OHAUS MB92 Infrared Moisture Analyzer

Overview

The OHAUS MB92 Infrared Moisture Analyzer is an engineered solution for rapid, reliable, and traceable moisture determination in solid and semi-solid samples across laboratory, quality control, and production environments. It operates on the principle of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) using infrared radiation from a carbon fiber heating element to induce controlled, uniform sample drying. Unlike halogen-based systems, the carbon fiber heater delivers faster thermal response, improved energy efficiency, and extended service life—critical for high-throughput workflows requiring consistent thermal profiles. The instrument integrates a high-stability electromagnetic force restoration weighing sensor with 1 mg resolution and dual-level repeatability validation (0.08% RSD for 3 g, 0.015% RSD for 10 g), ensuring compliance with method validation requirements under ISO 5530-1 and AOAC Official Method 952.07. Designed for regulatory readiness, its architecture supports audit-ready data integrity through password-protected user access, electronic signature-capable operation logs, and non-volatile result storage.

Key Features

• Carbon fiber infrared heating system delivering precise, repeatable thermal output across 40–200 °C with ±1 °C accuracy and <2 s response time
• 4.3-inch capacitive touchscreen interface with intuitive icon-driven navigation and on-screen real-time heating curve visualization
• Dual calibration capability: external mass calibration (50 g standard) and dual-point temperature calibration (100 °C and 160 °C)
• Four programmable drying modes—Slow, Standard, Step, and Fast—to accommodate diverse sample matrices including polymers, pharmaceutical granules, food powders, and agricultural commodities
• Multi-parameter display during analysis: moisture %, solids %, moisture regain %, current temperature, elapsed time, mass loss trend, and dynamic weight reading
• Integrated status indicator with color-coded LED feedback (green = ready, blue = heating, amber = cooling, red = error or warning)
• Comprehensive sample metadata management: customizable sample name, ID, and batch number fields with 20 pre-configurable test methods

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The MB92 accommodates samples up to 90 g on its 90 mm stainless-steel pan and supports moisture quantification from 0.01% to 100% with validated linearity across the full range. It is routinely deployed for ASTM D4442 (wood moisture), ISO 712 (cereals), USP <921> (pharmaceutical residual solvents and water), and EN 15934 (biomass moisture). All stored results include timestamp, operator ID, method parameters, final moisture value, initial/final mass, and heating profile summary—enabling full traceability per FDA 21 CFR Part 11 Annex 11 and EU GMP Annex 11 expectations. The unit meets IEC 61010-1 safety standards and carries CE marking for use within the European Economic Area.

Software & Data Management

Data export is supported via RS232 serial output (ASCII format), USB device port (for direct transfer to flash drives), and USB host port (for connection to peripheral printers or keyboards). Up to 200 test results are retained in internal memory with automatic overwrite protection enabled by default. Each record contains full contextual metadata—including date/time stamp, user login, selected method, ambient temperature, and heating curve snapshot—for GLP-compliant reporting. Optional OHAUS MoisturePro software (sold separately) enables advanced statistical analysis, SPC charting, PDF report generation, and centralized database synchronization across multi-instrument networks.

Applications

The MB92 serves as a primary moisture verification tool in QC laboratories for incoming raw material inspection (e.g., lactose, starch, excipients), in-process monitoring of drying ovens and fluid bed dryers, and finished product release testing in food, feed, pharmaceutical, chemical, and polymer manufacturing. Its robust construction and IP20-rated enclosure make it suitable for controlled cleanroom environments (Grade C/D) as well as industrial production floors. Common use cases include moisture specification verification for tablet granulations (target ≤2.0%), shelf-life stability studies of hygroscopic APIs, moisture mapping of bulk cereal shipments, and compliance testing against ISO 13877 (plastics—determination of water content).

FAQ

What calibration standards are required for routine operation?
A certified 50 g weight is required for mass calibration; temperature verification should be performed using a NIST-traceable thermometer or calibrated PT100 probe at 100 °C and 160 °C.
Does the MB92 support GLP-compliant electronic signatures?
Yes—password-protected user accounts, mandatory operator login prior to method execution, and immutable audit trails satisfy core GLP and 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for electronic records.
Can custom shut-off criteria be defined beyond preset timers?
Yes—users may configure custom termination logic based on absolute mass loss threshold, rate-of-loss stabilization (<0.1 mg/min over 30 s), or hybrid combinations.
Is the carbon fiber heater field-replaceable?
Yes—the heating module is a modular subassembly designed for technician-level replacement without recalibration.
What is the maximum allowable ambient humidity for stable operation?
The instrument is rated for continuous operation at ≤80% RH (non-condensing); operation above this level requires active environmental dehumidification to prevent condensation on optical and sensor surfaces.