IR60 Smart Compact Infrared Moisture Analyzer
| Origin | USA |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Origin Category | Imported |
| Model | IR60 |
| Pricing | Available Upon Request |
Overview
The IR60 Smart Compact Infrared Moisture Analyzer is an engineered solution for rapid, precise moisture content determination in solid and semi-solid samples across pharmaceutical, food, chemical, polymer, and quality control laboratories. It operates on the principle of infrared (IR) thermogravimetric analysis: a calibrated IR heating source—comprising high-efficiency tungsten-halogen metal filament emitters coupled with a precision-ground quartz reflector—induces controlled, uniform thermal drying. Simultaneous high-resolution mass monitoring via an integrated analytical balance (0.1 mg readability, internal calibration) captures real-time weight loss. Moisture content (%) is calculated automatically using the standard loss-on-drying (LOD) method per ASTM E1868 and ISO 4611. Its compact footprint (230 × 330 × 160 mm) and robust mechanical architecture—featuring dual-stage monolithic sensor integration—ensure stable performance in non-climate-controlled environments, minimizing drift from vibration, dust ingress, or thermal shock.
Key Features
- Integrated dual-stage sensor module: Combines load cell and temperature sensing in a single hermetically sealed unit, eliminating inter-sensor thermal lag and enhancing long-term repeatability (RSD < 0.2% for repeated measurements on homogeneous samples).
- Optimized IR heating system: Tungsten-halogen filament + fused quartz reflector delivers rapid, spectrally selective energy transfer—achieving sample surface temperatures up to 200 °C within < 15 seconds while maintaining bulk thermal homogeneity.
- Programmable drying protocols: Stores up to five user-defined methods—including step-heating, gradient ramping, and auto-termination based on dynamic rate-of-loss thresholds—enabling method transfer across shifts and operators.
- Robust mechanical design: Shock-absorbing base mount, IP54-rated enclosure, and anti-static housing minimize environmental interference, supporting deployment on production floors or mobile QC carts.
- Intuitive 4.3-inch capacitive touchscreen interface: Supports multilingual operation (English, Spanish, German, Chinese), real-time curve plotting (mass vs. time, derivative dM/dt), and on-device data review with timestamped metadata.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The IR60 accommodates sample masses from 0.5 g to 50 g across granular powders (e.g., lactose, sodium chloride), viscous pastes (e.g., ointments, slurries), thin films (e.g., polymer coatings), and hygroscopic solids (e.g., APIs, excipients). Sample pans are supplied in aluminum and ceramic variants to accommodate thermal sensitivity and residue requirements. The analyzer complies with key regulatory frameworks for analytical instrumentation: it supports audit-trail-enabled operation per FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when connected to compliant LIMS or ELN systems; meets GLP/GMP documentation requirements through embedded electronic signatures and method locking; and aligns with ISO/IEC 17025 calibration traceability standards via NIST-traceable mass and temperature verification kits (sold separately).
Software & Data Management
Data export is supported via USB 2.0 (CSV, PDF report generation) and optional Ethernet/Wi-Fi connectivity for networked deployment. The companion PC software (IRControl Suite v3.2) provides advanced functionality including statistical process control (SPC) charting, batch comparison overlays, method version control, and automated report templating compliant with internal SOPs. All measurement records include immutable metadata: operator ID, method name, start/stop timestamps, ambient temperature/humidity (if external sensor connected), final moisture result, drying curve, and pass/fail status against configurable acceptance criteria. Raw data files are stored in open-format XML for third-party integration and long-term archival.
Applications
- Pharmaceutical: Quantification of residual solvents and hydrate water in active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs); moisture testing of tablet granules pre-compression per USP <921>.
- Food & Agriculture: Rapid moisture verification in flour, coffee beans, dairy powders, and pet food to ensure shelf-life stability and compliance with Codex Alimentarius limits.
- Chemicals & Polymers: Monitoring moisture in catalysts, silica gels, and engineering resins where trace water impacts reactivity or polymerization kinetics.
- Quality Assurance Labs: Routine incoming raw material inspection, in-process checks, and release testing under ISO 9001-certified workflows.
FAQ
What is the typical measurement time for most routine samples?
Measurement duration ranges from 60 to 300 seconds depending on sample type, initial moisture level, and selected drying profile—significantly faster than conventional oven-drying (which typically requires 1–24 hours).
Does the IR60 require external calibration or periodic certification?
Yes. Annual verification using certified reference materials (e.g., sodium tartrate dihydrate for moisture, stainless steel weights for mass) is recommended. Internal calibration routines for balance and temperature sensors are accessible via service mode.
Can the IR60 be integrated into a laboratory information management system (LIMS)?
Yes—via ASCII-based serial output (RS-232) or TCP/IP protocol. Custom API integration is available upon request for validated environments requiring 21 CFR Part 11 compliance.
Is method validation support provided?
Documentation templates aligned with ICH Q2(R2) guidelines—including specificity, linearity, accuracy, precision, and robustness protocols—are included with the instrument and supported by application engineers during installation qualification (IQ) and operational qualification (OQ).
