Moisture Analyzer and Moisture Meters from METTLER TOLEDO
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Moisture Analyzer

Moisture Analyzer

When moisture content matters.

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When Moisture Content Matters

Moisture affects the processibility, shelf life, usability and quality of many products such as pharmaceutical substances, plastics and foods. I...

Moisture affects the processibility, shelf life, usability and quality of many products such as pharmaceutical substances, plastics and foods. Information about and determination of moisture content is therefore very important. METTLER TOLEDO is the expert in moisture analysis and offers a wide range of reliable instrumetns suiting the needs of quality control and in-process control.

As a leading manufacturer of high-quality moisture analyzers and tools for instrument performance verification such as SmartCal, with lots of application knowledge, and by having a word-class service organization, we can offer a full moisture solution to ensure optimal moisture determination.

What is a moisture analyzer and how does a moisture analyzer work?

A moisture analyzer is often also called moisture balance or moisture meter. It consists of a weighing unit and a heating unit (infrared technology) and is used to determine the moisture content of a sample with the loss on drying principle. Today many customers use a moisture analyzer because they want to analyze the moisture content using a much faster method. Moisture analyzers are used in many industries such as food, chemical, pharmaceutical and plastics. Moisture content determination in food is of particular importance as the moisture content influences the quality and shelf life of a product.

To find out more about moisture analyzers check out our 'Frequently Asked Questions on Moisture Analysis' page.

 


 
Professional Moisture Analyzer
Advanced Moisture Analyzer
Entry Level Moisture Analyzer
SmartCal

Professional Level

Advanced Level

Entry Level

SmartCal

When Moisture matters, METTLER TOLEDO Professional Moisture Analyzers deliver outstanding results.
Routine moisture determination made easy. Convenient usage, clever guidance and robust construction for the laboratory and the factory floor.
METTLER TOLEDO quality at an attractive price. Simple operation and reliable performance makes daily routine moisture measurements easy and efficient.
SmartCal™ test substance ensures trusted moisture results by verifying the performance of your moisture analyzer.
Top Performance and Intelligent Control
Moisture Determination at its Best
Record Speed from Start to Finish
Every aspect has been developed with speed in mind
Premium Performance for Best Product Quality
Best precision and repeatability for reliable results
Quality Results, Traceable Reporting
Built-in user management, A4 or letter printouts
Network Connectivity
Ethernet, USB and RS232 supported
Quick Operation
OneClickTM moisture for ease of use
Quick Analysis
Halogen technology for fast heating
Quick Cleaning
Flat surfaces are completely smooth and sealed
Convenient to Use with Clever Guidance
Intuitive for anyone to operate – day by day
Large color touchscreen
Bright and easy to read display
Convenient operation
Programmable methods - start with one click
Clever features
User guidance, drying curve and set-up wizard
Robust construction
For use in the lab and on the factory floor
Easy to clean
Flat stainless steel surfaces
Looking for a replacement for HB43-S and HB43?
The successor offers the same reliable performance and quality
Simply Reliable
Accurate and repeatable moisture measurements.
Halogen Heating
For fast heating and quick results.
Easy operation
Simply tare, add your sample and press start.
Essential Functionality
Just what you need for your daily tasks.
Professional Moisture Analyzer
Professional Level

When Moisture matters, METTLER TOLEDO Professional Moisture Analyzers deliver outstanding results.

Top Performance and Intelligent Control
Moisture Determination at its Best
Record Speed from Start to Finish
Every aspect has been developed with speed in mind
Premium Performance for Best Product Quality
Best precision and repeatability for reliable results
Quality Results, Traceable Reporting
Built-in user management, A4 or letter printouts
Network Connectivity
Ethernet, USB and RS232 supported
Quick Operation
OneClickTM moisture for ease of use
Quick Analysis
Halogen technology for fast heating
Quick Cleaning
Flat surfaces are completely smooth and sealed
See details
See less
Advanced Moisture Analyzer
Advanced Level

Routine moisture determination made easy. Convenient usage, clever guidance and robust construction for the laboratory and the factory floor.

Convenient to Use with Clever Guidance
Intuitive for anyone to operate – day by day
Large color touchscreen
Bright and easy to read display
Convenient operation
Programmable methods - start with one click
Clever features
User guidance, drying curve and set-up wizard
Robust construction
For use in the lab and on the factory floor
Easy to clean
Flat stainless steel surfaces
Looking for a replacement for HB43-S and HB43?
The successor offers the same reliable performance and quality
See details
See less
Entry Level Moisture Analyzer
Entry Level

METTLER TOLEDO quality at an attractive price. Simple operation and reliable performance makes daily routine moisture measurements easy and efficient.

Simply Reliable
Accurate and repeatable moisture measurements.
Halogen Heating
For fast heating and quick results.
Easy operation
Simply tare, add your sample and press start.
Essential Functionality
Just what you need for your daily tasks.
See details
See less
SmartCal
SmartCal

SmartCal™ test substance ensures trusted moisture results by verifying the performance of your moisture analyzer.

See details
See less

Services

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Explore our Services - Tailored to Fit your Equipment

We support and service your measurement equipment through its entire life-cycle, from installation to preventive maintenance and calibration to equipment repair.

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Publications

Brochure : Guide to Moisture Analysis

Moisture affects the processibility, shelf life, usability and quality of many products such as pharmaceutical substances, plastics and foods. Information about and monitoring of moisture content is therefore very important. Most substances have an optimum moisture content for obtaining the best possible processing results and therefore attaining maximum quality. Furthermore, moisture content impacts on price and there are statutory rules for some products governing the maximum permissible moisture content (e.g. as defined by national food regulations).

White Paper: Drying Oven vs. Halogen Moisture Analyzer

A Practical Guide to Compare Methods

Moisture content is a key quality parameter in most industries, including food, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries. Moisture content determines the quality and the cost of raw materials; it affects product quality (e.g. shelf life) and often influences the financial margin of finished goods. Moisture is also a key parameter for process control in many production processes. For these reasons, monitoring of moisture content is very important. These moisture determinations need to be carried out rapidly and reliably so that any interventions in the production process can be made promptly, to avoid costly interruptions.

Method Collections

Our collections of moisture analyzer drying methods provide you with recommended settings for many of the most common sample types according to market segment.

Application Notes

Learn more about specific applications in which moisture analysis plays a key role. Background information on the topic is included and we explain how to use your moisture analyzer to best effect to overcome the typical challenges encountered.

User Guide: Reference Substance to Test Halogen Moisture Analyzers

To ensure quality moisture results at all times, METTLER TOLEDO offers SmartCal. This unique temperature sensitive substance with a known moisture content is used in one single test to quickly and easily verify the instrument’s overall functionality. The SmartCal test is based on a regular measurement with a moisture analyzer. SmartCal contains a specific amount of moisture which makes  it an ideal reference substance for the performance verification of moisture analyzers.

Moisture FAQ

What is a moisture analyzer and how does it work?

 

Select your Question

  1. What is a moisture analyzer?
  2. How does a moisture analyzer work?
  3. What is the 'Loss on Drying' (LOD) principle?
  4. How is the sample heated?
  5. What is the difference between halogen technology and infrared technology?
  6. Who uses moisture analyzers?
  7. What is moisture?
  8. Is moisture the same as water?
  9. What is the official method to determine the moisture content?
  10. We have to follow the standard method. Can we still use a moisture analyzer?
  11. How do the results on the moisture analyzer compare to the standard method?
  12. What is a method for a moisture analyzer?
  13. Why do I need to do method development?
  14. How do I develop a method on my moisture analyzer for my substance?
  15. What is sample preparation and why is it important?
  16. Which sample size do you recommend?
  17. Can I determine the moisture content of plastics?
  18. How to measure moisture content in food?
  19. How do I need to test a moisture analyzer and which parts?
  20. What is the difference between testing and adjustment? What is calibration?
  21. How often should I test my moisture analyzer?

     

1. What is a moisture analyzer?

 

A moisture analyzer determines the moisture content of a sample with the loss on drying method and consists of a weighing and heating unit (infrared). It is often also called moisture balance or moisture meter.

Moisture Analyzer
Moisture Analyzer
 


 

2. How does a moisture analyzer work?

The Halogen Moisture Analyzer works according to the thermo-gravimetric principle, also often referred to as 'Loss on Drying' (LOD) principle. The moisture analyzer consists of two components, a balance unit and a heating unit. In order to measure the moisture content the sample's start weight is recorded, afterwards a halogen radiator heats and dries the sample while the integrated balance continually records the sample weight. When the sample no longer loses weight the instrument shuts off and the moisture content is calculated. The total loss in weight is used to calculate the moisture content.

 


 

3. What is the 'Loss on Drying' (LOD) principle?

LOD stands for loss on drying. Most standard methods are LOD methods. LOD is a method that determines the moisture content of a sample by analyzing the weight loss of a sample upon heating. The loss of weight is interpreted as loss of moisture of the sample. When all of the moisture is out of the sample the weight of the sample no longer changes. The moisture content of a sample is then calculated by comparing the initial sample weight to the dried or final sample weight.

 
Moisture Analyzer
Moisture Analyzer

4. How is the sample heated?

 

The sample absorbs the infrared radiation of the halogen moisture analyzer and as a result heats up very quickly. Furthermore, the sample's temperature depends on its absorption characteristics and thus must not be the displayed temperature. This is different to the drying oven in which the sample is heated by convection and drying requires a long period of time.

 


 

5. What is the difference between halogen technology and infrared technology?

 

Halogen heating is infrared technology too. Drying with the halogen radiator is a further development of the infrared drying method. The heating element consists of a glass pipe filled with halogen gas. As the mass of the halogen radiator is very low compared with that of a conventional infrared radiator, the maximum heating output can be reached quickly and outstanding controllability and even heat distribution is achieved.

Moisture Analyzer
Moisture Analyzer
 


 

6. Who uses moisture analyzers?

The official method for moisture content determination is the drying oven. Today many customers use a moisture analyzer because they want to analyze the moisture content using a much faster method. Moisture analyzers are used in many industries such as food, chemical, pharmaceutical and plastics. Moisture content determination in food is of particular importance as the moisture content influences the quality and shelf life of a product.

 


 

7. What is moisture?

Moisture is everything that evaporates upon heating ("loss on drying"). In addition to water, the analyzed moisture content includes fats, alcohol and solvents.

 


 

8. Is moisture the same as water?

No, and that often gets mixed up. Moisture is everything that evaporates upon heating. Water is specifically the water molecule (H20). To determine the water content it is best to use a Karl Fischer titrator.

 


 
Moisture Analyzer
Moisture Analyzer

9. What is the official method to determine the moisture content?

 

The official method to determine the moisture content of a sample is the drying oven. The drying oven method is a very time consuming method that can take up to 6 hours to determine the moisture content of a sample. In contrast to the moisture analyzer, in the drying oven the sample is heated by convection which requires a long period of time to dry the sample. It is accepted to use a moisture analyzer to determine the moisture content of a sample if you can prove that the same results with the same accuracy can be achieved as with the drying oven.

 


 

10. We have to follow the standard method. Can we still use a moisture analyzer?

Many industries regulations required to follow a standard method. However it is accepted if you can prove that the results of the drying oven and moisture analyzer are the same. Many customers in that situation on a regular basis determine the moisture content of a sample in parallel by using both the standard method and their moisture analyzer in order to verify the result.

 


 

11. How do the results on the moisture analyzer compare to the standard method?

You need to develop a moisture analyzer method that will give you the same moisture content result as the official method. METTLER TOLEDO has developed methods for their moisture analyzers for a vast variety of samples from different industries. Those methods compare and match the result of the official drying oven method.

 


 

12. What is a method for a moisture analyzer?

A moisture method describes how the moisture content of a specific substance is analyzed using a moisture analyzer. This includes method parameters (drying program, drying temperature, switch-off criterion, sample weight, start mode, display mode) and also sample preparation (e.g. grinding) and sample application (e.g. use of a glass-fiber filter).

 


 

13. Why do I need to do method development?

Every substance requires a suitable method in order to accurately and reliably determine the moisture content. Either you want to obtain the same result with the moisture analyzer as with the reference method (typically the drying oven) or, if you don't have a reference method, your goal is getting repeatable results.

 


 

14. How do I develop a method on my moisture analyzer for my substance?

There are two possibilities for method development. First, if you have a reference method and reference value, then the goal is to obtain the same moisture content result with the moisture analyzer. Second, if you don't have a reference method, you need to find a method which is giving repeatable results and does not burn the sample. For both possibilities, you need to modify the method parameters to get the desired result. Typically, the most important parameter to adjust is the drying temperature.

 


 

15. What is sample preparation and why is it important?

 

Correct sample preparation is key to repeatable and reliably determine the moisture content of a sample. Take a representative sample and then prepare the sample for measurement. The sample preparation should be done to ensure even granulation (homogeneity), to increase the sample surface and to allow an even distribution of the sample (thin and even layer) on the sample pan. This leads to fast and repeatable results.

Moisture Analyzer
Moisture Analyzer
 


 

16. Which sample size do you recommend?

Typically 3 to 5 g is a good sample size which allows covering the complete pan with a thin and even layer and which is giving repeatable and fast results. For samples with very low moisture content (<1%), we recommend using more sample weight to reduce the relative error (e.g. 30 g for plastic pellets), however this requires a longer measurement time. We do not recommend to use less than 1 g of sample as this does not allow even distribution and does not give good repeatability. To ensure best repeatability, we advise always using the same sample weight (± 0.1 g).

 


 
Moisture Analyzer
Moisture Analyzer

17. Can I determine the moisture content of plastics?

 

Yes. Because of the very low moisture content in plastics METTLER TOLEDO recommends only the HX204 moisture analyzer. This instrument has best measurement performance with 0.1mg readability and functionalities such as preheating and delay of switch-off criterion (SOC delay) which are necessary for such kind of samples.

 


 

 

18. How to measure moisture content in food?

 

Moisture analysis plays a vital role in all areas of the food industry. The moisture analyzer is an ideal instrument to quickly and reliably determine the moisture content in food stuff. METTLER TOLEDO has established an extensive library of validated measurement methods for over 100 food products. For every sample in the collection, the preparation, procedure and the corresponding method parameters are provided for both the drying oven and the moisture analyzer.

Moisture Analyzer
Moisture Analyzer
 


 
Moisture Analyzer
Moisture Analyzer

19. How do I need to test a moisture analyzer and which parts?

 

A moisture analyzer consists of a heating unit and a weighing unit. Both components should be tested individually and combined with the following routine test tools:

  • Heating unit: temperature test with a temperature kit
  • Weighing unit: balance test (sensitivity) with a weight
  • Combined test: simulating a real moisture measurement with the moisture analyzer test substance called SmartCal

 

 


 

20. What is the difference between testing and adjustment? What is calibration?

Testing is the determination of a deviation between the measured value and the true value without making any changes. Adjustment is testing plus making the changes (corrective action) so that the measuring device is correct. Calibration is often used to describe either testing or adjustment but it is unclear what action the user actually means. That's why we distinguish between testing and adjusting to be clear about the action. In case of the moisture analyzer it is for example important to regularly calibrate (test) and adjust the heating unit.

 


 

21. How often should I test my moisture analyzer?

The moisture analyzer should be tested whenever it is installed or relocated and in regular intervals. This regular test frequency depends on the individual process risk. The risk is determined by factors such as criticality of the process, the temperature sensitivity of the sample and the customer's level of regulation.

 

Moisture Applications

Why is moisture important?

Moisture affects the processability, shelf life, usability and quality of many products such as pharmaceutical substances, plastics and foods. Information about and monitoring of moisture content is therefore very important. Most substances have an optimum moisture content for obtaining the best possible processing results and therefore attaining maximum quality. Furthermore, moisture content impacts on price and there are statutory rules for some products governing the maximum permissible moisture content (e.g. as defined by national food regulations).

METTLER TOLEDO offers thermogravimetric and chemical techniques to determine the moisture or water content in a sample

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How to Use the Search Function

To find your application use the filters for 'Sample', 'Industry' or use full text search. Any combination of filter and full text search is possible. Note that the full text search yields only matches that include the exact word sequence of your query.

 

Applications Library

Find Your Application

The moisture application specialists of METTLER TOLEDO have developed more than 100 methods for various samples to use on METTLER TOLEDO halogen moisture analyzer. These proven and well-tested methods will help you to get repeatable and quick results with our moisture analyzers. The 'Application Search' allows you search through the database and find the application that best suits your needs. For each method we provide a PDF Datasheet and an xml method file to import the respective method parameters into your instrument (HX204, HS153 and HC103 only).

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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