Sartorius Practum224-1CN Analytical Balance (0.1 mg readability, 220 g capacity)

Overview

The Sartorius Practum224-1CN is a high-performance analytical balance engineered for precision mass measurement in regulated and non-regulated laboratory environments. Operating on electromagnetic force compensation (EMFC) principle, it delivers stable, drift-compensated readings with 0.1 mg resolution across its 220 g maximum capacity. Designed for routine analytical workflows—including sample preparation, formulation, quality control, and method validation—the Practum224-1CN integrates robust mechanical architecture with intelligent software-assisted functionality. Its compact footprint (360 × 216 × 320 mm), front-access leveling system with integrated bubble indicator, and reinforced draft shield ensure operational reliability under typical lab conditions—without requiring climate-controlled rooms or vibration isolation tables. All core electronics and firmware are developed and validated at Sartorius facilities in Germany, maintaining consistency with global metrological standards.

Key Features

• Electromagnetic force compensation sensor with automatic drift correction and thermal stabilization
• Integrated bottom-loading hook for density determination and below-balance weighing of large or irregular containers
• Mini-USB interface enabling direct, driver-free data transfer to Microsoft® Excel, LIMS, or ELN systems—no proprietary software required
• Programmable time-stamped data output (interval-based printing or streaming) compliant with ALCOA+ data integrity principles
• Regulatory lock function: restricts menu navigation to prevent unauthorized configuration changes—supports teaching labs and SOP-controlled environments
• Peak hold mode: captures and retains maximum dynamic weight values during transient events (e.g., live animal weighing, settling powders, or unstable platforms)
• Enhanced stability algorithms for use in moderate airflow or low-frequency mechanical vibration environments
• Kensington security slot and tamper-evident housing design for asset protection in shared or open-lab settings

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Practum224-1CN accommodates diverse sample forms—powders, granules, viscous liquids, solid monoliths, and small biological specimens—within its 90 mm diameter stainless-steel weighing pan and 209 mm tall draft enclosure. It supports ASTM E898-22 (standard practice for calibration of analytical balances), ISO 9001:2015 clause 7.1.5.2 (monitoring and measuring resources), and USP requirements for repeatability testing (n ≥ 10, standard deviation ≤ 0.1 mg). While not certified for Class I Division 1 hazardous locations, its IP32-rated enclosure meets general-purpose laboratory safety guidelines. Data export logs include timestamp, operator ID (if entered), balance ID, and environmental status flags—facilitating 21 CFR Part 11 compliance when deployed with validated IT infrastructure.

Software & Data Management

Data acquisition occurs via native USB CDC (Communication Device Class) protocol, eliminating dependency on vendor-specific drivers. Each measurement record includes: UTC timestamp, net weight, tare value, unit, stability flag, and optional user-defined identifier. Interval-triggered exports generate CSV-formatted files compatible with statistical process control (SPC) tools and automated QA reporting pipelines. Audit trail functionality is implemented at the host-system level; the balance itself provides immutable, non-editable raw output streams—supporting traceability per ISO/IEC 17025:2017 clause 7.7. The built-in regulatory lock ensures that calibration parameters, date/time settings, and communication protocols remain unchanged unless accessed via authorized credentials.

Applications

• Quantitative analysis: Accurate dispensing of reference standards, reagents, and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) in QC laboratories
• Density determination: Paired with Sartorius density kit (optional), enables calculation of solid material density per ISO 1183-1 using Archimedean displacement method
• Checkweighing: Real-time comparison against target mass limits for packaging verification, tablet weight uniformity (USP ), or component sorting
• Percent deviation calculation: Direct computation of relative difference from reference mass—used in assay validation and stability-indicating methods
• Parts counting: Statistical piece-counting of uniform items (e.g., screws, tablets, microcentrifuge tubes) with automatic average-piece-weight derivation
• Dynamic weighing: Reliable mass capture of moving or breathing specimens (e.g., rodent studies, cell culture flasks on orbital shakers) via peak-hold stabilization

FAQ

Is external calibration required before first use?
Yes. The Practum224-1CN ships de-calibrated and must be verified using certified weights traceable to NIST or equivalent national metrology institute prior to analytical use.
Does this model support internal calibration?
No. The Practum224-1CN uses external calibration only; models with internal motorized calibration (e.g., Secura or Quintix series) are available separately.
Can the USB interface connect directly to a networked printer?
No. It supports direct connection to Windows/macOS PCs only. For network printing, route output through host PC print services or use YDP40 serial printer adapter (sold separately).
What is the recommended recalibration frequency?
Per ISO/IEC 17025:2017, recalibration interval must be risk-assessed based on usage intensity, environmental stability, and criticality of measurements—typically every 3–6 months for routine QC applications.
Is GLP-compliant documentation included?
Yes. Factory certificate of conformance, calibration checklist template, and installation qualification (IQ) guidance document are provided digitally upon registration.