Electrostatic charges can lead to unstable, non-repeatable weighing results. Static electricity causes a force to be exerted on the weighing pan, which directly affects analytical balance results. Electrostatic charging is one of the biggest hidden sources of weighing errors, and it is important to be able to recognize when your weighing process may be affected. Signs that electrostatic charges are influencing the weighing cell are unstable balance readings and readings that drift in one direction. In both cases, the balance may be unable to settle, or you may have to wait longer than normal for the weight result to be released. You may have also experienced having to add more and more powder to a container to reach the target weight. However, if your sample or container does not dissipate the charge relatively quickly, your results may be subject to error without you being aware. Errors can be from a few milligrams to 100 mg. METTLER TOLEDO XPR analytical balances incorporate the unique StaticDetect function that automatically assesses errors in the weighing result due to electrostatic charges on the sample or the container. StaticDetect provides a warning if the error exceeds the pre-defined limit. Read our free white paper:
Electrostatic Charges During Weighing