Lab Scale
How Counting Scales Count
Counting scales are great time savers that also improve the accuracy of counts when the objective is to ship or receive X numbers of widgets. They are also great for inventory management because they allow you to quickly determine how many widgets are in stock and when it is time to order more.
How do Piece Counting Scales Count?
Keep in mind that a piece counting scale can be programmed to determine the count of a number of products that are kept in the scale’s internal memory but each product must be the same. You must separate bolts from nuts, (and lock washers while we’re at it) not combine them unless you are counting assembled nuts, bolts and lock washers. And all bolt, nut and lock washer assemblies being counted must be the same. A counting scale with an internal memory of 100 items can store data for up to … Read the rest
How to Maintain a Digital Crane Scale
A digital crane scale, while ruggedly constructed to perform heavy lifting and weighing functions, is also a precision instrument that must be maintained on a regular basis. While maintenance is important for any weighing instrument from an accuracy standpoint, heavy-duty crane scales must be checked regularly to avoid a mechanical failure that could cause a load to drop with potential disastrous results.
Crane scale manufacturers such as Kern, whose products are offered by Tovatech, provide maintenance instructions as part of their operations manuals. We’ll use here as an example the Kern HTS industrial hanging scale available in four models with maximum weight capacities from 1500 to 10,000 kg (~3,300 to 22,000 pounds) The scale is powered by a rechargeable battery and is shipped with an infrared, battery-powered remote control with a range of approximately 25 feet.
Crane Scale Maintenance Guidelines
Key lifting components on crane scales include shackles, hooks and … Read the rest
Compact Digital Crane Scale with Remote Readout
Time is money, so quickly determining or confirming the weight of products or pallets being loaded or unloaded at warehouses, transportation hubs, construction sites and similar locations is quickly accomplished using a compact Kern HFC digital crane scale with remote readout. This allows personnel to confirm weight against manifests when they are as far as 100 meters (328 feet) away from the crane scale.
Working as a tensile force gauge, Kern HFC crane scales available from Tovatech are offered in four maximum weigh capacities: 1000, 3000, 5000 and 10,000 kg. Respective readouts are 500, 1,000, 2,000 and 5,000 grams.
Both the digital crane scale and remote hand-held display device are powered by rechargeable batteries for up to 30 hours of operation or by optional 3 x 1.5 volt AA batteries for up to 40 hours of operation.
The Kern digital crane scale display modules have an on-off switch and are … Read the rest
Analytical Balance Tests Tablet Splitting
Tablet splitting is a common practice when you need to give less than a full dose. However this has significant risks as this study found out. Five volunteers were asked to mimic the practice in nursing homes using a splitting device, a scissor, and a kitchen knife. The splitting device turned out to be the most accurate way to split a tablet. Using an analytical balance the researchers measured the difference between each of the methods before and after the split. The scissor and knife produced statistically similar results while the splitting device had a statistically significant lower mean deviation from the theoretical weight after the split. There was also significantly less weight loss with the device than with the knife or scissors.
For further information visit www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.… Read the rest
Analytical Balance Aids in Study of Metal Corrosion
This study examines the effect of electrochemical corrosion on waste packages where there is a significant possibility of exposure to humidity leading to water film formation and subsequently corrosion. The objective of the study was to test the susceptibility of different metals under different ranges of humidity over a long term period of 5 years or more. The results of the study would then form the basis of input to other programs including things like ‘Recommendation for Container Materials’ amongst others. An analytical balance and a calipers were used to measure and weigh the test specimens. Both were calibrated with NIST traceable gage blocks and weights.
For further information visit e-reports-ext.llnl.gov.… Read the rest
Use of Analytical Balance in Analytical Chemistry
Here is the essential details of day 1 in a course in instrumental chemical analysis. The objective of the course is to give students experience in using the instruments used in Analytical Chemistry. The course stresses on both the instruments as well as the methods used to perform analysis. The typical lab will have optical spectrometers, chromatographic equipment, analytical balance, and other equipment. The study would be conducted from different perspectives including such things like: underlying principles, important components, historical and economic points, instrument performance, design, typical application areas, pragmatic issues and son on.
For further information visit www.bgsu.edu.… Read the rest
Prevent Toxic Poisoning By Using Analytical Balances the Right Way
We’ve blogged about the do’s and dont’s when it comes to analytical balance use and chemical handling in the lab. We’ve however not established it with a live case study. Here is an example of what can result from improper handling of chemicals and sub-optimal use of the analytical balance. It started with the detection of abnormally high levels of arsenic in the urine of an employee at an affiliated laboratory. Investigations revealed that the entire process of using the analytical balance and weighing flouted several best practices. In fact the contamination was so high that an external decontamination crew had to be called in. The article reinforces the need to follow best practices when handling chemicals.
For further information visit risk.arizona.edu.… Read the rest
Analytical Balance for Indirect Measurement of Mass
Here is instructions for an experiment to indirectly measure the mass of a bolt. There is a whodunit element to the exercise in that the instructions do not give clear directions as how to go about measuring the mass since the bolt is attached to a nut that cannot be removed. A number of hints are provided in the copy and also suggestions on determining the mass using a balance beam or an analytical balance. The choice of method and equipment to use is largely left to the discretion of the student with only the goals being stated and a few focus questions being asked to help establish the direction in which to move the experiment. Give it a try and pop your answer in the comments below.
For further information visit www.wpi.edu.… Read the rest
Farm Nutrient Management
This infographic gives an overview of farm nutrient management plans. Essentially, this is a strategy to extract maximum return from fertilizers without degrading the quality of water sources available nearby. A basic nutrient management plan will include soil test reports, on-farm nutrient assessment, nutrient crediting (reducing your fertilizer use based on your on-farm nutrients), consistenty with the farm conservation plan (which includes soil conservation), manure inventory (calibrating your manure spreader with a platform scale), a manure spreading plan, and adherence to the 590 Nutrient Management Standard if you want to participate in federal or state cost-sharing programs.
For further information visit corn.agronomy.wisc.edu.… Read the rest
Measuring Uncertainty of An Analytical Balance
Regulatory bodies are increasingly asking for uncertainty estimates in the measurements from testing and calibration labs. There is also a lot of confusion as to the correct approach to take when determining uncertainty for a precision scale. Devices like the analytical balance are especially confusing. This paper examines this problem. The primary issue is the inconsistency of terminology used. To compound that manufacturer specifications do not provide estimates of the uncertainty. The general literature on the subject cite several ways to estimate uncertainty which is highlighted in the paper along with a discussion on the advantages and disadvantages of the various methods for estimating uncertainty.
For further information visit www.nationalchildrensstudy.gov.… Read the rest