. The static charge is an example of the limiting factors. This blog post details the build-up, effects, and control of static charge in precision weighing.e
The need to eliminate human errors and get fast and accurate measurements has created unsatisfiable demand for precision weighing balances. However, these balances do not always give accurate results as environmental and other external factors influence them. The static charge is an example of the limiting factors. This blog post details the build-up, effects, and control of static charge in precision weighing.
How Does Static Charge Build-Up?
Ideally, the positive and negative charges in an object exist in a balance or equilibrium. Static charge starts building up when there is a disruption of this equilibrium. This imbalance occurs when things contact or rub against one another, causing friction and transfer of electrons. Note that while insulators do not allow the flow of electrons and cannot get charged, conductors will be easily charged but can transfer the charge to another object. In the laboratory, where precision and analytical balances are widely used, static charge builds up when:
- Cleaning or wiping laboratory equipment
- Handling weigh pans and weigh boats
- Wearing protective gear
How Does Static Charge Affect Precision Weighing?
A static charge constitutes both an electrostatic force and a static field. The electrostatic force is responsible for the movement of dust particles and even small objects, while the static field causes attraction or repulsion of particles. Therefore, a high static charge will attract unwanted particles to laboratory samples causing contamination, weighing errors, and inaccuracies.
Ways Of Controlling Static Charge
To avoid the limitations of static charge on precision weighing, consider using any of the following methods:
- Use antistatic equipment. Interestingly people conduct static electricity and rarely drain the charge as they wear protective shoes. Therefore, laboratory staff transfers the charge to precision weighing equipment. Using antistatic equipment, e.g., the antistatic wrist straps can help ground charges that technicians accumulate.
- Use an air ionizer. An ionizer charges air molecules with positive or negative ions. The ionized air molecules will attract opposite charges within the working premises, thus counterbalancing the static charge.
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Since 1956, The Scale People have earned a reputation as the finest service provider for calibration and repairs of weighing equipment in the mid-Atlantic area. Our sales team can help work with you to find the best weighing equipment for your application. We currently have offices in Columbia, MD, and Newport News, VA, but we offer our services nationwide. Over the years, we have built up a long list of satisfied clients from a wide variety of industries, including pharmaceutical, food and beverage, and government manufacturing. We are a fully ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited service company for calibration of balances, scales, pipettes, dynamometers, pad scales, moisture analyzers and more. All of our services have a 100% satisfaction guarantee. We’re only a phone call away at +1 (800) 451-9593. To learn more about what we do, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.