Moisture analyzers, also called moisture meters or balances, is a tool used to measure moisture content of any sample. These samples can be solid, liquid or gaseous. Moisture analyzers are instruments used in procedures that require a strict control over the moisture content; pharmaceuticals, plastic and heat treatment procedures for example. Moisture analyzers have replaced traditional, manual moisture analyzing procedures and have cut down time needed to conduct the tests greatly.
How do moisture analyzers work?
These instruments rely on the use of Loss On Drying (LOD) method as a means of measuring moisture content of samples. This procedure uses a technique whereby the weight of the sample is measured initially and then measured again after being heated to dryness. The final weight is measured when the sample stops losing weight; this indicated that all the moisture has evaporated. The weight before drying and after drying are subtracted, and the loss of mass is the amount of moisture the sample contained.
The difference between different moisture analyzers is the way the heating system works. The various heating methods could include halogens, infrared heaters or glass-free metal heaters.
Why are moisture analyzers important?
Moisture analyzers are very important instruments for a number for industries that require moisture analysis as a significant step in the production process. Moisture analysis is very important in pharmaceutical, textile, food, and agricultural industries because moisture analysis affects quality, weight, price, shelf life, and quality.
High moisture content increase likelihood of microbial activity and reduces life span and shelf life of a product. Moisture content is thus very important in product quality control. Most products have an ideal, also known as optimal moisture content at which the shelf life is longest and the product quality the best. Laws and regulations surrounding moisture content levels further increase the significance of moisture analysis in product quality tests.
Examples of applications of moisture analyzers
Food industry:
Moisture analysis is a crucial step in any quality analysis of food products. Moisture is essential for microbial activity so microbes are likely to grow in damp places. Moisture analysis is thus necessary to ensure that food is not susceptible to microbial growth and going stale. In items sold by weight, moisture content must be controlled; too high a moisture content could mean that customers agree paying more than they should be paying. Less moisture can make the food dry and reduce calorie count.
Laboratory:
Quality control labs rely on the use of moisture analyzers. Water content in crude oil, sewage, slug, fuel etc. needs to be calculated in the industrial procedures.
Buying a Moisture analyzer
When it comes to buying a moisture analyzer for your industry, there are many options to consider. Sites like Data Support Company (DSC) can present all the options to you in one place and that too with discounts. Here, you can find moisture analyzers that operate using the LOD system and with halogen, glass-free heating and infrared rays as means of heating.
Moisture analyzers are without very important instruments to many industries and if your moisture analyzer is in need of replacement, you should not waste time.
