Rely On Digital Scales When Accuracy Hangs In The Balance

A Digital scale or analytical balance can be employed across a broad spectrum of

businesses ranging from research laboratories to heavy-duty industrial applications. Uses for digital scales and balances go far beyond determining accurate weights whether in milligrams or tons. Among other tasks they are used for counting, for recipe weighing, for tolerance weighing, totalizing, dispensing and percentage determination.

An analytical balance is perfect for tolerance weighing, for example, which allows users to set limits when performing repetitive functions such as filling a container with a specified weight of product. When products being weighed fall within set tolerances, the scale signals an OK. Otherwise the scale emits a visual or audio signal. The signal makes it easier for the operator to quickly fill multiple containers.

A tremendous range of digital scales and analytical balances are available to satisfy most every conceivable need, as exemplified by the Kern family offered by Tovatech. In accordance with GLP, GMP and various regulations most of these weighing and counting instruments are officially verified for accuracy before shipment. Stringent rules also apply to ongoing calibration in accordance with ISO 9000 requirement.

But as accurate as a scale or balance may be when shipped, it is incumbent on users to operate and maintain these instruments to high standards in order to survive compliance audits that may be called by agencies such as the FDA. Even when health issues are not impacted, an inaccurate scale could mean that customers are not getting what they pay for, or the manufacturer is packaging more than the label indicates.

Scale Tips

It doesnt take much to throw off a scales accuracy, especially when weighing in milligrams. When placing product on the weighing pan personnel must allow time for the scale to stabilize. Placing the product in the center of the weighing pan is also a good practice as incorrect readings may result otherwise from what is termed an eccentric or corner loading error. Stabilization time is shortened and weighing accuracy is improved when the scale weighing cell is formed of a single block of material such as used in the Kern ABT analytical balance.

Electrostatic discharge can also throw off measurements when weighing non-conductive materials. A discharge ionizer is the remedy.

External vibrations or oscillations can also cause inaccurate readings. These may be so slight as to go unnoticed by personnel but nonetheless can have an impact on the performance of a digital balance. Placing the scale or balance on a dampening pad may offer some protection.

Where the scale or balance is being used can help determine purchase specifications. For example, scales used in factory settings may be subject to dirt and moisture. In such instances the equipment should have an IP (ingress protection) rating against dust and moisture. The latter is particularly important if the scale is used in a wet area or subject to frequent hose-downs to remove contaminants. An IP rating is usually given as a two-digit number with the first (generally 0 to 6) relating to solid objects including dust and the second (generally 0 to 8) against liquids. The higher numbers the greater the protection.

Most critical to the accuracy of a digital balance, laboratory or industrial scale is periodic calibration with the frequency and process spelled out in the companys operation manual. This is a subject unto itself.

by: Dr. Robert Sandor

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