Choose the right moisture method for your sample
Moisture results can differ significantly depending on the measurement principle. This page helps you select the best approach for your lab: thermogravimetric moisture analysis (loss-on-drying / total mass loss) or water-specific H2O analysis (selective measurement of water, without Karl Fischer reagents).
Two moisture analysis approaches: total mass loss (LOD) vs water-specific H2O
LOD vs water-specific H2O vs Karl Fischer: which moisture analysis method should you choose?
Thermogravimetric moisture analysis (OHAUS moisture analyzers)
Measures total weight loss during heating water plus other volatiles that evaporate (and sometimes decomposition by-products, depending on the temperature program).
Learn more about Thermogravimetric (LOD)
Water-specific H2O content (AMETEK Brookfield Computrac® Vapor Pro® XL)
Measures only water (H2O) using moisture-specific RH-sensor technology—chemical-free alternative to Karl Fischer for many workflows.
Learn more about Water-specific H2O (chemical-free)Thermogravimetric (LOD) moisture analysis for routine lab and QC testing
Thermogravimetric moisture analysis (often called loss-on-drying) is a fast, practical method for routine QC and production checks. The sample is heated and moisture is determined from the change in mass over time.
When to choose thermogravimetric moisture analysis
- Routine QC where speed and simplicity matter
- Materials where “moisture” is defined as loss on drying
- Food, chemicals, polymers, detergents, powders, granulates, pastes, and many industrial materials
Key strengths of thermogravimetric (LOD) moisture analysis
- Fast results for pass/fail or trend monitoring
- Easy operation and quick training
- Flexible methods (temperature, end criteria, heating profiles)
Important note when choosing a moisture analysis method (LOD vs H2O)
Because it measures total mass loss, results may include water plus other volatiles (depending on sample chemistry and heating conditions). If you need water-only, see the Brookfield H2O solution below.
View all Ohaus moisture analyzers
Brookfield H2O moisture analysis solution – chemical-free alternative to Karl Fischer
Computrac® Vapor Pro® XL – Brookfield’s water-specific (H2O) moisture analyzer
How Vapor Pro® XL replaces Karl Fischer in many moisture analysis workflows
The Computrac Vapor Pro® XL from AMETEK Brookfield provides fast and reliable water-specific (H2O) moisture determination without Karl Fischer reagents. Using moisture-specific RH-sensor technology and controlled heating, it eliminates titration chemicals—making moisture analysis safer, simpler, and more environmentally friendly while still delivering accurate results in just minutes.
Key benefits and why choose Vapor Pro® XL for water-specific (H2O) moisture analysis?
- No chemical reagents: Supports Karl Fischer-type workflows without hazardous chemicals or reagent maintenance.
- Moisture-specific measurement: Measures only water content for precise results.
- High accuracy: Controlled heating supports reliable measurements across applications.
- Ultra-sensitive: Detects down to 10 µg water (≈ 10 ppm, depending on sample size).
- Flexible sampling: Multiple vial sizes with minimal air exposure; ideal for hygroscopic samples.
- Easy operation: 7” colour touchscreen with intuitive workflow and minimal training.
- Wide application range: Suitable for plastics, petroleum, pharma, chemicals, and more.
- High temperature capability: Testing up to 300 °C.
- Optional autosampler: available for higher throughput.
Download Vapor Pro® XL moisture analysis brochures (PDF)
Frequently asked questions
Related solutions for lab moisture analysis workflows (balances, ovens, desiccators)
Analis is distributor of Ohaus moisture balances, dessicators and balances for Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg. Analis is distributor of Memmert Ovens and Incubators for Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg.
Our products
Maximum Capacity: 90 g
Readability Moisture Content: 1 mg/0.01%
Pan Size: 90 mm
Applications:
Percent Moisture Determination, Percent Moisture Regain Determination, Percent Solid Determination, Weighing
Display: 4.3" capacitive touch screen
Operation: Internal power supply with power cord (included)CommunicationRS232, USB device, USB host
Construction: Carbon fiber heat source, PBT housing, die casting aluminum base, metal pan support, metal pan handler, in use cover
Design Features: Eight shut-off criteria (manual, timed, A10, A30, A60, A90, A160, free mg/s), four drying profiles (standard, fast, ramp, step), storage up to 20 methods and 200 results for all methods, 40-200℃ heating range, multiple operational languages
Faster, Smarter, and More Efficient Moisture Analysis
You can analyze more samples using the MB120, retrieve data that has been recorded, and spend more time utilizing your findings rather than preparing.
Everything we use on a daily basis is impacted by moisture. As a result, being able to precisely ascertain the moisture content of samples is frequently crucial. Our flagship moisture analyzer, the MB120, is capable of handling both simple and complex readings, making the procedure easier, faster, and more effective overall. You can analyze more samples using the MB120, retrieve data that has been recorded, and spend more time utilizing your findings rather than preparing.
Applications
Percent Moisture Determination, Percent Moisture Regain Determination, Percent Solid Determination, and Weighing
Display
4.3" TFT color touchscreen display
Operation
Power cord (included)
Communication
RS232 with GLP/GMP data output, USB Host and USB Device (included)
Construction
Metal base, ABS top housing, halogen heat source, stainless steel pan support, stainless steel pan handler, in-use cover
Design Features
Seven shut-off criteria (manual, timed, autofree %/s, autofree mg/s, A30, A60 and A90), four drying profiles (standard, fast, ramp and step), storage up to 100 methods and 1000 test results for all methods, user guide, 40°C to 230°C heating temperature range (1°C increments), 14 operational languages
Maximum Capacity: 90 g
Readability Moisture Content: 1 mg/0.01%
Pan Size: 90 mm
Applications:
Percent Moisture Determination, Percent Moisture Regain Determination, Percent Solid Determination, Weighing
Display:
5" LCD with 2nd line display
Operation:
Internal power supply with power cord (included)
Communication:
RS232, USB device
Construction:
Carbon fiber heat source, PBT housing, die casting aluminum base, metal pan support, metal pan handler, in use cover
Design Features:
Seven shut-off criteria (manual, timed, A10, A30, A60, A90, A160), four drying profiles (standard, fast, ramp, step), storage up to 20 methods and 100 results for all methods, 10 sample ID, 40-200℃ heating range, multiple operational languages
Maximum Capacity: 90 g
Readability Moisture Content: 1 mg/0.01%
Pan Size: 90 mm
Applications:
Percent Moisture Determination, Percent Moisture Regain Determination, Percent Solid Determination, Weighing
Display:
4" LCD with 2nd line display
Operation:
Internal power supply with power cord (included)
Communication: RS232, USB device
Construction:
Carbon fiber heat source, PBT housing, Die casting aluminum base, metal pan support, metal pan handler, in use cover
Design Features
Five shut-off criteria (manual, timed, Auto, A30, A90), two drying profiles (standard and fast), storage up to two methods, 40-180℃ heating range, multiple operational languages
Outstanding Performance, Flexible Configuration and Reliable Results
The new OHAUS MB27 Basic Moisture Analyzer combines high quality and durable construction into a sleek, compact design. The MB27 offers dependable, accurate results for a wide variety of moisture analysis applications.
Benefits :
- With 0.01% 0.001g accuracy, the MB27 Moisture Analyzer is suitable for most applications.
- Halogen heating and dual weight-temperature calibration provide fast, reliable results.
- User-friendly touch-button design for easy operation.
Applications :
Percent Moisture Determination, Percent Solid Determination, and Weighing
Outstanding Performance, Flexible Configuration and Reliable Results
The MB25 provides precise moisture content determination at an unbeatable value. With a large backlit LCD display, standard RS232 port, 110g capacity with a readability of 0.005g/0.05% and halogen heating, the MB25 offers moisture analysis for any budget.
Applications
Percent Moisture Determination, Percent Solid Determination, and Weighing
Display
Backlit liquid crystal display (LCD)
Operation
Power cord (included)
Communication
RS232 (included)
Construction
Halogen heat source, ABS housing, metal pan support, metal pan handler, in-use cover
Design Features
3 shut off criteria (manual, timed or auto), 1 standard heating profile, 50° to 160° C heating range (5° C increments)
Outstanding Performance, Flexible Configuration and Reliable Results
The MB23 provides precise moisture content determination at an unbeatable value. With a large backlit LCD display, standard RS232 port, 110g capacity with a readability of 0.01 g/0.1%0.01 g/0.1%, and an non-glass infrared heating element, the MB23 offers moisture analysis for any budget.
Benefits :
- Glass-less infrared heating increases efficiency for faster results.
- User-friendly touch-button design for easy operation.
- Compact design suits any workspace.
Applications :
Percent Moisture Determination, Percent Solid Determination, and Weighing.