General
07_02_05.002
Dates Active: April 1st, 2006 - Present
Author: Victoria Wickham
Use, Calibration, and Maintenance of Analytical
Balances
1 INTRODUCTION
This SOP covers the operation, calibration check, and maintenance of electronic
analytical balances used for weighing standards and samples.
2 SCOPE AND APPLICATION
2.1 OVERVIEW
2.1.1 Electronic balances use a device called a “strain gauge load cell.” A strain gauge
is a think device which change its electrical resistance when it is stretched or
compressed. Typically, several strain gauges are used together in a special
arrangement, and are connected to the load cell (the balance’s pan or plate) in a
protected location. When a force is applied to the load cell, the strain gauge
bends a tiny amount, and this tiny bending is detected by its electrical resistance.
A load cell can only measure force; therefore an electronic balance can only
measure weight. To obtain the mass, the value must be divided by the weight
and the local acceleration due to gravity. That is:
𝐹 = 𝑚𝑔
Where F is the force (weight), m is the mass, and g is the local acceleration of
gravity. However, under usual conditions, the balance is measuring differences,
and the g value cancels out.
3 REQUIRED TRAINING
4 EQUIPMENT AND MATERIALS
4.1 APPARATUS AND MATERIALS
4.1.1 Weigh paper or weigh boats (if needed).
4.1.2 Standard weights.
4.1.3 Electronic balances, various brands and models. Current WSL models include
Mettler ML4002T/00 (#4), Mettler PJ360 (#3), Mettler AE240 (#1), and Mettler
XS205 (#2).
4.1.4 Clean forceps to handle the weights, or gloves to be worn if the weights are to be
moved by hand.
5 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
5.1 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
5.1.1 Handling of large or small weights can represent a hazard to either the weights or
personnel if the weights are dropped.
6 SOLUTIONS AND REAGENTS
7 STANDARD SOLUTIONS
8 PROTOCOL
8.1 USE OF BALANCES
8.1.1 Choose a balance appropriate for the range of the object to be weighed and the
precision of a particular analysis.
8.1.2 Prior to use, the balance should be checked for spilled substances and to ensure
that the balance is level, on a stable surface, and free from drafts or air currents.
Spilled solids should be brushed away.
8.1.3 The pan of the balance should be checked to ensure that it is properly seated on
the pan mechanism.
8.1.4 Turn on the balance. If an error message is received in lieu of the tare value,
consult the balance’s operation manual.
8.1.5 Press the tare button and wait until a stable zero point reading is obtained. Re-
press the tare button if necessary. If a container or weight paper is to be used,
press the tare button and wait until a stable zero point reading is obtained.
8.1.6 Place the object to be weighed on the pan or in the container, in the center area.
8.1.7 Allow the reading to stabilize and record the weight.
8.2 BALANCE CALIBRATION CHECK
8.2.1 Procedure for Mettler AE240 (#1)
1. Ensure all doors are closed, the balance is zeroed, and that there is nothing on
the balance.
2. Press and hold MODE button until CAL appears on the screen, and then release
the button.
3. When 100.0000 appears, move the black dial located on the right-hand side of
the balance back.
4. The weight will appear. Record this number in the Analytic Balance and Pipette
Calibration Check Laboratory Notebook.
5. CAL will appear again and 0.0000 will blink on the screen. Slide the dial back
forward to the beginning position.
6. Record the date, balance number, recorded weight, and operator name in the
Analytical Balance and Pipette Calibration Check Laboratory Notebook.
8.2.2 Procedure for Mettler XS205 (#2)
1. Ensure all doors are closed, the balance is zeroed, and that there is nothing on
the balance.
2. Press ADJUST INTERNAL in the bottom left hand corner of the screen.
3. Once adjustment is complete, a screen pops up with the temperature.
4. Record the date, balance number, and operator name in the Analytical Balance
and Pipette Calibration Check Laboratory Notebook.
8.2.3 Procedure for Mettler PJ360 (#3)
1. Ensure all doors are closed, the balance is zeroed, and that there is nothing on
the balance.
2. Press and hold the TARE bar.
3. When CAL appears, release the bar.
4. When 100.000 appears on the screen and begins blinking, place a 100g weight
on the balance.
5. When 0.000 appears on the screen, take off the weight.
6. Record the date, balance number, and operator name in the Analytical Balance
and Pipette Calibration Check Laboratory Notebook.
8.2.4 Procedure for Mettler ML4002T/00 (#4)
1. Ensure all doors are closed, the balance is zeroed, and that there is nothing on
the balance.
2. Press the button at the bottom of the touch screen that shows a picture of a
weight.
3. Once adjustment is complete, a screen pops up with the temperature.
4. Record the date, balance number, and operator name in the Analytical Balance
and Pipette Calibration Check Laboratory Notebook.
8.3 CALIBRATION
8.3.1 At least once a year, when balances are moved off of a physical surface, or as
deemed necessary, the current user shall check all analytical and electronic
balances with standard weights. This shall be done at two levels in the range for
which the balance is used, typically with 1 and 50 g weights.
8.3.2 The control limits for each type of balance is as follows:
Balance Sensitivity 10 mg Limit (± g) 1 g Limit (± g) 50 g Limit (± g)
0.1 - 0.1 0.1
0.01 - 0.02 0.02
0.001 - 0.002 0.002
0.0001 0.0003 0.0003 0.0005
0.00001 0.00009 0.00009 -
8.3.3 If the results exceed the control limits, attempt to re-calibrate the balance if
possible. Consult the balance operation manual, if necessary. If this does not
remedy the situation, contact the Laboratory Director. The balance should be
taken out of service until properly calibrated.
8.3.4 The results should be recorded in the Balance Calibration and Maintenance 3-
Ring Binder.
8.4 MAINTENANCE
8.4.1 Routine maintenance should be done as stated by the manufacturer, or as
deemed necessary by the operator (i.e. the balance has been moved, etc).
8.4.2 Non-routine maintenance should be done whenever the balance is not operating
properly, or as deemed necessary by the operator.
8.4.3 All maintenance done on a balance should be recorded in the Balance
Calibration and Maintenance 3-Ring Binder. The following format should be
used:
8.4.3.1 Indicate the date, time, and person who is servicing the balance.
8.4.3.2 State whether the maintenance is routine (R) or non-routine (NR).
8.4.3.3 If the maintenance is routine, state the intended action. If the
maintenance is non-routine, indicate the problem/malfunction that
occurred for which the maintenance is intended to resolve.
8.4.3.4 Indicate the action taken, and, for non-routine maintenance, if the action
corrected the malfunction. If the instrument is still malfunctioning, state
the next action to be taken, and its result, etc.
8.5 INTERFERENCES
8.5.1 Air drafts, spilled substances, vibrations, and temperature fluctuations should be
eliminated prior to any weighing requiring precision greater than 0.1 g. Static
electricity can be reduced using an anti-static brush or gun.
9 DATA REDUCTION AND STATISTICS
10 QUALITY ASSURANCE
10.1.1 Any calibrations or maintenance done on a balance must be recorded in the
Balance Calibration and Maintenance 3-Ring Binder. It is the responsibility of the
individual operator to ensure all records are accurate and precise.
11 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
11.1 REFERENCES
11.1.1 APHA (1992) Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater.
18th Edition. A.E. Greenberg, L.S. Clesceri, A.D. Eaton, Eds., American Public
Health Association, American Water Works Association, and Water Environment
Federation.
12 PREVIOUS ISSUES AND CHANGES
Document File Name Issue Issue Effective Dates Author
Gen-Balances-001 001 April 1st, 2006 – April Monica Hollrah
12th, 2018
07_02_05.002 002 April 12th, 2018 - Victoria
Balances Present Wickham
12.1 ISSUE CHANGES
12.1.1 Issue 001:
None
12.1.2 Issue 002:
Moved SOP over to new format
13 DIAGRAMS, FIGURES, AND PHOTOGRAPHS
