Moisture Balance

Moisture balances are essential tools used across various industries, primarily due to their accuracy in measuring moisture content. In the food and beverage industry, for instance, moisture balances play a crucial role in ensuring that products meet strict quality standards and shelf life requirements. They effectively measure moisture levels in various items, including grains, snack food, ready meals, dairy, and other food products, which helps maintain freshness and quality. Similarly, the pharmaceutical sector relies on moisture content measurements to ensure drug stability and efficacy. Moisture balances are utilized to test both raw materials and finished products, guaranteeing that they adhere to necessary moisture specifications. In the chemicals industry, moisture analyzers are vital for assessing the moisture content in powdered chemicals, resins, and plastics. This measurement is critical for maintaining product quality and preventing production issues that can arise from improper moisture levels. Overall, moisture balances are versatile tools that contribute significantly to maintaining quality and compliance across various sectors. Learn more about the moisture balance features supporting reliable results for different industries:  

• Food
• Pharma
• Plastics

A moisture balance is an essential instrument used for accurately measuring the moisture content in various materials. This device utilizes the thermo-gravimetric principle, particularly the “Loss on Drying” (LOD) technique. It features a combination of a precise weighing unit and a heating mechanism. To determine the moisture content, the process begins by weighing the sample to obtain its initial weight. The moisture balance then employs either a halogen lamp or infrared heating to evaporate moisture from the sample. Throughout this drying process, the integrated balance continuously monitors weight changes. When the sample reaches a stable weight—indicating that all moisture has been removed—the analyzer automatically concludes the measurement. This efficient method of measuring moisture content is crucial for industries that prioritize quality control, ensuring that products maintain the desired moisture levels for optimal performance and longevity. Utilizing a moisture balance enhances accuracy and reliability in moisture determination, making it a vital instrument in various applications.

All METTLER TOLEDO moisture balances come equipped with integrated tests and adjustments to ensure accurate measurements. To minimize measurement errors, it is recommended to perform periodic routine testing between service visits. Routine testing includes three key tests: 

• Overall Instrument Test: This test verifies functionality within 10 minutes using the temperature-sensitive test substance, SmartCal.
• Heating Unit Test: A temperature kit is inserted, and the heating unit is set to a defined target temperature to assess its performance.
• Weighing Unit Test: This test evaluates sensitivity using a known reference mass.
   

The frequency of routine testing should be based on risk assessments. You can utilize your personal, complimentary GMAP Recommendation to determine the appropriate testing frequency to make sure that your moisture balance is performing over time.