When selecting a moisture analyzer, you may not be sure which one is the right one for your requirements as there are so many moisture analyzer models on the market. Comparing specifications on the datasheet is important, but choosing the right moisture analyzer for your specific application goes beyond these simple specifications which don't show the complete picture. Measurement performance for your specific sample or ease of use in 24/7 shift operation are just a couple of examples of criteria which can't be found on the datasheet. Therefore, it's vital to understand the functionality and performance of the instrument from a holistic point of view. Consult the guide "How to choose a moisture analyzer" and find out how the following important aspects should influence your purchasing decision:
The heating source (lamp) and its regulations are defined as a heating system. The most important performance factor is precise and fast temperature regulation, which is best delivered by halogen lamps because of their low mass and therefore fast reaction time.
Depending on the sample type (e.g. solid, liquid, pasty, solvent containing), it's important to use specific method parameters and accessories in order to obtain accurate and reliable results.
If you want to measure many different substances, it's advisable to use one method per sample type, even if you're using the same method parameters. Read more in the guide below:
An instrument which is easy to use and guides the operator through the measurement is important when many operators are using the instrument and if you want to prevent operator errors.
The performance of any laboratory instrument can vary over time due to a number of factors. For this reason, it is highly recommended that every instrument be checked regularly in order to ensure consistently reliable results. Typically, a moisture analyzer is tested and calibrated by a service technician once or twice a year. Between service visits, a moisture analyzer should be routinely tested by the user to verify its ongoing performance. This shortens the period of uncertainty between consecutive tests. Let's listen to what Dr. Bob McDowell has to say about instrument calibration and testing. There will be an initial qualification and calibration that is repeated every 6 to 12 months, depending on how frequently the instrument is used. In between these intervals, I want to know, as an auditor, how your instrument performs and what the quality of the results coming out is. Because if you have a problem, it can affect all the results produced since the last requalification. A moisture analyzer consists of a heating device and an integrated weighing unit. A fault in either module could potentially cause errors in results. The service technician tests both modules independently using a temperature calibration kit and a calibrated test weight. A final overall system test is performed with SmartCal. It is highly recommended that the user also applies SmartCal in routine performance testing. SmartCal is a unique test substance with a known moisture content that can be used to test the overall performance of a moisture analyzer with a single standard moisture measurement that takes just 10 minutes. To run the SmartCal test, select the integrated SmartCal method from the menu. Enter the room temperature and relative humidity directly into the device in order to automatically normalize the SmartCal result. Tare the sample pan. Open the SmartCal test sachet and distribute the entire contents evenly over the pan. Place the sample pan into the moisture analyzer, close the lid, and the test starts automatically. The test is finished in just 10 minutes. The normalized moisture result is displayed on screen. and is automatically documented in the built-in control chart. If the result lies within the set control limits, then your moisture analyzer is working correctly. The control chart visualizes instrument performance over time. Trends can be detected before a problem even occurs. And as an auditor, that's a way for you to demonstrate to me that you're in control and that your instrument produces reliable results. Remember that prevention is always better, faster and cheaper than the cure.
Being sure about measure performance and thus moisture results is important. For this reason, routine testing of the weighing unit, the heating unit and an overall instrument test should be performed frequently. Look at the testing and adjustment functionalities of the instruments.
Watch the video on instrument performance testing with SmartCal.
When selecting a moisture analyzer, as well as considering the instrument itself, it's important to consider the supplier and support network for services such as method development or instrument maintenance and repair.
METTLER TOLEDO is an expert in moisture analysis and offers a wide range of reliable and easy to use moisture analyzers to suit the needs of quality control, production and in-process control of many industries, such as pharma, plastics and the food industry.
Do you want to measure the moisture content in your sample, but you're not sure which moisture analyzer is the right one for you? Welcome to this video series on how to select a moisture analyzer, where we will walk you through the process step by step. There are many moisture analyzer models on the market. and it is vital to understand the functionality and performance of the instrument from a holistic point of view. To make your selection, consider the following criteria. The first step is to compare the datasheet to check, for example, the repeatability and data storage of the moisture analyzer. The type of sample also plays an important role. What is the consistency? What kind of moisture content do you expect? And are you measuring many different kinds of samples with different methods? Think about the instrument in use. How many people will work with it? Do they need profiles with password protection? And are they experts or do they need guidance? Getting a good result from your measurement is only half the process. Think about how and where you want to store and review the data, and if you need to print it. The moisture analyzer itself needs to be tested regularly to verify its accurate performance. Consider routine testing, service, and support when choosing a moisture analyzer model. Check out the other videos in the series How to Select a Moisture Analyzer to learn more about these different criteria and find the right instrument for your application.
Considering all the different aspects of selecting the right instrument for your measurement can seem overwhelming. This series of videos covers all the important topics, and includes case studies for the food, plastics and pharmaceutical industry.
