Sartorius MA150 Infrared Moisture Analyzer

Overview

The Sartorius MA150 Infrared Moisture Analyzer is a precision benchtop instrument engineered for rapid, reproducible moisture content determination in solid, semi-solid, and viscous samples using halogen or ceramic infrared heating coupled with high-resolution analytical weighing. Based on the principle of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), the MA150 applies controlled radiant heat to induce water evaporation while continuously monitoring mass loss in real time via a high-stability 1-mg resolution electromagnetic force compensation sensor. This dual-function architecture—integrating calibrated IR heating and microgram-level mass tracking—enables direct, non-destructive quantification of moisture without chemical reagents or solvent extraction. Designed for routine QC/QA environments, the MA150 delivers traceable, operator-independent results aligned with internationally recognized methodologies including ASTM D4442, ISO 712, AOAC 952.06, and USP <731>. Its compact footprint (213 × 320 × 180.5 mm) and robust aluminum housing support integration into regulated laboratories operating under GLP, GMP, or HACCP frameworks.

Key Features

• 150 g maximum weighing capacity with 0.01 g readability and 1 mg sensor resolution—optimized for both small-quantity R&D samples and bulk production checks.
• Adjustable IR heating system with ceramic or quartz emitter options, delivering uniform thermal energy across the sample surface at precisely set temperatures from 40 °C to 220 °C (in 1 °C steps).
• Three endpoint detection modes: fully automatic (based on dynamic mass stabilization), semi-automatic (configurable by mass loss rate or % change thresholds), and timed drying—ensuring method flexibility across diverse matrices (e.g., polymers, food powders, pharmaceutical granules, ceramics).
• 20 user-programmable drying methods with customizable parameters: heating profile, endpoint criteria, display units, and post-analysis calculations (% moisture, % dry residue, ash equivalent, evaporation mass in mg, etc.).
• FDA/HACCP-compliant hardware configuration, including aluminum front panel shielding (replacing standard glass) to eliminate breakage risk and meet hygiene-critical facility requirements.
• Gentle and standard heating modes accommodate thermally sensitive materials such as proteins, enzymes, or coated tablets without charring or decomposition artifacts.
• Intuitive symbol-driven interface with contextual digital prompts—minimizing training time and reducing operational error in multi-shift environments.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The MA150 accommodates a broad range of physical forms: free-flowing powders, cohesive granules, pastes, gels, emulsions, and thin-film coatings. Optional accessories—including glass fiber filter membranes (for liquid or oily samples), aluminum sample pans (80 mm diameter), and temperature calibration discs (YTM03MA)—extend applicability to challenging matrices like dairy concentrates, battery electrode slurries, or botanical extracts. All hardware configurations comply with mechanical safety standards IEC 61010-1 and electromagnetic compatibility directive 2014/30/EU. When paired with the YMW02MA Windows-based software and YDP03-0CE thermal printer, the system supports full 21 CFR Part 11 compliance—including electronic signatures, audit trails, and immutable data archiving—making it suitable for FDA-regulated pharmaceutical and nutraceutical manufacturing.

Software & Data Management

Data acquisition, visualization, and reporting are managed through Sartorius’ dedicated YMW02MA Moisture Analysis Software. The application connects via RS232 to capture real-time mass curves, endpoint timestamps, and final result metadata—including operator ID, method name, ambient temperature/humidity (if logged externally), and calibration status. Users can generate comparative trend charts, export CSV/Excel datasets, and produce GLP-compliant PDF reports containing instrument ID, method parameters, raw curve plots, and pass/fail flags against predefined specification limits. All measurement records are timestamped and digitally signed; modifications require elevated access credentials and are automatically logged in the audit trail. Data integrity is further reinforced by optional password protection for method editing and system configuration changes.

Applications

• Pharmaceutical: Quantifying residual solvents in lyophilized APIs, moisture in tablet blends prior to compression, and water activity correlation studies.
• Food & Beverage: Routine testing of flour, starch, coffee beans, pet food, and dried fruits per AOAC and Codex Alimentarius protocols.
• Chemicals & Polymers: Monitoring moisture in catalysts, silica gels, epoxy resins, and lithium-ion battery cathode precursors where trace water compromises performance.
• Agriculture & Feed: Rapid assessment of grain moisture content for storage stability and mycotoxin risk modeling.
• Academic Research: Method development for novel hygroscopic materials, kinetic modeling of desorption profiles, and inter-laboratory validation studies.

FAQ

What calibration standards are required for daily verification?
Daily calibration requires traceable external weights (e.g., YSS43 30 g ± 0.3 mg) and optional temperature calibration disc (YTM03MA) to verify thermal uniformity across the heating chamber.
Can the MA150 be validated per IQ/OQ/PQ protocols?
Yes—Sartorius provides documented validation templates, installation qualification checklists, and operational qualification test procedures compatible with ISO/IEC 17025 and Annex 11 requirements.
Is internal moisture calibration possible?
No—moisture determination is inherently matrix-dependent; calibration is method-specific and performed using certified reference materials (CRMs) or gravimetric standards appropriate to the sample type.
How does the MA150 handle samples that splatter or foam during drying?
The large-angle flip-open heating chamber allows safe placement of wire mesh inserts or perforated aluminum pans; gentle heating mode minimizes surface disruption while maintaining analytical accuracy.
Does the RS232 interface support modern USB-to-serial adapters?
Yes—standard FTDI-based USB-RS232 adapters are fully compatible when configured with matching baud rate (9600), parity (none), and stop bits (1).