Intermediate check of electronic balances according to National Association of Testing Authorities, Australia (NATA) method

Authors

  • Jittakant Intiang Reference Calibration Laboratory Center, National Institute of Reference Laboratories, Department of Science Service, Bangkok 10400, Thailand

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.60136/bas.v14.2025.3507

Keywords:

Intermediate check, Electronic balances, NATA method, Single point check, Repeatability check

Abstract

This article aimed to present the comparison of the various intermediate check methods for the electronic balance and showed the example of the procedure based on the guideline provided by the National Association of Testing Authorities, Australia (NATA). The process included two specific checks which cover both the single point check for accuracy performance and the repeatability check for precision performance. The intermediate check results were then compared with the calibration results of the electronic balance to ensure confidence in the calibration status and confirm that the electronic balance continues to operate reliably and accurately. The intermediate check of the electronic balance with a maximum capacity of 500 g with readability of 0.0001 g was conducted by using a calibrated 500 g weight. The results of both checks showed that the electronic balance’s performance still met the specified criteria.

References

International Organization for Standardization (ISO). General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories. ISO/IEC 17025:2017(E). Geneva: ISO; 2017.

National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA). General accreditation guidance – User checks and maintenance of laboratory balances. Australia: NATA; 2018.

United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS). Guidance on the calibration of weighing machines used in testing and calibration laboratories. UKAS LAB 14. United Kingdom: UKAS; 2022.

Vâlcu A. Monitoring the validity of reported results in weighing operations according to ISO/IEC 17025:2017. OIML Bulletin. 2021;LXII(2):5-11.

The United States Pharmacopeial Convention (USP). <1251> Weighing on an analytical balance / General information. USP 35. United States of America: USP; 2012.

International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Conformity assessment – General requirements for the competence of proficiency testing providers. ISO/IEC 17043:2023(E). Geneva: ISO; 2023.

Vâlcu A, Cǎlin A. Ensuring the validity of results by intermediate checks in the field of mass measurements. J Phys : Conf Ser. 2018;1065(4):1-4. doi: 10.1088/1742-6596/1065/4/042033.

National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA). Specific accreditation guidance: Calibration reference equipment table. Australia: NATA; 2020.

National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA). General accreditation guidance: General equipment table. Australia: NATA; 2023.

ตารางที่ 4 ผลการตรวจสอบความสามารถในการทำซ้ำ (Repeatability check) ของเครื่องชั่งน้ำหนัก A

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Published

09-12-2025

How to Cite

Intiang, J. (2025). Intermediate check of electronic balances according to National Association of Testing Authorities, Australia (NATA) method. Bulletin of Applied Sciences, 14(2), 12–19. https://doi.org/10.60136/bas.v14.2025.3507

Issue

Section

Research article