Description

The Sartorius MDB-5E is a high-precision halogen moisture analyzer designed for rapid and accurate determination of moisture content in solids, powders, granules, and pastes across laboratory and industrial quality control environments. Manufactured by Sartorius AG—a global leader in laboratory instrumentation and process technologies—the Sartorius MDB-5E combines an analytical balance with a halogen heating system to deliver gravimetric moisture analysis based on the loss-on-drying (LOD) principle. This integrated approach ensures results that are both scientifically valid and operationally efficient.

Positioned as a compact yet powerful solution for small-sample testing, the Sartorius MDB-5E features a 5-gram maximum sample capacity with a readability of 0.1 mg (0.0001 g), enabling moisture detection down to 0.001% in optimal conditions. Its advanced PID-controlled halogen lamp provides uniform, rapid, and reproducible heating from 50°C to 160°C, minimizing thermal gradients and ensuring consistent drying performance. The Sartorius MDB-5E is widely used in pharmaceutical, food, chemical, and plastics industries where precise moisture data directly impacts product stability, shelf life, compliance, and process efficiency.

Technical Specifications

Main Features and Advantages

Unmatched speed and accuracy for small samples: The Sartorius MDB-5E excels in applications requiring high sensitivity due to its ultra-fine 0.1 mg readability and optimized 5 g capacity. Unlike larger moisture analyzers that sacrifice precision for throughput, the Sartorius MDB-5E is engineered specifically for trace moisture analysis in high-value materials—such as active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), fine chemicals, or specialty polymers—where even 0.01% deviation can affect regulatory compliance or product performance.

Intelligent drying control with multiple methods: Equipped with four drying programs (Standard, Quick, Step, and Constant Weight), the Sartorius MDB-5E adapts to diverse material behaviors. The “Constant Weight” mode automatically extends drying until mass stabilization is detected, ensuring complete moisture removal without user guesswork. PID temperature regulation maintains ±1°C stability, preventing sample degradation while maximizing drying efficiency—critical for heat-sensitive substances like vitamins or enzymes.

User-centric design and data integrity: The Sartorius MDB-5E features a clear LCD interface with intuitive menus, allowing operators to set parameters, view real-time moisture curves, and store up to 10 method profiles. An optional integrated dot-matrix printer enables immediate hardcopy output of results with time/date stamps, supporting GLP documentation requirements. The RS-232 port facilitates seamless data transfer to LIMS or PCs for audit trails. Additionally, automatic internal calibration checks and tare functions enhance repeatability and reduce operator-induced errors—making the Sartorius MDB-5E both reliable and compliant-ready.

Application Field

The Sartorius MDB-5E is indispensable in laboratories where moisture content directly influences product quality, safety, or regulatory approval. In the pharmaceutical industry, it is routinely used to verify moisture levels in lyophilized powders, excipients, and tablet coatings—ensuring stability during storage and dissolution performance. Because the Sartorius MDB-5E meets GMP/GLP standards, its data is admissible in regulatory submissions to agencies such as the FDA or EMA.

In food science and quality assurance labs, the Sartorius MDB-5E analyzes moisture in spices, milk powder, coffee, cereals, and dried fruits. Rapid results (often under 3 minutes) enable real-time batch release decisions, reducing production bottlenecks. Similarly, in the chemical and polymer sectors, precise moisture measurement prevents issues like hydrolysis during extrusion or inconsistent reaction yields—making the Sartorius MDB-5E a key tool in R&D and incoming raw material inspection.

Academic and contract testing laboratories also rely on the Sartorius MDB-5E for its reproducibility and ease of validation. Its compact footprint fits easily on crowded lab benches, and minimal maintenance—limited to occasional cleaning of the heating chamber and pan—ensures long-term operational readiness. Across all these settings, the Sartorius MDB-5E delivers laboratory-grade accuracy with industrial robustness, bridging the gap between research precision and production practicality.

Related Products

MA37: Entry-level moisture analyzer from Sartorius with 0.001g readability, larger capacity (35g), but lower precision than MDB-5E
MA160: High-capacity (160g) moisture balance for bulk samples; less sensitive but ideal for grains or pellets
MC1: Advanced moisture analyzer with touchscreen, USB, and Ethernet—successor platform to MDB-5E
CPA225D: Sartorius analytical balance often used alongside MDB-5E for pre-weighing or verification
MA100: Compact moisture analyzer with similar form factor but reduced temperature range and no RS-232
Secura225D-1S: Modern Sartorius balance with built-in apps, sometimes paired with moisture analyzers for full workflow integration
Radwag MA.50/1.R: Competitive moisture analyzer from Radwag, comparable specs but different software ecosystem

Installation and Maintenance

Pre-installation preparation: Place the Sartorius MDB-5E on a stable, vibration-free surface away from direct sunlight, air vents, or heat sources. Allow at least 10 cm clearance around the unit for proper ventilation. Connect to a grounded power outlet using the supplied cable—do not use extension cords. Perform an initial warm-up cycle (10–15 minutes at 100°C) to stabilize internal components before first use. Calibrate the balance function using certified weights per Sartorius guidelines, and verify temperature accuracy with a calibrated thermometer if required by your quality system. Ensure ambient conditions remain within 10–40°C and<80>Sartorius MDB-5E.

Maintenance recommendations: Clean the heating chamber and sample pan after each use with a soft brush or lint-free cloth—never use abrasive cleaners or solvents that could damage the reflective interior. Periodically inspect the halogen lamp for darkening or filament breakage; replace only with Sartorius-approved parts. Verify balance calibration monthly or after relocation. Keep the RS-232 port covered when not in use to prevent dust ingress. Store the Sartorius MDB-5E under a dust cover when idle for extended periods. Avoid placing corrosive or volatile samples directly in the chamber without appropriate containment, as fumes may degrade internal sensors over time.