Maintenance Guide

Balance Operation
Tips for Care
System Check

Day-to-Day Routine Maintenance

of Laboratory Balances

Editorial

Editorial
Dear Reader,
Weighing is one of the most common tasks in the laboratory. Advanced micro, semi-micro,
analytical and precision balances have now been perfected to such a degree that, in general,
no special weighing rooms are needed.
Technological advances in electronics have considerably simplified the operation of
balances, drastically cut weighing times, and made the balances so adaptable that they can
now be integrated directly into a production process.
The risk inherent in this progress, however, is that not enough care will be taken to prevent
disturbing influences from the surrounding area.
The purpose of these instructions is to explain the most important points to be noted when
working with micro, semi-micro and analytical balances if high-quality results are required.

METTLER TOLEDO

Content

Content
1

Operation of the Balance

Care of the Balance

An Easy Balance Performance Check

More Information

11

METTLERTOLEDO

Balance Routine Maintenance

Operation of the Balance

1. Operation of the Balance

Micro, semi-micro, analytical and precision balances are measuring instruments of the highest precision.
The following points will help you obtain reliable weighing results.

1.1 Switching on
Do not disconnect the balance from the power supply and always leave it switched Adju
st.i
nt
on. This allows the balance to reach thermal equilibrium.
When you switch the balance off, use the display key (on older models the tare
key). The balance is now in standby mode. The electronics are still energized and
no warm-up period is necessary.

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TIP: We recommend a different warm-up time for each balance when it is first connect
to the power supply. These are:
Up to 12 hours for micro balances
Approximately 6 hours for semi-micro and analytical balances
Approximately 3 hours for precision balances
Apart from these guidelines, always observe the minimum times specified in the operating instructions.

1.2 Leveling
Align the balance.
To do this, check that the air bubble is in the center of the level indicator. Use
the leveling feet to make adjustments. You must then adjust the sensitivity of the
balance. The exact procedure is described in the operating instructions for the
balance.
TIP: To ensure and document that the balance is correctly leveled every time for
example, to comply with GxP1) we recommend the Excellence Plus family of balances with the built-in automatic
warning function
LevelControl.

1.3 Adjustment
Adjust the sensitivity of the balance regularly, especially
when you operate the balance for the first time
when you change the location of the balance
after leveling the balance
after major changes in temperature, humidity or air pressure.

1.00005 mg
1.00000 mg

TIP: If a fully automatic calibration following, for example, a temperature change

is important to you, it would be worthwhile to acquire balances with FACT, which
calibrate automatically. These models also allow you to extend the time interval for routine checks.

[1]

GxP Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) or Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)

METTLERTOLEDO

Balance Routine Maintenance

Operation of the Balance

1.4 Reading
Check that the balance displays exactly zero at the start of each weighing. Tare, if
needed, to avoid zero errors.
Read off the result only after the small round circle in the upper left of the balance
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display has faded. The weighing result is released through this stability detector.
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TIP: The Excellence Plus line offers an advanced stability detector. These balances
display unstable measurement values in blue. Once stability is regained, the display
immediately changes to black and the circle in the upper left disappears. This allows
you to identify a stable weighing result faster, safer and more reliably.
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1.5 Weighing pan

Always place the weighing sample in the middle of the weighing pan. This will
prevent corner load errors.
With micro and semi-micro balances, the weighing pan should first be loaded
once briefly after a relatively long pause (>30 min) to deactivate the initial weighing effect.

1.6 Weighing vessel

Use the smallest possible weighing vessel.
Avoid weighing vessels made of plastic when atmospheric humidity is below
30-40 %. These conditions increase the risk of electrostatic charge.
Materials with a high degree of electrical insulation, such as glass and plastic, can
become electrostatically charged. This can drastically distort the weighing result.
For this reason, make sure you take the appropriate corrective measures (for more,
see page 14: Electrostatics)
The weighing vessel and the sample it contains should have the same temperature as the surroundings. Temperature differences can lead to air currents that distort the weighing result (see page 7: Temperature).
After removing the weighing vessel from a drying oven or dishwasher, allow it time to cool before placing it on
the balance.
If possible, do not use your hands to place the weighing vessel in the weighing chamber. You could alter the
temperature and atmospheric humidity of the weighing chamber and the weighing vessel, which would have
an adverse effect on the measurement process.
TIP: Different taring container holders offer optimal conditions for error-free and safe
weighing (see illustrations).

Figure 1: The ErgoClip Basket

taring container holder.

METTLERTOLEDO

Balance Routine Maintenance

Operation of the Balance

1.7 Draft shield

Open the draft shield only as far as necessary. This will keep the climate in the
weighing chamber constant, and the weighing result will not be influenced.
Adjust balances that have an automatic and configurable draft shield, such as the
instruments of the Excellence Plus family, so that the opening of the draft shield is
minimal.
TIP: To make weighing simpler and more precise, even under the most challenging
conditions, we recommend specific accessories for our Excellence and Excellence
Figure 2: Round bottomed
Plus families of balances. These balances will yield the best results, even when you
flasks on special taring container holders ErgoClip Flask
are weighing extremely small samples with narrow tolerances under unfavorable
and MinWeigh Door.
ambient conditions. Our special draft shield MinWeigh Door, for example, is
designed to be perfect for use in weighing cabinets. But it also offers advantages for normal weighing
conditions. It can improve the repeatability of the net reading by a factor of about two!
Using SmartGrid, a weighing pan with a special grid structure, stabilizes weighing so well that the draft shield
doors for 4-digit analytical balances can normally be left open during weighing.

METTLERTOLEDO

Balance Routine Maintenance

Care of the balance

2. Care of the balance

Keep the weighing chamber and weighing pan clean.
Use only clean vessels for weighing.
(see chapter 2.1)
The balance can be cleaned with conventional window-cleaning fluid.
Do not use cloths that contain fusel oil.
Do not brush contaminants into potential openings.
Before cleaning, remove all removable parts, such as
the weighing pan.

XPE205

TIP: On Excellence and Excellence Plus analytical

balances, each of the !draft shield panes can be
removed for cleaning in a dishwasher.

2.1 Cleaning of the Balance

Many factors contribute to obtaining reliable weighing results which always fall within process specifications.
One factor which is often overlooked, and which can have a major influence on the quality of results is simply
the cleanliness of the measuring instrument being used. Especially with balances, the risks of sample (cross)
contamination can be large whenever cleaning guidelines are not strictly adhered to.
But which steps need to be considered when cleaning a balance? And which cleaning agents can/should be
used? This reference paper aims to provide an overview of typical cleaning products which can be used to clean
the various parts of a typical lab balance, and also offers some important considerations when purchasing
a new balance.
General recommendations for cleaning
Depending on your laboratory guidelines, the frequency for cleaning of equipment may differ. Make sure that
your SOP specifies the frequency for balance cleaning, and that these intervals are carried out for each instrument according to instructions.
Frequency: in many laboratories, the rule of thumb is to check the balance on sight. If it is obviously dirty,
clean the balance before weighing. Otherwise the minimum recommendation would be to clean the balance at
least once per week.
Where toxic samples are being weighed, the recommendation would be to clean the balance immediately after
each weighing.
The use of aluminum foil (or similar) placed around the weighing pan to protect the balance from becoming
dirty is not recommended; it typically makes it more difficult to clean the surfaces thoroughly, and more
difficult to perform a visual check.
Observe the following when cleaning
The balance should be completely disconnected from the power supply
Ensure that no liquid comes into direct contact with the balance and its AC adapter
Never completely dismantle a balance for cleaning there are no components inside the balance that require
cleaning. In case of repair, contact a service technician.
Under no circumstances use cleaning agents containing inappropriate solvents or abrasives; the use of such
agents can result in permanent damage to the panel or the balance itself.

METTLERTOLEDO

Balance Routine Maintenance

An Easy Balance Performance Check

3. An Easy Balance Performance Check

3.1 General
Basic Rules for Handling Balances
Before using a balance, make sure the balance was left on power for a sufficient period of time (mentioned in
the balance operating instructions).
Make sure the balance is leveled.
Minimize environmental influences, e.g. open windows, direct sunlight or strong drafts.
Do not enter the draft shield with hands. Use gloves or long tweezers.
Place objects gently and in the center of the pan.
Basic Rules for Handling Weights
Test Weights
Only an external test weight with calibration certificate can make a balance a traceable piece of equipment.
Test weights should always be placed gently on a clean weighing pan and put back immediately in their
storage place after use.
Test weights (since they are also part of measuring equipment) need to be re-calibrated at specified intervals
(ISO 9001).
Any incident, which might have affected the value of the test weight, should trigger an immediate re-calibration. METTLER TOLEDOs calibration services will give advice on this.
How to Store Test Weights
Test weights should be stored in their original box.
Test weights should be stored in the same room as the balance they are used with, since temperature differences between test weights and their surrounding lead to measurement errors.
Test weights that have not been stored at the same temperature need acclimatization, which can take several
hours.
How to Move Weights
Test weights should only be handled with appropriate tools such as tweezers, forks, handles or gloves
(see METTLER TOLEDOs accessories for weights).
These tools should be exclusively used for transferring test weights, to avoid possible contamination.

3.2 Eccentricity Test

Preparation
Before the test is performed, the test weight must be acclimatized to the ambient
temperature of the balance.
Prepare a sheet to note the readings of the eccentricity test.
Test Procedure
Place the test weight in the center (1) of the pan and tare (if required press zero)
4
Place the test weight on position 2 at 3Left front
Note: Move the weights by lifting them; do1not shift weights on the pan
Read the stable value from the display2 and note5 it
Repeat the measurements on positions 3, 4 and 5.

METTLERTOLEDO

3
1

4
1

Balance Routine Maintenance

An Easy Balance Performance Check

Evaluation
The largest reading (positive or negative) of any of the 4 corners (2 to 5) is the eccentric load deviation.
Evaluate whether the eccentric load deviation exceeds the defined Warning Limit 1).
Evaluate whether the eccentric load deviation exceeds the defined Control Limit 2).
Deviation
Warning Limit 1) (where defined)
If the warning limit is exceeded, level the balance and repeat the test.
If the warning limit is exceeded again, report that the warning limit was not met to the laboratory supervisor or
the person responsible of the balance. Optionally, contact METTLER TOLEDOs service organization
Control Limit 2)
If the control limit is exceeded, report the problem to the laboratory supervisor or the person responsible of the
balance.
Mark the balance as out of control limits.
Contact METTLER TOLEDO service organization for advice.

3.3 Repeatability Test

Preparation
Before performing the test, the test weight must be acclimatized to the ambient temperature of the balance.
Prepare a sheet where you can note the readings of the repeatability test points. Prepare 3 columns titled w/o
Test Wght, With Test Wght. and Differences.
Test Procedure
Empty the pan
If required, place tare load on the weighing pan
Tare the balance (if required press zero)
Read the stable value from the display and note it in the column w/o Test Wght.
Place the test weight in the center of the weighing pan
Read the stable value from the display and note it in the column With Test Wght.
Remove the test weight
Repeat the measurements from tare the balance to remove test weight until the customer defined number of
w/o Test Wght. and With Test Wght. readings is performed
Evaluation
Subtract each w/o Test Wght. from the corresponding With Test Wght. to calculate the difference.
Calculate the standard deviation of the differences.
Evaluate whether standard deviation exceeds the defined Control Limit 3).

1)
Values within the warning limit: No action is necessary.

Values between the warning and control limit are within the tolerance but must be kept under surveillance.

Corrective action may be appropriate, depending on the direction in which the values are changing.
2)
Values within the control limit, see 1)

Values beyond the control limit show that weighing process is no longer under control and immediate action is therefore
required.
3)
Values within the control limit: No action is necessary.

Values beyond the control limit show that weighing process is no longer under control and immediate action is therefore
required.
METTLERTOLEDO

Balance Routine Maintenance

An Easy Balance Performance Check

Deviation
Control Limit 1)
If the control limit is exceeded, report the problem to the laboratory supervisor or the person responsible of
the balance.
Mark the balance as out of control limits.
Contact METTLER TOLEDO service organization for advice.

3.4 Sensitivity Test

Preparation
Before the test is performed, the test weight must be acclimatized to the ambient temperature of the balance.
Prepare a sheet where you can note the readings of the sensitivity test.
Test Procedure
Empty the pan
If required, place the tare load on the weighing pan
Tare the balance (if required press zero)
Place the test weight on the weighing pan
Read the stable value from the display and note it
Evaluation
Evaluate whether the noted value exceeds the defined Warning Limit 2).
Evaluate whether the noted value exceeds the defined Control Limit 3).
Deviation
Warning Limit 2) (where defined)
If the warning limit is exceeded, repeat the test.
If the warning limit is exceeded again, report that the warning limit was not met to the laboratory supervisor
or the person responsible for the balance.
Level the balance, perform adjustment with built-in or external adjustment weight and repeat the test.
If the warning limit is still exceeded, report the problem to the laboratory supervisor or the person responsible
of the balance. Optionally, contact METTLER TOLEDOs service organization for advice.
Control Limit 3)
If the control limit is exceeded, report the problem to the laboratory supervisor or the person responsible of the
balance.
Mark the balance as out of control limits.
Contact METTLER TOLEDO service organization for advice.

1)

2)


3)

Values within the control limit: No action is necessary.

Values beyond the control limit show that weighing process is no longer under control and immediate action is therefore required.
Values within the warning limit: No action is necessary.
Values between the warning and control limit are within the tolerance but must be kept under surveillance. Corrective action may
be appropriate, depending on the direction in which the values are changing.
Values within the control limit, see 2)
Values beyond the control limit show that weighing process is no longer under control and immediate action is therefore required.
METTLERTOLEDO

Balance Routine Maintenance

10

More Information

4. More Information
4.1 Webinars and e-Trainings
We provide web-based seminars (webinars) on different topics. You can participate in on-demand webinars
at any convenient time and place.
Live webinars offer the added benefit of allowing you to ask questions and discuss points of interest with
METTLER TOLEDO specialists and other participants.
www.mt.com/webinars

4.2 Useful Links

For more information about LabX Laboratory Software Solution, visit www.mt.com/labx
For more information about the effect of external influences, visit www.mt.com/lab-properweighing
For more information about laboratory balances, visit www.mt.com/balances
For more information about GWP and routine testing, visit www.mt.com/gwp
For more information about SmartPan weighing pans, visit www.mt.com/smartpan
For more information about proper weighing and cleaning with dedicated elearning courses, visit
www.mt.com/lab-elearning

METTLERTOLEDO

Balance Routine Maintenance

11

Accurate Measuring through GWP

The Global Weighing Standard
Good Weighing Practice (GWP) is the science based global weighing
standard for the efficient life cycle management of weighing systems. The
risk-based approach allows you to improve control of your whole measuring
process, which in turn helps to avoid costly out of specification results.

5
Routine
Operation

4
Calibration

1
Evaluation

Good
Weighing
PracticeTM

2
Selection

3
Installation

Benchmark Your Quality

Management System
GWP Verification helps you assure accurate
weighing results as part of
your quality management system.
Applicable for all balances and scales,
it provides an optimized testing and
calibrating scheme which may translate
to sustainable time and cost savings.

Your Benefits
The accuracy of your weighing instruments is matched to your process tolerances.
A comprehensive summary report provides an overview of the status of all
weighing equipment.
An optimized routine testing and calibration schedule results in sustainable
cost savings.
Audit-proof and up-to-date documentation complements your quality management
system.

For your success: you focus on your process, we take care of the measurement.
www.mt.com/gwp

www.mt.com
For more information

Mettler-Toledo International Inc.

Laboratory Division
CH-8606 Greifensee, Switzerland

Subject to technical changes

06/2015 Mettler-Toledo AG
Global MarCom Switzerland