Physical testing
Microbalance
A very sensitive balance that reads to 0.001 mg (1 µg) or better. It is used when the sample is only a few milligrams, for example a potent reference standard or a DSC sample.
- Pharmaceutical
- Biotech
- Chemicals
- Environmental testing
- Academic research
- Materials science
TROUBLESHOOTING
Common problems, causes and fixes
Reading drifts up or down by many micrograms
Likely causes
- • Static charge on the container or sample
- • Sample or container not at room temperature
- • Draught from air-conditioning or an open door
What to do
- • Use the ioniser and anti-static containers
- • Allow more time to equilibrate; handle with forceps
- • Close doors, redirect air flow, use a smaller draught shield
Stability symbol never appears
Likely causes
- • Vibration from nearby equipment or people walking
- • Balance not level
- • Weighing table touching the bench or wall
What to do
- • Move vibrating equipment away; weigh at quieter times
- • Level the balance
- • Make sure the stone table stands free
Zero is not stable after removing the sample
Likely causes
- • Material left on the pan
- • Temperature changed since the last tare
- • Pan touching the draught shield
What to do
- • Clean the pan and re-zero
- • Wait for stabilisation, then re-zero
- • Re-seat the pan correctly
Repeatability or minimum weight check fails
Likely causes
- • Poor environment at the place of use
- • Weight handled with fingers
- • Worn or dirty weighing cell parts
What to do
- • Improve the environment and repeat
- • Use forceps and a clean, calibrated weight
- • Call service; raise the working minimum weight until fixed
Reading slowly increases for a hygroscopic sample
Likely causes
- • Sample absorbs moisture from the air
What to do
- • Weigh quickly in a closed container
- • Weigh by difference
- • Control the room humidity
In LimsPulse · Calibration Management
Keep every Microbalance in control: usage logs, calibration and maintenance schedules, and automatic blocking of overdue instruments.