MAX® 2000, MAX® 1000 Series Analyzers
The MAX® 2000 and MAX® 1000 Moisture Analyzers use state-of-the-art technology to monitor and control
test temperatures to assure consistent, reliable moisture results. These units use platinum RTD (resistive temperature device) to
measure the temperature generated from the heater coil. This information is relayed to an advanced microprocessor, which controls
and limits the heater output to reach and maintain the programmed test temperatures without overshoot.
Factory calibration for the MAX® 2000 and MAX® 1000 Moisture Analyzers is performed using a
proprietary calibration device that utilizes an N.I.S.T. traceable RTD positioned at the sample height to calibrate and verify
temperatures in the instruments from 60° C to 275° C (225° C in the MAX® 1000). Measured temperatures at
the sample level are recorded into memory and internal constants are adjusted using sophisticated regression algorithms to correlate
temperatures measured at the sample surface with the heater's RTD and heater coil output. Thus, the temperature displayed on the
display of the instrument is the temperature as measured at the sample's height. An optional accessory for the MAX®
2000, the Temperature Calibration Module, allows the user to perform the same calibration and verification on site.
The MAX® 2000 and MAX® 1000 Moisture Analyzers have programmable ending criteria which permit the
end-user to select the optimum test conditions for their test sample. The available programs are "predict," "rate,"
and (for the MAX® 2000) "time." The Computrac patented "predict" ending criteria ends the test
when the difference between the predicted and the actual moisture content agree within a certain value. In the automatic mode, this
value is based upon the moisture content of the sample. The "rate" ending criteria ends the test when the moisture evolved
from the sample in a minute's time falls below the programmed threshold. The "time" ending criteria runs a fixed time test
to determine moisture content (similar to a standard oven-drying test).
The MAX® 2000 offers:
- Temperature calibration with an N.I.S.T. traceable RTD positioned at the sample height.
- Increased chamber size to accommodate larger samples.
- Heater element technology focuses radiation on the pan to provide greater efficiency than found in the MAX® 50 or
MA series
- N.I.S.T. traceable calibration methods for the balance
MAX® 50 Series Moisture Analyzers
The MAX® 50 series analyzers (MAX® 50, MAX® 20, MAX® 10, and the LX-10
and the LX-50) use early 1980's technology for heat control. These units use a soldered RTD and a "temperature offset" to
compensate for the temperature difference measured between the RTD and the sample surface. This offset can be as much as 19° C
depending upon the instrument's test temperature, programming, and the sample size. The MAX® 50 series units measure
the resistance output from the temperature sensor based upon fixed milliampere input. Changes in resistance within the RTD circuit
(such as corrosion), RTD position relative to the burner coil, electronic drift, and sample sediment on the sensor will all affect
the sample's perceived testing temperature.
The MAX® 50 series moisture analyzers use one of (or a combination of) three fixed ending criteria to predict the
endpoint moisture value. The ending criteria designed for low moisture samples or for greatest accuracy is designated the
"EC06" program. The EC06 program requires that the difference between predicted and actual moisture be less than 0.015%.
It also requires successive predictions to agree within 0.0075%.
The most commonly used ending criteria in the MAX® series is the "EC97" program. This program requires that
the difference between predicted and actual moisture levels be less than 0.2425%. It requires successive predictions to agree within
0.12%. The "EC255" program is designed for high moisture samples or for fastest test times. This program requires that the
difference between predicted and actual moisture levels be less than 0.6375%. It requires successive predictions to agree within 0.32%.
In addition, the MAX® 50 series firmware "relaxes" or loosens the ending criteria as the moisture level in
the sample increases. At higher moisture levels the criteria are increased by 0.01% for each 10% increase in moisture content. This
enables shorter test times at higher moisture levels, without a loss in statistical precision.
Other specialized programs exist for the MAX® 50 series to accommodate customers' specific testing needs and
requirements. Contact Arizona Instrument Customer Service for specific information regarding these programs.
MA Series Moisture Analyzers
The MA series moisture analyzers (MA-5A, MA-2A, MA-1A) use technology originally developed in the late 70"s. These units use a
semiconductor junction temperature transducer, which generates an output current proportional to temperature. Like the
MAX® 50 series, the MA units also place the temperature sensor above the sample position. The difference between
temperature at the transducer and at the sample surface was experimentally determined and programmed into the software.
The prediction ending criteria used by all the MA series analyzers requires that the difference between predicted moisture and the
actual moisture is less than 0.25%. It also requires that successive predictions agree within 0.062%. This prediction algorithm is
most similar to the MAX® series' "EC97" ending criteria.
Computrac Comparison Chart
| Temperature Sensor |
Platinum RTD Assembly |
Soldered RTD |
Temperature Transducer |
| Temperature Range |
MAX® 2000 25°C to 275°C
MAX® 1000 |
25°C to 225°C |
75°C to 165°C |
| Temperature Calibration |
MAX® 2000 = Menu Driven using Temperature Calibration Interface (In field or at factory)
MAX® 1000 = Menu Driven using Temperature Calibration Interface (Factory only) |
Factory Electronic Adjustment |
Factory Electronic Adjustment |
| Traceability |
N.I.S.T. |
N/A |
N/A |
| Balance |
Digital Electronic |
Force Restoration |
Force Restoration |
| Maximum Balance Capacity |
40 grams |
10 grams (20 grams option) |
4.5 grams (10 grams option) |
| Weight Resolution |
MAX® 2000 = 0.0001 grams
MAX® 1000 = 0.001 grams |
0.0025 grams (internal only, not displayed) |
0.03 grams (internal only, not displayed) |
| Balance Calibration |
Menu Driven using N.I. S.T. Traceable Weight |
Factory Electronic Adjustment |
Factory Electronic Adjustment |
| Display Resolution |
MAX® 2000 = 0.0000g
MAX® 1000 = 0.000g |
N/A |
N/A |
| Ending Criteria |
MAX® 2000 = Predict (automatic or manual), Rate or Time
MAX® 1000=Predict (relaxed, midrange or tight) or Rate |
Predict |
Predict |
| Programmable |
Customer Programmed and Selected |
Factory Programmed |
No |
| Moisture Range |
MAX® 2000-0.0050% to 100.00%
MAX® 1000-0.10% to 100.00% |
0.02% to 99.99% |
0.1% to 99.9% |
| Moisture Resolution |
MAX® 2000 = 0.001%
MAX® 1000 = 0.01% |
00.01% |
00.1% above 10%
0.01% below 10% |
| Year Introduced |
1993 |
1984 |
1980 |
Testing Temperatures
Testing parameters determined for one of the Computrac moisture analyzer models (or series) will not necessarily be identical for
another model or series. Differences in the heater size and configuration, balance, electronics, microprocessors, and the
temperature control circuits all combine to create different and unique requirements for different test samples. In general, the
MAX® 2000 (or MAX® 1000) will test at temperatures slightly lower (10 to 15°C) than those used in
the MAX® 50 series analyzers. When comparing test temperatures between the MAX® 2000 (or
MAX® 1000) and the MA series analyzers, the newer MAX® 2000 (or MAX® 1000) model will
typically test at a test temperature lower (10 to 30°C) than the temperature used on the older MA system.
In order to determine the correct test temperature in any of the Computrac moisture analyzer models, products should first be tested
using the primary method (such as the standard oven, vacuum oven, or Karl Fisher titration) to determine their moisture content.
Next, the sample should be tested on the Computrac moisture analyzer.
To determine the correct test temperature that produces accurate, reproducible results that correlate with the reference method, see
the instrument's User's Manual. For the MAX® 2000 (or MAX® 1000) refer to "Determining the Proper
Test Temperature" in the section titled "Performance Enhancement." For the MAX® 50 and MA series
analyzers, this is described in the section "Determining the Proper Test Temperatures."
Summary
The Computrac Moisture Analyzers all use the patented prediction algorithm to determine the moisture content of a product quickly and
accurately without taking the sample to absolute dryness. Over the years, Computrac has taken advantage of advances in
technology and electronics, as well as customer feedback, to refine the resolution of the balance and more tightly control the test
temperature to assure consistent reliable test conditions. Each generation Computrac moisture analyzer represents the latest in
technology and engineering available at the time of introduction. The MAX® 2000 and MAX® 1000
continued the Computrac legacy established by the innovative MA-5A series and carried on by the dependable MAX® 50
series analyzers to provide the most accurate, reliable moisture analysis possible to either the production floor or the research or
quality control laboratory.
Repair and Calibration Fees (Effective: January 1, 2002)
| MAX® 500, MAX® 1000, MAX® 2000, MAX® 2000XL |
$509.00 |
As required |
| MAX® 5000 |
$455.00 |
As required |
| Vapor Pro |
$545.00 |
As required |
| Vapor Pro Linear Model |
$740.00 |
As required |
| Temperature Calibration Modules (600-0120, Y990-0142 or Y990-0156) |
$160.00 |
As required |
| End of Life Units (Original release of MAX® 1000, MAX® 2000 and MAX® 2000XL) |
$260.00 Evaluation Only |
As required |
Calibration
Unit calibration includes a full system check of all subassemblies, circuits, and components. Basic adjustments are performed to all
reference and power supply voltages to restore to factory specifications. Instruments are cleaned to remove excess material from the
interior compartments and test chamber, when feasible. All units undergo complete materials testing and correlation with master units.
All Computrac MAX® and Vapor Pro® series units receive an NIST traceable certificate of calibration. The
NIST traceable calibration certificate shows incoming and outgoing data and lists test and calibration equipment per A2LA
requirements.
Service
System repair service includes complete upgrade and modification of system components and/or subassemblies to current system standards.
Malfunctioning components are replaced to restore unit to full operation (reconditioned parts may be used, if available).
A written estimate will be faxed to customers upon examination of returned unit and determination of required repairs. Prior approval
will be requested before replacement of major subassemblies (such as the front panel assembly, force balance or printed circuit
board). There is a minimum charge of Two (2) hours of labor at $130/hr. for estimates. This estimate fee is waived upon receiving the
approval to proceed with the repair. Shipping is an additional charge.
Service Time
Estimated repair times are two (2) weeks. Confirmation will be sent once units have been received.
Call Arizona Instrument Customer Service at (800) 528-7411 or
(602) 470-1414, or contact Technical
Support to obtain an RMA (return material authorization) number prior to returning the unit for calibration!
Warranty:
90 days parts and factory labor
International Customers:
To return units to Arizona Instrument for repair services:
- Contact AZI Technical Support or International Sales
to obtain an RMA (return authorization number). Please include the model name, serial number, and reason for return in your
correspondence.
- All units are to be shipped C&F Phoenix, AZ, freight prepaid by shipper
- Mark all documentation as "US Goods Being Returned". To limit shipment delays to the USA, please fill out
this form and attach to returned goods.
- Ship to (or Consignee):
Arizona Instrument
Ref: RMA ####
(required)
3375 N. Delaware St.
Chandler, AZ 85225 USA
Notify:
Arizona Customs Broker/AZI
Phoenix, AZ
Tel: (602) 273-0912
- All inbound and outbound freight charges are the responsibility of the customer and will not be paid by Arizona Instrument except if
under warranty. For warranty returns, please contact AZI Customer Service for shipping authorization.
- Confirmation will be sent once units have been received.
- A written estimate will be faxed or e-mailed detailing the repair findings, parts required, return freight charges and total costs.
- Unless prior arrangements have been made, all charges must be prepaid before the units will be returned.