Sartorius BCA124i-1OCN Analytical Balance (0.1 mg readability)

Overview

The Sartorius BCA124i-1OCN is a high-precision analytical balance engineered for routine and regulated laboratory environments where reproducibility, traceability, and operational integrity are non-negotiable. Designed as part of the Entris® II BCA series, this 0.1 mg readability instrument integrates Sartorius’ proprietary monolithic sensor technology—originally developed in Germany—to deliver exceptional stability, fast stabilization times (<2 seconds typical), and long-term drift resistance across ambient temperature fluctuations (15–30 °C). Its measurement principle relies on electromagnetic force compensation (EMFC), wherein the restoring current required to maintain equilibrium is directly proportional to sample mass. This architecture ensures linearity across the full 120 g capacity range and eliminates mechanical hysteresis common in strain-gauge-based systems. The balance complies with international metrological standards including OIML R76-1 and EN 45501, and its hardware/software architecture supports regulatory alignment with ISO/IEC 17025, USP <41>, and pharmacopeial weighing requirements for analytical method validation.

Key Features

• Real-time electronic leveling system with visual/audible alert and step-by-step on-screen guidance—eliminates manual bubble-level dependency and reduces setup time by >60%.
• isoCAL® fully automated internal calibration and adjustment, triggered by time intervals or temperature deviations (±1.5 °C), ensuring continuous metrological validity without operator intervention.
• CalAuditTrail®: Embedded, tamper-resistant digital log recording all calibration events—including date, time, operator ID (if authenticated), deviation values, and pass/fail status—exportable as PDF or CSV for audit readiness.
• Graphical 4.3-inch capacitive touchscreen with intuitive icon-driven navigation; supports glove operation and displays dynamic weight trend indicators during stabilization.
• Integrated draft shield with removable side/top sliding doors and anti-static coated glass panels—reduces electrostatic interference and enables rapid cleaning between samples.
• Dual USB-C interfaces: One dedicated to U-disk data export (weight logs, calibration reports, application outputs); the second supports peripheral connectivity (e.g., barcode scanners, printers, or external PCs).
• Robust mechanical construction using PBT polymer housing, stainless-steel pan support, and tempered glass components—resistant to common lab solvents (e.g., ethanol, acetone, dilute acids/bases) per ISO 14644-1 Class 5 cleanroom compatibility guidelines.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The BCA124i-1OCN accommodates diverse sample formats through its 120 mm × 120 mm rectangular weighing pan and optional under-hook suspension capability for density determination or large-volume container weighing. Its sealed electronics and IP42-rated enclosure meet IEC 60529 specifications for limited dust ingress and vertical drip protection. All firmware and embedded applications adhere to GLP/GMP documentation requirements: automatic timestamping, user authentication (10 configurable roles), electronic signature support, and audit-trail-enabled data exports. Raw weight data, statistical summaries, and calibration certificates are exportable in formats compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 (when paired with validated Sartorius LabX® or optional third-party LIMS integration). The device is certified for use in ISO/IEC 17025-accredited testing laboratories and satisfies EU Annex 11 computerized system validation prerequisites.

Software & Data Management

Data handling is governed by three-tiered security protocols: hardware-level encryption of stored logs, application-layer user role assignment (administrator, operator, reviewer), and output-level formatting controls. Weight data can be streamed in real time via RS-232 or USB-C to external systems using ASCII or SCS protocol; customizable output templates include header metadata (operator ID, timestamp, balance ID, environmental conditions). Built-in applications—such as statistical analysis (n ≥ 2, mean, SD, RSD, min/max), checkweighing with configurable tolerance bands, and density calculation (using auxiliary sinker kit)—generate structured reports with embedded compliance footers. All printed outputs include GLP headers and footer lines indicating instrument ID, calibration status, and environmental parameters recorded at time of measurement.

Applications

This balance serves critical functions across pharmaceutical QC labs (e.g., active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) assay preparation per USP <1251>), academic research (nanomaterial mass quantification prior to TEM/SEM analysis), food safety testing (moisture content determination via gravimetric loss-on-drying), and chemical synthesis (catalyst dosing accuracy verification). Its 13 preloaded applications eliminate manual calculations: component weighing for formulation batches, net/gross/tare accumulation for multi-step reactions, animal weighing with dynamic filtering for unstable subjects, and peak-hold mode for transient measurements (e.g., volatile solvent evaporation kinetics). The below-balance hook supports ASTM D792-compliant density measurements for polymers and composites.

FAQ

Does the BCA124i-1OCN support 21 CFR Part 11 compliance?
Yes—when used with Sartorius LabX® software or validated third-party LIMS platforms, it provides electronic signatures, audit trails, and role-based access control required for FDA-regulated environments.
What is the recommended recalibration frequency?
Per ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Clause 7.8.3, recalibration interval must be risk-assessed; isoCAL® reduces need for manual recalibration, but periodic verification using traceable weights (e.g., Class E2) every 24 hours is advised for GxP workflows.
Can the balance operate in a fume hood?
It is not rated for continuous fume hood use due to airflow-induced instability; however, short-duration weighing with draft shield fully closed is permissible if hood face velocity remains <0.5 m/s.
Is the touchscreen compatible with latex/nitrile gloves?
Yes—the capacitive display responds reliably to standard laboratory gloves without requiring stylus input.
How is user access controlled?
Up to 10 users may be defined with tiered permissions: Administrator (full settings access), Operator (application execution only), and Reviewer (read-only report access). Passwords enforce minimum 8-character complexity.