Apparatus for determining the moisture content of solids over a range of relative humidities and temperatures

A method of generating isotherms for a given sample comprising the steps of:

• providing a humidity generator having an internal cavity with a port that extends into the internal cavity;
• providing a balance, with means for holding a sample, situated near the port such that the balance mechanism extends within the internal cavity;
• attaching the sample to the balance mechanism so that the sample is held within the internal cavity;
• adjusting the temperature and humidity within the internal cavity to set a predetermined environment;
• repeatedly measuring the mass of the sample on the balance mechanism;
• determining when the mass of the sample has ceased changing within a predetermined amount;
• generating parameters of humidity and temperature within the cavity and the final mass of the sample;
• sequencing the foregoing steps through a plurality of environments.

An apparatus for measuring isotherms comprising:

• a humidity generator having an internal cavity, the humidity generator being either a two-pressure, two-temperature, or two-pressure/two-temperature humidity generator;
• means for adjusting humidity and temperature within the internal cavity;
• a port that extends into the internal cavity;
• a balance situated near the port such that the balance mechanism extends within the internal cavity;
• holding means such that the balance mechanism holds a sample within the cavity;
• means for determining the mass of the sample on the balance mechanism while the sample remains within the cavity and for determining when a final mass is reached wherein changes in the mass fall below a predetermined amount;
• and
• means for placing the humidity generator through a sequence of environments.