed as per the manufacturer’s instructions. It may involve switching on the calibration scale and allowing it to warm up.
Next, press the key for ‘auto calibrate’. The internal calibrations will first display a ‘no weight’ measurement. After that, it may require a specified standard check weight to be placed on them.
External Calibration
The external check is done for three factors:
1. Drift: Normally, a 10mg standard weight is used to carry out a drift check. You have to record ten measurements with the 10 mg weight to observe any variations in the results. If there is a variation or a ‘drift’, it should not exceed the mean value by more than ± 0.2 mg.
The mass value cannot vary above 0.01mg, thus making the criteria of the actual mass value of 0.1%.
2. Measurement Uncertainty: Place 10mg external weights on the balance pan. Note 10 measurements for the weights. Next, carry out the required calculations to determine the measurement uncertainty by multiplying standard deviation by 3, and dividing that by the actual mass value.
The measurement of uncertainty should not exceed 0.001.
3. Performance Check: Place 1 mg, 2 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg calibration standard weights separately on the top pan after the auto calibration process. Note the measurements in the performance check log.
These measurements should remain within 0.1% of the actual mass value of each weight.
How Often Should You Calibrate the Analytical Scales?
The frequency of analytical scale calibration depends on a number of factors:
a) Manufacturer’s Recommendations
If the manufacturer has recommended a frequency of calibration, then adhere to it. Some recommend calibration a few times a month, others recommend on a weekly basis.
b) Environment the Scales are Kept in
If the scales are kept in an environment that contains fluids, dust or any substance that can build up on the scale, you need to calibrate more often. All these elements affect the readings.
Similarly, if the scales are located in a place that has vibrations, mechanical shock or static electricity, the reading would be affected.
Consider calibrating the scales regularly to prevent these factors from affecting the readings.
c) Frequency of Scale Usage
If you use scales every day, then wear and tear will occur faster as compared to scales that are used once a week.
Calibration should be done more often if you use the scales more frequently.
d) Importance of an Exact Weight to your Business
The frequency of calibration is also dependant on how important accurate weights are for your business.
If you cannot afford even the slightest inaccuracy in the reading, then you will have to calibrate on a daily or weekly basis. For instance, in the case of medical equipment or pharmaceutical products, even the slightest inaccuracy can be dangerous.
Contrarily, if it is alright for the results to differ by 1% of the actual readings, the frequency of calibration can be less.
Additionally, troubleshoot immediately if you notice any deterioration in the accuracy at any time.
In Conclusion
It is critical that you monitor and calibrate the analytical balance frequently. You can use automatic internal calibration or calibrate the balance with external weights. Regardless of the method, ensure that the calibration is done at the right time.
Author Bio:
Kevin Hill heads the marketing efforts at Quality Scales Unlimited in Byron, CA. Besides his day job, he loves to write about the different types of scales and their importance in various industries. He also writes about how to care for and get optimized performance from different scales in different situations. He enjoys spending time with family and going on camping trips.
4 Responses
Gordon
HI KEVIN,
Thank you for the above information which I found very useful. I have just bought an old Mettler Toledo P1210 from a seller on eBay. It is supposed to “work” but I won’t know for sure until it arrives on Friday. I need to be able to measure milligrams to make dyes for guitar staining solutions and I’m interested in exact quantities for repairs and for future stains. I was trying to find the operating manual which I was able to retrieve online….in German. Unfortunately, my German is not fluent enough to read an operating manual. I have also written to Mettler to see if I can obtain one in English and I’m awaiting their response.
My question to you is, do you have experience with the Mettler P1210? If the calibration is off, would you have any idea how I can adjust the calibration so the readings fall within tolerance. I would appreciate any help you can offer. My email address is UKOlvera@gmail.com. Thanks ahead of time for your help.
Kind regards,
Gordon
ASH Green
One of the best articles that I’ve read in a very long time! I Took notes and surely gonna implement and test bunch of stuff you talked about.
You’re a beast! Cheers, Ash
And don’t forget to visit besttoolsbrand
Prerna
Hey Kevin!
You have the skill to put the hardest thing into simpler words. Precisely explained article with all the necessary information of “analytical scale calibration .
.
Gerard
Good day,
Hope you are fine and staying safe.
We are sourcing for:
****Analytical Balance 220g x 0.0001g Any Brand
Kindly provide us with a quote with the availability of these items, the best competitive price, lead time for delivery, and payment mode.
Thank you.