Weighing is a required part of almost any analysis,

both for measuring the sample and for preparing

standard solutions.

In clinical laboratory sciences we deal with rather

small weights, in the order of grams to a few
milligrams or less. Standard laboratory weighing is
typically made to three or four significant figures,
and so the weighing device must be both accurate
and sensitive.

There are various sophisticated ways of achieving

this, but the most useful and versatile device is the
analytical balance
Analytical Balances

Most analytical balances used today are

electronic balances .

The mechanical single-pan balance is still

used, though, and so we will describe its
operation.

oth types are based on comparison of one

weight against another !the electronic one for
calibration " and have in common factor such
as #ero-point drift and air buoyancy.
Analytical Balances
The weight of an ob$ect is the force exert on
it by the gravitational attraction. This
force will difer at diferent locations on
Earth.
Mass, on the other hand is the quantity of
matter of which the object is
composed and invariant.
We really deal with masses rather than
weights
Analytical Balances
They are two types
% - Mechanical .
&- 'lectrical.
The mechanical analytical balances are also
two types
%- The equal arm balances.
&- The single pan substitution balance.
Analytical Balances
The equal arm balance(
)onsist of a *nife edge supporting the e+act
center of the beam when
,% - ,&


Set of weights (in
grams) for use
with an open two-pan
balance
The equal arm balance
The length of the two lever arms are equal,
therefore the mass supported by each arm will
equal for the system to be in equilibrium.
If an un*nown mass is added to one side the
beam is deflected, the deflection is offset by
adding standard weight mass until the beam
return to the hori#ontal position so that
mu ,% -ms ,&
The single pan substitution balance
It is situated asymmetrically on the central *nife.

It has one pan and a counter weight on the other side.
Series of calibrated weights are supported. When
un*nown weight is placed on the weighing pan, the
beam deflects in the direction of the heavier side.
To return the system to equilibrium, a correspondent
mass of calibrated weights is removed from the front of
the beam. This process is a substitution process.
Quality of mechanical balances :
The condition of the *nife edge is critical to
the performance. It is made of e+tremely hard
material. So the area of contact must be with
reduced fiction. There is considerable at the point
of contact with the beam. Therefore shoc* can
easily damage these parts.
Mechanical balance are also equipped with
dampers oppose the movement of the beam,
allowing it to come to equilibrium rapidly.
.amping is either magnetic plate or air damper
!piston".
/dvantage of substitution balance over the
equal arm balance(
'qual arm balance is time consuming.
The sensitivity in the equal arm balance
depends on the load placed on the balance,
while the load is always on the substitution
balance.
'rror in substitution balance is eliminated
because comparison of un*nown mass with
*nown mass ta*es place on the same arm.
Two *nife edges can reduce friction.
Electrical Balances

In electrical balance, an electromagnetic force

is used to counter balance the ob$ect0s weight
and restore the beam to it0s #ero position.

The electromagnetic force is proportional to

the load.

Some sort of electronic 0s !digital" is used to

converts the current to a digital display of the
weight.
Electrical Balances


The null detector( The position of the balance beam
and is used to determine the balance point at which
the system is in equilibrium.
To return the system to equilibrium,
electromagnetic restoring forces are used in place
of standard weight.
The signal from the null detector is applied directly
to control the current through an electromagnetic
to return the balance to equilibrium.
Electrical Balances
When the null meter read #ero, the
compensating force required to bring the
balance to equilibrium is proportional to the
weight of pan.
The current required produce the compensating
force is converted to a digital display of the
weight.
Electrical Balances
/dvantages of electronic balance over
mechanical balance (
1igh precision 2the agree between repeated
weights of the same mass3.
4o hand.
Time to ma*e weighing is short.

Electrical Balances
Quality assurance and maintenance:
The performance of an analytical balance should $udged
by(-
%. Sensitivity, 2the ratio of the charge in scale division to
specific weight change.
&. 5recision.
6. /ccuracy 2 The agreement between the measured weight
and the calibrated weight of an ob$ect3.
7. 8eadability 2The smallest fraction of the scale division that
can be read.
The capacity of the balance must also be consider in
selecting the balance.
Some denitions
Zero point: the original no!load position
under is called the "ero point .
Rest point: the position under load is called
rest point .
Zero Point-drift: #rift is a progressive
$continuously upward or continuously
downward% change in the number displayed
on the digital readout. The weight readings
does not stabili"e' or unstable readings with
no weight applied. (ll analytical balances
show some uncertainty. Some do so more
than others .
)easons* temperature changes' humidity'
static electricity .
Weight in +acuum

/n ob$ect of % m, volume will be buoyed up by

%.& mg.

If the density of the weights and density of the

ob$ects are equal then recorded weight will be
equal to weight in vacuum but vice versa is not
true.

)orrection of the weight is required to calculate

weight in vacuum.
Maintenance

Direct weighing

Weighing by difference
Maintenance
%. The balance should be placed away from detector vibration.
&. 9b$ect that will over load the balance and e+ceed its
capacity should not be placed on the pan.
6. 5lastic container could generate electrostatic forces
7. :or optimum balance performance, preventive maintenance
and calibration should be done according to the
manufacture instructions at least one a year.
;. )alibration should be chec*ed every time the balance has
been moved.
<. The warm up time for electronic balance should be
verified.
=. / calibration weight at least <>? of the capacity should be
used in calibration and at different pan position.