Moisture Content Analysis

Our Moisture Industry Solution Packages provide expert guidance on how to benefit from fast and accurate moisture analysis. Our specialist knowledge is based on decades of collaboration with leading companies in the industry.

What is a Moisture Industry Solution Package?
Our Moisture Industry Solution Packages include a wealth of know how in moisture determination such as method collections, case studies and application notes. Simply download the document of interest for your industry to benefit from our expertise.

What is your benefit?
Our Moisture Industry Solution Packages show you how moisture analysis enables increasing profits when selling finished product on weight. They also guide you on achieving best results using moisture analyzers in your production process.

Dry Plastic Pellets Keep Manufacturing Lean!
Accurate determination of residual moisture enables lean manufacturing

Eliminate waste in manufacturing with accurate, reliable control of the residual moisture content on the factory floor by factory staff:

- Avoid defects (scrap and reworks)

- Eliminate waste (from test results in the lab)

- Cut-out unnecessary transportation (from off-site testing equipment)

The residual moisture content of plastic pellets is key to good flowabilty and proper filling of injection molds. For example, polyamides require a residual moisture content of 0.02% to 0.1% for optimal processing – too much moisture causes slays and other quality deficits; too little moisture leads to poor mold filling, particularly for parts having long flow paths or delicate rib forms.

如何測量塑膠顆粒的水分含量？

我們的塑膠方法合集爲最常見塑膠樹脂提供濕氣方法，並將其與卡爾費雪滴定法進行比較。

Karl Fischer Titration is the ASTM standard test method to determine the residual moisture content in plastics (see ASTM D6869; Standard Test Method for Coulometric and Volumetric Determination of Moisture in Plastics). For KF Titration a proper laboratory and qualified lab technicians are required. Toxic chemicals are applied and hazardous waste needs to be disposed. Therefore, Karl Fisher Titration is not well suited for use on the factory floor on a 24/7 basis by factory personnel.
As alternative to KF Titration for routine testing ASTM has established the 'Standard Test Method for Determination of Moisture in Plastics by Loss in Weight', ASTM D6980. This method describes the use of moisture analyzers.
Using a halogen moisture analyzer is an ASTM recognized test method to determine the residual moisture content in plastics.

The resolution of the HX204 Halogen Moisture Analyzer from METTLER TOLEDO is 0.001 %MC (Moisture Content) or 10 ppm. Karl Fisher Titration achieves a 10x higher resolution of 1ppm.
ASTM states in Standard ASTM D6980 that moisture analyzers are well suited for quantitative moisture determination of most plastics.

Plastic pellets contain approx. ~100x less moisture than food samples such as ground coffee. Their moisture content is very low. To determine such small amounts of moisture in a robust and accurate manner the use of an instrument with high resolution of 0.1mg is mandatory. The resolution of 0.1mg is 10x higher than that of a standard moisture analyzer used for food samples (1mg). Within the METTLER TOLEDO range of instruments only the HX204 instrument offers this high resolution.
To achieve lasting and reliable results, high resolution alone is not enough. It is strongly recommended to apply the 'tips and tricks' and the drying methods described in the 'Method Collection Plastics'.

Select a temperature such that moisture evaporates and result matches the reference value obtained by Karl Fischer titration. Melted material or color changes are indications of too high temperatures. We recommend to follow the guidance provided in the METTLER TOLEDO guide 'Method Collection Plastics'.

Reinforced plastics contain glass or other materials which do not interfere. Therefore, you can use the same method.

Moisture Matters in Cookies
Increase quality and revenue with accurate moisture control

Learn how moisture control contributes to consistent quality and minimizes overpaying for raw material

The 'Moisture in Cookies' solution includes

- Case Study 'Shelf-life, taste and more'

- Method Collection 'Food'

- Application Note 'Measuring Moisture in Cookies'

These documents show how leading cookie companies benefit from halogen moisture analysis. They also offer you expert guidance on using the instruments including application methods for cookies and their typical ingredients.