Moisture analyzers measure the moisture content of solids and liquids, as well as gases. These analyzers can measure trace and abundant amounts of moisture in wet or dry samples. There are a number of different technologies that these systems employ to obtain accurate moisture measurements. Loss-On-Drying (LOD) is a well-known and commonly used moisture analysis method that measures the initial weight of a sample and the weight after the sample has been dried using an oven or microwave. The difference in weights allows the user to calculate moisture content.

Advanced methods include Karl-Fischer Titration (KFT), which uses volumetric titration to determine the amounts of moisture in a sample; dielectric methods that electrically couple the sample with a sensing circuit; and IR reflectance techniques, which use light sources at different wavelengths to determine the amount of water in a product.

Each of these methods presents its own set of limitations. A drawback of KFT is that it is difficult to reliably bring the total water content of a sample into contact with reagents. Microwave technology can be limited to samples with high moisture content, as samples with lower moisture content have the potential to scorch and burn.

Over the years, users have increased demands for systems that are faster, and produce more accurate measurements and lesser sample loss. CEM’s newest LOD moisture analyzer, the SMART 6, is able to measure moisture content in wet and dry samples with accuracy and speed. It features the iPower technology, which uses two different heating frequencies to remove bound and unbound water molecules, as well as volatile solvents. The SMART 6 offers the versatility to measure dry contents with low moisture content, as well as samples with high moisture content.

Sartorius’s MA160 raises the bar for IR techniques with its AURI heating element that outputs 600 W of heat, shortening the run time from hours to minutes. In addition, the system has the capacity to store up to 100 custom methods of analysis. Mettler-Toledo’s HC103 utilizes halogen heating technology to produce measurements with a repeatability of 0.1% and a maximum capacity of 101 g.

CEM’s moisture analyzer is quite disruptive to the market and is an example of meeting and exceeding customer expectations. It is expected that there will be a trend toward systems with similar dual-heating capabilities to further enhance the technology. The market for moisture detection is stable and is estimated to be about $150 million. The demand for instruments that can accurately measure moisture content will remain constant because they are useful in many industries. Moisture analyzers play an important role in the food and beverage industry, as well as the plastics, chemicals and pharmaceutical industries.

Moisture Analyzers at a Glance:

Leading Suppliers

• Sartorius

• Mettler-Toledo

• Ohaus

Largest Markets

• Food

• Chemicals

• Environmental

Instrument Cost

• $2,000–$15,000