Sartorius CPA224S Analytical Balance

Overview

The Sartorius CPA224S Analytical Balance is a high-precision laboratory instrument engineered for reproducible mass determination in regulated and research-intensive environments. Utilizing Sartorius’ patented SuperMonoCell electromagnetic force compensation sensor technology, the CPA224S delivers exceptional stability, minimal drift, and immunity to environmental fluctuations such as temperature gradients and air currents. Its measurement principle relies on the precise null-balance method: when a sample is placed on the pan, the electromagnetic coil generates a counteracting force proportional to the mass; this force is digitally quantified with sub-milligram resolution. Designed for routine analytical weighing tasks—including formulation, titration support, reference standard preparation, and quality control release testing—the CPA224S operates within a nominal capacity range of 220 g and achieves a readability of 0.1 mg (100 µg), satisfying the sensitivity requirements outlined in USP General Chapter for analytical balances used in pharmaceutical applications.

Key Features

• Motor-driven internal calibration (isoCAL) with automatic adjustment—performed at user-defined intervals or triggered by temperature drift (>1.5 °C change) or time-based schedules, ensuring continuous traceability without manual intervention.
• SuperMonoCell single-body sensor architecture eliminates mechanical hysteresis and reduces susceptibility to mechanical shock, delivering long-term linearity (<±0.2 mg) and repeatability (≤±0.1 mg).
• Backlit LCD display with 16 mm high digits ensures legibility under variable ambient lighting conditions, including low-light cleanroom or fume hood environments.
• Large-diameter (80 mm) stainless steel weighing pan and spacious draft shield (height-adjustable, removable glass doors) facilitate handling of voluminous or irregularly shaped samples while maintaining aerodynamic stability.
• Built-in application modes: percentage weighing, parts counting, animal/dynamic weighing, net/gross/tare management, and unit conversion (g, mg, oz, ct, etc.), all accessible via intuitive soft-key navigation.
• RS-232C bidirectional serial interface supports direct data transfer to PCs, LIMS, or Sartorius YDP03-0CE printers—enabling automated, timestamped record generation compliant with ALCOA+ data integrity principles.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The CPA224S accommodates a broad spectrum of sample types—from powders and granules to small solid components and pre-weighed vials—within its 220 g capacity and 80 mm pan geometry. Its draft shield design minimizes convective interference during low-mass measurements (<10 mg), while anti-static accessories (e.g., optional external ionizer) mitigate electrostatic artifacts common with insulating materials. From a regulatory standpoint, the balance conforms to ISO 9001, ISO/IEC 17025, and pharmacopeial standards including USP and EP 2.1.1. When integrated with Sartorius LabX software or third-party validated systems, it supports full audit trail functionality, electronic signatures, and 21 CFR Part 11 compliance—including user access control, event logging, and immutable data archiving.

Software & Data Management

Data output from the CPA224S is structured for seamless integration into digital lab workflows. The RS-232C port transmits ASCII-formatted weight values with configurable prefixes (e.g., “WGT:”), timestamps, and status flags (STABLE, UNSTABLE, OVERLOAD). When connected to Sartorius LabX software, the balance becomes part of a centralized instrument management ecosystem: calibration certificates are auto-linked to measurement records, uncertainty budgets are calculated per ISO/IEC 17025 Annex A.2, and GLP-compliant reports—including operator ID, environmental conditions (via optional temp/humidity probe), and balance status—are generated with one click. Raw data export supports CSV, PDF, and XML formats for downstream statistical process control (SPC) or trending analysis.

Applications

• Pharmaceutical QC labs: Accurate weighing of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and excipients for batch release testing, dissolution media preparation, and reference standard dilution.
• Academic research: Gravimetric analysis, catalyst loading, polymer synthesis stoichiometry, and nanomaterial dispersion quantification where sub-0.2 mg precision is critical.
• Food & beverage testing: Moisture content determination (via loss-on-drying), ash residue analysis, and nutritional labeling compliance checks.
• Environmental laboratories: Filter weighing for particulate matter (PM_2.5/PM₁₀) analysis per EPA Method 201A and ISO 12103-1.
• Materials science: Density determination of ceramics and composites using Archimedes’ principle, requiring high-resolution mass delta measurements.

FAQ

What is the minimum weight requirement for compliant use under USP <41>?
The CPA224S has a minimum weight of 120 mg when operating at its full 0.1 mg readability, meeting USP criteria for analytical balance qualification in pharmaceutical settings.
Does the balance support external calibration with traceable weights?
Yes—while isoCAL provides automated internal calibration, the CPA224S also accepts external calibration using Class E2 or better certified weights, with calibration verification logs stored internally or exported via RS-232C.
Can the CPA224S be integrated into a networked LIMS environment?
Absolutely—via RS-232C-to-Ethernet gateways or native USB-serial adapters, the balance feeds real-time weight data into validated LIMS platforms supporting ASTM E1384 or ISO/IEC 17025 data exchange protocols.
Is the draft shield removable for cleaning or large-sample placement?
Yes—the glass draft shield is fully detachable and designed for rapid wipe-down with ethanol or isopropanol, supporting ISO 14644-1 Class 5 cleanroom maintenance protocols.
How does isoCAL maintain accuracy across temperature variations?
isoCAL continuously monitors internal temperature sensors and triggers recalibration automatically when deviations exceed ±1.5 °C from the last calibration point—ensuring metrological continuity without operator dependency.