Error Causing Factors in Analytical Balance Tolerance

An analytical balance measures the mass of an object with great precision

. Its sensitivity can be adjusted to even calculate the weight of a grain of sugar. But an analytical balance is not without errors as various outside factors can cause even the most accurate analytical balance to fail and show an error in values. More than human factors, it is the surrounding and environmental factors that cause an analytical balance to be inaccurate.

The sensitive scale of an analytical balance can be pushed up and down even by small gusts of air. In highly delicate analytical balances, minute particles of airborne dust can also cause errors in weight. These errors can however be eliminated by having glass case around the weighing pan of the balance which will protect the balance from any currents of air or settling dust.

Analytical balances also get affected by changes in humidity and temperature. Even a slight difference in temperature can cause significant difference in the mass of the weighing object. Ensuring that your analytical balance does not rest near doors or windows or even below or near air-conditioning or heat vents can help prevent errors. Some analytical balances have vented safety enclosures that ensure a smooth turbulence-free airflow and the balance maintains room temperature.

An object that is being weighed in a balance displaces a certain amount of air. This buoyancy can cause errors and to maintain accuracy, special allowances can be made in the balance to accommodate the same. High-precision balances, like the kind used in chemical laboratories are specially designed so they can be operated in a vacuum. Any kind of vibration or seismic disturbances in the ground can cause errors in measurement. Pedestrian traffic near the balance, rumbling from a passing truck or train, tremors due to nearby air traffic can all cause fluctuations in the balance. Operating heavy duty rotating and reverberating machinery near the balance can also cause errors.

Another major cause for miscalculations in analytical balances used in chemical labs is the effect of condensation and evaporation. When weighing cold objects, the effect of air on the object can cause condensation which can cause inaccuracy. Similarly, the evaporation of water from liquids or wet objects causes errors. Erroneous measurements can also be the result of convection of air from hot and cold objects. Where direct weighing is done, the object to be weighed must be placed in a tared container. Avoid placing the object directly on the weighing pan. When using a container, ensure that the container is completely dry inside-out and that the container is at room temperature.

To avoid errors due to change in locations, an analytical balance must be initially calibrated on its point of installation. Regular periodical calibrations on every change in location help to maintain accuracy. Analytical balances that require high precision measurements must be calibrated regularly as part of maintenance procedure to maintain the same level of high accuracy.

Laboratories require their analytical balances to be exact and as there can be a number of things that can cause errors in a balance, the procedures defined in labs are precise and must be strictly followed. Proper care of your analytical balance will reduce errors and guarantee accuracy of measurement.

Error Causing Factors in Analytical Balance Tolerance

By: Dr Bob Sandor

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