Assessing the amount of moisture in a material doesn’t simply give you a way to figure out how much water is in a set volume, though that’s handy, too. Instead, it can give you a way to figure out how much moisture -- in total -- is in a volume. For some people, measuring the amount of solid in moisture, like the amount of sediment in water or the amount of pollutants in a liquid sources is the goal. Moisture analyzers can do all that. Here’s how.
 
In every moisture analyzer, there’s a heating element. Some heating elements are made of ceramic, some are halogen-based, and some are infrared heating sources, like the kind you’d find in a microwave. Aside from the heating element, there’s also a balance to weigh the sample before, during, and after the final calculation for moisture content.
 
When you first begin to measure a sample, the moisture analyzer weighs the sample and records this weight. Then, while heating the sample, the balance periodically takes the weight again until the weight ceases to change. This indicates that all moisture has evaporated due to the applied heat. When the weight stops changing, the final weight is recorded and subtracted from the initial weight. The difference between the two weights is the moisture that was contained in the sample.
 
If you’re not interested in assessing the amount of moisture in the sample but are more focused on the amount of solid that’s in the moisture, it’s a simple math problem. Simply subtract the moisture content from the initial weight and you’re left with the solid content.
 
It’s important to keep in mind that moisture isn't just water. It can include other substances like organic solvents or alcohols. Any liquid that evaporates from infrared heating is considered a moisture source.
 
For more information about measuring the amount of moisture in a given volume or for assistance selecting the best moisture analyzer for your needs, feel free to contact us.