moisture determination

Some consider moisture determination a dry subject. Yet, for food and pharmaceutical manufacturers, cosmetics producers, and others seeking to ensure consistent uniformity through each stage of production, moisture determination is a necessary step in product quality. The moisture content can reveal properties of the material relative to purity, concentration, stability, shelf life, and nutritional value. Moisture determination balances (alternately referred to as a moisture balance, moisture analyzer, and moisture determination balance) all have a function that calculates the percentage of moisture by comparing an initial sample weight to the weight after drying. The process used in these balances is referred to as Thermogravimetric Moisture Analysis, based on the principle of vaporization of water during the drying process. The moisture balance monitors the weight loss of a sample as the material is heated. The difference between the sample weight prior to heating and after reaching a steady-state mass after drying determines the moisture content. Methods for Moisture Determination Many different methods and instruments can be used for moisture determination: Continue Reading