Anton Paar Brabender Aquatrac-V Selective Water Determination Analyzer

Overview

The Anton Paar Brabender Aquatrac-V Selective Water Determination Analyzer is a laboratory-grade instrument engineered for the precise, selective quantification of residual moisture in hygroscopic polymeric materials—specifically designed to meet the stringent metrological requirements of DIN EN ISO 15512:2019. Unlike non-selective techniques such as near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy or Karl Fischer titration—which may respond to alcohols, solvents, or other volatile compounds—the Aquatrac-V employs the calcium hydride (CaH₂) reaction method: water vapor released from a heated sample under vacuum reacts stoichiometrically with CaH₂ to generate hydrogen gas (CaH₂ + 2H₂O → Ca(OH)₂ + 2H₂). The resulting pressure increase in a sealed reaction chamber is measured with high-resolution capacitance manometry and converted directly into mass-based water content using the ideal gas law and reaction stoichiometry. This direct physicochemical measurement eliminates the need for calibration curves, reference standards, or method-specific validation—delivering traceable, absolute water determination at a resolution of 0.0001% (w/w), equivalent to 1 ppm.

Key Features

• Single-step operation for both selective water analysis and preparation of moisture-conditioned samples suitable for melt flow rate (MFR/MI) testing per ISO 1133 and ASTM D1238
• Vacuum-controlled thermal desorption module ensuring complete water release without polymer degradation or oxidation
• Integrated CaH₂ reagent cartridge system with batch traceability and automatic reagent depletion monitoring
• No calibration required: measurement accuracy derives from fundamental physical constants and reaction stoichiometry
• Robust architecture compliant with IEC 61000-4 electromagnetic compatibility standards and CE marking for laboratory use
• Modular design supporting routine maintenance, rapid reagent exchange, and long-term operational stability

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Aquatrac-V is validated for a broad spectrum of thermoplastic and thermosetting polymers—including but not limited to PET, PA6, PA66, PC, PBT, ABS, and engineering composites containing fillers or additives. Its selectivity for H₂O ensures immunity to interference from residual monomers, plasticizers, or low-molecular-weight volatiles commonly present in post-polymerization or recycling streams. As the only commercially available instrument certified for full conformance with DIN EN ISO 15512:2019, it satisfies regulatory expectations for raw material release testing in automotive, medical device, and food-contact packaging supply chains. Instrument qualification documentation supports IQ/OQ/PQ protocols, and all measurement records include embedded metadata (operator ID, timestamp, environmental pressure/temperature, reagent lot number) required for GLP and GMP audits.

Software & Data Management

Aquatrac Control Software provides a secure, role-based interface for method setup, run execution, real-time pressure curve visualization, and automated report generation. All analytical sessions are recorded with electronic signatures and immutable audit trails meeting FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements. Raw sensor data, intermediate calculations, and final results are stored in encrypted SQLite databases with configurable backup intervals. The software supports structured export (CSV, PDF, XML) and native integration via OPC UA or RESTful API with enterprise systems—including LIMS (e.g., LabWare, Thermo Fisher SampleManager), ERP platforms (SAP, Oracle), and MES environments. Multi-user access control enables centralized method management across global R&D and QC laboratories.

Applications

• Quality control of incoming polymer pellets and regrind prior to extrusion or injection molding
• Validation of drying process parameters (time, temperature, dew point) in hopper dryers and dehumidifying systems
• Stability assessment of hygroscopic resins during storage under varying humidity conditions
• Root-cause analysis of surface defects (splay, silver streaks) and mechanical property deviations linked to residual moisture
• Supporting regulatory submissions requiring ISO 15512-compliant moisture data for ISO 10993 biocompatibility or IATF 16949 PPAP packages
• Method development for novel bio-based or recycled polymer formulations where water sensitivity impacts processing window

FAQ

Does the Aquatrac-V require daily calibration?
No. It performs absolute water quantification based on the stoichiometric CaH₂–H₂O reaction and ideal gas law; no calibration standards or periodic recalibration are necessary.
Can the same sample be used for both Aquatrac-V analysis and subsequent MFR testing?
Yes. The instrument conditions the sample under controlled vacuum and temperature to remove only water—preserving molecular weight distribution and eliminating the need for separate drying steps.
Is the calcium hydride reagent hazardous to handle?
CaH₂ cartridges are pre-sealed, single-use units designed for safe insertion and disposal. No manual handling of bulk reagent is required during routine operation.
How does Aquatrac-V compare to Karl Fischer titration for polymer moisture analysis?
Karl Fischer measures total reducible substances and requires solvent extraction, which may co-extract additives or degrade sensitive polymers. Aquatrac-V measures only water, directly in solid state, with superior selectivity and no solvent consumption.
Can custom methods be validated and locked for regulated environments?
Yes. The software supports method versioning, electronic approval workflows, and lockdown of validated parameters to prevent unauthorized modification—fully aligned with Annex 11 and ALCOA+ data integrity principles.