Sartorius BSA124S Analytical Balance

Overview

The Sartorius BSA124S Analytical Balance is a high-precision laboratory instrument engineered for routine and regulated analytical weighing tasks requiring resolution down to 0.1 mg (100 µg) across a 120 g capacity range. Built upon Sartorius’ legacy of metrological excellence, the BSA124S employs advanced digital signal processing and real-time environmental compensation algorithms—designed to maintain repeatability and accuracy despite minor fluctuations in temperature, air currents, or vibration. Its operating principle relies on electromagnetic force restoration (EMFR) technology, where the mass-induced displacement of the weighing pan is counterbalanced by a precisely controlled electromagnetic current; this current is measured and converted into a stable, linear digital readout. The balance is intended for use in quality control laboratories, pharmaceutical R&D, academic research, and chemical synthesis workflows where trace-level mass determination must comply with documented procedures and audit-ready data integrity.

Key Features

• High-resolution 0.1 mg readability with 120 g maximum capacity—optimized for volumetric standard preparation, reagent dispensing, and sample aliquoting.
• Backlit LCD display featuring 15 mm high-contrast characters, ensuring legibility under diverse ambient lighting conditions including low-light cleanrooms or brightly lit fume hoods.
• Integrated level indicator positioned adjacent to the display—enabling rapid visual verification of mechanical leveling without requiring external tools or secondary instruments.
• Intuitive menu-driven interface with five language options (English, German, French, Spanish, Chinese), guided by contextual text prompts and cursor-key navigation—reducing operator training time and minimizing input errors.
• Tactile, well-spaced membrane keypad with functionally grouped keys—designed for gloved-hand operation and ergonomic daily use in high-throughput environments.
• RS-232C bidirectional serial interface as standard—supporting direct communication with PCs, LIMS, or optional Sartorius YDP03-0CE thermal printers for permanent, timestamped records.
• Preloaded application modes: percentage weighing, net weight accumulation, dynamic/animal weighing, unit conversion (g, mg, oz, ct, etc.), and basic arithmetic functions (multiply/divide).

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The BSA124S accommodates standard laboratory samples up to Ø 90 mm in diameter on its stainless-steel weighing pan. Its draft shield design minimizes convective interference while permitting easy access during sequential weighing protocols. The balance meets fundamental requirements for ISO 17025-accredited testing laboratories and supports Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) documentation needs through traceable, time-stamped printouts or electronic data exports when paired with compliant peripherals. While the unit itself does not include internal motorized calibration (requiring external Class E2 or better weights per OIML R 111), its firmware architecture enables full audit trails—including calibration event logs, user identification fields (when integrated with networked systems), and parameter change history—aligning with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 readiness when deployed within validated computerized systems.

Software & Data Management

Data integrity is enforced via standardized ASCII-based RS-232C output protocols compatible with third-party laboratory informatics systems (LIMS, ELN). When connected to the optional YDP03-0CE printer, the BSA124S generates hard-copy reports containing date/time stamps, gross/net/tare values, operator ID (if entered), and balance identification—fulfilling raw data retention mandates under ISO/IEC 17025 Clause 7.5.2. No proprietary software installation is required for basic data capture; however, Sartorius DataControl Lite (freely available) may be used to configure auto-print triggers, define custom report templates, and export CSV-formatted datasets for statistical process control (SPC) analysis. All configuration changes—including unit selection, decimal place settings, and application mode defaults—are stored non-volatile memory and persist after power cycling.

Applications

The BSA124S serves critical roles across multiple domains: formulation of reference standards in pharmaceutical QC labs (per USP and EP 2.1.6); gravimetric preparation of calibration solutions for ICP-MS or HPLC; moisture content determination via loss-on-drying protocols; stoichiometric reagent weighing in synthetic organic chemistry; and micro-sample quantification in materials science (e.g., catalyst loading, thin-film precursor dosing). Its stability under moderate draft conditions and fast stabilization time (<3 seconds typical) make it suitable for educational labs conducting quantitative analysis experiments and for contract testing facilities performing multi-client batch release testing under documented SOPs.

FAQ

What calibration standards are recommended for external calibration of the BSA124S?
Sartorius recommends certified Class E2 weights (OIML R 111) with an uncertainty ≤ 1/3 of the balance’s readability (i.e., ≤ 0.03 mg) for full-range verification and adjustment.
Is the BSA124S compliant with ISO/IEC 17025 documentation requirements?
Yes—when used with traceable calibration weights and paired with a compliant printer or validated data acquisition system, it supports generation of auditable records meeting ISO/IEC 17025 Clause 7.5.2 for result reporting.
Can the BSA124S be integrated into a networked laboratory environment?
While it lacks built-in Ethernet or Wi-Fi, its RS-232C port allows integration via serial-to-Ethernet converters or USB-serial adapters compatible with modern Windows/macOS/Linux systems running terminal emulation or Sartorius DataControl Lite.
Does the balance support automatic internal calibration?
No—the BSA124S requires external calibration; models with motorized internal calibration (e.g., BSA124S-CW) are available separately.
What environmental conditions optimize long-term performance?
Operate within 15–30 °C at ≤ 80 % RH (non-condensing); avoid placement near HVAC vents, centrifuges, or vibrating surfaces. Use of an anti-vibration table is advised in seismically active or mechanically noisy facilities.