Sartorius BSA423S Analytical Balance

Overview

The Sartorius BSA423S Analytical Balance is a precision mass measurement instrument engineered for laboratories requiring reliable, traceable, and repeatable weighing in the 420 g capacity range with 1 mg readability. Designed and manufactured in Germany, it operates on electromagnetic force compensation (EMFC) principle—where the mass-induced displacement of a load receptor is counterbalanced by a precisely regulated electromagnetic current, enabling high-resolution static and dynamic weighing without mechanical wear. Its architecture conforms to fundamental metrological requirements defined in OIML R76 and EU Directive 2014/31/EU for non-automatic weighing instruments. The balance is optimized for routine analytical tasks including sample preparation, formulation, titration support, and quality control testing in pharmaceutical, chemical, academic, and food testing environments.

Key Features

• Backlit LCD display with 15 mm character height ensures legibility under variable ambient lighting conditions—including low-light or brightly lit cleanrooms.
• Tactile membrane key interface provides unambiguous feedback and minimizes operational error; control layout follows ISO 9241-210 ergonomic guidelines for user-centered design.
• Menu-driven operation supports five language options (English, German, French, Spanish, Chinese), facilitating multi-site deployment and multilingual lab personnel.
• External calibration capability using certified weights compliant with ISO/IEC 17025-accredited standards; no internal motorized calibration mechanism—reducing mechanical complexity and long-term drift risk.
• RS-232C bidirectional serial interface enables direct data transmission to PCs, LIMS, or ELN systems; optional Sartorius USB adapter (Y-CABLE-USB) supports plug-and-play connectivity without driver installation on Windows/macOS platforms.
• Stainless steel weighing pan (115 × 120 mm) offers corrosion resistance and ease of decontamination—critical for GxP-regulated workflows involving solvents or reactive compounds.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The BSA423S accommodates standard laboratory vessels—including weighing boats, crucibles, volumetric flasks, and small vials—within its 115 × 120 mm pan footprint. Its draft shield compatibility (sold separately) meets ISO 9001 and ISO/IEC 17025 environmental stability requirements for Class I and II weighing applications. The device satisfies USP criteria for repeatability (≤1 mg at full load) and linearity (≤1 mg across 0–420 g), and supports audit-ready documentation when integrated with Sartorius LabX software (optional). It is suitable for GLP and GMP environments where traceability, calibration history retention, and operator authentication are mandated per FDA 21 CFR Part 11 Annex 11 guidelines.

Software & Data Management

While the BSA423S operates as a standalone instrument, its RS-232C interface permits seamless integration into centralized laboratory informatics infrastructure. When paired with Sartorius LabX software (v3.8+), users gain automated data capture, electronic signature support, customizable report templates, and full compliance with ALCOA+ data integrity principles. All weight values, timestamps, operator IDs, and calibration events are logged with immutable audit trails. For basic PC-based logging, the included Sartorius Data Transfer Software (v2.0) enables CSV export with metadata tagging (date, time, unit, tare status). No proprietary drivers required—standard virtual COM port configuration suffices.

Applications

• Quantitative preparation of reference standards and working solutions in QC labs (e.g., HPLC mobile phase formulation).
• Weighing of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) during batch release testing per ICH Q5C and USP .
• Gravimetric analysis of moisture content, ash residue, or volatile loss in materials per ASTM E1868 and ISO 5725.
• Calibration verification of pipettes and volumetric glassware using gravimetric methods per ISO 8655-6.
• Education and research applications requiring ISO-compliant mass measurement in undergraduate chemistry and materials science laboratories.

FAQ

Is internal calibration available on the BSA423S?
No—the BSA423S supports external calibration only. Users must apply certified weights traceable to national standards (e.g., NIST, PTB) to perform calibration and adjustment.
What is the warm-up time required before first use?
A minimum 30-minute stabilization period at constant ambient temperature (18–23 °C, ≤50 % RH) is recommended prior to initial calibration or critical measurements.
Can the balance be connected to a networked LIMS system?
Yes—via RS-232C to Ethernet gateway or through LabX software, which supports OPC UA and SQL database integration for enterprise-level LIMS interoperability.
Does the BSA423S meet FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements?
The hardware itself is Part 11–capable when used with compliant software (e.g., LabX with electronic signatures, audit trail, and role-based access control); standalone operation does not fulfill all Part 11 elements.
What maintenance intervals are recommended?
Daily verification with check weight, weekly cleaning of pan and housing, and annual performance verification by an accredited service provider per ISO/IEC 17025 scope.