Moisture Analysis, important in manufacturing fields as a method of quality control, is a term that describes various methods for measuring the amount of moisture in a substance, whether it is a solid, liquid, or gas. Moisture analysis is a critical measurement, since moisture content needs to be carefully regulated in many fields including food production, plastic production, and pharmaceuticals. Most of the time, the moisture being measured is water.
There are a variety of methods used to determine moisture content:
- The most widely used method is L.O.D., or "Loss on Drying" method. This involves comparing the weight of a material before and after a drying process. The sample is first weighed. Then it is put in an oven, heated to remove moisture, allowed to cool in a desiccator, and then weighed again. When done manually this method can be time-consuming, but there are devices that automate this process.
- Another method is known as the Karl Fischer titration method. It is only used for determining water content, but it's faster and more accurate for measuring water than the Loss on Drying method. It is not only suitable for analyzing solids, but for liquids and gasses as well. It is particularly good for use with more volatile substances that are not suitable for L.O.D.
- There are also methods of moisture analysis that take advantage of the electrical properties of water, called Capacitance or Resistance. These methods are useful with agricultural products such as cereals, coffee, and cookies. A baseline must be set for these methods using a more traditional Loss on Drying method. Once a baseline is established, however, these methods can provide quick results and speed up the analysis process.
These are a few of the methods used to determine moisture analysis in manufacturing and production facilities. Accurate moisture analysis is vital to the quality control process. Determining the best method of moisture analysis for your products can increase efficiency and ensure the quality of your products.
There's lots more to learn about the methods of moisture analysis, so if you need help, just ask!
