KERN DLB 160-3A, moisture analyser, halogen, 160 g / 0.001 g

Thermodynamic Halogen Transmission and Thermogravimetry

In analytical materials testing, determining the absolute water or solvent content requires a highly precise integration of thermodynamics and mass metrology. The KERN DLB 160-3A operates according to the process engineering principle of thermogravimetry. Thermal energy is supplied to the matrix via a solid, ring-shaped 400-watt halogen quartz glass emitter. This infrared emitter transfers the radiant energy directly into the molecular structure of the sample with extremely low losses, generating steep, reproducible heating rates up to 160 °C. In contrast to convective drying processes, this system hydrodynamically drives out the volatile phases (moisture) via direct infrared coupling in a fraction of the usual process time, whilst the escaping thermodynamic vectors (vapours) are vented via the housing design.

Metrological cybernetics and gravimetric integration

The fundamental analytical architecture is the real-time metrological integration of mass loss. Whilst the halogen unit dries the matrix thermodynamically, the integrated high-precision load cell continuously records the decreasing weight with an absolute physical resolution of 0.001 g (1 mg) at a maximum load of 160 g. The system’s cybernetic algorithm correlates this gravimetric drift in real time with the parameters of time and temperature. As soon as the weight loss per unit of time (Δm/Δt) falls below a defined metrological threshold criterion, the system autonomously terminates the thermal emission cycle. The LCD display then shows the absolute moisture content with an analytical precision of 0.01%.

System stability and GLP-compliant data logging

The reproducibility of thermogravimetric assays requires uncompromising shielding against external disturbances. The structural chassis of the DLB 160-3A is designed to absorb mechanical vibrations from the laboratory bench in order to protect the highly sensitive milligram-scale sensor technology from resonance-induced failures. The system interface integrates all process parameters (heating profiles, stop criteria) into a high-contrast display. For validation in accredited laboratories, the RS-232 data interface transmits the complete drying reports (including initial weight, final weight, percentage moisture content and timestamps) in full to external GLP/GMP-compliant printers or to the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).

Technical details

Thermodynamics & Heating Technology

• Heating technology: Halogen quartz glass heater (ring-shaped)
• Heating power: 400 W
• Thermodynamic operating range: 35 °C to 160 °C
• Temperature increment (resolution): 1 °C
• Heating profiles: Standard drying

Metrology & Gravimetry

• Maximum weighing capacity (Max): 160 g
• Gravimetric readability (d): 0.001 g (1 mg)
• Reproducibility (10 g sample): 0.05 %
• Moisture readability (per cent): 0.01%
• Measuring principle: Strain gauge (SG)
• Settling time: approx. 3 s

System infrastructure & dimensions

• Sample dish diameter: 90 mm
• System dimensions (W x D x H): 215 x 345 x 235 mm
• Machine weight: approx. 4.7 kg
• Display: High-contrast LCD with digit height of 17 mm
• Housing material: Chemical-resistant high-performance plastic

Safety & Electrical

• Permissible ambient temperature range: 5 °C to 35 °C
• Permissible relative humidity: max. 80% (non-condensing)
• Input voltage: 230 V / 50 Hz
• Data interface: RS-232 (for printer and PC connection)

Contents of delivery

• 1 x KERN DLB 160-3A moisture analyser
• 10 x aluminium sample dishes (Ø 90 mm)
• 1 x power cable for cooling units

Important note: Specific glass fibre filters (to prevent splashing with highly liquid matrices) and external test weights (Class F1) for the metrological recalibration of the gravimetric system are physically essential for GLP-compliant operation and are not included in the scope of delivery.

Individual requirements & accessories

The DLB 160-3A induces a rapid phase transition (evaporation) via infrared radiation. For samples that tend to form a skin, splash or are highly liquid, the fluid must be distributed by capillary action via a round glass fibre filter; otherwise, the thermodynamic surface will become blocked or the quartz glass will be contaminated by eruptions. As the load cell is subject to thermal fluctuations, it is essential to obtain an external F1 calibration weight (e.g. 100 g) in order to carry out calibration prior to critical measurement series. Consumables such as high-purity, disposable aluminium sample dishes are available via our procurement service to prevent cross-contamination.