RADWAG MA 200.3Y Moisture Analyzer - Manual (Page 66)

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17.1.1. Means of moisture content measurement on a moisture
analyzer
Measurement of moisture content in a tested sample is carried out by
determining loss of mass in a sample by its heating (humidity evaporation from
a sample).
RADWAG moisture analyzer MA 3Y series comprises two components: a
precision balance and a drying chamber. Compared to standard moisture content
determining methods, the measurements with application of RADWAG moisture
analyzer is much quicker and does not require additional mathematical
calculations (a result of moisture content is previewed on an ongoing basis
during product testing process).
Independently on moisture content determining method, the measurement
accuracy is highly influenced by means of sample preparation and selection of
testing parameters, such as:
• Sample size
• Sample type
• Drying temperature
• Drying time
In practice, the measurement accuracy is not as important as the speed of
obtaining measurement result (control over technological process). Thus,
heating a sample (with application of a halogen filament) carried out by a
moisture analyzer, makes the measurement process very time efficient and
short. Measurement speed can be additionally increased by appropriate adjusting
moisture analyzer’s parameters depending on tested substances.
Optimum temperature and drying time depend on sample type and size,
and anticipated measuring accuracy. Selection of drying parameters can
only be carried out on basis of test measurements.
17.1.2. Sampling and preparation
Sample features, its preparation and size are very important factors
influencing the speed and accuracy of measurement process.
Means of sampling and preparation are extremely important for repeatability
of measurement results, as a sample should be a representative part of tested
substance.
Final measurement result is vastly conditioned by precise and considered
sample preparation. A sample used for analysis has to represent the total
structure of tested material. Sampling process should determine: sampling
means, sample disintegrating, particle size after disintegration, sample