SDTGA520 Moisture Analyzer

The SDTGA520 Automatic Moisture Analyzer is an upgraded, high-throughput system designed for the rapid determination of moisture in air-dried samples and total moisture in coal and biomass fuels.

The analyzer integrates automatic sample positioning, high-precision weighing, controlled drying, constant-mass determination, result calculation and data management into one system. Samples can be dried under either an air or nitrogen atmosphere using two selectable heating modes: light-wave heating for rapid analysis and forced-air heating for standard-method testing.

With a capacity of up to 20 samples per batch, 0.0001 g balance readability and computer-controlled operation, the SDTGA520 is suitable for coal mines, power plants, metallurgical facilities, petrochemical laboratories, geological testing organizations, environmental laboratories, research institutes and universities.

Key Features

High-Throughput 20-Sample Analysis

The upgraded sample tray accommodates up to 20 samples per batch, significantly increasing testing capacity compared with the previous model. Multiple analyzers can also be controlled simultaneously from one computer for higher laboratory throughput.

Dual Heating Technologies

The SDTGA520 supports two heating modes:

  • Light-wave heating for rapid moisture determination
  • Forced-air heating for testing according to conventional standard drying procedures

Users can select the appropriate method according to the sample type, required test speed and applicable laboratory procedure.

Rapid Moisture Determination

Under light-wave heating:

  • Moisture in the air-dried sample can typically be determined within 15–40 minutes
  • Total moisture can typically be determined within 25–60 minutes

The rotating sample tray promotes uniform heat exposure and accelerates moisture removal.

Air and Nitrogen Drying Methods

The instrument supports both:

  • Air-drying
  • Nitrogen-drying

Nitrogen drying helps minimize sample oxidation during heating and is particularly suitable for samples or methods requiring an inert drying atmosphere.

High-Precision Automatic Weighing

The integrated analytical balance provides 0.0001 g readability and automatically measures crucible mass, initial sample mass and dried sample mass.

The software calculates moisture content directly from the measured mass loss, reducing manual weighing and calculation errors.

Automated Constant-Mass Determination

The software supports configurable constant-mass testing for both light-wave and forced-air heating modes. The system automatically repeats drying and weighing until the configured end-point criteria are met.

Flexible Weighing and Test Configuration

The software supports individual sample weighing and batch crucible weighing, moisture determination in air-dried samples and total-moisture testing, standard-defined or customized sample-weight ranges, configurable result decimal places, blank-sample testing, and total-moisture loss compensation, allowing the analyzer to accommodate different sample types and laboratory workflows.

Built-In Sample Reweighing and Anti-Tampering Functions

The upgraded software can automatically reweigh samples after loading. If the reweighed sample mass exceeds the configured positive deviation limit, the system generates an alarm and records the event.

An optional lid-open invalidation function can automatically invalidate a test if the furnace lid is opened after the analysis has started.

Sample Identification Support

When connected to a compatible reader, the software can automatically read and enter sample identification numbers, reducing manual data-entry errors and improving sample traceability.

Stable and Reliable Operation

The SDTGA520 incorporates automatic hardware and software protection, operating-status monitoring, fault logs and interrupted-test recovery.

Easy Operation and Maintenance

The complete analytical process is controlled through a Windows-based software interface. Automated sample movement, weighing, heating, calculation and storage simplify routine laboratory operation while reducing operator workload.

Applicable International Standards and Methods

 

StandardStandard TitleApplicable Samples
GB/T 212Proximate Analysis of CoalCoal and coke
GB/T 211Determination of  Total Moisture in CoalCoal and coke

Specifications

Sample Capacity: Up to 20 samples per batch

Sample Weight:

  • Air-dried moisture: 0.9–1.1 g
  • Total moisture: 10–12 g
  • Customizable sample-weight ranges

Sample Particle Size: Air-dried moisture: ≤0.2 mm Total moisture: ≤6 mm

Test Time with Light-Wave Heating:

  • Air-dried moisture: 30–60 min (Depending on the sample)
  • Total moisture: 40–120 min (Depending on the sample)

Heating Methods: Forced-air heating

Drying Methods: Air drying and nitrogen drying

Temperature Control Range:Ambient to 200°C

Temperature Control Accuracy: ±2°C

Balance Readability: 0.0001 g

Maximum Power: 2 kW

Power Supply: AC 220 V ±10%, 50 Hz ±1 Hz

Application Notes

We are compiling our practical application experience into a growing collection of technical articles that will be published here regularly.

If you have an immediate analytical challenge before then—whether in mining, energy, advanced materials, or PFAS analysis—contact the Sundy Technology Application Laboratory. We provide customized method development, application optimization, and technical support to help you achieve reliable analytical results.

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Customer Testimonials
We have provided a complete set of Sundy testing solutions, including bomb calorimeter, sulfur analyzer, and thermogravimetric analyzer, to the fuel analysis laboratory of Kavçim Cement, a leading integrated cement plant on Turkey’s Black Sea coast. Sundy’s standardized instrument performance bring outstanding practical value to end users. The upgraded solution significantly simplifies daily operations, lowers manual intervention and maintenance costs, and unifies data consistency for routine fuel analysis.We are very satisfied with Sundy’s product quality and technical support, and will continue to promote and recommend Sundy analytical instruments for more industrial laboratory projects in Turkey.
Dr. Karahan, POTANTEK
After more than 10 years of continuous cooperation and market verification, we confirm that Sundy’s products, especially its automatic calorimeters and elemental analyzers, have high precise temperature control, accurate testing results, and ultra-low failure rate. All products are fully compliant with international ISO and ASTM standard, completely meeting the testing demands of coal laboratories, power plants, industrial enterprises, universities and scientific research institutions.We highly recognize Hunan Sundy Science and Technology’s strong production capacity, standardized quality management system, professional technical support team and excellent business credibility. In all our cooperation cases, Sundy has always demonstrated professionalism, reliability and a customer-oriented service attitude.
Dr. Kim, YEONJIN
FAQs

The SDTGA520 determines moisture by the gravimetric loss-on-drying method. A known mass of sample is heated under a controlled air or nitrogen atmosphere, and the moisture content is calculated automatically from the mass loss after drying. During the test, the sample tray rotates at programmed intervals to improve heating uniformity and moisture removal.

The instrument is designed primarily for moisture determination in coal and biomass fuels. It can be used in coal mines, power plants, metallurgical plants, petrochemical laboratories, geological testing organizations, environmental laboratories, research institutes and educational institutions.

The SDTGA520 supports:

  • Moisture in the air-dried sample
  • Total moisture

The test type is selected in the control software before sample weighing and analysis.

The analyzer can accommodate up to 20 samples per batch. The number of samples can be adjusted in the weighing interface before or during sample loading, provided it does not exceed 20 positions.

The operating procedures specify the following typical sample masses:

  • Moisture in the air-dried sample: 0.9–1.1 g
  • Total moisture: 10–12 g

The software also allows users to select standard-defined sample masses or configure a customized sample-weight range.

  • Air-dried analysis sample: ≤0.2 mm
  • Total-moisture sample: ≤6 mm

Proper sample preparation and particle-size control are important for achieving representative and repeatable results.

The SDTGA520 provides two heating modes:

  • Light-wave heating
  • Forced-air heating

The required mode can be selected in the software according to the test procedure and laboratory requirements.

Light-wave heating is intended for rapid moisture determination and provides shorter batch test times. Forced-air heating is intended for drying procedures performed according to the heating time specified by the applicable standard method.

The temperature-control ranges are:

  • Light-wave heating: ambient to 150°C
  • Forced-air heating: ambient to 200°C

With light-wave heating, the stated batch test times are:

  • Moisture in the air-dried sample: 15–40 minutes
  • Total moisture: 25–60 minutes

For forced-air heating, the test time should be set according to the applicable standard procedure.

When constant-mass testing is enabled, the instrument performs repeated heating and weighing cycles. The software compares consecutive mass readings and continues drying until the configured constant-mass condition is satisfied or the maximum number of cycles is reached.

For light-wave heating, the software supports staged heating times, incremental heating and up to eight heating cycles. The maximum number of constant-mass cycles can be set up to ten.

Yes. The advanced parameter settings allow users to configure:

  • Constant-temperature set point
  • First, second and third heating periods
  • Incremental heating time
  • Pre-constant-mass heating time
  • Constant-mass drying time
  • Maximum heating cycles
  • Maximum constant-mass cycles
  • Forced-air heating and cooling times

These parameters should be established according to the selected method and sample type.

Yes. The instrument supports both air drying and nitrogen drying.

When lignite is selected as the sample type, the software defaults to nitrogen drying, although the operator can adjust the setting according to the required procedure.

For nitrogen drying, the laboratory must provide:

  • Nitrogen cylinder
  • Pressure regulator
  • High-pressure gauge with a range of 25 MPa
  • Low-pressure gauge with a range of 0.4 MPa
  • Suitable gas-delivery tubing

We recommends setting the nitrogen flow indication to 10 L, with adjustment permitted according to actual test conditions. The manual does not further specify the time basis of this flow value.

The integrated electronic balance has the following specifications:

  • Maximum weighing capacity: 120 g
  • Minimum weighing value: 0.001 g
  • Readability: 0.0001 g
  • Tare range: 120 g

The combined mass of the crucible and sample must not exceed the balance capacity.

The software provides two principal weighing modes:

  • Individual weighing
  • Batch crucible weighing

Individual weighing is commonly used for air-dried moisture testing, while batch crucible weighing can improve efficiency when preparing multiple total-moisture samples.

Yes. The software includes an optional post-weighing recheck function.

After sample weighing is completed and the lid is closed, the system can reweigh the sample. If the reweighed mass shows a positive deviation exceeding the configured tolerance, the software generates an alarm and records the event in the abnormal-information log.

The default allowable reweighing error is 0.2%.

Yes. When the lid-open test invalidation option is enabled, the software will invalidate the current test if the upper lid is opened after the experiment has started.

This function helps protect test integrity and prevents uncontrolled sample handling during drying.

Yes. The software can allow a blank sample or designate the first position of each batch as the blank.

When the first sample is configured as the blank, the system calculates only its residue mass rather than a moisture value. That residue is then used as the blank value for the subsequent samples in the same batch.

Yes. After power and communication are restored, the operator can select Resume Test to continue an interrupted experiment.

The operator should not select Start Test, because beginning a new test will prevent recovery of the interrupted experiment. The manual also recommends providing a UPS to reduce the risk of test interruption.

The software supports:

  • Automatic result calculation and storage
  • Search by sample number, test method, date or result range
  • Parallel-sample review
  • User, role and permission management
  • Operating-log review
  • Custom report configuration
  • Printing and print preview
  • Database backup and recovery
  • Export to Excel, RTF, PDF, CSV and image files
  • Sample-number reading through a compatible external reader
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SDS720 Coulomb Sulfur Analyzer

 SDAC1200 Bomb Calorimeter

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