FloXLab WCM Moisture Content Analyzer
| Brand | FloXLab |
|---|---|
| Origin | France |
| Model | WCM |
| Sample Chamber Options | EX, AX, BX, NX, 1" Ø, 1.5" Ø |
| Drying Temperature | 150 °C |
| Drying Duration | 24 h |
| Vacuum Level | 10⁻³ mbar |
| Max Sample Weight | 2,500 g |
| Mass Resolution | 0.01 g |
| Sample Capacity | Variable (dependent on diameter) |
| Wetted Materials | ASTM A276 Type 316L Stainless Steel |
| Power Supply | 220 V/50 Hz or 110 VAC/60 Hz (configurable at order) |
Overview
The FloXLab WCM Moisture Content Analyzer is a precision gravimetric instrument engineered for the quantitative determination of moisture content in geological and geotechnical samples—specifically, the mass ratio of water to oven-dry solid matrix in rock specimens. It operates on the principle of controlled vacuum-assisted thermal drying followed by high-resolution mass measurement, adhering to standardized gravimetric methodology referenced in ASTM D2216 (Standard Test Methods for Laboratory Determination of Water (Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass) and ISO 17892-1 (Geotechnical Investigation and Testing — Laboratory Testing of Soil — Part 1: Determination of Water Content). Unlike rapid-loss-on-drying instruments relying on infrared or halogen heating alone, the WCM integrates a high-stability vacuum environment with precisely regulated temperature control to ensure complete removal of bound and capillary water without thermal degradation—critical for low-permeability lithologies such as shale, mudstone, and compacted clays.
Key Features
- Vacuum-enhanced drying chamber maintaining ≤10⁻³ mbar pressure throughout the full 24-hour cycle, minimizing oxidation and enabling efficient desorption of tightly held moisture.
- Programmable thermal profile with stable setpoint control at 150 °C ±1 °C, validated per IEC 61000-4-30 for thermal stability under continuous load.
- Integrated analytical balance with 0.01 g resolution and internal calibration traceable to NIST-certified standards; repeatability <0.02 g over 10 consecutive measurements under identical conditions.
- Modular sample holder configuration supporting six standardized geometries (EX, AX, BX, NX, 1″ Ø, 1.5″ Ø), allowing compatibility with core plugs prepared per ASTM D4543 and ISO 14688-1.
- Wetted surfaces constructed exclusively from ASTM A276 Type 316L stainless steel—resistant to chloride-induced stress corrosion cracking and compliant with FDA 21 CFR 171.325 for incidental food-contact applications where required.
- Dual-voltage power architecture (110 VAC/60 Hz or 220 V/50 Hz), factory-configured prior to shipment to meet regional electrical infrastructure requirements.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The WCM accommodates intact cylindrical core specimens up to 1.5 inches in diameter and 2,500 g in mass—sufficient for standard ASTM D4543 rock core dimensions. Its chamber geometry supports both unconfined and confined drying protocols, with optional inert gas purge capability (N₂ or Ar) available upon request for oxygen-sensitive samples. The system meets mechanical safety requirements per EN 61010-1 and electromagnetic compatibility per EN 61326-1. Data acquisition and reporting workflows support audit-ready documentation aligned with GLP and GMP environments, including user access control, electronic signature capability, and full audit trail generation per FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when integrated with FloXLab’s optional LIMS interface module.
Software & Data Management
The WCM operates via embedded firmware with local touchscreen interface and optional Ethernet/RS-232 connectivity. Raw mass readings, vacuum pressure logs, and temperature profiles are timestamped and exportable in CSV or XML format. When paired with FloXLab’s proprietary GeoLab Suite v4.2 (sold separately), users gain automated calculation of moisture content (w = (mwet − mdry) / mdry × 100%), statistical batch reporting, outlier detection per Grubbs’ test, and compliance-ready PDF certificate generation—including metadata on operator ID, calibration status, and environmental chamber validation records.
Applications
- Quantification of natural moisture content in sedimentary rock cores for reservoir characterization and pore-fluid modeling.
- Quality control of dried aggregate feedstock in construction materials testing laboratories.
- Validation of desiccation protocols in nuclear waste repository clay barrier studies (e.g., bentonite hydration kinetics).
- Pre-test conditioning of specimens prior to triaxial compression, permeability, or sonic velocity measurements per API RP 40 and ISRM suggested methods.
- Research into diagenetic water retention behavior in low-porosity carbonate sequences.
FAQ
What standards does the WCM comply with for moisture determination?
ASTM D2216, ISO 17892-1, and EN 13286-24 for geotechnical and civil engineering applications.
Can the WCM be used for soils or only rocks?
Yes—it is validated for both cohesive and cohesionless soils per ASTM D2216; however, fine-grained soils require extended vacuum dwell time due to lower permeability.
Is calibration verification documented per ISO/IEC 17025?
Internal mass calibration uses NIST-traceable weights; external verification reports—including uncertainty budgets—are generated using FloXLab’s Calibration Manager software.
Does the system support automated data archiving to network drives?
Yes, via configurable SMB/CIFS protocol integration within GeoLab Suite; local storage retains ≥12 months of raw session logs.
What maintenance intervals are recommended?
Vacuum pump oil change every 500 operating hours; O-ring inspection and replacement every 18 months; annual balance recalibration recommended.
