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Dear Readers, Welcome to the latest issue of Micro
When it comes to moisture analyzers, their selection must be done carefully because the outcome depends on basically the moisture analyzer in use. Moisture measurement and control is very critical in various processes within the pharmaceutical, food, agriculture, and chemical industries, where moisture content influences end products’ quality and shelf life. Selecting an appropriate moisture content determination device does not come easy especially with a number of models present in the market.
The first step toward selection of the right moisture analyzer is a definition of the various features that ought to be incorporated in the solution to be analyzed.
For different materials, there are different moisture analyzers that can be used. If most of these techniques have to be implemented in powders, pastes or liquids, or even solids, the appropriate analyzer will be different.
Some fields may require moisture content as low as 0.01% whilst some have wider limits. You must be able to use the analyzer for the entire moisture content range and beyond that is applicable to the relevant fields.
What levels of accuracy will you need? An audience willing to invest in high precision analyzers will mostly be working in fields such as pharmaceuticals and food safety among others while general applications will call for less stringent accuracy.
A moisture analyser is a precision balance combined with a heat source, which is why they are often called a Moisture Balance As with all balances the accuracy and precision is determined by the weight and therefore finely tuned loadcells are used. However, in a moisture balance the heat source also contributed to both accuracy and precision. So choosing right heating technology with your requirement is crucial.
Infra-Red heat sources are typically a metal ring in the top housing of the moisture balance, the sample directly absorbs infrared radiation, leading to the drying process. This method is slower than some other heat sources but is adopted in environments where glass is not allowed (e.g. food processing).
Halogen heating is more efficient due to its ability to transfer energy through both radiation and convection. This offers a faster result than infrared heating.
Employs microwave radiation to heat the sample, generating heat through water molecule absorption. This method is quick, but only suited to large samples with higher water content because other substances may also evaporate during the process and therefore it becomes less reliable.
Carbon Fiber heating is similar to infrared heating, however the carbon fiber heating element does not use as much energy making the bulb light up, instead that energy is used to penetrate the sample as long wave radiation. This results in fast and reliable results.
Both the OHAUS MB32 and MB62 models feature user-friendly, ergonomic knobs, allowing for precise control and adjustments. This simple yet effective design provides enhanced operational convenience during moisture analysis, ensuring that each test can be adjusted with minimal effort, thereby improving accuracy and workflow efficiency in busy laboratory environments.
The OHAUS moisture analysers, including the MB62 and MB92, also come equipped with a multi-color status light. This visual indicator provides real-time updates on the testing process, with different colors signaling specific stages such as heating, analyzing, or cooling down. This allows technicians to easily monitor progress from a distance, enhancing the user experience and reducing the risk of test disruption.
Ease of use and workflow integration in a busy laboratory are important factors determining the choice of a specific instrument. A user-friendly moisture analyzer takes into consideration the need for rapidity of result reproduction and ease of use of the equipment and the software in the absence of formal lab technicians in charge of all the processes. Many of the modern analyzers also have touch screen control, programmable settings and storage for several profiles which helps increase the efficiency of work.
LIMS Connectivity: In addition, look at how the analyzer is going to fit in the lab’s data activities. Certain Moisture analyzers, which can be connected to LIMS (Laboratory Information Management Systems) or have USB / RS232 ports for data transfer, can make reporting and audit processes more efficient.
For every moisture analyzer to function within its specification, there is need of performing a regular calibration. Some models are also designed to ensure utilization of features for calibration on a routine basis to limit downtime therefore time saving and compliance achieved. There are also easy to clean and reliable materials that should be selected to reduce the maintenance of the instrument and extend its lifespan.
If your laboratory deals with many samples in a given period of time, the sample modules have to analyze them efficiently. High moisture content analyzers are used to test multiple large sample sizes, or test large number of samples frequently, whereas lower, compact moisture analyzers may only be suitable for laboratories which are low-volume. Preparation of samples, the performance of tests and cleaning of the analyzer in between test must be considered since these are determinants of overall productivity of the lab.
Rather than just being there to cut costs, you should also think of how to stay on budget in terms of other expenses that will arise from the purchase, for example, maintenance, repairs, and cost of energy used. For instance, OHAUS’s energy efficient gaseous analyzer implements sophisticated energy saving technology such as carbon fibers. Although the initial investment in such an analyzer may be relatively high, the manufacturing operating costs are considerably lower. Also, buying a good quality, strong instrument minimizes the chances of repair or replacement often.
In certain sectors too, such as pharmaceuticals or food safety, there are suitable equipment specifically prescribed by standards for moisture analysis. Be sure that the moisture analyzer you acquire adheres to any necessary regulations including, but not limited to, USP or ISO standards.
In that regard, it is crucial to state that choosing the appropriate moisture analyzer should always involve an assessment of the specific needs of your laboratory environment. By concentrating on these factors: sample type, accuracy demands, heating technology, user-friendliness, and cost-effectiveness in future, you will procure a device that not only solves your immediate needs but also accommodates growth of your laboratory in the future. With novel new technologies such as carbon fiber heating in moisture analyzers, laboratories are achieving faster time to results, lower energy consumption and more environmentally friendly practices which is a major step forward in productivity.
Last but not least, do not hesitate to seek help from moisture analysis experts or product area representatives in order to acquire competent assistance that is exact and customized to fit the equipment you would want to acquire.
Introducing the Next Generation of Moisture Analyzers by OHAUS – MB32, MB62 and MB92 | OHAUS” and hyperlink the text with link
