OHAUS MB35 Excellence Series Moisture Analyzer

Overview

The OHAUS MB35 Excellence Series Moisture Analyzer is a precision laboratory instrument engineered for rapid, reliable quantification of moisture content in solid and semi-solid samples using the thermogravimetric principle. It operates by continuously monitoring mass loss during controlled halogen lamp heating—providing real-time drying curves and final moisture % (w/w) or % (w/v) results based on initial/final mass differentials. Designed for routine quality control and R&D environments, the MB35 delivers high reproducibility across diverse matrices including pharmaceutical powders, food ingredients, polymers, agricultural commodities, and chemical intermediates. Its compact benchtop architecture integrates thermal stability management, draft shield compatibility, and adaptive heating algorithms to minimize thermal lag and ensure consistent sample exposure—critical for method transfer and regulatory alignment.

Key Features

• Halogen heating system: Delivers rapid, uniform thermal energy distribution with adjustable temperature range (up to 160 °C) and programmable ramp/hold profiles—enabling optimization for heat-sensitive or refractory materials.
• High-resolution weighing mechanism: Features a 0.001 g readability analytical balance core with automatic internal calibration and drift compensation, ensuring traceable mass measurement integrity throughout the drying cycle.
• Intuitive user interface: Equipped with a large backlit LCD display and logically grouped membrane keypad—supporting multilingual menu navigation (English, Spanish, French, German, Chinese), customizable method naming, and on-screen real-time graphs of mass vs. time.
• GLP-compliant data handling: Built-in thermal printer generates audit-ready reports including date/time stamp, operator ID, sample ID, method name, initial/final mass, moisture %, drying curve summary, and instrument serial number—fully traceable per laboratory documentation requirements.
• RS232 connectivity: Enables bidirectional communication with external PCs or LIMS systems for automated data export, remote method upload/download, and integration into validated electronic record workflows compliant with 21 CFR Part 11 when paired with appropriate software controls.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The MB35 accommodates samples up to 35 g capacity with standard 90 mm aluminum sample pans; optional ceramic or stainless-steel pans are available for elevated temperature or corrosive applications. It supports heterogeneous solids (e.g., granules, flakes, pellets), viscous pastes, and homogenized slurries—provided sample thickness remains ≤ 10 mm for uniform heat penetration. Method development adheres to ASTM D4442 (wood moisture), ISO 712 (cereals), USP , and AOAC 952.07 protocols. Instrument design conforms to IEC 61010-1 safety standards; manufacturing occurs at an FDA-registered facility under ISO 9001-certified quality management systems.

Software & Data Management

While the MB35 operates as a standalone analyzer, its RS232 port supports connection to OHAUS’s optional Moisture Pro software (Windows-compatible) for advanced data visualization, statistical analysis (mean, SD, RSD), method library management, and PDF report generation. All printed or exported records include embedded metadata required for GLP/GMP audits—including timestamps with millisecond resolution, user authentication logs, and instrument firmware version identifiers. Data export formats include CSV and TXT for seamless import into Excel, JMP, or enterprise QMS platforms.

Applications

• Pharmaceutical manufacturing: Raw material release testing (excipients, APIs), tablet coating moisture verification, and lyophilized product residual solvent assessment.
• Food & beverage QC: Moisture validation for flour, dairy powders, coffee beans, pet food, and snack products—ensuring shelf-life compliance and microbial safety thresholds.
• Polymer & plastics industry: Pre-drying verification of hygroscopic resins (e.g., nylon, PET) prior to extrusion or injection molding.
• Agricultural labs: Grain moisture certification per USDA/FDA grain grading standards and feed formulation QA.
• Academic research: Kinetic modeling of dehydration processes, comparative thermal stability studies, and method validation against Karl Fischer titration.

FAQ

What is the maximum sample weight the MB35 can handle?
The MB35 has a 35 g maximum capacity with 0.001 g readability—optimized for typical moisture determination sample sizes ranging from 0.5 g to 15 g depending on expected moisture content.
Does the MB35 support method validation per pharmacopeial guidelines?
Yes—the instrument enables full validation documentation including repeatability, intermediate precision, linearity, and robustness testing; all parameters are configurable and logged with full traceability.
Can the MB35 be integrated into a 21 CFR Part 11–compliant environment?
When used with Moisture Pro software and appropriate IT controls (electronic signatures, audit trail configuration, role-based access), the MB35 meets technical prerequisites for Part 11 compliance—subject to site-specific validation protocols.
Is calibration performed automatically or manually?
The MB35 includes automatic internal calibration upon startup and at user-defined intervals; external calibration with certified weights is recommended before critical measurements or after environmental shifts.
What maintenance is required for long-term accuracy?
Routine cleaning of the heating chamber and weighing pan, periodic verification of halogen lamp output intensity, and annual performance qualification (PQ) using NIST-traceable reference standards are advised per OHAUS service recommendations.