Our reference paper will guide you through the setup of a robust moisture method for your sample including the right sample preparation and sample application.
USP 731 <loss on drying>, AOAC and ISO describe the thermogravetric method using a drying oven as a standard procedure for determining moisture content.
The moisture analyzer as an alternative to the drying oven
A moisture analyzer uses an alternative thermogravimetric procedure to provide comparable results to the drying oven in a considerably faster time. A moisture analyzer delivers results in 5-15 minutes in contrast to the drying oven which typically takes 2-3 hours. The procedure is also far simpler and doesn't require specialist skills. By validating the results from the moisture analyzer against those from the drying oven, companies have a convenient and compliant alternative loss on drying solution.
How to ensure reliable results with a halogen moisture analyzer
As with the drying oven, the key to achieving accurate results lies in the development of the drying method. Different samples require different drying methods according to the individual sample properties. A robust drying method includes sample preparation, a suitable drying temperature, the appropriate drying program, and the right switch-off criterion.
Take advantage of METTLER TOLEDO's moisture analysis expertise to improve your moisture analysis processes. Explore the links below to see our wide range of tools and our application method library. Take a look at our range of Moisture Analyzers to discover which one best suits your company's needs.
Moisture Method Development
Moisture Method Development Support
To find a suitable LOD moisture method for your sample you need to understand the sample characteristics of your sample and choose suitable method parameters such as drying program, drying temperature and switch-off criterion. In addition it is important to understand what the best sample preparation for fast and reliable measurements is.
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What is the best way to develop a moisture method?
Consult our reference paper for method development or if you own a METTLER TOLEDO moisture analyzer make use of the integrated Method Wizard functionality. The Method Wizard is fully guided by the instrument and assists you in finding a robust moisture method with minimal effort.
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Benefits of METTLER TOLEDO Method Wizard
The integrated method wizard helps you to develop robust methods delivering reliable moisture results matching the drying oven. The Method Wizard includes a sample characteristics questionnaire, a temperature assistant to find a suitable drying temperature and finally a test measurement to verify the proposed parameters. The method wizard is available on METTLER TOLEDO HX204, HS153 and HC103 moisture analyzers.
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Moisture Method Application Search
Check our proven and well-tested moisture methods in our application library to get a suitable starting point for your own method development. The moisture method datasheets describe method parameters, including sample preparation, for both the moisture analyzer and the reference method (e.g. drying oven procedure).
Moisture Technology Comparison
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FAQ
- We have to use the standard method with the drying oven but using a moisture analyzer would really speed up our processes. Is it possible to switch to a moisture analyzer?
Many industry regulations require manufacturers to follow a standard method. However, it is acceptable to use a moisture analyzer if you can show its results are similar (accuracy and repeatability) as those from the drying oven procedure. This requires developing a drying method for the moisture analyzer and cross-validating it against the drying oven through a series of analyses.
- How do the results on the moisture analyzer compare to the standard method?
In most cases, the moisture analyzer can deliver an equivalent loss on drying moisture result and typically better repeatability, in much less time making it a fast alternative for USP 731 – loss on drying, ASTM D6980 – standard test method for determination of moisture in plastics by loss in weight and other industry standards. METTLER TOLEDO's application database contains over 150 free ready-to-use cross-validated drying methods. Contact us if you don't find what you need.
- Why do I need to do method development?
A good moisture result heavily depends on a good and robust moisture method. There is no one-size-fits-all method for moisture content determination as the samples vary greatly in properties. To develop a reliable moisture method the sample at hand therefore needs to be understood and a loss on drying method, including sample preparation and presentation, that fits the sample needs to be developed.
- How do I develop a loss on drying method on my moisture analyzer for my substance?
In general there are 2 ways to find a suitable LOD method for your sample. If you already have a reference value (e.g. from the drying oven or other moisture/water determination procedure) you can orient your method development to target this reference value. If no reference value exists, try finding a method that dries your sample in a repeatable and fast manner. Consult our reference paper, which guides you through the setup of a robust moisture method for your sample including the right sample preparation and sample application. If you own a METTLER TOLEDO moisture analyzer (HX204, HS153 or HC103) use the integrated Method Wizard functionality that guides you step-by-step to a reliable moisture method with minimum effort. Link to CTA1 and/or method wizard
- What is the drying oven method?
The drying oven method is a thermogravimetric method (loss on drying) in which the sample is dried for a defined period of time at constant temperature. The moisture content is determined by weighing the sample before and after drying and determining the difference.
- How are samples heated in the drying oven and in the moisture analyzer?
In the drying oven, samples are heated by convection. This means the samples are at the same temperature as the drying oven. When using a moisture analyzer, the sample heats up and dries by absorbing infrared radiation from the heating element. The sample's temperature and drying time depends on its absorption characteristics.
- I have many different samples (liquid, pasty, solid, powder). Which technique should I use for moisture content determination?
In general, all kinds of samples are suitable for both the drying oven and the halogen moisture analyzer. Which method is best for you, depends on how fast you need the result or if you need the result using an official method. Sometimes, for example, in goods-in or final product quality control, moisture analyzers are used in parallel with a drying oven. Fast analysis with the moisture analyzer is done to optimize processes and the drying oven is used for official documentation purposes.
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