An expert guide to selecting the right moisture analyzer for food, plastics, cosmetics, pharma and similar applications. Compare the Torbal ATS60, Kern DLB 160 3A and Data Support DSC 71P for precision moisture analysis.
A Moisture Analyzer Selection Guide
Correct moisture content is a key quality control criterion across a broad range of moisture analyzer applications and is often mandated by government agencies such as the FDA, and by trade and professional associations. Using the Loss on Drying (LOD) method, halogen moisture analyzers, also called digital moisture balances, combine a source of heat and precision weight measurement to establish the exact percentage of moisture in a sample.
Key Factors in Selecting a Digital Moisture Analyzer
Moisture balance selection criteria are based on factors including
- Capacity – the maximum sample weight the balance can accommodate.
- Readout – the smallest difference that can be read on the display in grams or percent. This is also termed resolution or readability.
- Repeatability – the ability of a moisture balance to display the same result when the same sample is tested repeatedly. Expressed as a standard deviation.
- Temperature range – the amount of heat that can be applied to samples.
- Drying profile – this defines how heat is applied to the sample, such as standard, slow, step and fast. Drying profiles are selected based on the particular characteristics of the sample.
- Special capabilities such as testing products with extremely low moisture content specs, providing graphic displays of changing moisture content, and building internal memories of frequently performed tests.
Three Candidate Halogen Moisture Balances
Tovatech offers three halogen moisture analyzers from which researchers and QC personnel can select the most cost-effective solution to their needs.
The 60g capacity ATS60 precision moisture analyzer is perfect for a wide range of applications involving research and quality control. It has a readability of 0.001g/0.01% moisture with a drying temperature of up to 160°C. Its compact modern design combines with a powerful load-cell and halogen elements to help guarantee accurate results. The ATS60 is fully configurable with 20 memory parameter locations, 4 drying profiles (Standard, Slow, Step, and Fast) and an easy-to-use interface to peripherals such as printers.
The economical, 160g capacity Kern DLB 160-3A digital moisture balance with a readout of 0.001g/0.01% moisture is favored for small-sample testing grains and flours; in food processing, pharma and cosmetic manufacturing inspections, and in chemical and paint manufacturing. The DLB 160-3A graphics display facilitates rapid, efficient operation while fully supporting good laboratory practices with user and project identification printout.
With its 0.0001g (0.001% moisture) readout the 71g capacity DSC 71P halogen moisture balance is highly favored to check for low moisture content in pellets used in plastic injection molding. Capable of handling samples heated up to 200⁰C it can be pre-programmed to store 75% of commonly used resins and holds a 20-program memory for quick recall.
These units are shipped with WinCT Moisture software for real time PC display of moisture loss rate, offer standard, quick, automatic, timed and manual shut-off options, and standard, ramp, step and quick drying profiles.
Practical Applications for Moisture Analyzers
- Plastics industry injection molding companies are aware that excess moisture causes “splay” (streaks) and structural weakness. The DSC 71P digital moisture balance is the solution here because of its ability to detect the tiniest moisture content that can cause manufacturing losses.
- Assuring wood pellets for fuel are shipped meeting moisture content criteria of the Pellet Fuels Institute can be achieved with the Torbal ATS60 halogen moisture balance.
- In the food industry the DLB 160-3A moisture balance is used when moisture content and water activity are important in formulating products for safety and stability.
Need Expert Advice?
A good tutorial to understanding the Loss on Drying (LOD) procedure to determine moisture content is found in our post How to Prepare a Sample for Moisture Analysis (or) Moisture Analyzer Drying Process for Quality Control.
Then call or chat with the scientists at Tovatech for additional information on the digital halogen moisture analyzers featured here and for unbiased answers to other weighing and measuring questions.
———–
Additional Questions Answered
What is the difference between a moisture analyzer and a moisture balance?
These terms can be used interchangeably. Both use the Loss on Drying (LOD) method that combines a precision weighing scale with a heating element (typically halogen) to calculate moisture loss in real time.
What is the difference between readability and accuracy?
There’s a huge difference between readability and accuracy. That is because there are many factors that contribute to measurement errors. And why many measurements must be taken before assigning a value to an instrument. It’s not readability (that shows on the moisture analyzer display) that’s important, it’s accuracy and precision. Accuracy is how close the measurement is to true value. This difference is further explained in judging scale accuracy.
What is Loss on Drying (LOD)?
The loss of weight that occurs as the heat drives moisture from samples. The loss is the difference in weight before and after the drying cycle.
How do I choose the right drying profile?
Regulations or industry standards may provide guidance.
- Standard is best for most stable materials
- Ramp or step should be used for samples high sugar or volatile content that may “crust” or burn if immediately hit with high heat
- Select fast for high moisture content materials where speed is important