Calibration Tools and Equipment
Calibration is a chemical process aimed at determining the concentration of an unknown solution by utilizing another solution with a known concentration. The method of conducting calibration involves the gradual addition of the titrant (the solution of known concentration) to the analyte (the solution of unknown concentration) until a color change occurs, indicating the endpoint of the calibration process. Following this, a series of calculations are performed to ascertain the concentration. Below are the tools and materials required for effective calibration:
Titrant
The titrant is a solution of known concentration utilized to ascertain the concentration of the unknown solution.
Analyte
The analyte is the solution with an unknown concentration but known volume, which is calibrated to determine its concentration.
Indicator
An indicator is used to identify the equivalence point, also known as the endpoint of the calibration, where it changes color to signal the completion of the reactant interaction.
Burette
The burette is a long, narrow glass tube marked from (0 mL) to (100 mL) with a valve at the bottom for controlling the flow of the liquid. It operates based on gravitational principles to dispense specific volumes of liquids, and it is filled with the titrant during the calibration process.
Burette Clamp
This tool is employed to hold and secure the burette, flasks, and other glassware, and it mounts onto the laboratory stand. There are two types: single clamps for holding one burette and double clamps for supporting two burettes simultaneously, made from metal or plastic materials.
Conical Flask
Known for its distinct conical shape with a wide, flat base and a narrow neck, the conical flask is used to contain the analyte being calibrated and is extensively used in chemistry laboratories.
Metal Stand
This metal stand consists of a flat base with an upright rod used to stabilize the clamp and other metal rings. It is essential in calibration for securely holding the clamp that supports the burette.
White Tile
A white tile is utilized to better observe the color changes in the solution during the calibration process.
Pipette
A pipette is a precision tool used to extract specific volumes from the sample being calibrated for concentration analysis.
Funnel
The funnel is employed to fill the burette with the titrant solution.
Volumetric Flask
A volumetric flask is used for accurate measurement of a specific volume of the sample being calibrated, serving as an alternative to the pipette but with slightly less precision.
Advancements in Calibration Equipment
The expansion of calibration applications has led to the development of automated calibration devices aimed at reducing human error and enhancing the accuracy of computed concentration values. These advancements have also increased the number of samples that can be calibrated within a specific timeframe. The automated device carries out all stages of the calibration process, from dispensing the titrant into the burette to presenting the results as data on a small computer screen. Various types of calibration can be performed using this device.