Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Friday, October 7, 2011
End of Life Notification
Please note that as of October 30, 2011, Arizona Instrument can no longer guarantee production on the following lines of moisture analyzers. Some of the components within these units are no longer available, are out of production, or can no longer be manufactured to our specifications.
Though we cannot guarantee new production of the following instruments, but will continue to service our existing customers for many years to come.
Sincerely,
Rick Ervin, Vice President - Sales
Though we cannot guarantee new production of the following instruments, but will continue to service our existing customers for many years to come.
• Computracรข MAX® 1000
• Computrac® MAX® 2000
• Computrac® MAX® 2000XL
• Computrac® MAX® 2000XL 4.36 Advantage
*MAX® Series was first introduced in June 1994
• Computrac® MAX® 2000
• Computrac® MAX® 2000XL
• Computrac® MAX® 2000XL 4.36 Advantage
*MAX® Series was first introduced in June 1994
In place of these instrument models, we offer the Computrac® MAX® 4000XL High Performance Moisture Analyzer. We also offer the MAX® 4000 for customers using the MAX® 1000. Please see the Computrac® MAX® 4000XL Highlights or call our sales department at 800.528.7411 or email sales@azic.com.
If you have any questions regarding the production of Computrac® moisture analyzers, please call Customer Service at 800.235.3360 or 602.470.1414, or email us at support@azic.com.
As always, we appreciate your continued support.
If you have any questions regarding the production of Computrac® moisture analyzers, please call Customer Service at 800.235.3360 or 602.470.1414, or email us at support@azic.com.
As always, we appreciate your continued support.
Rick Ervin, Vice President - Sales
Monday, September 26, 2011
Three Promotions within Arizona Instrument LLC
ARIZONA INSTRUMENT LLC
Exclusive Manufacturer of Computrac® Moisture Analyzers and Jerome® Toxic Gas Analyzers
3375 N. Delaware St.
Chandler, AZ 85225
marketing@azic.com | www.azic.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THREE PROMOTIONS WITHIN ARIZONA INSTRUMENT LLC
Congratulations to Linda Shepherd, Ben Brown, and Rick Ervin
Chandler, Ariz (September 26, 2011) – [ARIZONA INSTRUMENT LLC], the makers of Computrac Moisture Analyzers and Jerome Toxic Gas Analyzers, announces the following promotions, effective immediately, including:
Linda Shepherd from Controller to Vice President – Finance
Ben Brown from Operations Manager to Vice President – Operations
Rick Ervin from Director of Sales to Vice President – Sales
“Each of these individuals has been a key part of our success at AZI, and we are thrilled to promote them to these important positions,” said George Hays, President of ARIZONA INSTRUMENT LLC. Linda Shepherd joined the company in 1984, Ben Brown in 1996, and Rick Ervin in 1993. In that time, each quickly rose to supervisory and management positions. “We plan to continue growing this company,” said Mr. Hays.
For additional information:
Shari Moore, Marketing Manager
Exclusive Manufacturer of Computrac® Moisture Analyzers and Jerome® Toxic Gas Analyzers
3375 N. Delaware St.
Chandler, AZ 85225
marketing@azic.com | www.azic.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THREE PROMOTIONS WITHIN ARIZONA INSTRUMENT LLC
Congratulations to Linda Shepherd, Ben Brown, and Rick Ervin
Chandler, Ariz (September 26, 2011) – [ARIZONA INSTRUMENT LLC], the makers of Computrac Moisture Analyzers and Jerome Toxic Gas Analyzers, announces the following promotions, effective immediately, including:
Linda Shepherd from Controller to Vice President – Finance
Ben Brown from Operations Manager to Vice President – Operations
Rick Ervin from Director of Sales to Vice President – Sales
“Each of these individuals has been a key part of our success at AZI, and we are thrilled to promote them to these important positions,” said George Hays, President of ARIZONA INSTRUMENT LLC. Linda Shepherd joined the company in 1984, Ben Brown in 1996, and Rick Ervin in 1993. In that time, each quickly rose to supervisory and management positions. “We plan to continue growing this company,” said Mr. Hays.
For additional information:
Shari Moore, Marketing Manager
800.528.7411 | marketing@azic.com
Friday, July 8, 2011
GREEN alternative to Karl Fischer titration
Computrac Vapor Pro series heats a sample of test material in a septum bottle. Evolved volatiles are passed to an analysis cell where the moisture content of flowing gas is measured. A microprocessor integrates the vaying moisture signal and convers the signal to micrograms of water for display. Results are available in parts per million, percent moisture, or total micrograms of water.
Arizona Instrument's prediction algorithm automatically terminates the test in just minutes when sufficient information is collected to allow accurate determination of the sample's moisture content. The heating range of the Vapor Pro series is 25°C to 275°C. Test parameters such as sample size, heater temperature and test ending criteria can be altered to optimize speed and accuracy.
Computrac Vapor Pro Moisture Specific Analyzer
Computrac Vapor Pro Rx Moisture Specific Analyzer (Pharmaceuticals)
Computrac Vapor Pro Fx Moisture Specific Analyzer (Oils)
800.528.7411 | sales@azic.com | www.azic.com | Made in USA
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
What is Rapid Loss on Drying Technology?
After taring the pan, a sample is placed on the pan. The four place analytical balance weighs the initial sample, the ceramic or nickel chromium heating element heats up the sample evenly (no hot or cold spots) to the desired temperature. Our full service lab develops each customer's parameter set ahead of time (FREE) so the instrument will already know what you want to do - whether that be faster test times or more accurate results, or both.
Loss on Drying is a loss of weight on the sample. Arizona Instrument is unmatched in terms of accuracy and repeatability, durability and speed. Our instrumentation is precise enough for a lab environment, with product quality durability.
The heating elements are designed for even heating, to ensure rapid results with high accuracy and repeatability.
Check out our newest additions to the Computrac MAX line of moisture analyzers.
Contact our sales department for specific questions at 800.528.7411 | sales@azic.com.
Computrac MAX 5000XL Moisture | Solids | Ash Analyzer
Computrac MAX 4000XL Moisture | Solids Analyzer
Friday, June 3, 2011
Free Water Bottle at Plastec East!
Stop by Booth #415 at Plastec East, and hit up Boss Man Ben for a free Computrac Water Bottle!
We will be featuring the Green Alternative to Karl Fischer - the Vapor Pro, and the latest and greatest addition to loss on drying technology, the Computrac MAX 4000XL Moisture | Solids Analyzer.
The MAX 4000XL has a cool down fan for greater throughput, a nitrogen purge option, and color LCD display, among its many features.
Find out more at http://www.azic.com/downloads/brochures/Computrac®%20MAX®%204000XL%20Brochure.pdf!
We will be featuring the Green Alternative to Karl Fischer - the Vapor Pro, and the latest and greatest addition to loss on drying technology, the Computrac MAX 4000XL Moisture | Solids Analyzer.
The MAX 4000XL has a cool down fan for greater throughput, a nitrogen purge option, and color LCD display, among its many features.
Find out more at http://www.azic.com/downloads/brochures/Computrac®%20MAX®%204000XL%20Brochure.pdf!
Monday, May 16, 2011
Training at AZI!
Arizona Instrument has 4 visitors in training classes at our Chandler, Arizona facility location. Visit us at http://www.azic.com/cs_training.aspx to find out how to set up a training for your company!
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
See us at ANTEC in Boston!
ANTEC
May 2-4, 2011 | Boston, MA
Stop by Booth #115 to pick up your
FREE Computrac Water Bottle!
May 2-4, 2011 | Boston, MA
Stop by Booth #115 to pick up your
FREE Computrac Water Bottle!
Maximizing Power in Biomass
With the world’s population projected to eclipse 7 billion in 2011, and growing at approximately 1.2% per year, finding useable energy resources has become a global challenge. Diminishing supply and environmental concerns have been brought to light in recent years, exposing fossil fuels, currently the world’s primary source of energy, as unsustainable and potentially harmful to the environment. Because of this, clean renewable energy sources are controlling more of the available market, and biomass is one of the leading options on this front.
Biomass is renewable energy derived from living organic material, or material that was recently alive. Wood pellets, corn husks, refuse, black liquor (a waste product of the paper making industry), and alcohol fuels are common examples of materials that classified as biomass. These sources are more sustainable than fossil fuels and, like fossil fuels, are typically incinerated for energy production. Understanding and controlling the moisture and ash content of biomass is important for optimizing its efficiency as a fuel. Further incomplete combustion generates black carbon, which is a pollutant and major contributor to global warming. Traditionally biomass materials have been analyzed for moisture using a conventional oven, and ash using a furnace. These methods are reliable, but often have
long test times, which hinder the manufacturer’s ability to address problems that may arise during processing and decrease the materials ability to act as a suitable energy alternative.
long test times, which hinder the manufacturer’s ability to address problems that may arise during processing and decrease the materials ability to act as a suitable energy alternative.
A new method for moisture and ash analysis has been developed that enables accurate moisture and ash testing. An instrument using this method was able to provide real time results, and final water and ash concentrations correlated to standard test methods currently used for multiple materials in different industries. Test times were significantly reduced which affords manufacturers the opportunity to make changes in process quickly
and maximize output.
Find out more at: http://bit.ly/gTmx6n
International Biomass Conference Expo
May 2-4, 2011 | St. Louis, MO
Stop by Booth #807 to pick up your
FREE Computrac Water Bottle!
May 2-4, 2011 | St. Louis, MO
Stop by Booth #807 to pick up your
FREE Computrac Water Bottle!
Friday, April 15, 2011
Computrac MAX 5000XL Moisture | Solids | Ash Analyzer
Rapid loss on drying instrumentation has proven to provide a more desirable method of moisture measurement when compared to traditional loss on drying techniques. The ease of use and reduction in test times increases manufacturing efficiency while simultaneously reducing energy costs. This instrumentation is able to provide real time moisture measurements to help users optimize moisture measurement methods.
Find out more at www.azic.com or call 800.528.7411.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
COMPUTRAC: A Novel Investigation of Moisture and Ash Content ...
COMPUTRAC: A Novel Investigation of Moisture and Ash Content ...: "With the world’s population projected to eclipse 7 billion in 2011, and growing at approximately 1.2% per year, finding useable energy resou..."
A Novel Investigation of Moisture and Ash Content in Biomass Material
With the world’s population projected to eclipse 7 billion in 2011, and growing at approximately 1.2% per year, finding useable energy resources has become a global challenge. Diminishing supply and environmental concerns have been brought to light in recent years, exposing fossil fuels, currently the world’s primary source of energy, as unsustainable and potentially harmful to the environment. Because of this, clean renewable energy sources are controlling more of the available market, and biomass is one of the leading options on this front.
Biomass is renewable energy derived from living organic material, or material that was recently alive. Wood pellets, corn husks, refuse, black liquor (a waste product of the paper making industry), and alcohol fuels are common examples of materials that classified as biomass. These sources are more sustainable than fossil fuels and, like fossil fuels, are typically incinerated for energy production. Understanding and controlling the moisture and ash content of biomass is important for optimizing its efficiency as a fuel. Further, incomplete combustion generates black carbon, which is a pollutant and major contributor to global warming. Traditionally biomass materials have been analyzed for moisture using a conventional oven, and ash using a furnace. These methods are reliable, but often have long test times, which hinder the manufacturer’s ability to address problems that may arise during processing and decrease the materials ability to act as a suitable energy alternative.
A new method for moisture and ash analysis has been developed. Using the Computrac® MAX® 5000XL Moisture and Ash Analyzer, accurate moisture and ash testing was achieved. This instrument was able to provide real time results, and final water and ash concentrations correlated to standard test methods currently used for multiple materials in different industries. Test times were significantly reduced which affords manufacturers the opportunity to make changes in process quickly and maximize output.
Read Full Whitepaper:http://www.azic.com/downloads/white_papers/Investigation%20of%20Moisture%20and%20Ash%20Content%20in%20Biomass%20Material.pdf
Biomass is renewable energy derived from living organic material, or material that was recently alive. Wood pellets, corn husks, refuse, black liquor (a waste product of the paper making industry), and alcohol fuels are common examples of materials that classified as biomass. These sources are more sustainable than fossil fuels and, like fossil fuels, are typically incinerated for energy production. Understanding and controlling the moisture and ash content of biomass is important for optimizing its efficiency as a fuel. Further, incomplete combustion generates black carbon, which is a pollutant and major contributor to global warming. Traditionally biomass materials have been analyzed for moisture using a conventional oven, and ash using a furnace. These methods are reliable, but often have long test times, which hinder the manufacturer’s ability to address problems that may arise during processing and decrease the materials ability to act as a suitable energy alternative.
A new method for moisture and ash analysis has been developed. Using the Computrac® MAX® 5000XL Moisture and Ash Analyzer, accurate moisture and ash testing was achieved. This instrument was able to provide real time results, and final water and ash concentrations correlated to standard test methods currently used for multiple materials in different industries. Test times were significantly reduced which affords manufacturers the opportunity to make changes in process quickly and maximize output.
Read Full Whitepaper:http://www.azic.com/downloads/white_papers/Investigation%20of%20Moisture%20and%20Ash%20Content%20in%20Biomass%20Material.pdf
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Plastec West 2011
Arizona Instrument will be exhibiting at the upcoming Plastec West 2011 Tradeshow in Anaheim, CA at the beginning of February! Details are as follows, so be sure to stop by and see us.
When: Tuesday, February 8 - Thursday, February 10, 2011
Where: Anaheim Convention Center | 800 West Katella Avenue | Anaheim, CA
Booth: #4021
Link: www.plastecwest.com
As you may already know, our Computrac® Moisture Analyzer performance, ease of use and reliability is unmatched in the industry. Our commitment to your needs remain our highest priority. The Computrac® is a proven tool that will help you monitor quality parameters in each step of your process and research. This will minimize waste, increase productivity and in turn save a significant amount of money. For more information, please visit us online at http://www.azic.com/.
Shari Moore, Marketing Manager
Arizona Instrument LLC
When: Tuesday, February 8 - Thursday, February 10, 2011
Where: Anaheim Convention Center | 800 West Katella Avenue | Anaheim, CA
Booth: #4021
Link: www.plastecwest.com
As you may already know, our Computrac® Moisture Analyzer performance, ease of use and reliability is unmatched in the industry. Our commitment to your needs remain our highest priority. The Computrac® is a proven tool that will help you monitor quality parameters in each step of your process and research. This will minimize waste, increase productivity and in turn save a significant amount of money. For more information, please visit us online at http://www.azic.com/.
Shari Moore, Marketing Manager
Arizona Instrument LLC
Moisture Analysis in the Pharmaceutical Industry
Introduction
When people aren’t feeling their best they often turn to medicine for relief from the symptoms that are associated with being ill. The public trusts that the products developed by pharmaceutical companies will not only make them feel better but will also not have harmful side effects. The pharmaceutical industry has earned this trust through constant research and evaluation, and adhering to strict safety guidelines designed to ensure they are bringing a quality product to market. Failing to follow these procedures could not only damage the relationship between manufacturers and customers, but also result in serious harm or even death.
One of the concerns that manufactures must manage is moisture content in its products. Pills are the products that are most thought of when people think about what the pharmaceutical industry provides. Pills need to remain whole from the time they are made to the time the purchaser ingests them. They also need to dissolve in water since this the most common transport system used by the body. Ensuring that pills are able to maintain their physical and chemical integrity requires a very specific amount of water, and accurately determining the amount of water requires precision instrumentation. Historically these measurements have been made using Karl Fischer Titration instruments, but this method has become increasingly more costly, wasteful and environmentally unfriendly.
Over the past 25 years considerable efforts have been made to develop a low cost, environmentally friendly, moisture specific method of material analysis. Leading these endeavors is Arizona Instrument LLC, who has successfully designed the Computrac® Vapor Pro® series of moisture analyzers. These instruments use RH sensor technology to accurately measure the amount of water in a material. The Vapor Pro instruments are sturdy enough for manufacturing plant floors, reduce hazardous chemical consumption making them an environmentally friendly alternative, and are capable of measuring moisture levels as low as 100ppm.
Karl Fischer Titration
First published in 1935, The Karl Fischer Titration Method has historically been the leading analytical method for detecting trace amounts of water in a variety of materials. The titration relies on the chemical reaction between I2 and H2O and has 2 methods of measuring water content.
Coulometric Titration
A Coulometric Titrator consists of an outer titration cell that contains the anode solution, a Pt detection electrode, a Pt anode and a cathode compartment that is separated by an ion permeable membrane. As water is introduced a chemical reaction is facilitated with a net oxidation reaction between SO2¬ and I2. One mole of water consumes 1 mole of I2, which generates 2 moles of electrons . The detection electrode will continue to measure a change in the electric potential until all of the I- is quenched and an excess of I2 is left in the solution. The reaction is given by the equation:
B•I2 + B•SO2 + B + H2O → 2BH+I− + BSO3
BSO3 + ROH → BH+ROSO3−
In this equation ROH is an alcohol (typically methanol) and B is a base.
Volumetric Titration
The Volumetric Titration uses the same chemical reaction as the coulometric method, however the setup is slightly different. The volumetric titrator has a cell that contains an Alcohol solution (usually methanol) and a detection electrode. An unknown amount of water is introduced to the cell and a known amount of solution containing I2, SO2 and a base are titrated into the cell until the reaction is complete.
The Karl Fischer titration method is water selective, uses small sample sizes, can analyze materials in all phases and can accurately measure water concentrations as low as 1ppm. However, there are significant drawbacks to this method as well. To facilitate this reaction requires expensive glassware that is easily broken in a manufacturing environment. Additionally, environmentally hazardous chemicals are used, which are expensive and have to be managed as hazardous waste. Also, chemicals containing mercaptans and thiol groups are known to interfere with the reaction and provide erroneous results.
Relative Humidity Sensor Technology
Relative Humidity (RH) was first used as a method of moisture determination in 1997 with the introduction of the Computrac® 3000 Moisture Analyzer by Arizona Instrument LLC. This method uses a thermoset polymer capacitor that has a selective response when in the presence of water, the same way that many RH sensors work in traditional settings such as houses, laboratory controlled environments, and dry boxes. A material is sealed in a sample vial, and then transported into an oven with inert gas blown through it. As the material gets hot, water molecules evolve off and are carried to the sensor via the carrier gas. The sensor is exposed to the water molecules and a measurable change in the electronic activity takes place. In addition, no solvent and no material processing for lyophilized pharmaceuticals are necessary for analysis. Since 1997 Arizona Instrument LLC has further developed this method of analysis and designed an instrument designed to meet the needs of the pharmaceutical industry. The Computrac® Vapor Pro® Rx is capable of testing a variety of samples using different size vials with a current sensitivity able to accurately and reliably detect moisture as low as 100ppm.
Conclusion
RH Sensor detection is a viable alternative to Karl Fischer Titration and can be used to determine moisture content for various products brought to market by the pharmaceutical industry. Testing has shown the Vapor Pro® 3500L can accurately determine water concentration with the same level of precision as the Karl Fischer titrator. It has shown significant improvement in ease of use when compared to single sample testing methods common to Karl Fischer analysis. Also, the Vapor Pro® has addressed durability problems associated with Karl Fischer instrumentation, which allows for testing in a wider array of locations. Further, no hazardous chemical solvents are required for sample testing, which makes the Vapor Pro a green alternative to Karl Fischer titration.
James Moore, Chemist
Arizona Instrument LLC
When people aren’t feeling their best they often turn to medicine for relief from the symptoms that are associated with being ill. The public trusts that the products developed by pharmaceutical companies will not only make them feel better but will also not have harmful side effects. The pharmaceutical industry has earned this trust through constant research and evaluation, and adhering to strict safety guidelines designed to ensure they are bringing a quality product to market. Failing to follow these procedures could not only damage the relationship between manufacturers and customers, but also result in serious harm or even death.
One of the concerns that manufactures must manage is moisture content in its products. Pills are the products that are most thought of when people think about what the pharmaceutical industry provides. Pills need to remain whole from the time they are made to the time the purchaser ingests them. They also need to dissolve in water since this the most common transport system used by the body. Ensuring that pills are able to maintain their physical and chemical integrity requires a very specific amount of water, and accurately determining the amount of water requires precision instrumentation. Historically these measurements have been made using Karl Fischer Titration instruments, but this method has become increasingly more costly, wasteful and environmentally unfriendly.
Over the past 25 years considerable efforts have been made to develop a low cost, environmentally friendly, moisture specific method of material analysis. Leading these endeavors is Arizona Instrument LLC, who has successfully designed the Computrac® Vapor Pro® series of moisture analyzers. These instruments use RH sensor technology to accurately measure the amount of water in a material. The Vapor Pro instruments are sturdy enough for manufacturing plant floors, reduce hazardous chemical consumption making them an environmentally friendly alternative, and are capable of measuring moisture levels as low as 100ppm.
Karl Fischer Titration
First published in 1935, The Karl Fischer Titration Method has historically been the leading analytical method for detecting trace amounts of water in a variety of materials. The titration relies on the chemical reaction between I2 and H2O and has 2 methods of measuring water content.
Coulometric Titration
A Coulometric Titrator consists of an outer titration cell that contains the anode solution, a Pt detection electrode, a Pt anode and a cathode compartment that is separated by an ion permeable membrane. As water is introduced a chemical reaction is facilitated with a net oxidation reaction between SO2¬ and I2. One mole of water consumes 1 mole of I2, which generates 2 moles of electrons . The detection electrode will continue to measure a change in the electric potential until all of the I- is quenched and an excess of I2 is left in the solution. The reaction is given by the equation:
B•I2 + B•SO2 + B + H2O → 2BH+I− + BSO3
BSO3 + ROH → BH+ROSO3−
In this equation ROH is an alcohol (typically methanol) and B is a base.
Volumetric Titration
The Volumetric Titration uses the same chemical reaction as the coulometric method, however the setup is slightly different. The volumetric titrator has a cell that contains an Alcohol solution (usually methanol) and a detection electrode. An unknown amount of water is introduced to the cell and a known amount of solution containing I2, SO2 and a base are titrated into the cell until the reaction is complete.
The Karl Fischer titration method is water selective, uses small sample sizes, can analyze materials in all phases and can accurately measure water concentrations as low as 1ppm. However, there are significant drawbacks to this method as well. To facilitate this reaction requires expensive glassware that is easily broken in a manufacturing environment. Additionally, environmentally hazardous chemicals are used, which are expensive and have to be managed as hazardous waste. Also, chemicals containing mercaptans and thiol groups are known to interfere with the reaction and provide erroneous results.
Relative Humidity Sensor Technology
Relative Humidity (RH) was first used as a method of moisture determination in 1997 with the introduction of the Computrac® 3000 Moisture Analyzer by Arizona Instrument LLC. This method uses a thermoset polymer capacitor that has a selective response when in the presence of water, the same way that many RH sensors work in traditional settings such as houses, laboratory controlled environments, and dry boxes. A material is sealed in a sample vial, and then transported into an oven with inert gas blown through it. As the material gets hot, water molecules evolve off and are carried to the sensor via the carrier gas. The sensor is exposed to the water molecules and a measurable change in the electronic activity takes place. In addition, no solvent and no material processing for lyophilized pharmaceuticals are necessary for analysis. Since 1997 Arizona Instrument LLC has further developed this method of analysis and designed an instrument designed to meet the needs of the pharmaceutical industry. The Computrac® Vapor Pro® Rx is capable of testing a variety of samples using different size vials with a current sensitivity able to accurately and reliably detect moisture as low as 100ppm.
Conclusion
RH Sensor detection is a viable alternative to Karl Fischer Titration and can be used to determine moisture content for various products brought to market by the pharmaceutical industry. Testing has shown the Vapor Pro® 3500L can accurately determine water concentration with the same level of precision as the Karl Fischer titrator. It has shown significant improvement in ease of use when compared to single sample testing methods common to Karl Fischer analysis. Also, the Vapor Pro® has addressed durability problems associated with Karl Fischer instrumentation, which allows for testing in a wider array of locations. Further, no hazardous chemical solvents are required for sample testing, which makes the Vapor Pro a green alternative to Karl Fischer titration.
James Moore, Chemist
Arizona Instrument LLC
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Moisture Testing in Petroleum Products
Moisture Analysis in Petroleum Products
Moisture is a constant nuisance in petroleum products. Moisture can affect the efficiency of lubricants and prematurely wear system parts that are expensive to replace and maintain. Testing for the moisture content in oils is a necessity to maintain oil systems and to detect moisture problems before they arise.
Moisture can enter an oil system a variety of ways. The simplest is in the process of adding or replacing oil and/or filters. Even if the oil system is closed, large amounts of moisture can enter through condensation in oil and filter storage. Oil can also absorb moisture from humid air depending on humidity and temperature. Any oxidation or combustion reaction can lead to water as a byproduct and can accumulate in the oil. Even the most carefully maintained system is vulnerable to moisture contamination.
All oils have a saturation point where they are able to hold a certain amount of dissolved moisture. This saturation point varies depending on polar additives present in the oil; as the water finds the polar molecules to collect around. Only after this saturation point is met is the presence of moisture in oil visible; either as an emulsion or as a layer In the oil.
Water has a variety of effects on oil systems. The most common is premature bearing wear. In large amounts moisture can lower oil viscosity, which can lead to bearing wear. It is also believed that moisture is absorbed into tiny fissures in the bearings and strips hydrogen from the metal, causing degradation. Even a small amount of moisture in a system can significantly affect bearing life.
Minute concentrations of moisture can also curtail the effect of certain additives in a system, especially oxidation inhibitors. As mentioned; water is attracted to polar molecules in a system, this can lead to decreased effectiveness of any polar additives. Some byproducts of hydrolysis reactions with additives can lead to acids, varnish, and sludge buildup which can prematurely clog filters.
Moisture in oil systems is a constant hazard that must be carefully monitored. The Computrac® Vapor Pro® Fx Moisture Specific Analyzer is capable of detecting moisture in most petroleum products quickly and easily and is approved for use with ASTM D7546-09 to detect moisture in lubricating oils as low as 10ppm up to 100% moisture.
Manuel Oropeza, Chemist
Arizona Instrument LLC
Moisture is a constant nuisance in petroleum products. Moisture can affect the efficiency of lubricants and prematurely wear system parts that are expensive to replace and maintain. Testing for the moisture content in oils is a necessity to maintain oil systems and to detect moisture problems before they arise.
Moisture can enter an oil system a variety of ways. The simplest is in the process of adding or replacing oil and/or filters. Even if the oil system is closed, large amounts of moisture can enter through condensation in oil and filter storage. Oil can also absorb moisture from humid air depending on humidity and temperature. Any oxidation or combustion reaction can lead to water as a byproduct and can accumulate in the oil. Even the most carefully maintained system is vulnerable to moisture contamination.
All oils have a saturation point where they are able to hold a certain amount of dissolved moisture. This saturation point varies depending on polar additives present in the oil; as the water finds the polar molecules to collect around. Only after this saturation point is met is the presence of moisture in oil visible; either as an emulsion or as a layer In the oil.
Water has a variety of effects on oil systems. The most common is premature bearing wear. In large amounts moisture can lower oil viscosity, which can lead to bearing wear. It is also believed that moisture is absorbed into tiny fissures in the bearings and strips hydrogen from the metal, causing degradation. Even a small amount of moisture in a system can significantly affect bearing life.
Minute concentrations of moisture can also curtail the effect of certain additives in a system, especially oxidation inhibitors. As mentioned; water is attracted to polar molecules in a system, this can lead to decreased effectiveness of any polar additives. Some byproducts of hydrolysis reactions with additives can lead to acids, varnish, and sludge buildup which can prematurely clog filters.
Moisture in oil systems is a constant hazard that must be carefully monitored. The Computrac® Vapor Pro® Fx Moisture Specific Analyzer is capable of detecting moisture in most petroleum products quickly and easily and is approved for use with ASTM D7546-09 to detect moisture in lubricating oils as low as 10ppm up to 100% moisture.
Manuel Oropeza, Chemist
Arizona Instrument LLC
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Moisture Analysis in the Dairy Industry
Solids and ash testing is an important component to quality food manufacturing. In the dairy industry it becomes a crucial indicator of quality, ingredients, and shelf life. As efficiency becomes more important in dairy manufacturing; quick, accurate, and efficient testing methods are becoming necessary to the manufacturing process. With the Arizona Instrument LLC Computrac Moisture and Ash Analyzers, testing total solids, moisture, and ash content is an easy pain-free process.
Since 1991, pricing regulations on dairy has switched from being based on % butterfat to % total solids (TS). Since this change, most state and federal government regulations have set standards based on minimum % total solids, % butterfat, and % solids-not-fat (SNF). To conform to these regulations, gravimetric testing is becoming the quickest and easiest way to gain total solids information on the product, and has been the most reliable method to stand in federal and state court systems. Gravimetric testing is critical in manufacturing quality product and in avoiding government litigation.
Total Solids in a dairy product consists of two regulated components: butterfat and solids-not-fat. Using the accepted Babcock method for determining % butterfat with a gravimetric solids analyzer, the % total solids, % butterfat, and % solids-not-fat can all be determined. Antiquated methods using convection ovens or lactometers are no longer necessary to determine what dairy products consist of.
Solids-not-fat consists mainly of minerals, protein, and lactose. Ash testing is the testing of the non-organic material of a food; mainly minerals. Likewise, Ash testing for a dairy product is the testing for mineral content such as Calcium, Phosphorous, and Potassium. Knowing and testing for these minerals is vital to manufacturing a quality dairy product.
The percent moisture in certain dairy products indicates the shelf life and viability. Excess moisture in a product promotes microbial growth and premature spoiling. Determining the moisture content helps determine how long and how viable a dairy product can be used. For example; for skim milk powder (SMP), The U.S. dairy export council recommends discarding the material if it gains above 15% moisture.
With the Arizona Instrument LLC Computrac Moisture and Ash Analyzers, one instrument can be used to serve a variety of purposes. Rapid and efficient gravimetric testing of all types of dairy products can greatly improve throughput, insure the manufacturing of quality product, and avoid violating state and government regulations.
Manuel Oropeza, Chemist
Arizona Instrument LLC
Since 1991, pricing regulations on dairy has switched from being based on % butterfat to % total solids (TS). Since this change, most state and federal government regulations have set standards based on minimum % total solids, % butterfat, and % solids-not-fat (SNF). To conform to these regulations, gravimetric testing is becoming the quickest and easiest way to gain total solids information on the product, and has been the most reliable method to stand in federal and state court systems. Gravimetric testing is critical in manufacturing quality product and in avoiding government litigation.
Total Solids in a dairy product consists of two regulated components: butterfat and solids-not-fat. Using the accepted Babcock method for determining % butterfat with a gravimetric solids analyzer, the % total solids, % butterfat, and % solids-not-fat can all be determined. Antiquated methods using convection ovens or lactometers are no longer necessary to determine what dairy products consist of.
Solids-not-fat consists mainly of minerals, protein, and lactose. Ash testing is the testing of the non-organic material of a food; mainly minerals. Likewise, Ash testing for a dairy product is the testing for mineral content such as Calcium, Phosphorous, and Potassium. Knowing and testing for these minerals is vital to manufacturing a quality dairy product.
The percent moisture in certain dairy products indicates the shelf life and viability. Excess moisture in a product promotes microbial growth and premature spoiling. Determining the moisture content helps determine how long and how viable a dairy product can be used. For example; for skim milk powder (SMP), The U.S. dairy export council recommends discarding the material if it gains above 15% moisture.
With the Arizona Instrument LLC Computrac Moisture and Ash Analyzers, one instrument can be used to serve a variety of purposes. Rapid and efficient gravimetric testing of all types of dairy products can greatly improve throughput, insure the manufacturing of quality product, and avoid violating state and government regulations.
Manuel Oropeza, Chemist
Arizona Instrument LLC
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