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Effortless Moisture Method Development

Get Moisture Analysis Results You Can Trust

Home Laboratory Weighing Moisture Analysis Solutions Effortless Moisture Method Development
Effortless Moisture Method Development

Different samples require different drying methods based on their unique properties. Our moisture methods for moisture analyzers are engineered to address these variances, ensuring optimal accuracy and efficiency in moisture content determination.

Only with the right moisture methods you can get reproducible results, which are comparable to the reference method.

Learn about moisture methods and our extensive support for your streamlined moisture determination.

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Customized Methods for Each Sample

Key Components of Effective Moisture Methods

Key Components of Effective Moisture Methods

A reliable and effective moisture method needs to define, as a minimum, these five components:

  • Sample Preparation: Proper sample preparation and handling lay the foundation for accurate results. Our experts provide guidelines on how to prepare your samples for analysis.
  • Suitable Drying Temperature: The temperature used in the drying process significantly impacts the results. We help you determine the optimal temperature for your sample type.
  • Appropriate Drying Mode: Every sample may require a unique drying mode. Our moisture analyzers come equipped with customizable programs to fit your needs.
  • Correct Switch-Off Criterion: Ensuring your moisture analyzer knows when to stop is vital. We assist you in setting the right criteria to get accurate results in a suitable time. In selected devices, the unique option QuickPredict calculates results accurately in 2 minutes. 
  • Sample Weight: Define the right sample size to get reliable results.

How to Create Your Own Moisture Method

How to Create Your Own Moisture Method

Different samples have their own unique properties and therefore require specific drying methods. These moisture methods need to be engineered to address variances, ensuring optimal accuracy and efficiency in moisture content determination. Whether you are dealing with powders, granules, or viscous samples, selecting the right drying method for moisture analyzers at the right time is pivotal.

Step-by-Step Support

User-Friendly Method Development

Create your own moisture drying methods with ease using our integrated and unique Method Wizard, a feature built into our Moisture Analyzers to help you create the perfect moisture method. Follow a straightforward three-step procedure consisting of:

  1. Questionnaire: Define your sample and requirements.
  2. Temperature Assistant: Select the appropriate drying temperature.
  3. Test Measurement: Validate your method with a preliminary test.

The Methods Wizard is available on METTLER TOLEDO HX204, HS153, and HC103.

User-Friendly Method Development

Moisture Methods Developed by Our Experts

Moisture Methods Collections: Industry Solutions

How to measure moisture content in pharmaceuticals
How to measure moisture content in the chemical industry
How to measure moisture content in foods
How to measure moisture content in plastic pellets
How to measure moisture content in wood pellets
How to calculate total solids in wastewater

Moisture Method Library: Individual Methods

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How to Use the Search Function

To find your application use the filters for 'Sample', 'Industry' or use full text search. Any combination of filter and full text search is possible. Note that the full text search yields only matches that include the exact word sequence of your query.

 

Check our proven and well-tested moisture methods in our method 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).

Loss on Drying - method search for applications

Easy-to-Transfer Moisture Methods

Easy-to-Transfer Moisture Methods

Whether you are changing from a different technology, another brand, or a previous generation of moisture analyzers, we are here to help you with comprehensive method support to achieve the results you expect.

  • Technology switch: Thinking of changing from another technology? Our white paper proves that our moisture analyzer results are comparable to those from other methods, such as the drying oven.
  • Instrument switch: Are you changing from a previous generation of METTLER TOLEDO Moisture Analyzers? Our comprehensive methods library offers free guidance on many sample types.
  • Brand switch: Are you switching from another brand of moisture analyzers? Our methods library offers free guidance on many different sample types to make your life easier.

How are samples heated in the drying oven versus the moisture analyzer?

In a drying oven, samples are heated using convection heat, where hot air circulates around the sample to gradually remove moisture. This process can take longer and exposes the samples to uniform heat. In contrast, a moisture analyzer uses halogen or infrared radiation to rapidly and directly heat the sample from above, enabling faster moisture determination with precise control. This direct heating method allows for quicker results and higher efficiency compared to traditional drying ovens.

Is moisture the same as water?

No, moisture is not solely water. The term "moisture" encompasses all volatile substances that evaporate when heated to a defined temperature, including water, alcohol, solvents, and other compounds. Understanding this distinction is crucial for accurate moisture analysis. If water is the analyte of choice, Karl Fischer titration is a precise method for measuring water content specifically.

Why is moisture content important in products?

Moisture plays a critical role in the processability, shelf life, and overall quality of many products, including pharmaceuticals, plastics, and food items. Optimal moisture content ensures the best processing results, impacts pricing, and compliance with statutory regulations, such as those governing permissible moisture levels in food products.

Can I use a moisture analyzer instead of the standard drying oven method?

Yes, it is possible to use a moisture analyzer if you can demonstrate that its results match those of the drying oven in terms of accuracy and repeatability. This requires developing a suitable method for the moisture analyzer and validating it against the drying oven results.

What is the difference between moisture content, dry content, and ATRO moisture?

  • Moisture Content: The percentage of moisture in a sample based on its original (wet) weight.
  • Dry Content: The percentage of solids remaining after drying, based on the sample's original (wet) weight.
  • ATRO Moisture (AM): The moisture content expressed as a percentage of the sample's final (dry) weight. Different industries may prefer varying definitions, such as ATRO in wood and pulp.

What do TS and DC stand for in moisture analysis?

TS (Total Solids) and DC (Dry Content) are synonymous terms that represent the remaining material in percentage after all moisture has been evaporated during the drying process. Our moisture analyzers can calculate this percentage automatically.

How do I develop a drying method for my moisture analyzer for my specific substance?

To create a loss on drying method, you can either target a known reference value from previous tests or develop a new method that provides repeatable and quick drying for your sample. For METTLER TOLEDO moisture analyzers, utilize the integrated Method Wizard to guide you through this process effectively. Alternatively, you can create your own method from scratch. Find some guidance in our reference paper “Moisture Method Development: Methods for Halogen Moisture Analyzers Outperforming the Drying Oven”. Or find guidance in our library of existing moisture methods for a wide range of samples, created by our experts.

The Methods Wizard is available on METTLER TOLEDO HX204, HS153, and HC103.

How do moisture analyzer results compare to standard drying oven methods?

Moisture analyzers typically provide results comparable to loss on drying from drying ovens, with faster analysis times and simpler handling. They serve as efficient alternatives for recognized methods, including USP <731> and ASTM D6980.

What is the Method Wizard and how does it help?

The integrated Method Wizard is a feature of HC103, HS153, and HX204 that helps in developing a suitable moisture method for specific samples. Based on the characteristics of your sample as well as a test of the drying temperature and switch-off criterion, the Method Wizard can formulate a suitable method for your sample. The Method Wizard guides you through the development of your moisture method in three simple steps:

  1. Questionnaire: proposal of method parameters based on sample characteristics
  2. Temperature assistant: determination of drying temperature
  3. Test measurement: verification of temperature and selection of appropriate switch-off criterion

After each step of the Method Wizard, you can decide whether to accept the current method settings or to complete another step of the wizard. For steps 2 and 3, a reference moisture content value is needed.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of common moisture determination technologies?


Drying OvenHalogen Moisture AnalyzerKarl Fischer TitrationNear-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIR)
DescriptionThermogravimetric principleThermogravimetric principleChemical oxidation reaction principleInfrared spectroscopic principle
Advantages
  • Often is the reference procedure method
  • Several samples can be analyzed at the same time
  • Large sample volumes possible
  • Fast measurement time (typically 5-15 min)
  • Simple handling
  • No manual calculations
  • Compact instrument, no balance or desiccator required
  • Suitable for at-Iine use
  • Water-specific (measure from 2ppm to 100% water) 
  • Fast measurement time (typically 0.5 to 3 min)
  • Compact instruments
  • Automatic calculations
  • Possibility to have an autosampler
  • Fast measurement time (typically 0.5 to 1 min)
  • Little to no sample preparation
  • Recovery of intact sample
  • Multiparameter
Disadvantages
  • Very long measurement time (hours)
  • Substances other than water may evaporate
  • Prone to errors because of the high level of manual handling and the number of calculations required
  • Unsuitable for at-line use
  • Substances other than water may evaporate
  • No other solvent or "moisture" is determined
  • Requires dedicated chemical know-how
  • Sample preparation can be critical for complete water extraction
  • Calibration is difficult (typically, a moisture analyzer is needed)
  • Expensive devices
  • High maintenance costs
  • Can only measure down to 0.1 %MC

Learn more about some available moisture determination technologies here.

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