Moisture analyzers

Technical specifications

• Models: PBM 50, PBM 60, PBM 60-HR, PBM 66 and EM 120-HR
• Capacity: 52 g to 220 g, depending on model
• Moisture readability: 0.01% or 0.001%, depending on model
• Weighing readability: 1 mg or 0.1 mg, depending on model
• Temperature range:
  • PBM 50: 50 to 170 °C
  • PBM 60, PBM 60-HR, PBM 66 and EM 120-HR: 50 to 230 °C

The Precisa Series 530 PBM is a family of thermogravimetric moisture analyzers designed for moisture determination in laboratory and production environments. The range combines manual sample handling with selectable heating programs, defined stop criteria and real-time display of measurement results.

The series includes compact configurations for routine workflows with a limited number of methods, as well as higher-resolution models for critical materials and samples with very low moisture content, such as polymers. Depending on the model, users can select capacities up to 220 g, temperatures up to 230 °C and memory for up to 30 methods.

The Series 365 EM is represented by the EM 120-HR model, a high-end moisture analyzer for advanced and demanding applications. It combines 124 g capacity, adjustable readability, a graphic display, internal self-calibration and storage for up to 100 methods.

Heating configuration for different drying behaviours

All Series 530 PBM models can be configured with a halogen, infrared or infrared dark radiator. This allows the heating source to be selected according to the sample and drying method. Standard, boost and smooth heating modes are available to support different heating profiles.

The PBM 60, PBM 60-HR and PBM 66 operate from 50 to 230 °C, while the PBM 50 operates from 50 to 170 °C. Temperature settings can be adjusted in 1 °C increments.

PHASTbloc™ weighing technology for selected models

The PBM 60, PBM 60-HR and PBM 66 use Precisa PHASTbloc™ hybrid weighing technology. This design combines elements of monolithic and conventional electromagnetic force compensation weighing cells.

According to the manufacturer, the technology is intended to support precise analysis of critical samples, including materials with very low moisture content. The PBM 60-HR provides the highest resolution within the series, with 0.1 mg weighing readability and 0.001% moisture readability.

Automated chamber cooling and visual status feedback

PBM 60, PBM 60-HR and PBM 66 models feature automated lid opening. The lid can open automatically after the analysis or at a selectable cool-down temperature, allowing the heating chamber to begin cooling without manual intervention.

These models also include an LED status indicator. Green indicates that the analyzer is ready for use, red indicates that an analysis is running, and flashing red indicates that the instrument is still hot.

Heating chamber designed for cleaning

The Series 530 PBM features a flat, unobstructed surface intended to simplify cleaning. Components at the bottom of the heating chamber can be disassembled and reassembled by hand without tools.

Removed parts can be cleaned manually, in a dishwasher or with an ultrasonic cleaner, according to the manufacturer. A glass-free version of the heating chamber is available for food-industry environments where glass is not permitted.

Method handling and endpoint control

The PBM 60, PBM 60-HR and PBM 66 can store up to 30 methods, while the PBM 50 stores one method. All models offer selectable start-up and endpoint control settings, including freely definable Auto Stop criteria and timer stop functions.

Available calculations include moisture content, dry matter, ATRO values, g/kg, residual weight and weight loss. Real-time results, numerical analysis and statistical analysis are available through the display and output functions.

Documentation and connectivity

The analyzers include USB and RS232 interfaces for connection to a PC or printer. Results can be printed in GLP guideline format, with configurable print intervals.

All models include password protection, date and time functions, anti-theft protection by code and mechanical device compatibility, as well as calibration support for the balance and temperature functions.

Series 365 EM graphical operation and method capacity

The EM 120-HR offers adjustable readability of 0.1 mg / 0.001% and 1 mg / 0.01%, a bright graphic display and memory for up to 100 methods. Its display can be freely programmed and can show method parameters, results and a graphical representation of moisture loss during analysis.

Calibration and connectivity for the EM 120-HR

The EM 120-HR includes an automatic self-calibration system (SCS), USB and RS232 interfaces as standard, and advanced slide-in module technology for USB Host, wired Ethernet, wireless Ethernet, Bluetooth and other modules.

Model comparison overview

• PBM 50
  • Capacity: 52 g
  • Weighing readability: 1 mg
  • Moisture readability: 0.01%
  • Temperature range: 50 to 170 °C
  • Stores one method
  • Uses a strain gauge weighing cell
  • Does not include automated lid opening or LED status indication
• PBM 60
  • Capacity: 124 g
  • Weighing readability: 1 mg
  • Moisture readability: 0.01%
  • Temperature range: 50 to 230 °C
  • Stores up to 30 methods
  • Includes PHASTbloc™ hybrid weighing technology, automated lid opening and LED status indication
• PBM 60-HR
  • Capacity: 124 g
  • Weighing readability: 0.1 mg
  • Moisture readability: 0.001%
  • Temperature range: 50 to 230 °C
  • Stores up to 30 methods
  • Includes PHASTbloc™ hybrid weighing technology, automated lid opening and LED status indication
• PBM 66
  • Capacity: 220 g
  • Weighing readability: 1 mg
  • Moisture readability: 0.01%
  • Temperature range: 50 to 230 °C
  • Stores up to 30 methods
  • Includes PHASTbloc™ hybrid weighing technology, automated lid opening and LED status indication
• EM 120-HR
  • Capacity: 124 g
  • Adjustable weighing readability: 0.1 mg or 1 mg
  • Moisture readability: 0.001% or 0.01%
  • Temperature range: 50 to 230 °C
  • Stores up to 100 methods
  • Includes automatic self-calibration system (SCS), graphic display and GLP/GMP compliance
  • Optional slide-in modules include USB Host, Ethernet, WiFi and Bluetooth

Model selection guide

• For routine moisture determination with one established method: PBM 50 provides a 52 g capacity, 0.01% moisture readability and storage for one method.
• For routine laboratory or production workflows requiring multiple stored methods: PBM 60 provides 124 g capacity, 0.01% moisture readability, a 50 to 230 °C temperature range and storage for up to 30 methods.
• For samples requiring higher weighing and moisture resolution: PBM 60-HR provides 0.1 mg weighing readability and 0.001% moisture readability at a 124 g capacity.
• For workflows requiring a larger sample capacity: PBM 66 provides a 220 g capacity while maintaining 0.01% moisture readability and a temperature range up to 230 °C.
• For low-moisture sample materials, including polymers: PBM 60, PBM 60-HR and PBM 66 incorporate PHASTbloc™ weighing technology and are described by the manufacturer as suitable for critical materials with low moisture content.
• For advanced workflows requiring a wide range of stored methods and graphical analysis display: EM 120-HR provides 100-method memory, a freely programmable graphic display and graphical presentation of the analysis.
• For workflows requiring internal balance calibration and GLP/GMP compliance: EM 120-HR includes an automatic self-calibration system (SCS) and is described as compliant with GLP and GMP.

Applications

• Moisture and water-content determination of food products and animal feed in laboratory and production workflows
• Moisture control of chemical and pharmaceutical products during laboratory testing and production
• Residual moisture determination in low-moisture materials, including polymers
• Moisture and water-content testing of construction materials
• Food-industry workflows requiring the optional glass-free heating chamber version

Additional technical data

• Method memory:
  • PBM 50: 1 method
  • PBM 60, PBM 60-HR and PBM 66: up to 30 methods
  • EM 120-HR: up to 100 methods
• Interfaces: PBM models: USB Type A host, USB Type B device and RS232; EM 120-HR: USB and RS232 as standard
• Optional slide-in modules for EM 120-HR include USB Host, LAN Ethernet connection, WiFi connection, Bluetooth connection and PS 2 female & RS232 DB9 female
• Results calculations include moisture content, dry matter, ATRO values, g/kg, residual weight and weight loss
• GLP-format printout and configurable print intervals
• Password protection, date and time function, statistics and weighing-in guidance
• Balance calibration: EM 120-HR internal; PBM models external
• Automated lid opening and LED status indication on PBM 60, PBM 60-HR and PBM 66
• PHASTbloc™ hybrid weighing technology on PBM 60, PBM 60-HR and PBM 66
• Temperature adjustment: 1 °C increments
• Heating source options: halogen, infrared or infrared dark radiator
• Heating modes: standard, boost and smooth
• Sample pan diameter: 100 mm
• Minimum sample weight: 0.2 g
• Response time:
  • PBM 50, PBM 60-HR and EM 120-HR: 4 s
  • PBM 60 and PBM 66: 3 s
• Dimensions of PBM models: 201 × 333 × 177 mm
• Dimensions of EM models: 240 × 380 × 177 mm
• Net weight of PBM models: 5.5 kg
• Net weight of EM models: 6.7 kg
• Operating temperature: 10 to 35 °C
• Line voltage: 115 V or 230 V
• Power consumption: 450 W
• Frequency: 50 to 60 Hz
• Available accessories include aluminium and stainless-steel sample pans, fibreglass filters, temperature calibration equipment, calibration weights, dust filters, protective covers, printers and interface boxes.