Moisture Analyzers

What is a moisture analyzer and how does it work?

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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?
22. What is the best moisture analyzer for my application?

2. How does a moisture analyzer work?

The Moisture Analyzer works according to the thermo-gravimetric principle, also often referred to as the '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 lamp or other infrared 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 best moisture analyzer for my application?

4. Which aspects do I need to consider when selecting a moisture analyzer

When selecting a moisture analyzer you need to look at measurement performance related specifications such as repeatability, readability and recommended moisture content. Ease of use, data management, and whether the instrument can handle the characteristics of your sample type are just some of the criteria to consider as well.

• Download our Product Selection Guide

5. Why is the sample characteristic important for the moisture analyzer purchasing decision?

Depending on the sample characteristics (e.g. solid, liquid, pasty, solvent containing), it is important to have the right method parameters available in the instrument and accessories at hand in order to obtain accurate and reliable results.

• Read more in the Guide to Moisture Analysis

7. What are the advantages of halogen heating?

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. This ensures repeatable results starting from the first measurement (while some other heating sources either deliver different results in the first measurement or require a warm up measurement which is wasting time and resources). Furthermore, an even heat distribution on the sample surface is essential for repeatable and reliable results. We advise to ask the manufacturer for a demonstration and experience the performance in real-life.

8. What is the best moisture analyzer for laboratory or production workers?

Typically, laboratory and production workers require an instrument which is intuitive to use and guides operators through the process. This ensures that users are following the right procedures thus preventing handling errors. Graphical user guidance, method shortcuts, user management and many languages are helpful instrument functionalities.

Watch the video to learn more about Simple Operation:

9. Does the moisture analyzer offer support in finding the right method for my sample?

Using the right method for your specific sample is important for reliable and repeatable results. When you are a first-time user or when you regularly need to develop methods for new substances, then you can benefit from our Excellence Level instruments which offer integrated method development support to find the right method parameters.

• Explore our models of moisture analyzers

10. Why is a fast and competent support or service important?

Fast and competent service is important for many aspects throughout the lifetime of the instrument. First, you can profit from professional installation to have your moisture analyzer quickly installed and up and running. Second, preventative maintenance is key to your instrument's accuracy and longevity. Lastly, in case of a broken instrument, certified service engineers repair the moisture analyzer fast and reliably with the right skills and tools. With onsite repair METTLER TOLEDO service engineers minimize downtime and allow you to return to normal operation as fast as possible. METTLER TOLEDO is always available for you, whether you need a service for your instrument or expert support and know-how for your application such as support in method development.

11. Which moisture analyzer is recommended for best repeatability?

The HX204 moisture analyzer is recommended. A high-performance weighing cell with 0.001% moisture content readability separated from the heating source ensures best moisture results even when measuring very low moisture contents.

• Learn more about HX204

12. What are important functionalities of a moisture analyzer when measuring many different samples?

If you want to measure many different substances, we advise to use one method per sample type, even if you are using the same method parameters for different samples. Therefore, method storage capability of the moisture analyzer is important. Being able to store one method per substance and giving it a dedicated name not only improves the usability of a moisture analyzer but also allows for better documentation and reporting, e.g. sample name on print-out. In addition to that, you need to look at the method flexibility (the method parameter options such as drying program, drying temperature and switch-off criterion) to be able to optimize your drying method to each sample's characteristics.

• Download our Product Selection Guide

13. Do you recommend a special moisture analyzer model when different operators are using the same instrument?

Yes, there are three aspects which are important with regard to that topic: ease of use, unwanted changes and documentation.

• When operators are using many different kinds of instrumentation, an easy-to-use moisture analyzer helps them to follow the right processes
• If you want to prevent operators from changing instrument settings or methods, you are able to block or allow access to settings with a configurable user management system.
• For reporting and compliance topics, it is important that the user name (or user ID) is documented on the measurement report. This is achieved with a user management system.
• If you want to know who has done the measurement, you can

Watch the video to learn more about User Management:

14. What is the best moisture analyzer for measuring moisture content (or dry content or total solids) in volatile samples?

Samples containing volatile solvents require special instrument settings and handling as they may lose weight before starting the drying process. Fast heating may also result in rapid evaporation of solvents leading to potential condensation under the sample pan and accumulation of flammable gases. For safe measurements and good results, we advise the gentle drying program and manual start mode. Both are available in HX204 and HS153 moisture analyzers.

• Learn more about HX204 and HS153

15. How does the moisture analyzer support me in being compliant to regulations such as USP, FDA, ASTM or 21 CFR Part 11?

Basically, two topics are important with regards to compliance: data management and performance testing. Ensuring data integrity means that every result record needs to be attributable (who has done the measurement), legible (traceable, readable), contemporaneous (recorded at time of generation), original and accurate (correct, complete). Please keep in mind that an instrument is never compliant by itself but it can support the user in being compliant. The HX204 is the moisture analyzer for industries with the highest demands in compliance. It supports the user with safety and data integrity functions such as user management (prevention of changes & unique user log-ons), tailor-made reporting (including non-modifiable PDF reports) and with integrated performance testing of all relevant measuring systems (heating unit, balance, overall instrument test) at point of use.

• Learn more about HX204

16. What is the best moisture analyzer for production environments?

The HC103 is a great instrument for production environments. It is intuitive to use and the operator is guided graphically step by step through the workflow. Tough metal housing and robust components guarantee a long instrument lifetime. Along with the space-saving compact design, this makes the HC103 a perfect choice for a harsh production floor.

The HX204 and HS153 are also a good choice as they offer customizable control and warning limits for each sample. This integrated pass/fail decision is very helpful in the production area. In addition to that, the innovative hanging weighing pan and flat stainless steel surfaces allow fast and easy cleaning without the risk of dirt getting into the weighing cell.

• Explore our models of moisture analyzers

17. How important is the weighing unit of a moisture analyzer?

The weighing unit is important for a moisture analyzer as accurate weight measurements are required over the complete drying (measurement) process. It is key to avoid even minimal drift in the weight value, and temperature changes near the load cell are a common cause of such issues. Therefore, it is critical to protect the weighing cell from temperature changes. METTLER TOLEDO has many years of experience in designing and manufacturing high performance moisture analyzers with minimal drift of the weighing cell. In addition to that, the HX204 and HS153 moisture analyzers are constructed with the hanging weighing pan, which separates the heating source from the weighing cell and further improves performance.

• Explore our models of moisture analyzers

18. Can a moisture analyzer test for water content?

A moisture analyzer measures the content of all volatile components within a substance. It does not distinguish between water and other components. However, if water is the main moisture component or the other components are always present in the same proportion then the moisture analyzer might be suitable for such a measurement.

• Explore our models of moisture analyzers
• For water specific measurements please visit our Karl Fischer Titration page

19. How fast is a moisture analyzer at determining moisture content?

The time required to complete a measurement depends on factors such as sample characteristics, sample preparation, choice of method parameters and use of accessories. Most measurements are typically completed in 3 to 15 minutes. Contact our team of experts who will support you in getting the fastest results possible

20. How accurate are moisture analyzers?

According to ISO 5725 Accuracy considers both the correctness and precision of a set of measurements. Correctness for a moisture analyzer describes to which extent the mean value matches the true value (value obtained by recognized reference method, e.g. drying oven method). Precision or repeatability is described as the extent to which results from a series of measurements (same sample, same conditions, same person etc.) match one another. Repeatability is expressed as standard deviation.

For a moisture analyzer repeatability is typically more important than correctness. METTLER TOLEDO moisture analyzers stand out with excellent repeatability, both in technical specifications and in real life performance. For common samples such as food products, a standard deviation of about 0.05 %MC is achieved which is comparable to the typical precision of the drying oven method. With special settings and handling even better repeatability is possible.

When comparing repeatability of different models be aware of the following:

- Compare repeatability specifications for same sample weight
- Stated repeatability is given for an ideal sample (no substance-dependent uncertainty) and does not show instrument dependent characteristics

• Download our Product Selection Guide