Please find below articles aimed at helping you get started with your Precisa product, along with some helpful hints and tips that will allow you to maximise the use of your products.

General

How do I ensure compliance with GxP

Good practice (GxP) is implemented in various laboratories to ensure consistency, reliability, and uniformity within various disciplines. Various features in Precisa balances have been implemented to ensure GxP compliance within the laboratory. To find out more about GxP compliance click here

How do I ensure compliance with CFR21 part 11

CFR21 part 11 compliance ensure data integrity in a digital world for reliability, authenticity, and integrity of all electronic records. Various features in Precisa balances have been implemented to ensure compliance within the laboratory. To find out more about CFR21 part 11 compliance click here

What different products do Precisa sell?

Various products are available by Precisa which includes laboratory weighing products (semi micro, analytical and precision balances), industrial scales, moisture analyzers, and ash analyzers. To see our full range of products click here

Moisture analyzer

How does a moisture analyzer work?

A Moisture Analyzer performs moisture analysis by using the ‘loss on drying’ (LOD) method. To read more about how a moisture analyzer works click here

What are the benefits of using a moisture analyzer?

Generally, results are achieved rapidly when using a moisture analyzer, often in a matter of minutes, and with better repeatability. In contrast, performing loss on drying using an oven can take a few hours and involves a more complicated procedure.

To read more about the benefits of moisture analyzers click here

How does the results of a moisture analyzer compare with a traditional drying oven method?

As long as a method is developed which is comparable to the method which would be utilized for the traditional drying oven methods, then results will be comparable. See the example below:

Analysis of a store-bought dog chew was performed using the Precisa XM60 Moisture Analyzer and, for comparison, a drying oven. The sample (2 g ± 10%) was spread evenly over the sample pan. The XM60 performed the analysis in under 10 minutes resulting in a moisture content of 12.13% ± 0.06%. By comparison, the drying oven method took 2 hours and calculated a moisture content of 12.26% ± 0.11% (3 measurements).

 

How do you get reliable moisture analysis results?

The best way to ensure reliable results from your moisture analyzer is to develop the best method possible. Drying methods will vary depending on the properties of the sample under test. The most effective drying methods include appropriate sample preparation, drying temperature, drying program, and stop-criteria.

Can a moisture analyzer be used to replace a traditional drying oven method?

Yes – as long as the results from each method are comparable within certain limits (accuracy and repeatability) as defined by the context of the application click here

How do you prepare a sample for moisture analysis?

The sample should ideally be homogenized, or cut into slices as thin as possible, see some examples of how food samples are prepared for analysis here

What is the % moisture range of the moisture analyzer

The range is 5% – 95% moisture.

Can a moisture analyzer be used for samples that contain fat?

Yes – but a glass fibre filter is recommended for fatty samples or sample that contain a high moisture content as it is able to increase the surface area of the sample, to assist in complete and rapid moisture loss.

The glass fibre filter should be placed in the aluminium pan prior to sample being added.

What’s the difference between a halogen moisture analyzer vs infrared moisture analyzer?

Halogen moisture analyzers: the fastest heating option with easy control, contains a glass tube filled with halogen gas and a tungsten heating element.

Infrared moisture analyzers: fast and precise measurements of moisture content which is durable and energy efficient. It is the ideal choice for dark coloured samples as radiation is absorbed by the sample

To find out more click here

What are the differences between the Series 365 and Series 330 Moisture analyzers?

 

 Series 365Series 330
RangePremium modelAdvanced modelAdvanced model
ModelsEM 120-HRXM60 / XM60-HRXM66
Capacity124g125g310g
Readability0.0001g0.001g0.001g
TemperatureUp to 230oCUp to 230oCUp to 230oC
Method storageUp to 100 methodsUp to 20 methodsUp to 20 methods
Radiation heat sourceHalogen, infrared, dark radiatorHalogen, infrared, dark radiatorHalogen, infrared, dark radiator

To read more about the different moisture analyzers available click here

XM60:

How many users and administrators can be created

Can support up to 8 users with different safety settings. Each user can have a unique password and access level. Read more about the XM60 moisture analyzer here

EM120:

How many users and administrators can be created

Can support up to 8 users with different safety settings. Each user can have a unique password and access level. Read more about the EM120 moisture analyzer here

PrepASH™

What is thermogravimetric analysis

Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) is a type of thermal analysis where the mass of a sample is measured as the temperature changes over time. To find out more about TGA click here

What are the main benefits to using the PrepASH for my thermogravimetric analysis compared to the conventional drying methods?

The conventional method of thermogravimetric analysis involves multiple sample weighings and transfer steps which requires various different pieces of equipment such as ovens, muffle furnaces, and desiccators. This process can be tedious, time consuming and prone to user error. The PrepASH thermogravimetric analyzer offers the automatic analysis of moisture, ash, and loss of ignition in one run saving the user time and effort.

Other benefits of the PrepASH include:

  • Analysis of up to 29 samples simultaneously
  • Creating and storing of unlimited methods / standard operating procedures, ensuring consistency and traceability of results
  • A selectable combustion atmosphere and a scrubber for sulfated ash applications
  • Operation of an autonomous device without the requirement of an additional PC.

To find out more about the benefits of the PrepASH click here

What industries can the PrepASH be used in

The PrepASH is the ideal instrument for industries which require accurate and efficient determination of moisture, ash, and loss on ignition. Examples of these industries includes:

  • Food and drink
  • Pharmaceutical and cosmetics
  • Environmental and agriculture
  • Mining and metallurgy
  • Chemical and petrochemical
  • Polymers

Read more about the PrepASH here

PrepASH specific questions

What are the minimum and maximum temperature settings?

The Precisa operates from 50oC to 1000oC. To find out more about the PrepASH click here

How do I calibrate the PrepASH?

As there is a balance within the PrepASH, it requires calibration which can be performed quickly and efficiently. Please watch the video to find out how to calibrate your prepASH

What is the minimum and maximum weight that can be put into a crucible?

In order to maintain accuracy, a suggested weight of 4g is recommended as a minimum. The maximum weight depends on the type of crucible used, the balance capacity is 120g

What are the different crucibles offered and their main applications?

We have a wide range of crucibles available to suit a wide variety of needs. To learn more about the crucibles offered click here

Can you use platinum crucibles with the PrepASH?

Yes – the 12 sample disk with the adaptors can be used for platinum crucibles.

What is Loss on ignition (LOI)?

Loss on ignition (LOI) measures the organic matter content in samples and involves heating a sample at a desired temperature which enables volatile substances within the sample material to escape until the mass of the sample ceases to change.

To find out more click here

Sample preparation and analysis:

What is the total time required for the full rotation of the sample plate?

It takes between 10 and 11 minutes for the 29 sample holder plate to fully rotate. The time taken for the 12 and 19 sample plate to rotate will be lower.

How long does it take to do a full run of 29 samples in the PrepASH

This depends on the type of sample being analyzed, the temperature settings and the length of time of analysis.

Can I analyze samples which require sulfated ash

Yes – with the addition of a scrubber sulfated ash applications can be completed safely and efficiently. To find out more click here

How do I create a method

Creating a method couldn’t be simpler, and can be achieved following these steps

  • Click the “Method” icon
  • Click the “Create New Method” icon
  • Enter time duration and end temperature for the first program step
  • Continue to add program steps as required
  • At the end of each step, select the Results and Auto Stop if required
  • Continue to build the method as required

Click ‘Save’

Define how results should be displayed and click to confirm

Define the events on completion of the program

Click to confirm

Specify file name and click to confirm

Alternatively, you can watch the video on how to create a method

Laboratory Weighing:

Can I connect a printer to my balance

Yes – the Printer LP 4024 can be connected to your balance, to find out more about this printer click here

What different readability of balances are available

Semi micro balances with a readability of 0.00001g, analytical balances with a readability of 0.0001g, and precision balances with a readability of 0.001g to 1g.

When should you replace your lab balance?

There is no set time as to when your balance needs replaced, however you can look out for the signs that your balance may need replacing, which includes inability to hold calibration, balance requiring constant maintenance, and corrosion. To find out more click here

What is the best practice for cleaning my balance

The general rule is to clean your balance at least once a week, however this may need to be increased depending on the application. To see step by step instructions on cleaning your Precisa balance please click here click here

How often should I calibrate my balance

This depends on user requirements, but the general guidelines would be at least once a year, to read more about balance and scale calibration click here

What is the warranty for Precisa balances?

2 years

520 Series:

What is PHASTbloc weighing technology

Precisa Hybrid Advanced Sensor technology (PHASTbloc) weighing technology is Precisa’s new and unique weighing technology which results in more accurate weighing whilst maintaining cost efficiency. To find out more about this type of weighing technology click here

How is alibi memory implemented and can you choose whether or not it is activated

In the Series 520 PB has an SD card, and the series 520 Pt is integrated into the hardware of the balance.

390 Series:

What does the electrostatic cancellation system and ambient observation system do?

The electrostatic cancellation system (ECS) and ambient observation system (AOS) help to eliminate external factors which could affect your weighing results. To read more about this, please click here