Chapter 2: Prerequisites
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Avoid incandescent lighting of the enclosure where radiant heat produced will
raise temperatures. (See Chapter 7 for adding an accessory fluorescent light kit).
Do not place the balance and enclosure on a bench that would receive direct
sunlight.
Humidity and Static Electricity Requirements
XPert:
Electrostatics can be troublesome in a balance enclosure. It is important to
understand and, to the extent possible, control static charges. An electrostatic
charged vessel, sample or enclosure can apply forces and lead to errors in
weighing. The repulsion or attraction can be detected with micro, semi micro and
analytical balances. Static charges can also lead to particulates being attracted to
surfaces within the balance enclosure. Containment of harmful powders,
prevention of cross-contamination and clean-up is all enhanced when static
attraction of powders is minimized. The construction of the XPert Balance
Enclosure avoids the use of plastics, which are highly insulative. The advantages
to the glass and epoxy-coated metal construction are twofold.
1.
The enclosure does not contribute high electrostatic forces affecting the
precision of the balance.
2.
The attraction and ultimate accumulation of powders, (hazardous or
nuisance), are minimized on the inside of the enclosure.
To correct or ensure against electrostatic issues, the following additional measures
may be prescribed to improve weighing operations.
Maintain a humidity level between 45 and 60%. The ability to sustain this
humidity range can be challenging depending upon the regional climate and
HVAC system.
Ionizers in various forms (guns, bars and blowers) are effective ways to flood
an area with ions and essentially “neutralize” electrostatic electricity.
