Sartorius MA100 Infrared Moisture Analyzer

Overview

The Sartorius MA100 Infrared Moisture Analyzer is a high-precision, thermogravimetric instrument engineered for rapid, reproducible determination of moisture content in solid and semi-solid samples across pharmaceutical, food, chemical, and materials science laboratories. It operates on the principle of infrared drying coupled with ultra-micro weighing—measuring mass loss as a function of time under controlled thermal conditions. Unlike conventional halogen-based analyzers, the MA100 integrates a certified EC-type approved weighing system with 0.1 mg readability (0.0001 g), meeting the metrological requirements of ISO/IEC 17025-accredited testing environments. Its monolithic design fuses the heating module and sample chamber into a single motor-driven assembly, eliminating cross-contamination pathways and ensuring consistent heat transfer geometry—critical for method transferability and inter-laboratory comparability.

Key Features

• Ultra-high-resolution weighing system: 0.1 mg readability with internal calibration and automatic drift compensation, traceable to national standards.
• Integrated heating–chamber architecture: Motorized, coaxial alignment of IR emitter and sample pan minimizes thermal gradient asymmetry and improves drying uniformity.
• SPRM (Smart Parameter Recognition & Matching): An algorithm-driven function that auto-adjusts drying temperature, ramp rate, and endpoint criteria based on reference methods (e.g., Karl Fischer titration or gravimetric oven drying per ASTM D4457 or USP <921>), generating validated, repeatable drying protocols.
• Modular heating platform: Interchangeable IR sources—including infrared ceramic (stable low-intensity emission), halogen (fast response, high peak power), and quartz (broad-spectrum, uniform irradiance)—allow optimization for thermally sensitive, heterogeneous, or high-fat-content matrices.
• Plug&Dry™ system: A tool-free, slide-out heating unit enables full access to the chamber interior without disassembling electronics or sensors—facilitating residue removal, solvent decontamination, or routine maintenance in compliance with ISO 17025 clause 6.4.1.
• Built-in thermal printer (optional): Eliminates external cabling, reduces footprint, and ensures immediate hard-copy generation of raw data, metadata, and compliance headers—including operator ID, timestamp, method name, and weight stability confirmation.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The MA100 accommodates samples ranging from 0.5 g to 100 g (depending on pan configuration), with compatibility extending to powders, granules, pellets, pastes, and thin films. Its closed-chamber design prevents airborne particulate interference and meets Class II balance environmental requirements per OIML R 76. The analyzer complies with CE marking directives (2014/30/EU EMC, 2014/35/EU LVD), and its firmware architecture supports 21 CFR Part 11-compliant electronic records when paired with Sartorius LabX™ software. Method validation packages include IQ/OQ documentation templates aligned with ICH Q2(R2), and the device supports audit trail logging for weight history, parameter changes, and user actions—essential for FDA-inspected facilities operating under GMP or GLP frameworks.

Software & Data Management

When connected to LabX™ Moisture Software (v3.5+), the MA100 enables centralized method deployment, real-time statistical process monitoring (SPC), and automated report generation in PDF/A-1b or CSV formats. All raw mass-vs.-time datasets are stored with embedded metadata (sample ID, operator, ambient RH/T, calibration logs), and digital signatures ensure non-repudiation. The software enforces role-based access control (RBAC), session timeouts, and electronic signature workflows conforming to Annex 11 and ALCOA+ principles. Raw data export includes derivative curves (dm/dt), residual moisture profiles, and endpoint uncertainty estimation per ISO 12099:2017.

Applications

The MA100 is routinely deployed in QC release testing of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), excipients, and finished dosage forms per USP <921>; moisture profiling of hygroscopic polymers in medical device manufacturing; shelf-life studies of nutraceuticals and dairy powders per IDF Standard 129; and quality control of lithium-ion battery cathode materials where residual H₂O must remain below 50 ppm to prevent HF formation. Its ability to resolve sub-0.05% w/w moisture differences makes it suitable for validating lyophilization cycles and assessing desiccant efficacy in packaging integrity studies.

FAQ

Does the MA100 require external calibration weights for daily verification?
No—its internal calibration mechanism uses a certified mass standard mounted within the weighing cell, enabling automated adjustment without manual weight handling.
Can SPRM-generated methods be exported and shared across multiple MA100 units?
Yes—method files (.mth) are platform-independent and can be loaded via USB or LabX network synchronization, ensuring analytical consistency across distributed sites.
Is the Plug&Dry™ system compatible with aggressive solvents such as acetone or chloroform?
The heating unit housing is constructed from chemically resistant PTFE-coated aluminum; however, prolonged exposure to halogenated solvents requires post-cleaning drying at 60°C for ≥30 minutes to prevent condensation-induced sensor drift.
What regulatory documentation is provided with the MA100 for GMP audits?
Each unit ships with a Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) report, EC Declaration of Conformity, Certificate of Conformance, and a traceable calibration certificate issued by an ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratory.
How does the MA100 handle samples that decompose before reaching complete dryness?
The instrument supports multi-step drying profiles (up to 5 segments), allowing users to define temperature ramps, hold times, and dynamic endpoint detection—minimizing thermal degradation while preserving measurement integrity.