Moisture Analyser Calibration Explained

Moisture analysers are precision tools. Like all high-accuracy instruments, they depend on regular calibration to ensure their readings remain reliable. Whether you’re working in food manufacturing, pharmaceuticals or textiles, incorrect moisture results can mean product failures, costly rework or even non-compliance with standards like ISO or GMP. Something to remember about moisture analysers is that unlike other weighing equipment you also have to calibrate the heating element meaning specialist equipment and knowledge.

In this blog, we’ll explain how calibration works, why it matters and how to keep your analyser performing at its best.

🔍 Why Moisture Analyser Calibration Matters

Uncalibrated or poorly calibrated instruments don’t just risk minor inaccuracies. They can cause serious production setbacks, compliance breaches and costly material waste.

Take Bridge of Weir, part of the Scottish Leather Group. They experienced a sudden drop in product quality during leather processing. The issue? Moisture was being driven off at around 105°C, a critical threshold where not just water, but essential oils start to evaporate. This prevents the leather from tanning properly.

Despite having several calibration providers nearby (including a trusted sister company), they chose to send the device back to us because of their confidence in our calibration expertise. We found the analyser had drifted and brought it back into specification. Once returned, the customer was able to restore production and maintain their usual high-quality output. This avoided further delays or product loss.

🧭 Internal vs External Calibration: What’s the Difference?

Most modern moisture analysers include internal calibration functions, but that doesn’t mean they self-correct all issues. Internal calibration typically checks weight accuracy using a built-in reference. This is helpful, but limited.

External calibration, performed by professionals, involves:

• Certified F1 or E2 class calibration weights
• Temperature calibration using traceable probes
• Checks of mechanical performance, software stability and sensor condition

By having your unit externally calibrated, you catch deeper issues that internal routines can’t detect.

📌 Example from our service team:
We once found a unit at IRCA Manufacturing misreading due to a tiny flour build-up in an internal chamber. This flaw would have gone unnoticed by internal calibration alone. Left unchecked, it could have led to inaccurate batch results. This would risk ISO compliance and increase cost per product due to unnecessary moisture loss.

🛠️ Can You Do Basic Checks Yourself?

Yes, and it’s good practice. Here’s what we recommend between service visits:

• Run daily calibration checks using traceable F1 or E2 stainless steel weights
• Check that sample pans are clean and level
• Perform routine temperature checks using certified probes
• Log any drift in results to identify when recalibration is needed

💡 Engineer tip:
“We always recommend customers keep a log of daily weight checks. If you start to notice drift outside of tolerance, that’s your cue to bring us in. Preventative checks like these save you time and reduce product waste in the long run.”

📅 How Often Should You Calibrate?

There’s no universal rule, but general recommendations include:

• Daily or weekly for high-usage analysers
• Before every critical batch in regulated production
• After relocation or major environmental changes
• During routine maintenance or scheduled servicing

Some users schedule monthly external calibration alongside daily internal checks. This layered approach ensures consistent performance and audit readiness.

📦 Pro Insight from Our Service Team:
“To get the best out of your moisture analyser:

1. Always use a larger sample size. Aim for 5–10 grams minimum.
2. Clean your device regularly to avoid residue build-up.
3. Use certified calibration weights and temperature probes, and have the analyser professionally calibrated once or twice a year at minimum. That’s what keeps performance stable over time.”
   — Scales & Balances Service Engineer

💬 What Our Customers Say

Our clients often return to us not just for our technical capabilities but because they trust the outcome.
 

🧩 Summary: Best Practices for Calibration

📈 Need Help Calibrating Your Moisture Analyser?

We offer UKAS-traceable calibration services and expert maintenance support for all major brands including A&D, Ohaus, Adam and Kern. Whether you’re setting up a quality management programme or troubleshooting unexplained readings, we’re ready to help.

Contact us today or browse our moisture analysers for Trade Approved and precision-certified models.

Blog written by: The scalesandbalances.co.uk sales team, drawing on the experience of operations director (ex engineer) Stuart Kemp, and two of our current service and calibration engineers.