OHAUS MB32 Infrared Moisture Analyzer

Overview

The OHAUS MB32 Infrared Moisture Analyzer is a precision laboratory instrument engineered for rapid, reliable quantification of moisture content in solid and semi-solid samples using halogen infrared heating technology. Unlike traditional oven-drying methods requiring hours, the MB32 delivers reproducible results in minutes by combining controlled radiant heat transfer with high-resolution mass measurement. Its core operating principle relies on real-time gravimetric loss monitoring: a carbon fiber heating element uniformly irradiates the sample surface, driving off volatile components (primarily water), while an upgraded electromagnetic force compensation sensor continuously tracks mass change at 1 mg resolution. The instrument calculates moisture percentage based on the initial and final mass differential relative to the original sample weight. Designed for routine quality control environments—including food processing, pharmaceutical manufacturing, chemical R&D, and agricultural testing—the MB32 meets fundamental requirements for method validation under ISO 712, AOAC 955.04, and USP <921>, supporting traceable, auditable workflows in GLP- and GMP-aligned laboratories.

Key Features

• Carbon fiber infrared heating system ensures uniform thermal distribution, minimizing charring and improving repeatability across heterogeneous samples.
• Enhanced electromagnetic force restoration weighing sensor with 1 mg readability and ±0.02% repeatability (10 g reference load), optimized for low-mass stability and drift resistance.
• 4-inch dual-line LCD display with intuitive icon-driven interface—provides simultaneous visibility of moisture %, residual solids %, temperature, elapsed time, and method ID without menu navigation.
• Two programmable heating profiles: “Standard” mode for thermally sensitive materials (e.g., dairy powders, APIs); “Rapid” mode for robust matrices (e.g., grains, minerals) with accelerated ramp rates.
• Built-in screen protector and reinforced polymer housing improve operational durability in shared lab or production-floor settings.
• Configurable auto-shutdown logic: selectable termination criteria include fixed time, endpoint detection (mass change ≤0.1 mg/30 s), or manual override—ensuring method consistency across operators.
• Temperature calibration at two certified points (100°C and 160°C) and external weight calibration (50 g standard) support routine performance verification per ISO/IEC 17025 internal audit protocols.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The MB32 accommodates a broad spectrum of sample types—including powders, granules, pastes, films, and lyophilized solids—with a 90 mm diameter stainless steel pan. Its 40–180°C adjustable heating range allows method development for diverse volatiles (e.g., ethanol, solvents, bound water). While primarily intended for moisture determination, the instrument also reports residual solids and moisture regain—enabling direct correlation with ASTM D2231 (textile moisture) and ISO 1442 (meat products). The device complies with CE marking directives (2014/30/EU EMC, 2011/65/EU RoHS) and operates within environmental specifications defined in IEC 61010-1 for laboratory electrical equipment. It supports documentation practices aligned with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when integrated with validated third-party data management software (e.g., OHAUS LoggerPro).

Software & Data Management

The MB32 features native RS232 and USB Device interfaces for seamless connectivity to PCs, LIMS, or ERP systems. Raw mass vs. time datasets—including intermediate weight readings every second—are exportable in CSV format for post-acquisition statistical analysis (e.g., trend monitoring, SPC charting). Although the analyzer stores only two user-defined test methods internally, its communication protocol enables full remote configuration and result retrieval via terminal emulation or OHAUS-provided utilities. For regulated environments, audit trails—including operator ID, timestamp, method parameters, and calibration history—must be maintained externally; the instrument itself logs no user identity but timestamps all critical events (start, stop, calibration, error). Data integrity is preserved through CRC-verified transmission and hardware-level write protection on USB transfers.

Applications

• Food & Beverage: Moisture specification verification in flour, coffee beans, pet food, and snack foods per AACC 44-19A.
• Pharmaceuticals: Excipient drying validation, tablet granulation moisture control, and API release testing per USP <921>.
• Agriculture: Grain moisture assessment for storage compliance (ISO 6540) and harvest readiness evaluation.
• Chemicals & Polymers: Solvent residue quantification in resins, catalysts, and pigment dispersions.
• Environmental Testing: Soil moisture content determination for landfill cover material characterization (EPA SW-846 Method 9095B).

FAQ

What calibration standards are required for daily operation?
External 50 g Class M2 weights are recommended for routine mass calibration; temperature verification should be performed annually using NIST-traceable RTD probes at 100°C and 160°C.
Can the MB32 comply with FDA 21 CFR Part 11?
The instrument itself does not provide electronic signatures or role-based access control; however, when paired with validated third-party software and procedural controls (e.g., documented SOPs, operator training records), it supports Part 11-compliant workflows.
Is method transfer between MB32 units straightforward?
Yes—identical heating profiles, temperature ramps, and endpoint criteria can be replicated across units using exported CSV templates and standardized calibration procedures.
Does the carbon fiber heater require periodic replacement?
No; the carbon fiber emitter has no consumable elements and is rated for >10,000 operational hours under normal use conditions.
How is moisture regain calculated?
Moisture regain (%) = (Mass of absorbed water / Dry mass) × 100 — derived from final stabilized weight after heating and user-input dry basis reference value.