Moisture Analyser (Halogen / IR LOD Balance)
A balance with a built-in halogen or infrared heater. It dries a sample on the pan and calculates the loss on drying automatically, usually in a few minutes.
- Pharmaceutical
- Food
- Plastics
- Chemicals
- Agriculture
How Moisture analyser works
The halogen or IR heater warms the sample by radiation. The balance records the falling mass. When the rate of mass loss drops below a set value, the test ends and the instrument calculates the percentage lost from the initial and final masses.
The path of a sample
- 01
Tare pan
Tare an empty aluminium pan on the balance.
- 02
Spread sample
Spread a set mass thinly and evenly.
- 03
Heat
Close the lid; the heater brings the sample to the set temperature.
- 04
Weigh continuously
The balance tracks mass loss as moisture leaves.
- 05
Switch-off
The test ends when the loss rate falls below the criterion.
- 06
Result
% LOD is calculated and printed.
Main parts and what they do
Weighing cell
Precision balance that weighs the sample during drying (often 1 mg readability).
Halogen or IR heater
Heats the sample by radiation to the set temperature.
Temperature sensor
Measures heater temperature to control it.
Pan and pan holder
Disposable aluminium pans and a holder with a wind shield.
Lid / heating module
Closes over the sample during heating.
Display and software
Sets methods, shows the drying curve and calculates the result.
Terms every analyst should know
Switch-off criterion
The rule that ends a test, for example less than 1 mg mass loss in 50 seconds. A stricter criterion gives a longer test.
Halogen heating
A halogen lamp heats the sample quickly by infrared radiation.
Method equivalence
The temperature and switch-off criterion are adjusted until results agree with the reference oven method.
Sample spreading
A thin, even layer dries uniformly; thick heaps dry slowly and give low results.
Keep every Moisture analyser in control: usage logs, calibration and maintenance schedules, and automatic blocking of overdue instruments.