Sartorius MA37 Infrared Moisture Analyzer

Overview

The Sartorius MA37 Infrared Moisture Analyzer is a high-performance, benchtop instrument engineered for rapid, reliable quantification of moisture content in solid and semi-solid samples using infrared drying coupled with precision analytical weighing. Based on the proven thermal gravimetric principle—where sample mass loss upon controlled infrared heating is directly correlated to moisture evaporation—the MA37 delivers traceable, reproducible results in minutes. Unlike conventional hot-air ovens, the MA37 employs a focused metal halide infrared emitter that enables faster energy transfer, reduced thermal degradation risk for heat-sensitive materials (e.g., pharmaceutical actives, polymers, botanicals), and improved inter-laboratory comparability. Designed as the direct successor to the widely adopted MA35 platform, the MA37 retains field-proven robustness while integrating ergonomic enhancements and refined thermal control logic compliant with ASTM D4017, ISO 12879, and USP guidelines for loss-on-drying (LOD) methodology.

Key Features

• Integrated dual-function system: Combines a high-resolution analytical balance (70 g capacity) with a calibrated infrared heating unit in a single compact chassis.
• Optimized thermal architecture: Metal halide infrared heater provides uniform, controllable radiant energy—minimizing surface charring and ensuring representative bulk drying behavior.
• Ergonomic sample chamber design: Features a removable hood with >120° wide opening angle and SoftClose damping mechanism for safe, repeatable lid operation and simplified cleaning between runs.
• Intuitive real-time interface: Graphical display shows dynamic drying curve (mass vs. time), current moisture %, drying rate, and endpoint status—enabling immediate method validation and troubleshooting.
• Robust weighing performance: Achieves ±0.2% accuracy for samples >1 g and ±0.05% for samples >5 g, meeting GLP-critical repeatability requirements across QC laboratories.
• Universal power compatibility: Auto-sensing 115 V / 230 V, 50/60 Hz operation ensures stable performance in global laboratory environments without external voltage regulation.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The MA37 supports diverse sample types—including powders, granules, pellets, pastes, films, and lyophilized matrices—without requiring method-specific hardware modifications. Its adjustable heating profile (time- or endpoint-driven) accommodates both standard applications (e.g., foodstuffs, minerals, ceramics) and thermolabile substances (e.g., APIs, excipients, enzymes, probiotics). All measurements adhere to internationally recognized LOD standards: ASTM D4017 (for coatings and plastics), ISO 12879 (for soil and construction materials), and USP (for pharmaceutical dosage forms). The instrument’s mechanical design and firmware support full audit trail capability when integrated into 21 CFR Part 11–compliant LIMS environments via optional RS232/USB data export.

Software & Data Management

While the MA37 operates autonomously via its built-in interface, it supports seamless data export to external systems through RS232 serial or USB virtual COM port connectivity. Raw measurement logs—including timestamp, initial/final mass, drying duration, moisture %, and user ID—can be transmitted in ASCII format for integration into validated laboratory informatics platforms. Optional Sartorius LabX™ software (sold separately) enables centralized method management, electronic signature workflows, automated report generation (PDF/CSV), and full compliance with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and EU Annex 11 requirements—including user access controls, change history, and digital audit trails.

Applications

• Pharmaceutical QA/QC: Moisture verification of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), tablet granulations, and sterile lyophilized products per USP monographs.
• Food & Beverage: Rapid determination of water activity proxies in flour, dairy powders, coffee beans, and pet food—supporting shelf-life prediction and HACCP compliance.
• Chemicals & Polymers: Monitoring residual solvent in resins, catalyst drying efficiency, and hygroscopicity assessment of engineering thermoplastics.
• Agriculture & Feed: Field-deployable moisture screening of grains, seeds, and animal feed to optimize storage conditions and prevent mycotoxin proliferation.
• Research & Development: Method development for novel biomaterials, hydrogels, and nanocomposites where thermal stability limits conventional oven-based protocols.

FAQ

What standards does the MA37 comply with for moisture analysis?
The MA37 is validated against ASTM D4017, ISO 12879, and USP , supporting regulatory submissions in pharmaceutical, food, and industrial quality systems.
Can the MA37 measure samples with very low moisture content (<0.1%)?
Yes—the instrument’s high-precision weighing system and optimized infrared heating enable reliable detection down to 0.01% w/w, provided sample homogeneity and representative sub-sampling are maintained.
Is calibration traceable to national standards?
All MA37 units ship with factory calibration certificates traceable to PTB (Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt) and NIST-maintained mass standards.
How is thermal uniformity ensured across the sample pan?
The metal halide emitter is optically aligned and thermally characterized during manufacturing to deliver ±2°C spatial temperature consistency over the standard 90 mm diameter sample area.
Does the MA37 support GLP-compliant documentation?
When paired with LabX software and configured with appropriate user roles and electronic signatures, the system fully satisfies GLP audit requirements for data integrity and process accountability.