Introduction | Radiation Force Balances | Measurement | Additional Information | Further Reading

Calibration and maintenance

It is recommended that a force balance undergoes annual maintenance such as the calibration against a reference radiation force balance traceable to a mass standard. This will highlight any deviations in the response and will extend the dissemination process back to a Primary Standard.

In addition to an annual calibration, periodic checks can be performed using a suitable reference device, such as a transducer with drive system or checksource, or using a calibrated mass standard which can be applied to the balance. For quality assurance purposes, it is advisable that equipment records should be kept and updated when a maintenance procedure or repair is completed.

When not in use the balance and its component parts should be dismantled, dried and stored away to avoid damage.