A Moisture Analyser, which is also referred to as a moisture balance or moisture meter, is an instrument used for the determination of the moisture content of a sample. It consists of an infrared weighing and heating unit.

A Moisture Analyser performs moisture analysis by using the ‘loss on drying’ (LOD) method. This is the most common method for moisture analysis.

The sample is weighed using the Moisture Analyser’s balance unit before and after the removal of moisture. This is done by the continuous recording of the weight while the sample is heated and dried using a halogen lamp or other infrared radiator.

When the sample no longer loses weight, the difference between the two weights is measured, which is used to calculate the moisture content. This is also known as the thermos-gravimetric principle.

A moisture analyser is extremely important because moisture analysis is necessary across a number of industries. For example, the measurement of moisture content is highly necessary in the food, pharmaceutical, textile and agricultural industries. This is because it affects quality control criteria such as weight, shelf life, pricing and quality.

For example, high levels of moisture will decrease the value of products and reduce shelf life due to a greater potential for microbial activity. Most products will have an optimum moisture content for the highest quality and there are many laws and regulations set in place to determine the correct moisture content for certain regulated products. For example, there are national food regulations defining the maximum moisture content permissible for certain food produce.

Therefore, moisture analysis is essential for compliance to such regulations and the production of a quality product. The best method for moisture analysis is via the use of a Moisture analyzer.