OHAUS MB25 Halogen Moisture Analyzer
| Origin | USA |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Origin Category | Imported |
| Model | MB25 |
| Price | USD 1,390 (FOB US Port) |
| Capacity | 110 g / 99 g |
| Readability | 0.01 g / 0.005 g |
| Moisture Readability (>10 g sample) | 0.05 % |
| Repeatability (3 g sample) | 0.2 % |
| Repeatability (10 g sample) | 0.05 % |
| Minimum Sample Mass | 0.5 g |
| Recommended Sample Mass | 3–20 g |
| Pan Diameter | 90 mm |
| Heating Program | Standard |
| Operating Ambient Temperature | 10–30 °C |
| Communication Interface | Bidirectional RS232 |
| Endpoint Detection | Timer-based & Auto-termination |
| Heating Temperature Range | 50–160 °C (in 5 °C increments) |
| Display Parameters | Moisture %, Solid %, Mass (g), Time (min:s), Temperature (°C) |
| Drying Time Range | 1–60 min (30 s increments) |
| Dimensions (W×H×D) | 165 × 127 × 280 mm |
| Net Weight | 2.1 kg |
| Gross Weight | 4.2 kg |
| Sample Pan Handle | Included |
| Heating Source | Halogen Lamp |
Overview
The OHAUS MB25 Halogen Moisture Analyzer is an entry-level yet precision-engineered instrument designed for rapid, gravimetric determination of moisture content in solid and semi-solid samples via thermogravimetric analysis. It operates on the principle of controlled halogen lamp heating—delivering uniform, responsive thermal energy to accelerate water evaporation while minimizing thermal degradation of heat-sensitive matrices. Unlike traditional oven-drying methods requiring hours, the MB25 achieves reliable endpoint detection in as little as 1–90 minutes, making it suitable for high-throughput quality control environments in food, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and plastics manufacturing. Its dual-range weighing system (110 g capacity / 99 g drying pan limit) and dual readability modes (0.01 g standard / 0.005 g high-resolution) support both routine screening and method development workflows under ISO 712, AOAC 955.04, and ASTM D4457-compliant protocols.
Key Features
- Halogen heating source with precise 5 °C incremental temperature control (50–160 °C), enabling optimization for diverse sample thermal stability profiles.
- Integrated bidirectional RS232 interface for seamless data export to LIMS or Excel-compatible software—supports audit-ready timestamped records per GLP/GMP documentation requirements.
- Two endpoint detection modes: programmable timer (1–90 min, adjustable in 30-s or 1-min steps) and automatic termination based on mass stabilization criteria (±0.005 g over 30 s).
- Large-diameter (90 mm) stainless-steel sample pan with ergonomic handle ensures safe handling and uniform heat distribution across heterogeneous samples.
- Real-time display of moisture %, solids %, current mass, elapsed time, and chamber temperature—no secondary calculations required.
- Compact footprint (165 × 127 × 280 mm) and low net weight (2.1 kg) facilitate benchtop deployment in regulated laboratories with space constraints.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The MB25 accommodates a broad range of non-volatile, non-explosive materials including powders, granules, pastes, tablets, and dried botanicals. Minimum sample mass is 0.5 g; optimal reproducibility is achieved with 3–20 g loads—validated per USP guidelines for moisture loss on drying (LOD). Instrument performance meets repeatability specifications of ≤0.05 % RSD for 10 g reference samples (e.g., sodium tartrate dihydrate), satisfying internal QC thresholds for ISO/IEC 17025-accredited testing labs. All firmware and calibration routines are traceable to NIST-certified mass standards. No hazardous waste generation or consumables beyond standard aluminum or stainless-steel pans are required.
Software & Data Management
While the MB25 operates autonomously via front-panel controls, its RS232 port enables integration with OHAUS’s free PC Connect software (Windows-compatible) for batch reporting, statistical summary generation (mean, SD, CV%), and PDF certificate export. Data logs include operator ID (manually entered), sample ID, method name, start/end timestamps, final moisture %, and raw mass readings at 10-second intervals. Audit trail functionality supports FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance when paired with validated user access controls and electronic signature workflows on the host system.
Applications
- Food & Beverage: Moisture verification in flour, coffee beans, dairy powders, and snack foods per Codex Alimentarius standards.
- Pharmaceuticals: LOD testing of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), excipients, and finished dosage forms during stability studies.
- Chemicals & Polymers: Resin moisture monitoring prior to extrusion or injection molding to prevent hydrolysis-related defects.
- Agriculture & Feed: Rapid field-lab assessment of grain, hay, and silage moisture for storage safety and nutritional labeling.
- Academic Research: Teaching thermogravimetric principles and method validation in analytical chemistry laboratories.
FAQ
Does the MB25 comply with regulatory moisture testing standards?
Yes—the instrument supports method implementation aligned with ISO 712, AOAC 955.04, USP , and ASTM D4457 when operated using validated temperature/time profiles and calibrated reference standards.
Can I calibrate the balance and temperature sensor independently?
Yes—internal balance calibration uses external weights (not included); temperature calibration requires a NIST-traceable probe and is performed via service mode by authorized technicians.
Is the halogen lamp replaceable by the user?
Yes—the lamp module is field-replaceable using standard tools; replacement part number is MB25-LAMP.
What is the expected lifetime of the halogen heating element?
Under normal usage (≤4 hrs/day, 5 days/week), the halogen lamp maintains stable output for ≥5,000 operating hours before luminance decay affects drying consistency.
Does the MB25 support multiple user-defined drying methods?
No—the MB25 stores only one user-programmable method; for multi-method flexibility, consider the MB35 or MB45 models with onboard memory for up to 20 stored protocols.
