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Methods for Halogen Moisture AnalyzersOutperforming the Drying Oven

Moisture is an important quality and processing parameter in many industries. When fast measurement times or ease of use are critical, the halogen moisture analyzer is the convenient alternative to the commonly used drying oven procedure. This document offers ready-to-use methods for a selection of samples and provides guidance on how to select the right settings for your halogen moisture analyzer.

Any method used for a moisture analyzer includes drying temperature, sample weight and drying program. Using the right method is crucial to achieve repeatable results, which are comparable to the reference procedure (typically the drying oven). To select the right method you can use our methods from the table below or from our extensive method application database. In case your sample is not listed, the process on how to develop the right method settings is described in the section ‘Method Development in Three Steps’ on page two.

HC103 Halogen Moisture AnalyzerHalogen moisture analyzers from METTLER TOLEDO are a fast, reliable and simple solution for accurate moisture determination. If you require a high level of flexibility and ease of use, coupled with the possibility to optimize drying methods and handle results, the HC103 Moisture Analyzer will fit your needs perfectly.

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If you know the moisture content of your sample (previously determined using the drying oven), you can use our simple three-step process to quickly setup a drying method on your halogen moisture analyzer producing the same results in minutes instead of hours. In case you do not know the moisture content of your sample or you do not have a drying oven method, the Moisture Analysis Experts from METTLER TOLEDO can also give guidance to support you.

Use the suggested method parameters from the table below. If your sample is not listed, use the settings from a similar sample or start with 105 °C, 3 g sample and auto switch-off. Make sure you spread the sample evenly.

To optimize your method for speed, you can try the following: Reduce sample weight, increase surface area of sample, use rapid drying program (if MC is higher than 30%).

Now check the repeatability by, for example, taking three to six measurements and calculating the mean value and standard deviation.

Too lowToo high

First Measurement

Check repeatability

Result evaluation

Increase drying temperature

Decrease drying temperature

Optimization

RepeatabilitySpeed

Look at the sample and evaluate it: Severe discoloration or melting indicates that you have selected a too high temperature. Compare the result to the drying oven value and modify the drying temperature accordingly for the next measurement until you match the reference value.

Typically, the repeatability (standard deviation) of a moisture analyzer is as good as the drying oven. If you are not satisfied with the repeatability, you can try the following: Increase sample amount, optimize sample preparation process and ensure even distribution of the sample on the pan.

Methods for Samples in the Food and Chemical Industry

A selection of proven methods are summarized in the table below. You can use the described moisture analyzer methods directly or adjust the method parameters according to your requirements. Please pay attention to the information provided on sample preparation.

Sample Drying Temper-ature [°C]

Drying Program

Sample Weight

Switch-off criterion

Result [% MC]

Measurement time [min]

Sample preparation

Tomato Juice

130 Rapid 3 g Auto 95.27 8 Mix sample, apply evenly to glass fiber filter with pipette

Hazelnuts (ground)

130 Standard 4 g Auto 4.53 5 Mix sample, use spatula to dis-tribute evenly on the sample pan

Butter 110 Standard 3 g Auto 14.81 8 Allow sample to warm to room temperature, spread evenly on the sample pan.

Yogurt (plain)

105 Rapid 3 g Auto 85.26 13 Mix sample, apply evenly to glass fiber filter.

Shampoo 160 Rapid 3 g Auto 85.12 9 Mix sample, apply evenly to glass fiber filter with pipette.

Washing up liquid

150 Rapid 3 g Auto 80.02 7 Mix sample, apply evenly to glass fiber filter with pipette.

Liquid Soap

150 Rapid 3 g Auto 85.23 11 Mix sample, apply evenly to glass fiber filter with pipette.

METTLER TOLEDO recommends that you conduct a comparative test to verify that the results correspond to the reference procedure (typically the drying oven). The data provides a concrete reference point for setting the drying parameters in order to quickly obtain similar results from the measurements taken in the drying oven.

Please contact our Moisture Analysis Experts for any further assistence.

Visit our website to access drying methods for many more samples: www.mt.com/moisture-methods

For further tips read the “Guide to Moisture Analysis”: www.mt.com/moisture-guide

Complete the elearning to learn about best practice in halogen moisture analysis: www.mt.com/moisture-elearning

Mettler-Toledo GmbHCH-8606 Greifensee, SwitzerlandTel. +41-44-944 22 11

Subject to technical changes© 11/2016 Mettler-Toledo GmbH30382491Global MarCom 2085 JS

www.mt.com/moistureFor more information