OHAUS MB25 Halogen Moisture Analyzer

Overview

The OHAUS MB25 Halogen Moisture Analyzer is a precision benchtop instrument engineered for rapid, reliable, and repeatable moisture content determination in solid and semi-solid samples across quality control, R&D, and production environments. It operates on the principle of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA): a halogen lamp delivers uniform, controllable radiant heating to drive off volatiles—primarily water—while an integrated high-stability weighing sensor continuously monitors mass loss in real time. Unlike infrared systems with broader spectral emission profiles, the MB25’s focused halogen heating enables faster thermal response, improved energy efficiency, and enhanced reproducibility for samples requiring rapid, gentle desiccation—such as pharmaceutical granules, food powders, polymers, and agricultural commodities. Its dual-range weighing system (110 g capacity / 99 g maximum moisture loss) supports both broad sample screening and high-resolution quantification, while its thermal-isolation sensor architecture minimizes drift induced by heat transfer during active drying.

Key Features

• Halogen heating technology: Provides rapid, homogeneous surface heating with precise temperature control (50–160 °C in 5 °C increments), reducing drying time without charring heat-sensitive materials.
• Thermally isolated weighing mechanism: Patented sensor housing design mitigates thermal interference, ensuring stable mass readings throughout extended drying cycles.
• Backlit monochrome LCD display: Presents real-time moisture %, solid %, current weight (g), elapsed time (min:s), and chamber temperature—without menu navigation overhead.
• Intuitive six-button interface: Eliminates multi-layered menus; all functions—including method selection, start/stop, tare, and parameter adjustment—are accessible via dedicated physical keys.
• Dual endpoint detection: Supports both user-defined timed drying and automatic termination based on mass-change rate thresholds (e.g., ≤0.1 mg/30 s), optimizing accuracy across diverse matrix types.
• Bidirectional RS232 interface: Enables direct communication with external printers, LIMS, or laboratory PCs for automated report generation and data archiving—compatible with standard ASCII protocols.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The MB25 accommodates a wide range of non-volatile, non-hygroscopic, and moderately volatile matrices, including but not limited to excipients, dried herbs, cereal flours, coffee beans, plastic pellets, catalysts, and ceramic powders. It is not intended for samples containing solvents with boiling points below 50 °C or highly reactive compounds. While the instrument itself does not carry CE or UL certification out-of-the-box (user responsibility to verify local regulatory alignment), its operational parameters align with common method validation frameworks referenced in ASTM D4457 (moisture in resins), ISO 712 (cereals), USP <921> (loss on drying), and AOAC 952.03 (food moisture). When deployed in regulated environments, users may configure audit trails, electronic signatures, and method locking via compatible third-party data management software to support 21 CFR Part 11 compliance.

Software & Data Management

The MB25 operates autonomously without embedded firmware-based software; instead, it relies on standardized RS232 ASCII output for seamless integration into existing laboratory informatics infrastructure. Raw data streams include timestamp, sample ID (if entered manually), initial/final weight, moisture %, solid %, drying time, and set temperature—formatted for direct ingestion into Excel, LabArchives, or enterprise LIMS platforms. For GLP/GMP workflows, validated drivers and middleware solutions (e.g., OHAUS Connect™ or custom Python/Node.js parsers) support automated file naming, folder structuring, and metadata tagging. All measurement records retain full traceability to operator, method ID, environmental conditions (via optional ambient sensor input), and calibration history when paired with documented maintenance logs.

Applications

• Pharmaceutical QC labs verifying moisture content of APIs and tablet blends per USP <921>.
• Food processing facilities monitoring shelf-life-critical parameters in snacks, dairy powders, and freeze-dried products.
• Polymer manufacturers assessing resin dryness prior to extrusion or injection molding.
• Agricultural testing centers evaluating grain moisture for storage compliance (ISO 6540).
• Research laboratories conducting comparative drying kinetics studies across temperature ramp profiles.
• Contract testing organizations supporting ISO/IEC 17025-accredited methods with documented uncertainty budgets.

FAQ

What is the difference between the MB25 and MB23 models?
The MB25 uses a halogen lamp for faster, more controllable heating—ideal for samples requiring rapid desiccation—while the MB23 employs infrared heating, better suited for sugar-rich or thermally labile materials prone to caramelization.
Can the MB25 be calibrated for traceable accuracy?
Yes. It supports internal calibration using certified test weights (e.g., OHAUS 100 g Class M2), and external calibration can be performed per ISO 17025 requirements using NIST-traceable standards.
Is the sample pan interchangeable with other OHAUS analyzers?
The 90 mm diameter aluminum pan with integrated handle is specific to the MB20–MB35 series and not cross-compatible with older MB120 or Adventurer models.
Does the MB25 meet FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements?
The instrument provides raw data export and audit-ready outputs; however, full Part 11 compliance requires implementation of validated software controls, electronic signatures, and secure access management at the system level.
How often should the halogen lamp be replaced?
Typical service life exceeds 5,000 hours under normal use; replacement is recommended upon visible filament degradation or inconsistent heating performance—no recalibration is required post-replacement.