Sunny Hengping ESH31 Infrared Moisture Analyzer

Overview

The Sunny Hengping ESH31 Infrared Moisture Analyzer is a precision laboratory instrument engineered for rapid, non-destructive moisture content determination in solid and semi-solid samples via halogen infrared heating coupled with high-stability gravimetric measurement. Based on the loss-on-drying (LOD) principle, the ESH31 continuously monitors mass change during controlled thermal drying, calculating moisture percentage as the ratio of evaporated mass to initial sample mass. Its quartz halogen lamp delivers uniform, fast-response radiant heating—significantly reducing analysis time compared to conventional convection ovens—while maintaining repeatability compliant with ASTM D4442, ISO 712, and USP <921> guidelines for moisture analysis. Designed for routine QC/QA environments in food, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and agricultural laboratories, the ESH31 operates without consumables or reagents and requires no method development beyond temperature and time optimization per sample matrix.

Key Features

• 450 W quartz halogen heating system with ≥5000-hour rated lifetime and precise PT100 temperature feedback control (±0.5 °C accuracy across 40–199 °C range)
• Strain-gauge load cell with 110 g capacity and 10 mg readability, calibrated using traceable Class F2 stainless steel weights
• Dual-layer 304 stainless steel heating chamber with mirror-polished interior for optimal thermal reflectivity and contamination resistance
• Frosted tempered glass viewing window enabling real-time visual monitoring of sample behavior (e.g., browning, cracking, foaming) without interrupting the test
• Die-cast aluminum chassis integrated with high-temperature polymer structural components rated for continuous operation up to 250 °C
• Adjustable leveling feet and built-in bubble level ensuring consistent weighing performance under variable bench conditions
• Low-noise cooling system (<20 dB(A)) featuring multi-path airflow architecture for rapid post-test cooldown and minimal thermal drift between successive measurements
• 15 programmable method storage slots supporting independent configuration of temperature setpoint, timer duration, heating profile (standard/step/ramp), and display units (moisture % / dry basis % / residual mass g)
• RS232 serial interface compliant with standard printer protocols for direct generation of GLP-compliant test reports including date/time stamp, operator ID, sample ID, method name, and raw mass data

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The ESH31 accommodates a broad spectrum of sample types—including powders, granules, pastes, pellets, and thin films—with a maximum pan diameter of Φ90 mm and 22 mm vertical clearance. Its halogen heating mode ensures efficient energy transfer to both surface and subsurface layers, minimizing thermal lag in heterogeneous materials. The instrument meets fundamental requirements for regulatory compliance in GMP and GLP environments: all mass and temperature values are digitally recorded with timestamped audit trails (when paired with compatible software); calibration records adhere to ISO/IEC 17025 traceability principles; and operational parameters align with pharmacopeial methods (USP <921>, EP 2.2.32, JP 2.07). While not FDA 21 CFR Part 11–validated out-of-the-box, the ESH31’s deterministic output, non-volatile memory, and RS232 data export support integration into validated laboratory information management systems (LIMS).

Software & Data Management

The ESH31 operates autonomously via its onboard firmware and does not require proprietary PC software for basic operation. All user-defined methods and the most recent 15 test results—including initial mass, final mass, moisture %, dry weight %, and elapsed time—are stored in non-volatile memory with automatic timestamping. RS232 output supports ASCII-formatted data transmission at 9600 baud, enabling seamless integration with third-party data acquisition tools, Excel macros, or custom LIMS interfaces. For enhanced traceability, users may assign alphanumeric sample IDs and operator codes prior to each run. Printed reports include full metadata: instrument serial number, calibration due date, ambient temperature/humidity (if externally logged), and pass/fail status against user-defined acceptance criteria (e.g., RSD ≤ 2.0 % for triplicate runs).

Applications

• Food industry: moisture verification in flour, starch, dairy powders, coffee beans, and pet food to ensure shelf-life stability and compliance with Codex Alimentarius limits
• Pharmaceutical manufacturing: raw material release testing (excipients, APIs), granule moisture profiling pre-compression, and finished tablet coating uniformity assessment
• Chemical production: quality control of catalysts, pigments, silica gels, and polymer resins where residual solvent or hydration water impacts reactivity or flow properties
• Agricultural labs: grain moisture quantification for storage safety (e.g., maize, rice, soybeans) per ISO 6540 and national grain standards
• Research settings: kinetic drying studies, thermal degradation onset detection, and comparative evaluation of desiccant efficiency

FAQ

What calibration standards are supplied with the ESH31?
The instrument includes a certified Class F2 stainless steel calibration weight (typically 10 g or 20 g, depending on regional configuration) and 50 disposable aluminum sample pans. External recalibration should be performed annually or after mechanical shock, using NIST-traceable weights.
Can the ESH31 measure volatile organic compounds (VOCs) selectively?
No—the ESH31 quantifies total volatile loss as “moisture” by mass difference. It cannot distinguish water from ethanol, solvents, or other volatiles. For selective VOC analysis, gas chromatography or Karl Fischer titration is recommended.
Is the halogen lamp replaceable by the end user?
Yes—the lamp module is field-replaceable using standard Torx tools. Replacement lamps are available directly from Sunny Hengping with OEM part number HX-450W-QL.
Does the ESH31 support automatic endpoint detection?
It offers fixed-time drying only. Endpoint determination relies on user-defined duration based on method validation; no dynamic slope-based termination algorithm is implemented.
What environmental conditions affect measurement accuracy?
Ambient drafts, vibration, and rapid temperature fluctuations (>2 °C/min) may introduce noise. Operation is specified for 5–40 °C ambient temperature and ≤80 % RH (non-condensing). A draft shield is recommended for high-precision work.