Sartorius BSA224S-CW Advanced Analytical Balance with Internal Motorized Calibration
| Brand | Sartorius |
|---|---|
| Origin | Germany |
| Model | BSA224S-CW |
| Maximum Capacity | 220 g |
| Readability | 0.1 mg |
| Repeatability | ≤ 0.1 mg |
| Linearity | ≤ 0.2 mg |
| Calibration Method | Internal motorized calibration |
| Pan Size | 90 mm diameter |
| Display | Backlit high-contrast LCD with 15 mm character height |
| Interface | RS-232C bidirectional |
| Operating Languages | English, German, French, Spanish, Chinese |
Overview
The Sartorius BSA224S-CW is a precision analytical balance engineered for laboratories requiring consistent, traceable mass measurements under routine and regulated conditions. It operates on electromagnetic force compensation (EMFC) principle — the industry-standard method for high-resolution mass determination — where the restoring force required to maintain equilibrium of the weighing pan is precisely measured and converted into a digital mass reading. With a maximum capacity of 220 g and readability of 0.1 mg (100 µg), the BSA224S-CW meets the performance criteria for Class I analytical balances per OIML R 76-1 and ISO/IEC 17025 requirements. Its internal motorized calibration system employs a certified, factory-mounted reference weight, eliminating manual handling and reducing uncertainty associated with external calibration artifacts. The balance is designed for stable operation in typical laboratory environments (20 ± 5 °C, < 60 % RH, minimal air currents), and its robust draft shield compatibility ensures reproducibility across variable ambient conditions.
Key Features
- Internal motorized calibration with single-button activation — fully compliant with ISO 8655-6 and GLP documentation requirements.
- High-contrast backlit LCD display featuring 15 mm character height for optimal legibility under low-light or high-glare conditions.
- Intuitive menu-driven interface with five selectable operating languages (English, German, French, Spanish, Chinese), supporting multilingual lab teams without software reconfiguration.
- Touch-sensitive keypad with ergonomically defined layout — tactile feedback confirms input registration, minimizing operational errors during repetitive tasks.
- RS-232C bidirectional serial interface as standard; optional USB-to-RS-232 adapter available for direct connection to modern PCs or LIMS workstations.
- Integrated overload protection and automatic zero-tracking function to maintain baseline stability during extended use or temperature drift.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The BSA224S-CW accommodates standard sample containers including weighing boats, crucibles, and vials up to 90 mm in diameter, compatible with most Sartorius draft shields (e.g., GWP® series). Its design conforms to key international regulatory frameworks: it supports audit-ready operation under FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when paired with compliant data acquisition software (e.g., Sartorius LabX®), provides full electronic records of calibration events, and enables user-level access control. The balance satisfies ISO/IEC 17025 clause 6.4.10 for equipment verification and is suitable for applications governed by pharmacopoeial standards (USP , EP 2.1.3) and quality control protocols in pharmaceutical, chemical, and academic research settings.
Software & Data Management
While the BSA224S-CW operates autonomously via its embedded firmware, it integrates seamlessly with Sartorius LabX® software for centralized instrument management, automated report generation, and electronic signature workflows. All calibration logs — including date, time, operator ID (if configured), deviation values, and pass/fail status — are timestamped and exportable in CSV or PDF format. Raw weighing data can be streamed in real time via RS-232C using ASCII protocol, enabling integration with custom-built laboratory information systems (LIS) or statistical process control (SPC) platforms. Audit trails comply with ALCOA+ principles (Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, Accurate, Complete, Consistent, Enduring, Available) for GxP environments.
Applications
- Quantitative gravimetric analysis in QC/QA labs for raw material assay and finished product release testing.
- Weighing of reference standards and certified reference materials (CRMs) in metrology and calibration laboratories.
- Preparation of standard solutions for HPLC, GC, and ICP-MS analysis where sub-milligram accuracy is critical.
- Formulation development in pharmaceutical R&D, including active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) dosing and excipient blending.
- Educational use in university chemistry and physics laboratories for teaching measurement uncertainty, statistical validation, and Good Weighing Practice (GWP®).
FAQ
Does the BSA224S-CW support external calibration with user-provided weights?
No — this model is equipped exclusively with internal motorized calibration. External calibration is not supported or permitted per type approval and firmware architecture.
What environmental conditions affect repeatability performance?
Repeatability ≤ 0.1 mg is specified under controlled conditions (20 ± 2 °C, stable humidity, no drafts, vibration isolation). Performance may degrade outside these parameters; installation on a dedicated weighing table is recommended.
Is the RS-232C interface compatible with modern Windows/macOS systems?
Yes — when used with a certified USB-to-RS-232 adapter and appropriate driver configuration, the interface supports direct communication with current operating systems.
Can multiple users be assigned individual calibration permissions?
User-level access control requires LabX® software; the standalone balance interface does not support role-based authentication.
How often should internal calibration be performed?
Sartorius recommends calibration at startup, after relocation, following significant ambient temperature shifts (> 2 °C), and at defined intervals aligned with risk-based assessment per ISO/IEC 17025 Clause 6.4.11.
