Kern DBS 60-3 halogen moisture analyser, 60 g / 0.001 g (0.01 %), graphic display

The actual moisture content of a raw material or intermediate product often determines the quality of the finished product, whether it be grain, plastic granules or an active pharmaceutical ingredient. The Kern DBS 60-3 moisture analyser measures this value using the traditional drying method directly in the laboratory, with a halogen quartz glass heating element and a single-cell balance accurate to 0.001 g.

400-watt halogen heater

The heating element uses halogen-quartz glass and has a power output of 400 watts; the drying temperature can be set in 1-degree increments between 50 °C and 200 °C. The display stabilises within 3 seconds. Four drying programmes cater for different types of samples: standard drying, rapid drying, gentle drying and a staged drying process with several temperature plateaus, for example to expel free surface water separately from chemically bound water. Drying ends automatically based on weight loss, by a set time, or manually at the touch of a button; programmes can optionally be stored in one of 10 programme memory slots for recurring samples.

Weighing range and resolution

The single-cell balance covers a range up to 60 g; with a resolution of 60,000 parts, it reads in increments of 0.001 g, which corresponds to 0.01 % moisture content. Linearity is ± 0.003 g. This resolution is particularly relevant for small sample weights, for example when only a few grams of an expensive or hard-to-obtain sample are available. The sample dish has a diameter of 95 mm and rests on a stainless steel weighing pan. The moisture content that can be displayed ranges from 0.1 % to 100 %, with the dry matter content corresponding to 100 % to 0.1 %.

Documentation and interfaces

The backlit graphic display, with 15 mm digit height, shows moisture content, residual weight, temperature and drying time during the measurement. A printer or laboratory PC can be connected via the RS-232 interface; a USB interface is also available. At the end of a measurement, the moisture analyser can print a report containing the date, time and result, formatted according to GLP or ISO conventions. This is a device function, not an external certification. Up to 100 measurement results and 99 sample names can be stored in the instrument, which is useful for routine samples that are analysed on a regular basis.

Installation and operation

The housing is made of cast aluminium and plastic; the built-in power supply unit operates at 220 to 240 V AC at 50 Hz. The balance operates within the specified range at an ambient temperature of 5 to 40 °C and a relative humidity of 5 to 85 %; it may be stored at temperatures between -10 and 50 °C. Measuring 204 x 336 x 167 mm and weighing 4.6 kg net, the instrument fits on a laboratory bench. According to the manufacturer, the instrument contains no substances prohibited under REACH.

Differences from the DAB series

Those who require larger weighing capacities and can make do with a lower resolution are better served by the Kern DAB series: the DAB 200-2 covers up to 200 g, but only reads to 0.01 g. Conversely, the DBS 60-3 is designed for smaller weighing ranges up to 60 g with a readability of 0.001 g, when the last decimal place matters.

Typical applications

In the pharmaceutical industry, moisture measurement is used to determine the residual moisture of active ingredients and excipients. In the food industry, the focus is often on shelf life, for example with cereals, flour or dried products. In research and development, the instrument is used for the rapid testing of new formulations or materials; in the energy and raw materials industries, as well as in water management, it is used to determine the water content of samples from production or treatment processes.

• Pharmaceutical industry
• Research and development
• Water management
• Food industry
• Energy and raw materials industry

Regulatory information

As an electrical device, the device falls under the ElektroG. The manufacturer Kern & Sohn GmbH is registered under the WEEE registration number DE 80821200. How to return old appliances is described on the page Environment and disposal.

Frequently asked questions

What is the weighing range of the DBS 60-3?
Up to 60 g, with a readability of 0.001 g.

How quickly does the display stabilise?
Within 3 seconds of placing the sample on the balance.

Can the measurement result be documented?
Yes, via the RS-232 interface to a printer or laboratory PC, optionally as a GLP- or ISO-compliant report. This is a device function, not an external certification.

How many drying programmes are there?
Four pre-set profiles (Standard, Fast, Gentle, Step) as well as 10 memory slots for your own recurring programmes.

How long is the warranty?
According to Kern & Sohn, this device comes with a 3-year warranty. Kern grants 3 years on products with a list price of €500 or more and 2 years on products below that and on components; wear parts such as batteries and rechargeable batteries are excluded. Warranty repairs are carried out by Kern or by a Kern dealer.

Technical details

Scope of delivery

• DBS 60-3 moisture analyser
• 50 sample dishes (aluminium)
• Protective cover
• Power supply unit with mains cable
• Operating instructions (multilingual)

Individual requirements and procurement service

The 50 aluminium sample dishes supplied will eventually be used up with regular use. For reordering sample dishes, for calibration or for other accessories relating to the DBS 60-3, our procurement service will assist in clarifying your requirements.