Optimizing Sulfated Ash Determination in Sugars

The residual ash is then determined gravimetrically and the ash content is expressed as a relative percentage of the original weighed-in sample. The remaining ash for crystalline sugar is typically 0.04% of the original sample, i.e. 2mg and the tolerances for duplicate determination are required to show no more than 2% difference.

In addition to the performance specifications, the safety aspect in the laboratory is also crucial as the laboratory environment usually involves the presence of sulfuric acid, which is caustic, and laboratory equipment must therefore be robust and easy to operate whilst wearing gloves. Also differential weighing processes must be easy–to-follow and automatic sample identification is a prerequisite in order to avoid mistakes such a sample mix-up.

The XP balances offer everything that the user needs to guarantee safe and accurate weighing. SmartSens enables the user to perform basic weighing operations without touching the balance – an advantage for those operators who wear gloves during their weighing processes. The XP balance also presents the operator with clear instructions on the touch screen of the balance, thus reducing the risk of errors and increasing efficiency by guiding the operator through the weighing process, including the verification of sample IDs.

So which is the balance of choice? By using METTLER TOLEDO’s GWP-recommended tool, the optimum balance can be chosen according to the capacity, the minimum amount of material on the balance and the tolerances involved. The ideal balance recommended for this method is the XP105 with 100-gram capacity and an acceptable minimum weight of 0.7% under the conditions described.

The user friendliness of the XP analytical balance and the reliable documentation can be complemented by adding LabX balance software, which is easily configured to match exactly the process described in the operator’s SOP. Additionally, LabX can be configured to guide operators through processes using customized dialogue, displayed on the balance color touch screen. These features plus traceable documentation and a variety of useful, simple-to-understand extras optimize not only the efficiency of your laboratory processes, but LabX also enables you to avoid all the hassle usually encountered in laboratory audits.

So, for optimum performance and comfort choose the XP105 analytical balance and LabX.