Yoke DSH-50A-1 Halogen Moisture Analyzer
| Brand | Yoke |
|---|---|
| Origin | Shanghai, China |
| Model | DSH-50A-1 |
| Heating Source | Halogen Lamp |
| Readability | 1 mg |
| Weighing Range | 0–50 g |
| Repeatability (3 g sample) | ±0.2% |
| Recommended Sample Mass | 3–10 g |
| Heating Time Range | 1–99 min (1 min increments) |
| Temperature Range | 50–180 °C |
| Endpoint Modes | Timed & Automatic |
| Display | Moisture %, Solid %, Weight, Time, Date |
| Pan Diameter | 100 mm |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 265 × 160 × 150 mm |
| Net Weight | 5 kg |
| Gross Weight | 6 kg |
| Interface | RS232 |
Overview
The Yoke DSH-50A-1 Halogen Moisture Analyzer is a thermogravimetric instrument engineered for rapid, precise determination of moisture content in solid and semi-solid samples via halogen lamp-assisted drying and high-resolution mass monitoring. Operating on the principle of loss-on-drying (LOD), it measures the mass difference before and after controlled thermal dehydration, converting this delta into moisture percentage with traceable accuracy. Unlike traditional oven-drying methods requiring hours, the DSH-50A-1 achieves typical analysis times under 10 minutes—enabled by the high-intensity, uniform irradiance of its embedded halogen heating element and optimized thermal chamber geometry. Its design complies with core methodological requirements outlined in ASTM D4457 (for polymer resins), ISO 11875 (for cereals and oilseeds), and USP & Ph. Eur. general chapters on moisture determination (e.g., USP ). It serves as a validated alternative to Karl Fischer titration for non-aqueous or low-moisture matrices where volatiles other than water are negligible.
Key Features
- Halogen lamp heating system delivering rapid, uniform thermal energy—achieving target temperatures within seconds and minimizing thermal lag across heterogeneous samples.
- High-stability, draft-shielded weighing sensor with 1 mg readability and integrated zero-point drift compensation, ensuring consistent baseline integrity during extended heating cycles.
- Backlit dot-matrix LCD display optimized for ambient light variability—including low-light production floor environments—supporting simultaneous readout of moisture %, dry solids %, real-time weight, elapsed time, and calendar date.
- Intuitive membrane keypad interface enabling direct parameter entry without menu nesting; supports immediate start/stop, tare, and method recall functions.
- Thermally insulated weighing chamber with precision-machined aluminum sample pan (Ø100 mm) to reduce convection-induced measurement noise and improve thermal response fidelity.
- Dual endpoint logic: user-defined timed mode for standardized protocols, or automatic termination based on mass change rate thresholds (e.g., ≤0.1 mg/min over 60 s), minimizing operator bias and enhancing inter-laboratory reproducibility.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The DSH-50A-1 accommodates a broad spectrum of industrial and regulatory sample types—including granular pharmaceutical excipients (lactose, microcrystalline cellulose), milled cereal grains (wheat, rice, corn), powdered polymers, dried botanicals, mineral ores, paper pulp sheets, and lyophilized biologics. Its 0–50 g capacity and recommended 3–10 g loading range balance sensitivity and representativeness for routine QC workflows. The instrument meets mechanical and electrical safety standards per IEC 61010-1 and is compatible with GLP/GMP documentation frameworks when paired with RS232 data export to validated LIMS or ELN systems. While not intrinsically compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 out-of-the-box, its audit-ready output (timestamped results, method ID, operator code, and environmental metadata) supports configuration within Part 11–compliant validation protocols.
Software & Data Management
Data acquisition and reporting are managed through native firmware with non-volatile memory storing up to 20 user-defined test methods—including temperature ramp profiles, hold durations, endpoint criteria, and unit preferences. All measurements are timestamped and include operator ID fields (manually entered). Raw weight-vs.-time datasets are exportable via RS232 serial interface to external PCs running third-party data logging software (e.g., LabVIEW, Excel with VBA macros) or enterprise-quality control platforms. Export formats include CSV and plain-text tab-delimited files, preserving full traceability for internal audits or regulatory submissions. Firmware supports calibration verification routines using certified weights and reference standards traceable to NIST or equivalent national metrology institutes.
Applications
- Food manufacturing: In-line verification of flour, sugar, starch, and snack food moisture to prevent microbial growth and ensure shelf-life compliance per FDA Food Code §3-202.11.
- Pharmaceutical production: Release testing of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and tablet granules per USP , supporting stability-indicating assay development.
- Agricultural commodity trading: Rapid field-adjacent moisture assessment of harvested grains prior to storage or shipment, aligned with ISO 712 and Codex Alimentarius standards.
- Chemical synthesis: Monitoring residual solvent content in catalyst supports, zeolites, and desiccant materials where water activity impacts catalytic efficiency.
- Paper & packaging QA: Quantifying moisture in recycled fiber stocks and coated substrates to maintain dimensional stability and printability specifications.
FAQ
What calibration standards are required for routine operation?
Certified weight sets (Class M2 or better) and NIST-traceable moisture reference standards (e.g., sodium tartrate dihydrate for 15.66% H₂O) are recommended for daily performance verification and periodic calibration.
Can the DSH-50A-1 distinguish between water and other volatiles?
No—it measures total volatile loss as “moisture” by default. For selective water quantification in volatile-rich matrices (e.g., ethanol-containing extracts), coupling with headspace-GC or Karl Fischer validation is advised.
Is the halogen lamp replaceable by the end user?
Yes—the lamp module is field-serviceable with standard Torx tools; replacement intervals average 5,000–8,000 operating hours depending on thermal duty cycle.
Does the instrument support multi-step heating programs?
No—the DSH-50A-1 implements a single-stage heating profile (standard mode only); multi-ramp sequences require external programmable ovens or higher-tier models with PID-controlled thermal modules.
How is thermal uniformity validated across the sample pan surface?
Uniformity is verified during factory acceptance testing using calibrated thermal imaging and distributed thermocouple mapping; users may perform periodic checks with IR thermometers at three radial positions (center, mid-radius, edge).
