Laboratory Instrument
High-precision weighing devices represent the primary means of measuring moisture loss in processed bast fibers. Mill chemists use an analytical balance to determine the dry weight of flax samples before and after oven-drying to calculate the absolute moisture regain of the shipment. This measurement underpins the commercial invoice value of the raw material.
Measurement Process
Routine operation of the scale involves weighing a conditioned sample to an accuracy of one tenth of a milligram. The operator places the flax specimen on the pan using metal tweezers to avoid transferring hand oils that would skew the readout. After the chamber door closes, the digital display stabilizes to indicate the initial wet mass before thermal processing begins.
This weight is recorded immediately in the batch log to prevent any loss of moisture through evaporation during handling. The subsequent comparison with the dried sample weight yields the precise yield coefficient of the spun yarn.
Environmental Control
Shielding the measuring pan from air currents and temperature fluctuations is necessary to prevent measurement drift. The analytical balance must sit on a high-mass stone table in a dedicated testing room where humidity and air velocity remain constant. External vibrations from spinning machinery will cause the balance to fluctuate, making precise readings impossible during peak mill operational hours.
