How to Properly Use an Analytical Balance?

Frankly speaking, most people generally do not read the instructions carefully or at all after getting the analytical balance and before using it for the first time. This is probably because most people know the basic operation of ananalytical balance or have used an analytical balance before.
However, considering the accuracy of the measurement and the service life of your analytical balance, it is necessary to use it in a correct way.

Select a proper location
Measurement performance of an analytical balance depends largely on the surrounding environment. You need to follow these points to make sure the proper environmental conditions are met:
· Select a firm, horizontal location that is free from vibrations.
· Avoid direct sunlight and ensure that there are not any excessive temperature fluctuations.
· Avoid the effects of air currents from air conditioners, ventilators, open doors, or windows.
· Keep away from objects or equipment that are magnetic or capable of generating magnetic fields.
· Surroundings should be as free from dust as possible.

Leveling the analytical balance
Accurate horizontal positioning is necessary for repeatable measurements and exact results.
To compensate for small irregularities or tilts at this location, the analytical balance needs to be leveled. Adjust the leveling feet of the analytical balance until the air bubble in the indicator is centered.

Calibrating the analytical balance
Calibration is a necessary step to assure the analytical balance will accurately weigh the sample.
Perform calibration operations in the following situations:

  • Changes in the location of use (including moving in the same room).
  • Changes in ambient conditions.
  • Prior to each use.
    • Weighing
    * It’s better to warm it up for one hour before using.
    1. Zero the analytical balance in the no-load state.
    2. Open the glass door of the weighing chamber and place thesample(s) on the weighing pan, then close the glass door.
    3. Read the displayed value after it stabilizes. The appearance of the stability mark indicates a stable state.

    Weighing a sample(s) that needs to be in a container or on a weighing paper:
    1. Open the glass door of the weighing chamber and place the container/weighing paper on the weighing pan, then close the glass door again.
    2. Wait for the display to stabilize.The appearance of the stability mark indicates a stable state. Then press “O/T” to tare, and the displayed value will return to zero.
    3. Open the glass door and place the sample(s) to be weighed in thecontainer/weighing paper, then close the glass door.
    4. Read the displayed value after it stabilizes.

    Cleaning
    Regular cleaning has a positive effect on the measurement accuracy and service life of the analytical balance.
    Clean the analytical balance using a piece of lint-free cloth which has been wet with a mild detergent (soap) only.
    Turn off the power switch and remove the power cord during cleaning.
    Make sure that no dust or liquid enters the analytical balance housing.
    Do not use any aggressive cleaning agents (solvents, abrasive cleaning agents, etc.) or organic solvents to clean the analytical balance.

    Removing the sliding glass doors for cleaning:
    1. Remove the pan and anti-draft ring from the weighing chamber.
    2. Unscrew and remove the inside knob on the glass door.
    3. Slide the glass door out backwards.

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