Sartorius MA35 Infrared Moisture Analyzer

Overview

The Sartorius MA35 Infrared Moisture Analyzer is a precision benchtop instrument engineered for rapid, reliable, and operator-independent determination of moisture content in solid and semi-solid samples using infrared thermogravimetric analysis. It operates on the principle of controlled infrared heating—via a calibrated dark-field metal heating tube—to drive off volatile components, while an integrated high-resolution analytical balance continuously monitors mass loss in real time. The system automatically identifies endpoint based on predefined mass-change thresholds, eliminating subjective judgment and ensuring consistent drying kinetics across diverse matrices. Designed for routine quality control laboratories, production environments, and R&D settings, the MA35 delivers traceable, repeatable results without requiring advanced operator training or method development expertise.

Key Features

• Robust, compact housing (224 × 366 × 191 mm) with ergonomic flip-open heating chamber offering maximum accessibility and unobstructed sample placement.
• Infrared dark-field metal heating tube ensures uniform thermal distribution across the sample surface—minimizing localized overheating, charring, or uneven drying artifacts common with halogen or quartz-based systems.
• High-stability weighing sensor with 1 mg resolution and verified repeatability: ±0.2% (≥1 g initial mass) and ±0.05% (≥5 g initial mass), meeting ISO 7500-1 Class I performance criteria.
• Intuitive icon-driven interface guides users through three essential steps—tare, load, start—with no programming required; ideal for multi-shift or cross-departmental use.
• Configurable temperature range (40–160 °C in 1 °C increments) and timer (0.1–99 min) support method flexibility for heat-sensitive (e.g., dairy powders, pharmaceutical excipients) and refractory materials (e.g., ceramics, minerals).
• FDA- and HACCP-compliant construction: standard glass sample pan insert or optional food-grade aluminum pan—both validated for non-reactivity and ease of cleaning per 21 CFR Part 110 and EC 852/2004 requirements.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The MA35 accommodates a broad spectrum of industrial and regulatory sample types—including but not limited to foodstuffs (flours, spices, pet food), pharmaceutical granules and tablets, polymers, catalysts, soils, and botanicals. Its open-chamber design supports irregularly shaped or bulky specimens up to 35 g total mass. All hardware and firmware comply with EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and electromagnetic compatibility standards EN 61326-1. For regulated environments, the analyzer supports GLP-compliant data integrity when paired with the optional thermal printer, generating time-stamped, user-identified reports containing method parameters, raw mass data, moisture calculation, operator ID, and instrument serial number—fully auditable per FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and ISO/IEC 17025 documentation requirements.

Software & Data Management

The MA35 operates as a standalone instrument with embedded firmware—no external PC or proprietary software installation required. All measurement protocols, calibration records, and result logs are stored internally with timestamping and user authentication (via configurable operator codes). When connected to the optional thermal printer, it produces two report formats: (1) a concise summary report for daily shift handover, and (2) a full GLP-compliant report including instrument verification status, environmental conditions (if external sensors are integrated), and digital signature fields. Audit trails are immutable and retain full metadata—supporting laboratory accreditation under ISO/IEC 17025 and pharmaceutical validation per USP and EP 2.2.32.

Applications

• Food & Beverage: Moisture specification testing for compliance with Codex Alimentarius limits (e.g., flour ≤ 14.5%, coffee beans ≤ 12.5%) and shelf-life modeling.
• Pharmaceuticals: Release testing of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and excipients per USP , ensuring consistency prior to tablet compression or lyophilization.
• Chemicals & Polymers: Quantification of residual solvent or hydration water in resins, pigments, and catalyst carriers—critical for catalytic activity and thermal stability assessment.
• Agriculture & Feed: Rapid field-adjacent moisture verification of grains, silage, and compound feed to prevent mycotoxin proliferation and optimize storage conditions.
• Academic Research: Method development for comparative thermogravimetric studies, especially where conventional oven-drying lacks reproducibility due to oxidation or decomposition.

FAQ

Does the MA35 require regular calibration verification?
Yes—daily zero-point verification and periodic span calibration using certified weights (e.g., 10 g and 20 g Class M1) are recommended per ISO 8655-6 and internal SOPs. Built-in calibration routines guide operators step-by-step.
Can the MA35 be integrated into a LIMS or ERP system?
Not natively—the MA35 lacks RS-232 or Ethernet connectivity. However, printed GLP reports serve as primary data records compatible with manual LIMS ingestion or document management workflows.
Is method validation support available from Sartorius?
Yes—Sartorius provides application notes, IQ/OQ templates, and protocol examples aligned with ASTM D4457, AOAC 955.04, and USP , supporting formal method transfer and regulatory submission.
What maintenance is required for the infrared heating unit?
No scheduled maintenance is needed. The metal heating tube has a rated service life exceeding 10,000 operating hours. Routine cleaning of the pan holder and chamber interior with lint-free ethanol wipes is sufficient.
How does the MA35 handle hygroscopic or volatile samples?
By enabling rapid heating onset and adjustable ramp profiles (via timer + temperature pairing), the MA35 minimizes pre-drying moisture migration. For highly volatile analytes, lower setpoints (e.g., 50–70 °C) with extended timing yield improved accuracy versus conventional 105 °C oven methods.