Sartorius MA35 Infrared Moisture Analyzer

Overview

The Sartorius MA35 Infrared Moisture Analyzer is a compact, benchtop instrument engineered for rapid, reliable, and operator-independent determination of moisture content in solid and semi-solid materials using loss-on-drying (LOD) methodology. It employs a precisely controlled infrared dark-field heating tube — a metallic radiant heater designed to deliver uniform thermal energy across the sample surface without direct contact or convective air flow. This ensures consistent drying kinetics, minimizes thermal degradation risk for heat-sensitive substances, and eliminates variability associated with airflow-dependent methods such as halogen or convection ovens. The MA35 is calibrated and validated for compliance with internationally recognized quality frameworks including ISO 5530-1, AOAC 952.07, and USP <731>, making it suitable for routine QC testing in food, pharmaceutical, chemical, and agricultural laboratories where traceable, repeatable moisture data are required under regulated conditions.

Key Features

• Infrared dark-field heating system with adjustable temperature range (40–160 °C in 1 °C steps) for optimized drying profiles across diverse sample matrices.
• Automatic endpoint detection algorithm that dynamically monitors mass loss rate to terminate drying when equilibrium is reached — eliminating manual intervention and subjective judgment.
• Top-hinged, wide-angle access lid enabling unobstructed sample placement and immediate visual inspection during analysis.
• Interchangeable pan inserts: standard borosilicate glass for general use; optional anodized aluminum insert compliant with FDA and HACCP requirements for food-grade environments.
• Integrated thermal printer supporting two reporting modes: simplified summary printouts and full GLP-compliant reports containing operator ID, timestamp, method parameters, raw mass data, moisture calculation, and digital signature fields.
• Icon-based graphical user interface with intuitive navigation — no programming expertise required; single pre-stored method accommodates standardized SOP execution.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The MA35 accepts samples up to 35 g with a minimum detectable mass change of 1 mg, delivering moisture resolution down to 0.01%. Its robust mechanical design and thermally stable platform support heterogeneous particulates (e.g., powders, granules, flakes), viscous pastes, and thin films — provided they do not volatilize non-aqueous components within the selected drying temperature window. Validation documentation includes factory calibration certificates traceable to NIST standards. The instrument meets essential requirements of 21 CFR Part 11 for electronic records when used with printed GLP reports, and its construction adheres to IEC 61010-1 safety standards for laboratory electrical equipment. Aluminum pan compatibility satisfies FDA 21 CFR Part 117 (Preventive Controls for Human Food) and HACCP Principle 2 (Critical Control Point identification) for moisture as a critical parameter.

Software & Data Management

The MA35 operates independently without PC connectivity; all data handling occurs onboard. Each analysis generates a time-stamped record containing initial mass, final mass, drying duration, temperature setpoint, and calculated moisture percentage. The thermal printer produces either a concise readout (mass before/after, % moisture) or a comprehensive GLP report listing instrument serial number, operator identifier (manually entered), method ID, environmental conditions (if external sensor integrated), and checksum-verified numerical results. Audit trail integrity is maintained through immutable print output — no data editing or deletion capability exists on-device, satisfying regulatory expectations for data permanence and accountability in GMP/GLP environments.

Applications

• Quality control of raw materials and finished products in food manufacturing (e.g., flour, dairy powders, spices, pet food).
• Moisture specification verification for excipients and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) per USP <731> and Ph. Eur. 2.2.32.
• Process monitoring in feed mills and grain elevators to ensure safe storage moisture thresholds.
• Research-scale stability studies assessing hygroscopicity and shelf-life modeling.
• Environmental testing labs quantifying moisture in soil amendments and compost substrates.

FAQ

What standards does the MA35 comply with for moisture analysis?
The MA35 is validated against ISO 5530-1 (cereal and cereal products), AOAC Official Method 952.07 (moisture in foods), and USP <731> (loss on drying). Its hardware and reporting functionality support adherence to GLP and GMP documentation requirements.
Can the MA35 be used for regulatory submissions?
Yes — when operated with GLP-compliant reporting enabled and supported by documented instrument qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ), its output meets evidentiary standards for inclusion in regulatory dossiers submitted to FDA, EMA, or PMDA.
Is the aluminum pan insert certified for direct food contact?
The anodized aluminum insert complies with FDA 21 CFR 184.1010 (aluminum sulfate) and EU Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004 for food-contact materials, confirmed via third-party migration testing reports available upon request.
Does the MA35 require annual recalibration?
While not mandated annually by regulation, Sartorius recommends performance verification using certified reference standards (e.g., sodium tartrate dihydrate) at least quarterly, with full recalibration performed by authorized service technicians every 12 months or after any impact event affecting weighing accuracy.
How is method validation conducted for the MA35?
Method validation follows ICH Q2(R2) principles: specificity (no interference from solvents or volatiles), linearity (5–95% moisture range), accuracy (recovery 98–102%), precision (intra-day and inter-day RSD ≤2%), and robustness (±2 °C temperature, ±0.5 min timing variation).