Sartorius MA37 User manual

Operating Instructions
Sartorius Moisture Analyzer
Model MA37
Electronic Moisture Analyzer
98648-019-93

2
Contents
Operating Instructions Moisture Analyzer MA37
Contents
User Information ........................................3
Safety Information ......................................4
General View of the Equipment ..........................7
Startup .................................................8
Transporting the Analyzer ..............................12
Basic Principles.........................................13
Operating the Moisture Analyzer .......................20
Switching the Analyzer On and Off (Standby)...........20
Setting the Language.................................21
Operating Concept ...................................22
Menu ...............................................23
Entering Numbers on the Number Pad .................24
Entering Text and Characters..........................24
Scrolling in the Display ...............................25
System Settings (Setup Menu) ..........................26
Opening the Menu and Changing the Settings..........26
List of Available Settings..............................27
Moisture Analysis ......................................33
Viewing and Changing Method Parameters.............33
Performing the Moisture Analysis......................35
MA Performance Test ..................................39
Starting the Performance Test.........................39
Performance Test Measurement Not Successfully
Completed...........................................41
Performance Test Successfully Completed ..............41
Calibration and Adjustment.............................42
Viewing the Calibration Report ........................44
Weighing ............................................45
ISO/GLP-compliant Printout ............................46
USB Interface ..........................................48
Communication with Peripheral Devices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48
Interface Specification ................................51
Error Messages.........................................53
Shipping the Analyzer ..................................55
Care and Maintenance .................................57
Disposal................................................61
Specifications ..........................................62
Accessories.............................................63
Analyzer Dimensions....................................64
Declaration of Conformity ..............................65
Certificate of Compliance ............................. 66

3
User Information
Operating Instructions Moisture Analyzer MA37
User Information
Warning/Danger Symbols Used in these Instructions:
These notes identify hazards which have a high probability of resulting in death
or serious physical injury if not avoided.
These notes identify hazards that can result in moderate or mild injuries if not
avoided.
These notes identify hazards associated with the risk of material damage.
Explanation of Symbols
The following symbols are used in this manual:
Useful information and tips
Hot surface: Warning – Risk of severe burns!
Note regarding device operation
When individual buttons are displayed, they should be pressed.
The following symbols are used in these instructions:
tIndicates a required action
yDescribes what happens after you have performed a particular step
Perform steps in the specified order:
1. First action
2. Second action
3. …
– Indicates an item in a list
Application Advice/Technical Support
Addresses for applications advice and technical support can be found on
the website at: http://www.sartorius.com

4
Safety Information
Operating Instructions Moisture Analyzer MA37
Safety Information
Guidelines and General Information
– The analyzer complies with EU Directives and standards, among other
regulations, for electrical safety and electromagnetic compatibility*.
Improper use or handling can, however, result in damage to objects and injury.
Any improper use or operation of the analyzer that is not consistent with the
instructions will result in forfeiture of all claims under the manufacturer’s
warranty.
– Personnel need to have read and understood these installation instructions,
including the safety instructions.
– In the event of use in systems and ambient conditions which have greater
safety requirements, you must observe the requirements and provisions
applicable in your country.
– Always keep the equipment and analyzer freely accessible.
Any improper installation of the analyzer that is not consistent with the
instructions will result in forfeiture of all claims under the manufacturer’s
warranty.
* = see “Specifications”
Danger of Explosion!
The analyzer must not be operated in potentially explosive atmospheres. Materials
liable to catch fire or explode may not be used as samples for moisture analysis.
Before initial startup, ensure that the voltage rating printed on the manufacturer’s
ID label of the analyzer matches the voltage of the local AC power.
Installation Instructions
Danger of severe personal injury or property damage due to faulty analyzer
components! Do not operate the analyzer if the housing or power supply cable,
including any connections, is damaged. Immediately disconnect the damaged
analyzer from the power by pulling the plug.
Danger of Electric Shock!
The analyzer has a power supply cable with a protective grounding conductor.
Only standard-compliant extension cords with protective grounding conductors are
permitted for use with the analyzer.
Do not expose the analyzer, its power supply cable, or accessories supplied by
Sartorius to extreme temperatures, aggressive chemical vapors, moisture, shock,
vibrations, or strong electromagnetic fields.
Observe the conditions of operation described in the Specifications.
The operator shall be solely responsible for any modifications to the equipment
and for connecting any cables or equipment not supplied by Sartorius.
Information on operational quality is available upon request from Sartorius.
Only use original Sartorius accessories!

5
Safety Information
Operating Instructions Moisture Analyzer MA37
Note the IP protection class of the analyzer! Do not allow liquid penetration.
The protection class specifies the suitability of equipment for various environmental
conditions (moisture, foreign bodies).
Before cleaning the analyzer: Unplug the power supply cable from the socket.
Position the power cable so that it cannot touch the hot surfaces of the analyzer
and is not a trip hazard. Disconnecting the grounding conductor is prohibited.
The device may only be opened by specialized personnel trained by Sartorius.
Danger due to Fire or Explosion!
– Flammable or explosive substances
– Substances containing solvents
– Substances that release flammable or explosive gases or vapors during the drying
process: When working with these types of samples, use a drying temperature
that is low enough to prevent a fire or explosion from occurring.
– If in doubt, carry out a careful risk analysis.
– Wear safety glasses.
– Always work with small sample quantities.
Never leave the analyzer unattended in these cases.
No modifications are permitted to the analyzer.
Symbols Used on the Device
When setting up the moisture analyzer, leave enough space to prevent heat from
building up and to keep the analyzer from overheating:
– 1m above the analyzer
– 20cm around the analyzer
The vent above the sample must not be covered or modified in any other way.
During operation do not open the hood, because the heating unit may be very hot.
Do not put any flammable substances on, under, or near the analyzer because
the area around the heating unit will heat up.
Be careful when removing the sample: The sample itself, the heating unit, and the
sample pans may still be extremely hot.
Observe the additional safety and danger information in the following chapters.

6
Safety Information
Operating Instructions Moisture Analyzer MA37
Personal Protective Equipment
When operating the analyzer, suitable protective equipment must be worn
in order to minimize dangers to health.
– During work, always wear the protective equipment needed for the task
at hand.
– Follow any instructions posted in the work area pertaining to personal
protective equipment.
Wear the following personal protective gear during all work:
Protective Clothing
Wear a laboratory coat. This lab coat protects the user from hazards due to
the dangerous substances or is prescribed for your process.
Safety Glasses
Wear safety glasses to protect yourself from liquid spray and splashes, and
substances escaping under high pressure.
Safety Gloves
Wear suitable safety gloves when handling chemicals or hazardous substances.
Check that the gloves are not worn and do not have any holes or tears before
putting them on.
Intended Use
The moisture analyzer can be used for quick and reliable determination of the
moisture content of materials of liquid, pasty, and solid substances using the
thermogravimetric method. Only use the analyzer for this purpose. Any other use
outside the limits of the technical specifications is not permitted.
Moisture analysis applications must be optimized by the user in accordance with
local regulations.
Appropriate containers must be used for each type of sample material.
All other applications are not considered the intended use. If the equipment is
used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer, the protection provided by
the equipment may be impaired.

7
General View of the Equipment
Operating Instructions Moisture Analyzer MA37
General View of the Equipment
2
1
3
4
5
6
7
8
10
11
12
9
13111411
Item Name and Function
1 Heating module
2 Heating element
3 Disposable sample pan
4 Pan support
5 Sample chamber bottom
6 Locking socket (bayonet)
7 Process status light
8 Unlocking handle for heating module
9 Power socket for country-specific power cable
10 Fastening point for an optional Kensington
key lock
11 Leveling feet
12 USB port for mini AB
13 Display and control unit (touch screen)
14 Temperature sensor

8
Startup
Operating Instructions Moisture Analyzer MA37
Startup
Unpacking and Equipment Supplied
tOpen the packaging, making sure to remove all parts carefully.
tAfter unpacking the analyzer, check it immediately for any external damage.
– If you detect any damage, proceed as directed in “Care and Maintenance.”
– Save the box and all parts of the packaging for any future transport. During
shipment, please do not leave cables plugged in!
The following parts are included in the equipment supplied:
–Moisture analyzer
– Country-specific power cable
– Pan support
– Protective cover for the control panel
– 80 disposable aluminum sample pans
– 80 glass-fiber filters
– Operating instructions
Choosing a Location
tSelect the proper setup location:
An optimal location guarantees accuracy and reliability. Ensure that the following
ambient conditions are met:
– Set up the analyzer on a stable, even surface that is not exposed to vibrations
(e.g., weighing stone).
– Maintain free access to the analyzer at all times.
– Make sure to choose a place where excessive heat cannot build up.
– Leave enough space between it and materials that are affected by heat.
Choose a location that is not subject to the following negative influences:
– Heat (heater or direct sunlight)
– Drafts from open windows, AC systems, and doors
– Extreme vibrations during measurement
– Heavy traffic areas (personnel)
– Extreme humidity
– Electromagnetic fields
Acclimatization
Condensation from humidity can form on the surfaces of a cold device when it is
brought into a substantially warmer area. You should therefore let a device that has
been disconnected from its power source acclimatize for approximately 2 hours
before reconnecting it to the power.

9
Startup
Operating Instructions Moisture Analyzer MA37
Setting Up the Analyzer
tAssemble the parts in the following order:
– Pan support
– Disposable sample pan
– The protective cover over the control panel is pre-assembled at the factory.
Compensating for Unevenness of the Setup Surface
tTwist the leveling feet until any slight unevenness in the setup surface is
rectified and the analyzer is stable.
Anti-theft Locking Device
– To protect against theft, the analyzer has a fastening point for a security lock
if required.
tA Kensington key lock can be installed at the fastening point on the back of
the analyzer if required.

10
Startup
Operating Instructions Moisture Analyzer MA37
Opening and Closing the Sample Chamber
tOpen or close the sample chamber by hand. Always open the heating module
fully.
Power Connection (Power Supply)
– Using the wrong power cables may cause fatal electric shock and damage
the equipment.
– Never plug the power cable into the socket when it is disconnected from the
analyzer (danger of electrical shock).
– Only connect the analyzer to an AC socket with a protective grounding
conductor.
– Only standard-compliant extension cords with protective grounding conductors
are permitted for use with the analyzer.
– Intentionally disconnecting the analyzer from the protective grounding
conductor is not permitted.
tCheck the plug design of the power cable.
If the plug design of the power cable does not comply with your country’s
standard, please inform the nearest Sartorius representative or your dealer.
The power must be connected in accordance with the regulations applicable
in your country. In order to connect the equipment to the power supply
(protection class 1), use a correctly installed wall outlet with a protective
grounding conductor (PE) and a fuse of a maximum 16 A. The power plug or
another suitable disconnecting device for the power must be easily accessible
so that the analyzer can be disconnected from the AC power supply in the
event of an emergency.
tConnect the analyzer to the AC power.
tPosition the cable so that it cannot be damaged or hinder the measurement
process.
Safety Precautions
If you use an electrical outlet that does not have a protective grounding
conductor, ensure that an equivalent protective conductor is installed by a
certified electrician (as specified in the applicable regulations for installation in
your country). The protective effect must not be negated by using an extension
cord without a protective grounding conductor.

11
Startup
Operating Instructions Moisture Analyzer MA37
Power Cable Versions
Item No. Region/Country
69 00900 Europe/EU (except the UK, Denmark, Italy, and Switzerland)
69 00901 USA, Canada, and Japan
69 00902 South Africa
69 00905 Australia, New Zealand
69 71945 UK
69 71972 Brazil
69 71973 India
69 71975 Israel
69 71976 Italy
69 71977 Argentina
69 71978 China
69 71979 Switzerland
69 71980 Denmark
Note:
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a
Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in
a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions,
may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television
reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user
is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following
measures:
– Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
– Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
– Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which
the receiver
– Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help
Warm-up Time
To return precise results, the analyzer must warm up for at least 30 minutes after
initial connection to the power supply. Only after this time will the analyzer have
reached the required operating temperature.
0
30

12
Transporting the Analyzer
Operating Instructions Moisture Analyzer MA37
Transporting the Analyzer
Moving the Analyzer in the Lab
Avoid shocks and vibrations:
tNever lift and carry the analyzer by its heating module.
tHold the analyzer under the housing, lift it up carefully, and carry it to its new
location.

Basic Principles
Purpose
The moisture analyzer can be used for quick and reliable determination of the
moisture content of materials of liquid, pasty, and solid substances using the
thermogravimetric method.
Material
The moisture of a sample is often mistakenly equated to its water content.
In fact, the moisture of a material includes all of the volatile components which
are emitted when the sample is heated, and lead to a reduction in its weight.
Among such volatile substances are:
– Water
– Fats
– Oils
– Alcohols
– Organic solvents
– Flavorings
– Volatile components, products of decomposition (when a sample is overheated)
There are many methods for determining the moisture content of a substance.
Basically, these methods can be divided into two categories:
When absolute methods are used, the moisture content is directly determined
(for example, as a weight loss registered during the drying routine). These methods
include oven drying, infrared drying, and microwave drying. All three of these
methods are thermogravimetric.
When deductive methods are used, the moisture content is indirectly determined.
A physical property related to the moisture in the substance is measured (e.g.,
conductivity). These methods include capacitive and spectroscopic processes.
Thermogravimetry is the process of determining the loss of mass that occurs when
a substance is heated. In this process, the sample is weighed before and after being
heated, and the difference between the two weights is calculated.
In a conventional drying oven, circulating hot air warms the sample from the
outside to the inside. Efficiency is lost during drying because as the moisture
evaporates, it cools the sample surface.
By contrast, infrared rays (IR rays) penetrate a sample without being impeded.
Having reached the interior of a sample, they heat the sample directly.
IR-Strahlung
Substanz
Wärmeenergie
13
Operating Instructions Moisture Analyzer MA37
Basic Principles

The IR rays that do not heat the sample are either reflected from surface
of the sample or absorbed unimpeded into the sample.
The color and surface characteristics of the sample determine how effective the
heating process is. For example, dark substances absorb IR rays more effectively
than light substances.
How the rays penetrate the sample depends on the permeability of the sample.
If the degree of light-transmitting capacity is low, the rays can penetrate only the
uppermost layers of the sample. The heat conductivity of the sample dictates the
degree to which the heat can be transmitted to the underlying layers. The higher
the conductivity, the faster and more uniformly the substance is heated.
The substance should be applied to the sample pan in a thin, even layer. A height of
approximately 2–5 mm for 5–15 g substance weight has proved to be ideal.
Otherwise, the sample will not be dried completely or the analysis time will be
unnecessarily extended, a crust/skin will form on the surface of the sample or the
sample will scorch, and the analysis results obtained will not be reproducible (and
hence cannot be used).
While preparing substances for measurement, no processes may be used that
generate heat. The heat generated may result in a loss of moisture prior to the
measurement.
Perform initial analysis of a new substance to test how the IR rays are absorbed by
the sample and converted into heat. A printout of the intermediate values of the
drying process provides information on this at an early stage.
Due to the fact that the supply of IR rays results in intensive energy input into
the sample, the temperature setting selected for infrared drying is usually lower
than the temperature setting used when working with a drying oven.
In many cases, the fully automatic switch-off mode will meet your requirements.
If the final result is higher or lower than expected, try varying the temperature
setting before resorting to a different switch-off criterion.
When analyzing the samples that lose their moisture only very slowly or when
operating a cold moisture analyzer, the fully automatic mode may end the drying
routine too early since no analyzable progress in the drying routine can be
detected. In this case, preheat the moisture analyzer for two to three minutes
before starting the drying routine, or select a different switch-off criterion.
The Application Guide for the Sartorius Moisture Analyzer provides you with
important information on the use of your moisture analyzer.
14 Operating Instructions Moisture Analyzer MA37
Basic Principles

Preparation
Before drying a sample, you must carry out the following preparations:
– Adjust against the existing measurement system
– Prepare the sample
– Set the drying program parameters
Adjusting against an Existing Measurement System
A moisture analysis method often replaces another drying method (such as oven
drying method) because it is simple to use and requires shorter analysis time. In this
case, you should adapt this method to that of the moisture analyzer in order to
obtain values comparable to those yielded by your standard reference method.
Perform parallel measurements:
t Take a fresh sample and divide it in half
t Determine the moisture content of the first half using your standard method
of analysis
t Determine the moisture content of the second half using the following settings:
– Fully automatic mode for the switch-off criterion
– Lower temperature settings than for the oven drying method
– Temperature setting for organic substances: 80–100°C
– Temperature setting for inorganic substances: 140–160°C
If the result of the second analysis does not correspond to that of the first:
1. First, repeat the analysis using a different temperature setting
2. Then use the semi-automatic mode for the switch-off criterion (for example with
a different loss rate per 24 s)
Change the switch-off criterion if required:
– Increase end-point recognition: Set the parameter to 2 mg/24 s or 1 mg/24 s
– Decrease end-point recognition: Set the parameter to 10 mg/24 s or 20 mg/24 s
Preparing the Sample
Select a sample:
t Select a representative part of the whole substance as a sample.
– Choose a representative number of individual samples for quality control
– Choose enough samples to indicate a trend for in-process control
t If required, homogenize the product before a sample is taken by:
– Mixing or stirring
– Taking several samples from different areas of the product
– Taking several samples at defined intervals
t Take only one sample at a time for a given analysis and prepare it as quickly as
possible. In this way, it will not lose or gain moisture as a result of the ambient
conditions.
t If several samples need to be taken simultaneously, the samples must be sealed
in airtight containers to ensure that the storage conditions do not alter the state
or condition of the samples:
– Warm or highly volatile substances lose their moisture very quickly.
– If you store the samples in a container, the moisture can condense on the walls
of the container.
– If the container is too big and not filled completely, the sample can exchange its
moisture with the air remaining in the container.
15
Operating Instructions Moisture Analyzer MA37
Basic Principles

t Mix the condensed moisture back in with a sample if necessary.
Prepare the sample:
t When crushing a sample, avoid any contact with heat.
Heat results in moisture loss.
t Crush the sample using:
– Pestle
– Lab mill
If the sample is liquid containing solids, use one of the following tools:
– Glass stirrer
– Spoon
– Magnetic stirrer
t Use an appropriate tool for grinding the sample.
Use a disposable sample pan:
t Use only Sartorius disposable sample pans (inner diameter of 90 mm).
Reusing sample pans leads to poor repeatability of results:
– After cleaning, sample residues can still remain on the pan.
– Residues from cleaning agents can evaporate during the next moisture
analysis.
– Scratches and grooves made during cleaning result in damage that forms
points of attack for hot, rising air produced during the drying process (more
pronounced buoyancy).
16 Operating Instructions Moisture Analyzer MA37
Basic Principles

Apply the sample to the sample pan:
t Apply the sample to the sample pan in a thin, even layer (height: 2 to 5 mm,
weight: 5 to15 g); otherwise:
– A sample applied unevenly will result in a nonuniform distribution of heat
– A sample will not be dried completely
– The analysis time will be unnecessarily extended
– The sample will burn or a crust/skin will form on its surface as a result of a
very thick layer
– The crust makes it difficult or impossible for moisture to escape from the
sample during the drying process
– An uncertain and unknown quantity of moisture will remain in the sample
t Apply liquid samples, pasty samples, transparent samples, or samples that can
melt to a glass-fiber filter (order no. 6906940); this provides the following
benefits:
– Uniform distribution due to the capillary effect
– Liquids are prevented from beading together and forming drops
– With larger surfaces, the moisture can evaporate faster
– Colorless/transparent samples do not reflect
– Considerably more convenient than the “sea-sand method”
When drying samples containing sugar, a crust or skin can form and seal the
surface. A glass-fiber filter is particularly useful in such cases. The moisture can
evaporate downwards through the surface of the filter. Crust/skin formation can be
prevented or limited by placing the glass-fiber filter on top of the sample.
t Cover solid, heat-sensitive samples with a glass-fiber filter (order no. 6906940);
this provides the following benefits:
– Gentle heating, because the sample surface is shielded from excessive heat
– Higher temperature setting can be selected
– Uniformity of the sample surface
– Fast evaporation of the moisture
– Excellent repeatability for samples containing fat
Heating Programs
Two heating programs are available for performing moisture analysis of a
substance:
– Standard drying
– Gentle drying
Standard drying:
For standard drying, you need to enter the final temperature. The final temperature
is reached using an overshoot if necessary. The maximum set temperature is 160°C.
t [s]
T [°C]
Standardtrocknung
17
Operating Instructions Moisture Analyzer MA37
Basic Principles

Gentle drying:
For gentle drying, you need to enter the final temperature. The maximum set
temperature is 160°C. The target temperature is reached more slowly and the
measurement time is extended. Gentle drying is recommended for sensitive samples.
Standby Temperature
Temperature set to defined value when the sample chamber is closed.
Heating only occurs when the analyzer is in a measurement cycle. The standby
temperature is not the same as the measurement temperature.
The “Timeout Standby Temp.” can be set to 1 to 24 hours and is preset to 2 hours.
To change the setting, see Chapter “System Settings (Setup Menu)”.
Initial Weight
The target weight (as a guide for applying a sample to the analyzer – not as a
starting condition) can be entered by the user. The tolerance range can be freely
selected, e.g., ± 0.5 g.
Print Lines
When print lines are activated (1 or 2 lines with 20 characters each), additional
information about the method, entered by the user, appears on the report and
printout.
Filter
The user has the option of selecting between 0, 1, or 2 filters. During taring a
message appears indicating that the configured number of filters must be placed
with the sample pan for taring.
Target Value
The user can enter a target value with a tolerance range. During analysis a progress
bar appears, indicating the progress of the measurement. At the end of the analysis,
you can see whether the value is within the tolerance range.
Standardtrocknung
T [°C]
t [s]
18 Operating Instructions Moisture Analyzer MA37
Basic Principles

Starting the Analysis
– After closing the hood:
If the initial weight condition is met, the analyzer prompts you to close the
hood. The start weight is accepted as soon as the sample chamber is closed and
the measurement value is stable.
End of Analysis
– Fully automatic:
The analysis ends as soon as the weight loss per 24 s is below an automatically
detected threshold.
– Semi-automatic, absolute:
The analysis ends as soon as the weight loss per the set interval is lower than a
user-defined threshold (set in milligrams). The weight loss is entered by the user.
– Semi-automatic, percentage:
The analysis ends as soon as the weight loss in percent is lower than a user-
defined threshold (set in percent). The percentage is entered by the user.
– Time
The analysis ends as soon as the specified time has elapsed.
– Manual:
Switch off using the END key. The maximum analysis duration is 24 hours.
Weight
Moisture (steam)
Autom. stopping
Time
19
Operating Instructions Moisture Analyzer MA37
Basic Principles

20 Operating Instructions Moisture Analyzer MA37
Operating the Moisture Analyzer
Operating the Moisture Analyzer
Switching the Analyzer On and Off (Standby)
yThe main screen appears after the moisture analyzer has been switched on.
– The default language for the display text is English.
– You can change the language (see “Setting the Language” on page 21).
t To switch the moisture analyzer to standby, select the menu key at the bottom
left of the main screen on the display.
yThe menu is displayed.
t Select the jbutton in the menu.
yThe moisture analyzer switches to standby mode.
t To switch the moisture analyzer on again: Select jon the display.
The moisture analyzer starts in the method most recently used before the
analyzer was last switched off.
Moisture in %M
Start new measurement
Standard
Fully automatic
105 °C
Wednesday, 2014-01-08 16:50
Moisture in %M
Standard drying 105 °C
Standby temperature -
Initial weight -
End Fully automatic
Target value -
No automatic printout