Temperature controlled gravimetric moisture analyzer and method therefor

In a temperature controlled gravimetric moisture analyzer which includes a thermally conductive sample holder having an emissive surface, a heater, and an infrared temperature sensor, a method of processing a sample material, said method comprising the steps of:

• (a) distributing said sample material in said thermally conductive sample holder;
• (b) enclosing said sample material in said heater;
• (c) weighing said sample material;
• (d) positioning said infrared temperature sensor proximate said emissive surface;
• (e) heating said sample material;
• (f) detecting infrared energy emitted from said emissive surface in response to said step (e) to measure a sample temperature of said sample material;
• (g) controlling said heating element in response to said sample temperature;
• and
• (h) weighing said sample material in response to said step (e).

A temperature controlled gravimetric moisture analyzer comprising:

• a thermally conductive sample holder having a reflective surface and an emissive surface, said reflective surface being in contact with a sample material;
• a weighing mechanism coupled to said sample holder for weighing said sample material;
• a heater enclosing said sample material and having a heating element configured to face said reflective surface for heating said sample material;
• an air temperature sensor positioned at a location proximate said heating element for producing an air temperature signal representative of an air temperature at said location as said sample material is being heated;
• a sample temperature sensor positioned proximate said emissive surface of said sample holder for detecting radiant energy emitted from said emissive surface as said sample material is being heated, and configured to produce a sample temperature signal representative of a sample temperature of said sample material;
• and
• a controller for receiving said air and sample temperature signals and configured to control said heating element in response to said air and sample temperature signals.