Weighing and Analysis in the Laboratory

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Testing Labs

Air Pollution Monitoring with MX5 Filter Weighing Solution

Particulate matter in air can constitute a serious public health problem.

Therefore, the Public Health Laboratory of Valencia (LSPV) monitors and

analyzes particulate matter in air as part of the EU clean air for Europe

program (CAFE). The installed METTLER TOLEDO filter weighing solution

ensures consistently accurate and efficient results.

Clean air for Europe To maintain or improve the quality of ambient air, the European Union has es-tablished limit values for concentrations of sulphur oxide, nitrogen dioxide, nitro-gen oxides, lead and particulate matter (PM) in ambient air. PM poses a signifi-cant health risk as it can pass through the nose and throat and become lodged in the lungs.

Air monitoring in ValenciaThe state-of-the-art Public Health Labo-ratory of Valencia (LSPV) has been lo-cated in the new health center for public health (CSISP) in Valencia, Spain since 2008. The LSPV monitors and maintains 19 air sampling stations in the region of Valencia where the samples are collected in special filter racks. These are prepared

by conditioning for 48 hours before the dust-free filters are given a number for subsequent identification and weighed. They then leave the center and are sent to the air measuring stations. Sampling is performed 24 hours a day with an average flow rate of 30 m3/h. Back in the labora-tory, the samples are again conditioned for 48 hours at constant temperature and relative humidity and then weighed. The PM mass is calculated on the basis of the differential weight.

Tailored solutions for filter weighingThe ‘Good Weighing Practice’ (GWP®) guideline from METTLER TOLEDO has been the perfect tool for selecting the right balance and attaining the correct recommendations for balance installa-

Analytical solutions in the laboratory

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Photo 1: Yolanda Molina is happy with the METTLER TOLEDO filter weighing solution.Photo 2: New center for public health in Valencia, Spain.Photo 3: Blank filter and loaded filters from the mountain, desert and city.

Publisher Mettler-Toledo AG Laboratory Division Im Langacher CH-8606 Greifensee, Switzerland

Production Segment Marketing LABGlobal MarCom Switzerland

Subject to technical changes. © Mettler-Toledo AG 08/10 Printed in Switzerland.

METTLER TOLEDO Testing Labs 8

tion, regular calibration and routine op-eration. The optimal balance, according to GWP®, was the MX5 Automated Micro Balance with hands-free operation using SmartSens. These infrared sensors allow samples to be weighed-in without touch-ing the balance. All operations, such as taring/zeroing and printing, are carried out automatically with a simple wave of the hand.

To eliminate the electrostatic influence, METTLER TOLEDO offered a complete filter weighing solution including an anti-static device. Yolanda Molina, lab

technician, and her colleagues are very happy with this solution and the en-hanced weighing speed which signifi-cantly reduces the weighing time. In ad-dition, a special modified filter weighing kit for 150 mm filters allows the team to completely focus on the sample during the filter weighing process. Each weigh-ing operation becomes easier and more efficient with far less filter contamina-tion. The MX5 features a touch screen, integrated ‘differential weighing’ appli-cation for back-weighing tasks and a tailored filter weighing kit, which all to-gether offers the most convenient and ac-

curate solution for filter weighing. Additionally, all data is directly trans-ferred to Excel via Balance Link (precur-sor of LabX Balance Software). With 7000 filters analyzed per year, the filter weighing solution simplifies work con-siderably and speeds up the entire weigh-ing procedure. Take a look at how the successor of MX5, the XP6 Micro Balance, fulfills the above and many other requirements for filter weighing at:

www.mt.com/micro

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CSI methodIn case of the CSI method, glass samples from the suspect vehicle are compared to fragments of glass recovered from the vic-tim’s clothing by measuring their refrac-tive index (RI). The widely accepted labo-ratory technique of glass RI determina-tion, the oil immersion/temperature variation method, is applied. Such a mea-suring system operates through a stan-dard laboratory microscope with phase contrast optics and a METTLER TOLEDO FP82HT hot stage for temperature control. FP82HT is an easy-to-use and precise ther-mal measuring cell for visual sample in-spection under the microscope.

By varying the temperature in order to al-ter the refractive index of calibrated oil, the RI of an immersed fragment of glass can be determined at the point of null re-fraction, the point at which the refractive indices of glass and immersion oil match

up. Measurements must produce results with a standard deviation of, typically, 0.00002 RI over a 5 hour period and 0.00003 RI over a 5 day period. This can only be guaranteed if the temperature ac-curacy, during the applied heating and cooling cycles, is within 0.01 oC.

Outstanding temperature accuracyThanks to the heating principle with two flat furnace halves (one above and one below the sample placed on a microscope slide), there are no temperature gradients within the sample. This ensures an exact temperature control that, subsequently, leads to superior accuracy and precision.

FP82HT hot stages are, therefore, used on innumerable systems for the determina-tion of refractive indices in forensic labs around the world.

Forensic Labs Rely on Hot Stage Temperature Accuracy

Suppose a person became the victim of a hit-and-run accident in which

the offender drove off without stopping. The offender did not check to

see if anybody was injured, yet left bits of broken glass at the scene of

the crime. How can crime scene investigators (CSI's) study the bits of

glass and learn so much about what actually happened?

FP82HT Hot Stage

www.mt.com/fp

www.mt.com/ta-books

To order a copy of this handbook, go to:

Know-How

Application hand-books from the technology leader

We offer specialist application handbooks for the most impor-tant areas in thermal analysis. The handbooks cover:• basic principles and applications of DSC, TGA, TMA and DMA• discussion on problems and conditions of experiments• evaluation, interpretation and final conclusions

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Innovative Building Material TestingChloride Determination in Steel Concrete

Determining the chloride content of hardened concrete in bridges, un-

derground car parks, tunnels and other constructions is an essential

role of the accredited Kiwa Bautest GmbH test laboratory in Augsburg,

Germany. Excellence Titrator T50A with automated titration provides

a fast and reliable ways for Kiwa Bautest to perform accurate and ef-

ficient concrete testing.

Expertise to improve quality Chloride is the most frequent cause of cor-rosion in steel concrete and, as a result of salt water penetrating the concrete, chlo-ride corrodes the welded iron wire mesh which serves to protect the structure. This inevitably leads to a reduced mechanical stability under pressure.

Kiwa Bautest, located in the Bavarian town of Augsburg, inspects and assesses bridges, multi-storey car parks, under-ground car parks, tunnels and wind power stations. The tests are performed in the laboratory and on site. Kiwa Bautest's central laboratory in Augsburg has an im-

portant role, in accordance with the EC Construction Products Directive, an ap-proved construction site inspection au-thority monitoring and certification body and boasts a laboratory which is accred-ited to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025 for a wide variety of tests.

A more efficient titration methodThe European EN 14629:2007 standard was introduced in 2007 for determining the chloride content of hardened concrete. This standard describes potentiometric ti-tration with silver nitrate in detail. This is exactly the reason why the departmental manager, Ms. Mayr-Mölzer, turned to METTLER TOLEDO with the intention of fully eradicating extremely time-consum-ing chloride determination, by means of photometer or manual titration with change of color specified in DIN EN 196/2, and introducing a state-of-the-art titra-tion procedure.

Various manual steps were required in the previously applied test procedure, such as filtration, preparing aliquots and dilu-tion. Furthermore, highly poisonous mer-cury-based reagents were needed. As a re-sult of the inherent coloring of the sam-

Ms. Mayr-Mölzer assembles the automated titration stand.

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ples, it was often the case that a chloride measurement could not be taken in the photometer and the chloride content in the boring dust sample had to be repeated with a different, more laborious, method. Due to its high expenditure and tempera-mental nature, only a limited quantity could be analyzed on a daily basis. For a company experiencing such high levels of growth, this was simply not an option.

A member of METTLER TOLEDO's sales team presented an Excellence T50A titra-tion system with automated titration stand to the Kiwa Bautest laboratory and, with Ms. Mayr-Mölzer's requirements and those of the new European standard in mind as well as a wealth of METTLER TOLEDO expertise; he was able to develop

a functioning method in no time at all. In order to ensure the accuracy of results, a chloride level is automatically dosed for each and every sample. Firstly, this en-ables measurements of extremely small concentrations as well as suppresses unde-sired matrix effects which are a more fre-quent occurrence in the case of these ni-tric acidulations.

A significantly higher number of samples can be precisely analysed on a day-to-day since moving over to the METTLER TOLEDO Excellence system. The new pro-cedure enables faster test results with nothing hindering the immediate, neces-sary redevelopment measures.

www.mt.com/one-click-titration

Concrete testing is crucial to ensure that its structure remains adequate strength and durability.

Excellence Titrator T50 with sample changer

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Valtest's SuccessBased on Trustworthy Results

For a testing laboratory, the accuracy and trustworthiness of the final

test result depends on several process steps with test sample weighing

often beginning the process. To increase the reliability of weighing

results, Valtest performs routine balance testing using METTLER

TOLEDO’s CarePacs.

A leading Swiss testing laboratoryValtest is a leading testing laboratory based in Visp, Switzerland. The com-pany offers more than thirty different test procedures, all accredited according ISO 17025. Their main field of expertise lies in testing the concrete of parking garages, tunnels and bridges. In-process testing is performed at the construction

site to ensure appropriate material char-acteristics according to specification. Pressure tests are performed in the labo-ratory on samples taken from completed structures. Failure analysis and plastered surface consulting are also part of their services.

Safety has highest priority Most tests on bridges or dams are highly critical in terms of safety. For in-process testing, balances are brought onsite into a rough and dusty environment. While Valtest understands the importance of balance calibration by authorized tech-nicians, the company wanted to reach a higher security level through self-per-formed tests according to manufacturer designed SOPs. Although ISO 17025 does not dictate any such tests, the company decided to start performing routine test-ing for their own and their customers’ safety.

CarePacs – The perfect solutionAndreas Bernhard, head of the test-ing laboratory, searched the Internet for routine testing and happened upon METTLER TOLEDO’s CarePacs. He states,

“As is probably the case with many other people, I was expecting a wooden box with weights inside and was positively surprised when I learned about the smart approach of CarePacs”. Mr. Bernhard also found that benefits come at an unrivalled price. With this solution, he was able to purchase the two weights necessary for their routine testing rather than an entire weight set. Valtest re-calibrates CarePacs on an annual basis, and saves money re-calibrating two weights instead of an entire weight set. It is also convenient to have tweezers, gloves and other handling tools readily available.

Routine Testing – The Base for reliable testsRoutine tests of balances at construction sites are performed before each weighing to ensure faultless functioning. Dirt, dust and moisture can give erroneous results and only frequent testing guarantees that the environment does not negatively impact upon results. All routine testing results are meticulously reported in a logbook.

“We started with routine testing of balances to guarantee our and our customers’ safety.” Andreas Bernhard, head of testing labora-tory

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Risk control for peace of mindTrustworthy results and peace of mind are not always easy to attain in the rough world of construction sites. Accurate weighing results are mission critical when testing porosity characteristics or water conductivity. An incorrect result could be costly or even prove fatal. Perfectly func-tioning balances avoid erroneous results and repeated measurements.

Mr. Bernhard says, “Our investment in CarePacs is just another measure to en-sure reliable testing results and a high customer loyalty. Last but not least, he mentions with a smile that, "CarePacs-leave a lasting impression on auditors, a fact that is not to be underestimated when undergoing stressful audits.”

To learn more about routine testing, go to:

www.mt.com/carepacs

After weighing, the concrete sample is placed in the testing machine to test compressive strength.

The concrete sample shows stress signs after completed tests.

Philippe Kuonen, Technical Manager, is performing routine testing on a balance using a CarePac. All test results are recorded in a logbook.

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Onl

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Tool

s Seeing is BelievingWatch the Video and Convince Yourself

Common lab dilemma

The multimedia gallery demonstrates innovative solutions for even the most challenging weighing process in your lab. The unique product features and innovative accessories guarantee efficient and ergonomic sample handling.

Our solutions

Disturbance of electrostaticYour sample sticks to the tare container due to elec-trostatic charging and and the balance won’t stabilize.

Anti-static kit – discharges samples instantlyThe U-Electrode remove charges from samples and tare vessels immediately. Toxic substances no longer pose a threat to the user and cross-contamination of samples is prevented.

Spillage of precious samplesYou use weighing paper to transfer precious sample to a tare container. The sample is easily spilled and results are inaccurate.

ErgoClip – doses samples securelyThe ErgoClips safer dosing method substantially reduces con-tamination risks, enables fast dosing processes and increases productivity.

Handling of toxic chemicalsYou’re handling harmful chemicals and want to avoid direct contact.

Solvent Manager – handles chemicals safelyThe Solvent Manager increases operator’s safety in the lab by ensuring that direct contact with harmful chemicals is avoided.

www.mt.com/lab-AntiStatic

www.mt.com/ergoclips

www.mt.com/ titration-solventmanager

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METTLER TOLEDO's product finders in mt.com provide a straightforward way to find a product best matching your needs. Just key in your specific criteria and let the product finders do the rest.

Take the direct route to what you are looking for

EasyFinder™ finds your balance of choiceChoosing the right balance for your lab becomes straight forward. Simply enter your selection criteria, select the mod-els of interest and learn more about and/or compare details of the chosen models.

www.lab-balance.com

Sensor product guide foroptimized measurementThis interactive and animated tool helps you to identify the most suited sensor for your specific application.

www.electrodes.net

Find a NewClassic balance in just 30 secondsJust enter your technical criteria and the quick search guides you through a variety of NewClassic models. Click on the product’s picture to learn about the product in detail.

www.mt.com/newclassic

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Prod

uct N

ews Quantos Automated Dosing

Expands Modern Analysis

The innovative Quantos QX1 and QB1-L significantly improve perfor-

mance in analytics, such as UHPLC, as they take care of a very critical

step – sample preparation. The new systems automatically take care

of weighing, sample clean-up and dilution reducing sample quantities

by up to 90%, dramatically reducing the use of solvents, such as ace-

tonitrile. Consequently, users are protected from hazardous substances

and products from possible damaging contamination.

Fully automated QX1Tiny sample sizes of as little as 1 mg can be prepared in accor-dance with USP guidelines in a concentration of up to 1:10,000 and within 1% accuracy.

Compact version: QB1-LCompact instrument for sample preparation of powdery and non free-flowing substances thanks to the integrated analytical balance.Liquids are automatically added. www.mt.com/quantos

Precise micro liquid dosingThe revolutionary technology of micro powder dosing with an ultra precise micro-dosing system for liq-uids achieving an extremely precise sample preparation.

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One Click™ Standard Preparation Powered by LabX™

80% of all laboratory testing methods

involve various chromatographic tech-

niques. Using accurate standard solu-

tions is essential, and solutions are

typically made several times a day

with each one taking up to 15 minutes

to prepare.

One Click™ Standard Preparation pow-

ered by LabX offers full user guidance

and automatic data handling making

the whole process much faster and

worry-free.

www.mt.com/one-click-weighing

New Way

3:30 min.

One Click™ Standard Preparation – Powered by LabXSimply start the method with the One Click™ shortcut on the balance touchscreen. LabX guides you step-by-step through the SOP on the balance, performs your calcu-lations automatically, and takes care of saving all your data. The complete solution can be tailored to match your process requirements.

Result Calculation Concentration calculated automatically.

Green screen indicates result is within specified tolerances.

LabelA flask label is printed automatically.

All information is included – even the expiry date.

DocumentationEverything is auto-matically recorded.

Customized reports can be printed automatically.

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One Click™ StartEnter the desired concentration.

Required weight of substance is calculated automatically.

WeighErgoClip for direct dosing into flask.

SmartTrac™ guide helps to weigh the correct amount.

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