Sartorius MA35M-1CN230V1 Moisture Analyzer (Infrared Drying Method)

Overview

The Sartorius MA35M-1CN230V1 Moisture Analyzer is a robust, entry-level infrared drying moisture analyzer engineered for routine quality control and process monitoring in industrial laboratories, food production facilities, pharmaceutical manufacturing sites, and raw material testing environments. It operates on the principle of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA): a precisely weighed sample is subjected to controlled infrared heating, and moisture loss is tracked in real time via high-stability electromagnetic force compensation weighing technology. Unlike halogen-based systems, the MA35M employs dual metal-sheathed infrared heating tubes—often referred to as “dark-field infrared emitters”—mounted within a fully reflective chamber to ensure uniform thermal distribution across the sample surface. This design minimizes edge overheating and improves reproducibility, particularly for heterogeneous or low-density materials such as powders, granules, and lyophilized products. The instrument is calibrated per internal factory protocols traceable to national standards and supports routine verification using external calibration weights (not included). Its compact footprint, all-metal housing, and absence of fragile glass components align with HACCP prerequisite programs and facilitate cleaning validation in regulated environments.

Key Features

• 35 g maximum capacity with 1 mg readability, optimized for small-to-medium batch QC sampling
• Adjustable heating range from 40 °C to 160 °C in 1 °C increments—enabling gentle drying of heat-sensitive compounds (e.g., enzymes, probiotics) or rapid dehydration of high-moisture matrices (e.g., wet biomass, dairy concentrates)
• Dual infrared heating system with integrated parabolic reflector ensures homogeneous energy delivery and eliminates hot spots common in open-coil or halogen designs
• Intuitive symbol-based user interface guides operators through tare → sample loading → start in three tactile steps—reducing training time and minimizing procedural errors
• Two endpoint determination modes: automatic (based on weight stabilization thresholds per Sartorius algorithm) and timed (programmable from 0.1 to 99 minutes with 0.1-min resolution)
• Glass-free, stainless-steel sample chamber compliant with FDA/HACCP hygiene requirements when used with optional YDS05MA accessory kit
• Integrated non-volatile memory stores the most recent measurement result until overwritten—supports audit-ready data continuity without external connectivity

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The MA35M-1CN230V1 accommodates samples up to 90 mm in diameter on its standard aluminum sample pan. It is validated for use with solids, semi-solids, and particulates including but not limited to: herbal extracts, flour blends, polymer pellets, animal feed, coffee beans, and tablet granulations. While not designed for volatile solvents or highly flammable substances, its sealed heating architecture mitigates vapor dispersion risks during standard drying cycles. Regulatory alignment includes conformance with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 principles (when paired with YDS05MA and external audit-trail-capable software), HACCP Critical Control Point documentation requirements, and ISO 712:2017 (cereals and cereal products — determination of moisture content — reference method). GLP/GMP-relevant features include uneditable result display, operator-independent endpoint logic, and repeatable thermal profiles verified per ASTM E145–22 (Standard Specification for Gravity Convection and Forced-Ventilation Ovens).

Software & Data Management

The MA35M-1CN230V1 operates as a standalone instrument with no embedded PC or network interface. All data handling occurs locally: each measurement result—including moisture %, dry matter %, residual mass (g), and elapsed time—is retained in volatile memory until the next analysis begins. For traceability, an external thermal printer (e.g., Sartorius YDP03MA or compatible RS-232/USB models) may be connected to generate hard-copy reports featuring date/time stamps, operator ID fields (manually entered), and configurable header templates. While the device lacks built-in electronic signature or audit trail functionality, its deterministic endpoint algorithms and fixed calibration architecture support retrospective validation under ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Clause 7.7 (Ensuring validity of results). Routine performance checks can be conducted using reproTEST—a quick repeatability verification protocol executed with standard test masses.

Applications

This analyzer serves as a primary tool for moisture specification verification across multiple regulated and non-regulated sectors. In food manufacturing, it supports shelf-life studies, incoming raw material acceptance (e.g., starch, whey powder), and finished-product release testing per Codex Alimentarius moisture limits. In pharmaceutical excipient QC labs, it validates drying endpoints for microcrystalline cellulose, lactose monohydrate, and mannitol prior to tableting. Industrial users apply it to monitor moisture drift in catalyst carriers, foundry sands, and ceramic green bodies. Educational institutions utilize the MA35M for teaching gravimetric fundamentals, method development exercises, and comparative studies against Karl Fischer titration where applicable.

FAQ

Does the MA35M-1CN230V1 comply with 21 CFR Part 11?
It meets foundational requirements (e.g., secure data output, operator-defined parameters) but requires integration with validated third-party software and hardware (e.g., YDS05MA + LIMS) to achieve full electronic record/electronic signature compliance.
Is internal calibration possible without external weights?
No. The unit does not include a built-in calibration mass; external Class M2 or better weights must be used for periodic verification per ISO 9001 clause 7.1.5.
Can I export measurement data to Excel directly?
Not natively. Data must first be printed or captured via serial/USB interface using terminal emulation software or Sartorius’ optional DataControl Lite application.
What is the typical warm-up time before first measurement?
Approximately 15 minutes at ambient temperature (20–25 °C); extended stabilization may be required after large ambient fluctuations or prolonged idle periods.
Is the heating element serviceable in the field?
Yes—the Plug&Dry® modular heater assembly (sold separately) allows for rapid replacement without soldering or firmware reconfiguration.