Loss on Drying (LOD) is a crucial analytical technique for determining the moisture content in solids and semi-solids. This method measures the mass lost due to moisture evaporation when a sample is heated under controlled conditions.
### Official Methods of Moisture Content Determination
The official methods for determining moisture content using LOD are standardized by various organizations, including the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). These methods include:
– **ASTM E1101:** Standard Test Method for Determination of Moisture in Peat, Moss, and Humus
– **ISO 760:** Solid Biofuels – Determination of Moisture Content – Oven Dry Method
### Procedure
The LOD procedure typically involves:
– Weighing a sample
– Placing the sample in an oven at a specified temperature for a predetermined period
– Cooling the sample in a desiccator
– Weighing the sample again
– Calculating the moisture content based on the difference in weight
### Applications
LOD is widely used in various industries to determine the moisture content of:
– Food products (e.g., cereals, meats, dairy)
– Pharmaceuticals
– Chemicals
– Construction materials (e.g., cement, concrete)
– Agricultural products (e.g., grains, seeds)
### Advantages of LOD
– Accuracy
– Simplicity
– Cost-effectiveness
– Versatility