MCC as a Humidity Reference for Gravimetric DVS Instruments

ProUmid Application Note

Frequent validation of the humidity sensor calibration of gravimetric DVS instruments is highly recommended. With the proUmid microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) reference, a certified factory standard for precise and reliable validation results was made available.

With a multi-sample DVS instrument, the periodically required humidity validation can be conveniently accomplished in-line with regularly scheduled measurements, using a free sample dish. Running time-consuming separate validation tests is not required.

Application Note

Requirements for in-line humidity validation, parallel to a standard routine measurement:

free sample dish on the sample carousel,
constant 25 °C measurement temperature,
sorption and desorption cycle, ideally over an extended RH range, e.g. from 0 % RH to 90 % RH,
addition of an extra 3 % RH step to the sorption cycle

During sample preparation, 100 mg of the MCC reference are distributed evenly on the bottom of the sample pan designated for the humidity validation. The other sample and measurement settings are prepared and started according to the applying standard operation procedure (SOP).