Kern DLB 160-3A halogen moisture analyser, 160 g / 0.001 g / 0.01 %, graphic display

The Kern DLB 160-3A moisture analyser has a weighing range of up to 160 g, with a readability of 0.001 g or 0.01 % moisture. A halogen quartz glass heating element dries the sample, whilst the internal balance continuously records the weight loss and displays it in real time on the backlit graphic display.

Weighing technology and accuracy

The resolution is 160,000 parts, with reproducibility and linearity of 0.001 g and ± 0.003 g respectively. For a sample weight of 10 g, Kern specifies the reproducibility of the moisture reading as 0.05 %; for a sample weight of 2 g, it is 0.15 %. The USP minimum sample weight for a measurement uncertainty of 0.1 % at k=2 is 2 g. The stabilisation time in pure weighing mode is 4 seconds.

Halogen heating and drying programmes

The halogen quartz glass heating element operates at 400 watts and covers a temperature range from 35 to 160 °C in 1-degree increments. You can choose between standard drying and a fast-drying programme with a switchable preheating stage. In Auto Mode, the unit switches off automatically following a selectable weight loss (0.01 mg/30 s to 10 mg/30 s or 0.1 to 9.9 %/60 s), time-controlled in Time Mode between 1 minute and 12 hours, or manually at the touch of a button.

Operation and data logging

The backlit graphic LCD display with 11 mm digit height guides the user step-by-step through the measurement; the user interface is available in six languages: German, English, French, Italian, Spanish and Portuguese. Five drying programmes can be stored internally; the log output interval is adjustable between 5 and 250 seconds. Measurement values can be transferred to a printer or PC via the RS-232 interface.

Temperature adjustment with optional calibration kit

For checking and adjusting the heating temperature, Kern offers the optional DLB-A01N temperature calibration set, comprising a sensor with a separate readout unit. The ‘Tmp test’ service function checks the temperature without altering the setting at a selectable temperature between 35 and 160 °C; after approximately 15 minutes, the value is compared with the reading on the DLB-A01N. The ‘Tmp Adj’ adjustment function operates at two points, factory-set to 80 °C and 150 °C, with the second point having to be at least 30 °C above the first. The heating phase takes approximately 15 minutes per point, after which the adjustment is carried out using the device’s navigation keys to match the DLB-A01N display. The procedure is documented in the operating instructions and, in addition to the mass calibration certificate, can be backed up with a separate factory calibration certificate for temperature (item no. 964-305).

Weighing pan and housing

The weighing pan has a diameter of 100 mm; the drying chamber above it also has a diameter of 100 mm and a height of 12 mm. The housing is made of plastic.

Position within the Kern range

The Kern DBS 60-3 is also available, a moisture analyser with a single-cell weighing system, a 60 g weighing range, 0.001 g readability, a temperature range of 50 to 200 °C, four drying profiles, and RS-232 and USB interfaces. The DBS 60-3 therefore has the same readability as the DLB 160-3A, but a smaller weighing range, a temperature range up to 200 °C and, in addition, a USB interface.

Typical applications

Moisture analysers such as the DLB 160-3A are used wherever the moisture content needs to be checked quickly and without the need for an external laboratory, for example during the incoming goods inspection of raw materials.

• Food production and the food industry
• Agriculture and the grain industry
• Plastics 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 about the DLB 160-3A

What is the weighing range of the DLB 160-3A?
Up to 160 g, with a readability of 0.001 g or 0.01 % moisture.

What is the maximum drying temperature that can be set?
Between 35 and 160 °C, in 1-degree increments.

How can the heating temperature be checked or adjusted?
Using the optional DLB-A01N temperature calibration kit and the ‘Tmp test’ and ‘Tmp Adj’ service functions, with factory-set points at 80 °C and 150 °C.

How many sample dishes are included?
10 aluminium sample dishes, 90 mm in diameter.

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

• DLB 160-3A moisture analyser
• 10 sample dishes (aluminium, Ø 90 mm)
• Mains cable
• Connection cable ‘balance / heating attachment’
• Operating instructions

Individual requirements and procurement service

The 10 aluminium sample dishes supplied are sufficient for the first series of measurements; a pack of 80 is available for subsequent purchase. In addition, there are glass fibre filter circles in packs of 100, the optional DLB-A01N temperature calibration kit, and a thermal printer or a dot matrix printer for the long-term archiving of measurement reports on standard paper. A protective working cover is available as a set of 5 for replacement. Our procurement service provides support for the DAkkS mass calibration certificate (963-127), the factory temperature calibration certificate (964-305) and other accessories for the DLB 160-3A.