Moisture Analysers: Everything You Need to Know

Moisture analysers are essential tools in industries where product quality, consistency, and compliance are non-negotiable. Whether you’re in food production, pharmaceuticals, plastics, or agriculture, controlling moisture content helps reduce waste, improve shelf life, and meet strict regulations.

In this guide, we break down everything you need to know: what moisture analysers do, how they work, the different types, and what to look for depending on your application.

1. What Is a Moisture Analyser and How Does It Work?

A moisture analyser, or moisture balance, is a compact device that quickly and accurately determines the moisture content of a sample. It works by weighing the sample, heating it to evaporate moisture, then calculating the weight loss.

Moisture analysers are far faster and more precise than traditional drying ovens. For example, when a food production facility in the Midlands reached out to us to help speed up their moisture testing process, we introduced them to the Ohaus MB92 Moisture Analyser. Their line technician had been spending over 3 hours per batch using a standard oven method. With the MB92, they reduced testing time to just 12 minutes and began checking moisture content during production rather than waiting until the end.

Another example comes from Fold Hill Foods Ltd., a well-known pet food manufacturer. They transitioned from a traditional drying oven method to a digital moisture analyser setup following on-site guidance from Stuart Kemp. This change helped them tighten moisture control across batches, reduce energy usage, and cut laboratory expenditure—all without slowing down throughput.

These instruments are vital in sectors like:

• Food production (e.g. grain, sugar, baked goods)
• Pharmaceuticals (e.g. powders, capsules)
• Agriculture (e.g. soil, feed, seed analysis)
• Chemicals and plastics (e.g. resin and polymer drying)

➡️ Explore our full range of moisture analysers

2. How Moisture Analysers Work

Moisture analysers typically use thermogravimetric analysis, where moisture is calculated by comparing the weight of a sample before and after heating.

The process:

1. Sample is weighed on a built-in high-precision balance
2. A halogen or infrared heater dries the sample
3. The system calculates the percentage of weight lost

Modern devices like the Adam PMB Moisture Analyser automate this process with custom drying modes, built-in memory, and USB/RS-232 connectivity for streamlined data logging.

3. Moisture Analyser Types: Halogen, Infrared, Microwave and Karl Fischer

Different industries and sample types benefit from different technologies. Here are the most common moisture analyser types:

Halogen Moisture Analysers

• Fast and consistent heating
• Widely used in food and general lab settings
• Example: Adam PMB Series

Infrared Moisture Analysers

• Gentler drying for heat-sensitive materials

Microwave Moisture Analysers

• Deep, uniform heating; great for coarse or uneven samples in agriculture and processing

Karl Fischer Moisture Analysers

• Use chemical titration
• Ideal for measuring very low (trace) moisture in oils, pharmaceuticals, or chemicals

📌 New blog: [What Is Karl Fischer Moisture Analysis?]

4. Choosing the Right Moisture Analyser for Food, Pharma, and Plastics

The right analyser depends on your sample and your workflow:

➡️ See moisture analysers for food manufacturing

5. Moisture Analyser Comparison Chart

6. Calibration, Accuracy, and Common Pitfalls

To ensure consistent, traceable results, proper calibration is essential:

• ✅ We use OIML-certified Kern stainless steel test weights for mass verification
• ✅ Our calibration certificates meet ISO audit requirements
• ✅ We also check the heating performance of the analyser

🔧 Tip from the field: One of our clients in the plastics industry had been getting erratic readings across batches. It turned out their samples weren’t being ground finely enough before testing. Once they adjusted their prep method, results stabilised instantly. Moisture analysers are accurate, but only if the sample is uniform.

📌 Top Tip: Remember that with moisture analysis, a difference in consistency will mean a difference in product!

➡️ Read: Moisture Analyser Calibration Explained

7. Moisture Analysers vs. Traditional Drying Methods

Moisture analysers offer faster, more accurate, and more efficient results than traditional drying ovens, making them ideal for modern production environments.

➡️ Read: Moisture Analysers vs. Traditional Drying Methods

8. FAQs and Final Thoughts

Do I need software?
Not always. Units like the Adam PMB and Ohaus MB92 include built-in programs and ports for direct data transfer.

Are they suitable for food testing?
Yes but always check the device meets industry standards and hygiene requirements.

Can I use them outside the lab?
Many are mains powered and robust enough for on-site or production-line use.

✅ Final Thoughts

Moisture analysers are more than just lab tools. They are precision instruments that improve quality, reduce waste, and ensure compliance.

This guide draws on the knowledge of Stuart Kemp, Operations Director at Blake and Boughton Ltd.. As a former on-site engineer, Stuart brings 17 years of hands-on weighing experience, having worked directly with clients across food, pharmaceutical, and manufacturing environments. Together with the scalesandbalances.co.uk team, he ensures all our moisture analysers are calibrated, certified, and backed by advice you can trust.

➡️ Contact us for tailored moisture analysis advice, or browse our full moisture analyser range.

Other Moisture analyser blogs:

Moisture Analysers vs. Traditional Drying Methods: A Comparative Study

Understanding Moisture Balances: Applications and Benefits

Karl Fischer Titration vs. Moisture Analysers: What’s Best for Your Application?

Moisture Analyser Calibration Explained

Moisture Analysers for Food Manufacturing