What is an FMX HydroTracer?
The FMX HydroTracer used at Ebbecke Verfahrenstechnik is a measuring device for determining the residual water content in solids. It measures low water contents from a few ppm up to the percentage range in solids such as powders, granulates or films.
The measuring method
In the measuring method used in the HydroTracer, the sample material is weighed and placed on a sample tray in the device. Here, the sample is heated to a selected temperature. The escaping water reacts with a powdered reagent that converts water into hydrogen. The concentration of hydrogen in the reactor is a measure of the amount of water contained in the reactor. The humidity introduced by the air is recorded by sensors and taken into account in the result. This means that based on the weight of the sample and the humidity values of the air, the residual moisture of the sample material can be determined very precisely without other evaporating substances influencing the result.
5 steps to a precise measurement result
- Heating the sample material in the sample pan; water vapor is produced
- Rise of the heated and humid gas
- Water is exchanged for hydrogen by the reagent
- Detection of the hydrogen concentration by the hydrogen sensor
- Sinking of the cooled and dried gas mixture for renewed water absorption
Advantages of determining residual moisture with the FMX HydroTracer
The HydroTracer uses a chemical measuring method for the specific determination of water in different substances and excludes other volatile substances from the measurement.
Thanks to the innovative measuring method, precise measurement results can be achieved even in pre-dried plastics with minimal residual moisture. Handling is very easy thanks to intuitive user guidance, and the robust design means that use in production is also no problem.
Areas of application
The HydroTracer is suitable for measuring the residual moisture in almost all plastics, including thermoplastics such as polyester, polyethylene, polymethyl methacrylate, polyamide, polycarbonate and others, thermosets such as epoxy resin, acrylate, silicone resins and vinyl resin as well as elastomers such as SBR, PUR and CR. It can be measured in granulates, flakes, powders, films, fibers, finished and moulded parts.
Measuring range and accuracy
The measuring range of the HydroTracer is between 0 mg and 25 mg of water with a measuring accuracy of 0.1 mg in a range of 0 mg to 5 mg of water, 0.2 mg in a range of 5.1 and 15 mg of water and 0.3 mg in a range of 15.1 and 25 mg of water.
Laboratory services at Ebbecke Verfahrenstechnik
The reliable determination of residual moisture with the HydroTracer and other methods is one of the numerous testing and laboratory services offered by Ebbecke Verfahrenstechnik. As a neutral and independent analytical service provider, we are at your disposal and look forward to your inquiry.
