The analytical lab balance has been around since 1945; and it has been steadily evolving during that period. All over the world, analytical balance manufacturers have come up with continuous invention to improve its performance. The aim is to increase the precision and accuracy of the analytical lab balance and to make it more dependable for researchers.
The first analytical balance had a single pan, and was manufactured in 1945. In 1971, the first major advancement took place, when the nanogram balance made precision weighing attainable. This balance was actually used to weigh the rocks from the moon, which were brought back by Neil Armstrong. Then, Mettler produced its PT1200 scale in 1974, the industry’s first fully electronic precision balance. The Mettler balance had a capacity of 0 to 1,200 grams and sensitivity of 0.01 grams. Then further advancement continues. The latest analytical balances feature touch keypads for automatic motorized leveling; and have a resolution of 61 million digits and are top-loading with a motorized draft shield.
Equal arm balances have become practically obsolete and almost all analytical balances today are electronic. They can be either single pan or two pans. Electronic single pan balances do not work on the usual way of balancing the substance to be weighed against a standard set of masses. The mass is computed by load cells which utilize the electromagnetic force compensation principle.
This is how it works. When the test sample is put on the analytical balance pan (can be on a weighing paper), the load cell is displaced from its original position; and the vertically downward force exerted by the “weight” displaces the coil, which causes the load cell to produce a current and return a compensation circuit. This current is converted to a voltage and uses appropriate software and electronic circuitry to accomplish suitable calibration and display the measured weight.
Two-pan analytical balances use a multi-weight carrier activated by dials, and a precision chain. The precision chain, in conjunction with internal weights on a carrier, has similar function with traditional weights. The difference is that the personnel does not need to open the glass enclosure to add weights, as long as they do not exceed 100 g. Once the reading reaches to within 100 mg of the desired weight, he just dials in the incremental weight required. This obviates the necessity of opening the balance case to arrest the beam . It is also not required to physically add additional weights, then release the beam and observe its swing before closing the case. For recurring operations, this can save a considerable amount of time.
The principle employed by some direct reading analytical balances is constant load balance. The beam, pan and ring weights are at one end, where the objects to be weighed are placed. The balance weight, load, is at the other end. When a substance is placed on the pan, it breaks the balance i.e. it disrupts the equilibrium. Hence, in order to restore the original balance equilibrium, the corresponding amount of weight is removed. The microscale in the balance then reads the projection and provides the right value. In order to reduce vibrations and increase the efficiency of the balance, the operating knob is generally located in front on the base of the balance. It will also allow the personnel to comfortably work on the balance for longer.
This article was written by Firoze Hirjikaka, a retired Civil/Structural Engineer with a graduate degree from London University. He explores his passion for scientific & engineering equipment at Tovatech a leading American supplier of analytical balances. For more information on this article visit the Tovatech site from any of the above links.