Kevin Hill of Quality Scales Unlimited offers some must-follow tips for accurate weighing of laboratory samples

It is easy to assume that using the right kind of analytical balance as per your weighing purpose is enough to weigh laboratory samples accurately. But what’s even more important is handling the balance and weighing samples with care.

Why? Analytical balances are often subject to reading errors if not handled properly. The reason is that they are extremely sensitive and their readings can easily be affected by small factors such as:

Chemical companies continue to invest in hand sanitiser in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. A large number of them are now producing in significant volumes.

Ineos, the largest European producer of the two key raw materials - isopropyl alcohol (IPA) and ethanol – has announced its intention to produce 1 million bottles of hand sanitiser/month from each of three newly built facilities in the UK, Germany and France.

The Covid-19 pandemic, which had already led to the cancellation or postponement of multiple industry events scheduled for March and April, has now claimed two key events in Europe in late May.

Mack Brooks Exhibitions has postponed the 35th Chemspec Europe exhibition for fine and speciality chemicals from 27-28 May to 11-12 November. It will still take place at the Cologne Messe in Germany. This will be the first time it has even taken place out of its traditional slot in spring Managing director Nicola Hamann said:

German-based global manufacturer of hydrocarbon and chemical speciality chemicals HCS Group has signed a definitive agreement to sell its US oxo-product business to Aeicon, an investment firm based in Houston on undisclosed terms. This includes the HC Manvel site in Texas, which it had owned since 2015.

Azelis has concluded a new agreement with Merck KGaA, covering the distribution of Merck Performance Materials’ complete range in Vietnam for personal care, CASE, food and health, and industrial chemicals. The division’s products include pigments, active ingredients and raw materials. The two companies have been partners since 1968 and have existing distribution relationships in Europe and other regions.