Hygroscopic Material and Fingerprints When Using An Analytical Balance

Measure hygroscopic materials fast and avoid fingerprints when weighing with an Analytical Balance

Measure hygroscopic materials fast and avoid fingerprints when weighing with an Analytical Balance

Here’s another instruction sheet on the proper use of an analytical balance.  As with other similar how-to’s that we’ve covered this one is also similar.  Avoid vibrations and drafts, do not touch the objects being weighed, allow hot objects to cool before weighing, and other similar tips. A couple though need to be called out for special attention.  Avoid smudging the objects being weighted as even fingerprints will have an impact on the mass.  At 0.1 mg precision fingerprints and even air can change the result.  The second tip is similar.  Measuring the mass of hygroscopic materials.  Do this fast as the material will be absorbing atmospheric water vapor even as the weighing progresses.

For further information visit fri.ices.utexas.edu.

Posted in Digital Scales and tagged

About Bob Sandor

Bob began working as a chemist in 1987 and remains a science geek to this day. After his PhD he worked on the bench in materials and inorganic chemistry for 10 years. He then took on a love for marketing and sales. He combined his passion for science and business and took entrepreneur general management positions in large corporations like Hoecsht Celanese now Sanofi Aventis, Bel-Art and Smiths Detection. There he learned what it would take to run a business and finally Tovatech was co-founded in 2006. Bob’s hobbies include playing, listening and composing music, skiing, working out, the internet and all things science. Read More