A&D MS-70 / MX-50 / MF-50 / ML-50 Series Infrared Moisture Analyzers

Overview

The A&D MS-70, MX-50, MF-50, and ML-50 Series Infrared Moisture Analyzers are precision thermogravimetric instruments engineered for rapid, reliable quantification of moisture content in solid, semi-solid, granular, powdered, pasty, and liquid samples. Based on the principle of loss-on-drying (LOD), these analyzers combine high-stability electromagnetic force restoration weighing technology with controlled halogen lamp heating to deliver repeatable, traceable, and method-validated moisture results. Each model is calibrated and verified using certified reference material—sodium tartrate dihydrate (Na₂C₄H₄O₆·2H₂O)—which exhibits a certified moisture content of 15.66% ±0.3/−0.1%, enabling rigorous accuracy verification per ISO 8573-3 and ASTM E1064 guidelines. Designed for routine QC/QA laboratories and production environments, the series supports regulatory compliance workflows across pharmaceutical, food, chemical, paper, feed, and mineral processing industries.

Key Features

• Halogen heating system with SRA (Secondary Radiation Assist) technology: Ensures uniform thermal distribution and reduced drying time via optimized reflector geometry and direct-tube lamp configuration.
• High-resolution weighing sensor: SHS (Super Hybrid Sensor) technology delivers exceptional stability and responsiveness—even at sub-milligram sample masses—supporting accurate LOD calculations with minimal sample consumption.
• Multi-mode drying control: Four programmable drying profiles—Standard, Ramp-up, Step, and Rapid—allow precise thermal ramping strategies tailored to sample volatility, thermal sensitivity, or matrix complexity.
• Five measurement modes: Standard (adaptive precision), Automatic (termination based on %/min moisture change threshold), Timed (user-defined duration), Manual (operator-initiated start/stop), and Quick (initial 200 °C burst followed by adaptive hold).
• Ergonomic design: Wing-type lid handle and heat-resistant pan grip minimize operator exposure during hot-sample handling; sealed chamber facilitates easy cleaning and extends halogen lamp service life (~5000 h).
• GLP/GMP-ready data integrity: Timestamped measurements, user ID logging, calibration history, and full audit trail generation—compatible with 21 CFR Part 11-compliant software configurations when paired with WinCT-Moisture.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The series accommodates diverse physical forms—including hygroscopic powders, viscous slurries, fibrous biomass, coated tablets, and low-volatility petrochemicals—without requiring solvent extraction or Karl Fischer titration. All models comply with international standards governing moisture analysis methodology, including ISO 712 (cereals), ISO 187 (paper), ASTM D4442 (wood), USP , and EP 2.5.1. The MS-70 and MX-50 support optional temperature calibration (via AX-MX-43 kit), generating GLP/GMP/ISO-compliant calibration reports with uncertainty estimation. Built-in validation protocols enable routine performance qualification (PQ) and operational qualification (OQ) in regulated environments.

Software & Data Management

WinCT-Moisture software (standard on MS-70 and MX-50; optional upgrade for MF/ML-50) provides real-time graphical visualization of moisture loss kinetics, enabling empirical optimization of drying parameters. Users can define, store, and recall up to 20 custom methods (10 on MF-50, 5 on ML-50) and archive up to 100 measurement records (50 on MF-50, 30 on ML-50). Data export supports CSV, TXT, and PDF formats; RS-232 interface enables bidirectional communication with LIMS or ERP systems. Audit trail functionality logs all user actions, parameter changes, and calibration events—essential for FDA, EMA, and PMDA audit readiness.

Applications

• Pharmaceutical: Quantification of residual solvents in active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), excipient moisture profiling, tablet coating uniformity assessment.
• Food & Agriculture: Moisture monitoring in flour, dairy powders, coffee beans, spices, and animal feed—ensuring shelf-life stability and microbial safety.
• Chemicals & Polymers: Determination of water content in resins, catalysts, pigments, and battery electrode materials prior to processing.
• Paper & Pulp: On-line quality control of sheet moisture during drying sections; raw material acceptance testing of recycled fiber bales.
• Geology & Mining: Rapid field screening of clay plasticity indices, ore moisture correction for assay reporting, and tailings dewatering optimization.

FAQ

What reference standard is used for accuracy verification?
Sodium tartrate dihydrate (AX-MX-33), certified at 15.66% ±0.3/−0.1% moisture content, is supplied as a primary standard for daily instrument verification.
Is temperature calibration supported on all models?
Temperature calibration capability is available only on MS-70 and MX-50 units using the optional AX-MX-43 temperature calibration kit.
Can measurement data be exported to LIMS?
Yes—via RS-232 serial interface and WinCT-Moisture software, measurement records, calibration logs, and method definitions can be exported in CSV or PDF format for LIMS integration.
How many user-defined methods can be stored internally?
MS-70 stores up to 20 methods; MX-50 stores 20; MF-50 stores 10; ML-50 stores 5.
Are GLP/GMP audit trails enabled by default?
All models generate timestamped, user-ID-tagged measurement records; full electronic audit trail functionality requires WinCT-Moisture software and appropriate system configuration per 21 CFR Part 11 requirements.