The Market Profile that appeared in the April 15 issue of IBO was incorrect. We regret the error. Below please find the corrected version.

Advanced moisture analyzers measure moisture content in solids, liquids or gasses. These systems employ capacitance, NIR, automated Karl Fischer titration (KFT) or other techniques to obtain more precise and quicker measurements compared with the loss-on-drying (LOD) method. In LOD, a sample’s mass is compared before and after it is fully dried using an autoclave or similar instrument.

Capacitive techniques measure moisture by comparing the dielectric constant of water with the dielectric constant of the sample using electrodes that may or may not be in direct contact with the sample. NIR moisture analysis is performed by directing an NIR beam into the material and examining the ratio of absorbed to reflected wavelengths. In KFT, a photometric or electrometric detector measures the amount of solution absorbed by the sample following a chemical reaction.

LOD methods rely on evaporation, which may not provide accurate results, particularly for samples containing other volatile substances. Advanced moisture analyzers can provide a higher level of accuracy as well as other types of analyses, depending on the sample’s electrical conductivity, overall moisture level, particle size and shape, and other characteristics.

Metrohm’s 915 KF Ti-Touch is an automated titrator for routine KFT analysis. The KF Ti-Touch features a contact-free, reagent-replacement module and an integrated membrane pump that manipulates solvent volume without having to open the solvent cell. The 915 KF Ti-Touch has plug-and-play compatibility and stores customizable methods.

Nyad’s ACT (Advanced Capacitive Transducer) is a line of application-specific, capacitive-based probes for trace moisture analysis. Each system has a rugged design suitable for a range of environmental conditions and is insensitive to flow, pressure and temperature range. The instruments have fully interchangeable sensors and function in gas and nonconductive liquid samples.

Kett’s KJT 230 system is a benchtop NIR moisture analyzer that leverages a rotating turntable to provide an average measurement for the whole sample, making it suitable for heterogeneous samples as well as homogenous mixtures. The instrument has an instant response time, lead sulfide detector, accuracy up to ± 10 ppm and a remote control option.

The food applications market for moisture analyzers has an estimated value of $70 million. Other application areas for advanced moisture analyzers include pharmaceuticals, chemicals and minerals. Recent quality questions regarding adulterants in the food market could potentially increase usage of moisture-analysis equipment.

Leading suppliers: FOSS, Metrohm, Mettler-Toledo

Largest Markets: Food, Chemicals, Minerals

Instrument Cost: $2,000–$10,000