Method Development

A method describes how the correct result is achieved. This includes all the steps required, such as device settings, selection of measurement parameters, preparation and processing of samples.

General Information

Note the basic requirements stated in chapter Installation.
We would also recommend running a method development over a short period of time. This ensures that the sample doesn't change in the meantime and thereby impact on the measurement result.
It is best to develop the method under the operating conditions at the place where the Moisture Analyzer is installed.
Take and prepare your samples in the same way as for the reference procedure (typically drying oven).
Note how to handle samples (see Sample Handling).

Precision with Highspeed

Präzision mit Highspeed The Halogen Moisture Analyzers offer both precision and speed. You save time and costs and increase efficiency.

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Method Database

Find the method for your sample

Guide to Moisture Analysis

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First measurement: Reaching the reference value

Look for existing methods which have been specially developed for Moisture Analyzers from METTLER TOLEDO. These will give you an idea of possible suitable settings for an initial measurement.

Perhaps you already have a method for a similar sample?
Refer to METTLER TOLEDO's Applikationsdatenbank , this contains lots of existing methods.

If you find a similar sample, use the parameters of this method for the initial measurement with your substance. If you don't find any similar methods, use the following basic settings:

Standard drying
Temperature:

Temperature of oven method
If there are no oven methods available: Organic (T-sensitive) sample: 105°C, Inorganic (not T-sensitive) sample: 150°C

Switch-off criterion 3 (1 mg/50s)
3-5g sample (spread evenly over the sample pan)

Take an initial measurement and record the measurement trend.

Tip: Consult the notes for special samples such as liquid samples provided under Special Samples and the safety declarations under Sample Handling.

Tip: Rather than the cumbersome job of typing the results into a table in order to record the drying curve, you can use software like LabX direct moisture to transfer the moisture values to the PC during the measurement. The data is displayed straight away as a drying curve.

Analysis of drying characteristics

Look at the sample and evaluate it: Severe discoloration or melting indicate that you have selected too high a temperature.
Read off the result and look at the drying curve to evaluate the drying behavior.

Value falls below reference value: Increase the temperature.

Reference value is exceeded: Reduce the temperature.

The Moisture Analyzer doesn't switch off. The switch-off criterion is not fulfilled because decomposition reactions are taking place: Reduce the temperature.

The switch-off criterion is not fulfilled. The measurement is stopped by the user because either no moisture is released or is escaping very slowly: Increase the temperature.

Adjust the temperature until you reach the reference value (correctness).

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

Optimizing Precision

Increase the volume, especially for samples with low moisture levels.
Optimize the taking and preparation of samples. In particular, ensure a good homogeneity and even distribution of the sample.
Use the more accurate switch-off criterion 4 (1mg/90s) or 5 (1mg/140s).

Optimizing Speed

The following information will help you gain your measurement results faster. However the factors stated may also have an impact on the precision of your results:

Reduce the sample weight.
Increase the surface area of your sample.
Use the rapid drying program if the moisture content is higher than 30%.
Step drying with the HR83 can be used in a similar way to rapid drying. The benefit of this process is that you can select the temperature and period of increase as you want.