A&D MF-50 Infrared Moisture Analyzer
| Brand | A&D |
|---|---|
| Origin | Japan |
| Model | MF-50 |
| Maximum Sample Capacity | 51 g |
| Weighing Resolution | 0.002 g |
| Moisture Content Accuracy | ±0.20% (for samples >1 g), ±0.05% (for samples >5 g) |
| Moisture Display Precision | 0.05% / 0.1% / 1% |
| Drying Temperature Range | 50–200 °C (1 °C increments) |
| Heating Source | Halogen lamp (400 W, straight-tube, ~5000 h lifetime) |
| Measurement Modes | Standard / Auto / Rapid / Timer / Manual |
| Moisture Expression Modes | Relative moisture / Absolute moisture / Dry basis / Wet basis |
| Data Storage | 50 measurement results |
| Predefined Programs | 10 |
| Interface | RS-232 |
| Software | WinCT-Moisture (graphical real-time analysis) |
| Sample Pan Diameter | Ø85 mm (optional Ø110 mm) |
| Power Supply | AC 100–120 V (3 A) or 200–240 V (1.5 A), 50/60 Hz, ~400 W |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 215 × 320 × 173 mm |
| Weight | ~6 kg |
| Operating Environment | 5–40 °C, <85% RH |
Overview
The A&D MF-50 Infrared Moisture Analyzer is a precision laboratory instrument engineered for rapid, reliable, and traceable determination of moisture content in solid, granular, powdered, pasty, and liquid samples. It operates on the principle of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) combined with halogen infrared heating—where sample mass loss upon controlled thermal drying is measured in real time using a high-stability SHS (Super High-Speed) electromagnetic force compensation sensor. Unlike conventional oven-drying methods requiring hours, the MF-50 delivers repeatable results in minutes by applying uniform radiant heat via a 400 W straight-tube halogen lamp integrated with SRA (Secondary Radiation Assistance) technology. This design ensures rapid thermal equilibrium across heterogeneous samples while minimizing surface charring or uneven dehydration—critical for regulatory-compliant moisture quantification in GxP environments.
Key Features
- SRA-enhanced halogen heating system: Combines direct infrared radiation with secondary reflective geometry to achieve uniform thermal distribution and reduced measurement time—particularly beneficial for low-mass or thermally sensitive materials such as pharmaceutical excipients and food powders.
- SHS weighing technology: Delivers 0.002 g resolution and high repeatability even at sub-gram sample loads, enabling accurate moisture calculation for small-batch QC testing without compromise.
- Multi-mode operation: Supports five distinct measurement protocols—Standard, Auto, Rapid, Timer, and Manual—to accommodate diverse sample behaviors and process requirements (e.g., volatile-rich oils vs. hygroscopic polymers).
- GLP/GMP-ready firmware: Embedded audit trail functionality records date/time stamps, operator ID, calibration history, and raw weight data per test—fully compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 expectations for electronic records when paired with validated WinCT-Moisture software.
- Ergonomic and safety-focused hardware: Features a wing-type lid handle for effortless opening/closing, heat-resistant pan tongs, and a removable protective chamber that simplifies cleaning and lamp replacement without system downtime.
- Calibration traceability: Includes certified reference material (sodium tartrate dihydrate, theoretical moisture content = 15.66%) for routine accuracy verification, aligning with ISO 8573-8 and ASTM D4457 best practices for gravimetric moisture validation.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The MF-50 accommodates a broad spectrum of industrial and research-grade materials—including flour, starch, tobacco cut filler, milk powder, plant oils, ceramic slurries, cement clinker, polymer pellets, and pharmaceutical granules—without requiring method development for each matrix. Its Ø85 mm sample pan (optionally expandable to Ø110 mm) supports both shallow-layer and stacked configurations, ensuring representative sampling per USP <921> and Ph. Eur. 2.2.32 guidelines. All measurement outputs include metadata required for ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation: uncertainty estimation (based on repeatability and calibration uncertainty), environmental condition logging, and instrument identification. The built-in self-diagnostic suite performs daily sensor linearity checks and temperature uniformity verification, satisfying internal quality assurance protocols prior to routine use.
Software & Data Management
WinCT-Moisture software provides full PC-based control and graphical interpretation of drying curves. Real-time plotting of mass loss versus time enables visual identification of endpoint stability, inflection points, and residual volatility—essential for optimizing drying profiles and detecting anomalous decomposition. Up to 10 user-defined programs can be stored locally on the instrument, while the RS-232 interface allows bidirectional data exchange with LIMS or ERP systems. Measurement reports export in CSV and PDF formats, embedding digital signatures, calibration certificates, and compliance metadata. When deployed in regulated environments, WinCT-Moisture supports 21 CFR Part 11-compliant electronic signatures, role-based access control, and immutable audit logs—ensuring full data integrity from acquisition to archival.
Applications
- Quality control of raw materials and finished products in food & beverage manufacturing (e.g., moisture specification for cereal flakes, confectionery coatings, and dried herbs)
- Pharmaceutical formulation development and batch release testing per ICH Q5C stability guidelines
- Process validation of spray drying, fluidized bed granulation, and lyophilization cycles
- Moisture mapping in mineral processing (e.g., clay, limestone, gypsum) for kiln feed optimization
- Research applications in polymer science, battery electrode slurry characterization, and agricultural commodity grading
- Environmental testing labs performing soil moisture analysis per ASTM D2216 and EPA Method 9095B
FAQ
What is the recommended calibration frequency for the MF-50?
Calibration should be performed daily before first use using sodium tartrate dihydrate, with full sensor linearity and temperature uniformity verification conducted weekly or after any mechanical impact.
Can the MF-50 measure moisture in volatile organic liquids?
Yes—when used in manual or timer mode with low-temperature ramping (e.g., 50–80 °C), it reliably quantifies residual water in solvents like ethanol or acetone without significant co-evaporation artifacts.
Is external temperature calibration supported?
While the MF-50 includes internal thermal compensation, optional traceable halogen lamp temperature calibration kits (for MS/MX series) are available; the MF-50 relies on factory-calibrated thermal profiles validated against NIST-traceable standards.
How does the instrument handle hygroscopic samples during weighing?
The draft shield enclosure and rapid start-up (<5 s warm-up) minimize ambient moisture adsorption; pre-heated pans and closed-lid weighing further reduce exposure during loading.
Does the RS-232 interface support automated report generation?
Yes—WinCT-Moisture enables scheduled data export, custom report templates, and integration with third-party statistical process control (SPC) platforms via ASCII protocol scripting.
