Clarity Control Module SARTORIUS BALANCE

Significance of the topic

Accurate sample weighing is a critical step in quantitative analytical chemistry, directly impacting the precision and reproducibility of chromatographic assays. Integrating Sartorius analytical balances with chromatography data systems streamlines laboratory workflows, reduces transcription errors, and accelerates routine analyses in research, quality control, and industrial environments.

Objectives and overview of the control module

The Sartorius Balance Control Module for Clarity aims to enable direct electronic communication between Sartorius M2P, CP, GC, GP and Cubis series balances and the Clarity chromatography station. The module’s objectives are to facilitate automated weight acquisition, transfer sample amounts directly into sequence tables, and simplify instrument configuration within a single software environment.

Methodology and instrumentation

Communication with balances is established over serial (RS-232) for M2P, CP, GC and GP models, and via USB (virtual COM port) for Cubis models. The module requires Clarity software with EA Extension, a free PC COM port or USB port, and appropriate cables (DB9F-DB25M cross cable SK03 or USB cable SK06). Users configure matching baud rate, parity, data bits and stop bits on both the balance and in Clarity’s System Configuration. Configuration steps include adding the Sartorius driver, assigning it to an EA-type instrument tab, and specifying communication parameters.

Used instrumentation

• Sartorius M2P, CP, GC, GP series analytical balances (RS-232 communication)
• Sartorius Cubis series analytical balances (USB with FTDI virtual COM)
• DB9F-DB25M cross serial cable (p/n SK03)
• USB cable for Cubis balances (p/n SK06)
• MultiCOM adapter (p/n MC01) for multiple RS-232 ports

Main results and discussion

The control module successfully retrieves weight readings on command, taring containers as needed, and sequentially populates the Sample Amount field in Clarity’s sequence table. A dedicated “Get Weight” dialog provides status feedback, skip functionality and error messages. Communication logging can be enabled via the COMMDRV.INI file to facilitate troubleshooting and support.

Benefits and practical applications

• Eliminates manual transcription of weights, reducing data entry errors.
• Accelerates sample preparation by automating balance reads.
• Ensures consistent method setup by maintaining communication parameters in one platform.
• Supports laboratory compliance and audit trails through electronic records.

Future trends and possibilities

Future developments may include networked balance integration, wireless communication, direct connectivity to laboratory information management systems (LIMS), and real-time data validation using AI-driven algorithms. Enhanced interoperability standards could further streamline workflows across multi-instrument laboratories.

Conclusion

The Sartorius Balance Control Module extends Clarity’s capabilities by providing robust, bidirectional communication with Sartorius analytical balances. This integration enhances workflow efficiency, ensures data integrity, and supports a wide range of laboratory environments requiring precise sample weighing.

Reference

No external literature references were provided in the source document.