KERN DBS Moisture Analyzer – Advanced Halogen Moisture Testing with Single-Cell Technology

Professional Moisture Determination with Intelligent Drying Programs and Data Management

The KERN DBS 60-3 moisture analyzer is a professional laboratory instrument designed for thermogravimetric moisture determination, dry matter analysis, and loss-on-drying measurements.

Combining an advanced Single-Cell weighing system, powerful halogen heating, and intelligent method management, the KERN DBS provides a comprehensive solution for laboratories and industrial quality control departments that require repeatable, well-documented analytical procedures.

Unlike basic moisture balances, the KERN DBS offers four selectable drying profiles, programmable drying methods, integrated result storage, and convenient data transfer capabilities.

These features make it particularly attractive for laboratories working with different materials, standardized testing procedures, and recurring quality control tasks.

Key Features of the KERN DBS 60-3

• Advanced Single-Cell weighing technology

• 60 g maximum weighing capacity

• 0.001 g weighing readability

• 0.01% moisture display resolution

• 400 W halogen quartz-glass heating system

• Adjustable drying temperature from 50 °C to 200 °C

• Four drying profiles: Standard, Rapid, Gentle, and Step

• Storage for 10 individual drying programs

• Memory for 100 measurement results

• Up to 99 programmable sample identifications

• Password protection for stored settings

• Backlit graphical LCD display

• USB interface for data transfer

• RS-232 interface listed in the technical specifications

• 50 sample pans included

The KERN DBS is designed for professional applications in food production, chemical manufacturing, plastics processing, environmental analysis, research laboratories, and industrial quality assurance.

KERN DBS 60-3 – Professional Moisture Analyzer with Single-Cell Weighing Technology

Advanced Weighing Performance for Reliable Laboratory Measurements

At the heart of the KERN DBS 60-3 is its Single-Cell weighing system.

This technology is designed to deliver stable weighing performance, reliable operation, and fast response characteristics.

The instrument provides a maximum weighing capacity of 60 g with a readability of 0.001 g.

Its moisture display resolution is 0.01%.

The weighing system offers a specified repeatability of 0.001 g and linearity of ±0.003 g.

With a stabilization time of approximately three seconds under suitable laboratory conditions, the DBS provides a capable platform for routine and advanced moisture testing.

The Single-Cell system is particularly interesting for laboratories requiring consistent weighing performance throughout repeated analytical procedures.

However, the accuracy of the final moisture result also depends on sample preparation, drying parameters, environmental conditions, and method suitability.

KERN DBS 60-3 – Technical Specifications

Four Drying Profiles for Advanced Moisture Analysis

Flexible Temperature Control for Different Sample Characteristics

One of the most important advantages of the KERN DBS moisture analyzer is its selection of four drying profiles.

Different materials respond differently to heat. Some can tolerate rapid temperature increases, while others require a more gradual or controlled heating process.

The KERN DBS allows the operator to adapt the drying behavior to the sample.

Standard Drying

Standard drying is suitable for many routine laboratory applications.

The instrument heats the sample according to the selected drying temperature.

This profile provides a practical starting point for developing consistent and repeatable analytical methods.

Rapid Drying

Rapid drying is intended for samples that can tolerate accelerated heating.

Under suitable conditions, it may reduce the total measurement time.

This can be particularly useful in production environments where results are required quickly.

Gentle Drying

Gentle drying is designed for temperature-sensitive materials.

A more controlled heating progression can help reduce the risk of undesirable thermal changes during the analysis.

This profile is particularly interesting for samples that may react adversely to sudden temperature increases.

Step Drying

Step drying allows the use of different temperature stages during a single drying procedure.

This is particularly useful when a material requires a more sophisticated heating strategy.

Step drying can support the development of specialized methods for samples with complex drying behavior.

The combination of Standard, Rapid, Gentle, and Step drying makes the KERN DBS particularly attractive for laboratories working with multiple sample types.

Drying Temperatures up to 200 °C

Extended Temperature Range for Industrial Applications

The KERN DBS 60-3 provides an adjustable drying temperature range of 50 °C to 200 °C, with 1 °C increments.

This extended range allows laboratories to investigate suitable materials under different thermal conditions.

Compared with moisture analyzers offering lower maximum temperatures, the DBS provides additional flexibility for developing analytical procedures.

Potential applications include:

• Industrial raw materials

• Mineral-based materials

• Suitable chemical powders

• Heat-resistant samples

• Selected agricultural materials

• Industrial process residues

The selected temperature must always be compatible with the sample.

Excessive heating may cause oxidation, decomposition, or other changes that influence the measured mass loss.

Storage for 10 Drying Programs

Intelligent Method Management for Repetitive Laboratory Testing

The KERN DBS can store 10 individual drying programs.

This is a major advantage for laboratories that regularly analyze different materials under defined conditions.

Instead of manually entering the drying parameters for every measurement, operators can retrieve a previously configured program.

For example, separate methods can be established for:

• Different food ingredients

• Chemical powders

• Plastic granules

• Agricultural raw materials

• Industrial production samples

• Environmental materials

Stored drying programs help standardize analytical procedures and reduce repetitive setup work.

They are particularly valuable in laboratories where several operators perform the same quality control tests.

Memory for 100 Measurement Results

Convenient Storage for Laboratory Documentation

In addition to its programmable drying methods, the KERN DBS provides internal storage for 100 measurement results.

This allows completed analyses to be retained within the instrument.

Result memory is particularly useful for:

• Incoming material inspections

• Production batch comparisons

• Routine quality control

• Research measurements

• Repeated testing procedures

• Internal laboratory documentation

The integrated date and time display can help associate results with specific measurements.

Up to 99 Programmable Sample Identifications

Improved Sample Organization and Traceability

The KERN DBS allows up to 99 individual sample identifications to be programmed.

These identifiers can be included in measurement reports.

This feature helps laboratories distinguish between different materials, projects, products, or testing procedures.

It is particularly useful when analyzing several sample categories using different drying methods.

Together with the drying program memory and result storage, programmable sample identification supports structured laboratory workflows.

Password Protection for Stored Settings

Greater Control Over Established Analytical Methods

The KERN DBS provides password protection for stored settings and data.

This function helps reduce the risk of unintended modifications to established drying parameters.

It can be particularly useful in shared laboratories and industrial facilities with multiple operators.

Password protection supports controlled method handling, although it does not replace comprehensive user access management or regulatory electronic data integrity systems.

Graphical LCD for Convenient Process Monitoring

Clear Presentation of Measurement Information

The KERN DBS features a backlit graphical LCD display with 15 mm digits.

During moisture analysis, the display provides access to essential information, including:

• Active drying process

• Elapsed drying time

• Current temperature

• Selected result unit

• Current moisture value

• Selected drying profile

The graphical interface makes it easier to monitor the progress of the measurement and manage the drying procedure.

This is particularly useful for laboratories performing multiple analyses throughout the working day.

USB and RS-232 Connectivity

Data Transfer for Laboratory Documentation

The KERN DBS includes a USB interface for transferring weighing and measurement data to compatible devices.

The manufacturer's technical documentation also lists an RS-232 interface.

Depending on the equipment configuration, measurement results can be transferred to compatible computers or printers.

These interfaces can support:

• Electronic result documentation

• Laboratory recordkeeping

• Printing of measurement reports

• Comparison of analytical results

• Integration into established quality control workflows

Compatibility with specific software packages, printers, and laboratory information management systems should be verified before implementation.

Thermogravimetric Moisture Determination – How the KERN DBS Works

Measuring Mass Loss During Controlled Drying

The KERN DBS uses the thermogravimetric loss-on-drying method.

A representative sample is placed on the weighing pan.

The instrument determines the initial mass before applying heat according to the selected drying program.

During heating, water and other potentially volatile substances may evaporate.

The integrated weighing system monitors the resulting decrease in sample mass.

The moisture content on a wet basis is commonly calculated using the following formula:

Moisture (%) = [(Initial Mass − Final Mass) / Initial Mass] × 100

For example:

Initial sample mass: 10.000 g

Final sample mass: 8.500 g

Measured loss on drying: 15%

Remaining dry matter: 85%

Loss on Drying Versus Water-Specific Determination

Thermogravimetric analysis measures the total mass loss under the selected drying conditions.

It does not necessarily distinguish between water and other volatile components.

For applications requiring selective determination of water, Karl Fischer titration or another specialized analytical method may be more appropriate.

KERN DBS Moisture Analyzer for the Food Industry

Consistent Moisture Control for Ingredients and Production Materials

Moisture content is an important quality parameter in food manufacturing.

It can influence product texture, processing behavior, storage stability, and consistency between production batches.

The KERN DBS may be used for suitable samples such as:

• Flour and cereal products

• Coffee and tea

• Spices

• Milk powder

• Dried food ingredients

• Plant-based raw materials

• Animal feed

The ability to store drying programs is particularly useful when different food materials must be tested regularly.

Separate methods can be established for individual product groups, helping operators apply consistent testing conditions.

KERN DBS for Plastics and Polymer Processing

Residual Moisture Testing of Suitable Plastic Materials

Residual moisture can affect the processing characteristics of certain polymers.

Hygroscopic plastics may require controlled drying before injection molding, extrusion, or other manufacturing processes.

The KERN DBS can be used for thermogravimetric testing of suitable plastic pellets and raw materials.

Its four drying profiles allow operators to investigate different heating conditions.

Potential applications include:

• Incoming material inspection

• Evaluation of drying processes

• Comparison of material batches

• Quality control before processing

• Investigation of drying behavior

When extremely low water contents must be determined, the suitability of the thermogravimetric method should be carefully evaluated.

For some polymers, a water-specific method such as Karl Fischer titration may provide better sensitivity or selectivity.

Moisture and Dry Matter Analysis in Wastewater Treatment

Testing Sludge, Filter Cakes, and Environmental Samples

In wastewater treatment, dry matter content is an important parameter for evaluating sludge dewatering and handling processes.

The KERN DBS may be used for suitable samples including:

• Wastewater sludge

• Dewatered sludge

• Filter cakes

• Sediments

• Soil samples

• Compatible organic residues

The ability to save drying methods can simplify repeated testing under consistent conditions.

For analyses governed by specific standards, the applicable drying temperatures, durations, and method requirements must be observed.

Additional Applications of the KERN DBS

Chemical Industry

Loss-on-drying determination of suitable powders, granules, and chemical raw materials.

Pharmaceutical Applications

Analysis of appropriate materials under qualified or validated methods when required.

Research and Development

Investigation of drying behavior and comparison of different heating profiles.

Energy and Raw Materials

Moisture testing of suitable fuels, mineral materials, and industrial substances.

Industrial Quality Assurance

Routine analysis of incoming materials, intermediate products, and finished goods.

Moisture Content, Dry Matter, and ATRO Values

Understanding Different Measurement Units

The KERN DBS supports several result display modes.

For example, a sample containing 20% moisture on a wet basis has 80% dry matter.

The corresponding ATRO value is calculated as:

ATRO (%) = (Mass Loss / Dry Mass) × 100

Therefore:

ATRO = (20 / 80) × 100 = 25%

These different calculation conventions must be considered when comparing results.

KERN DBS vs. KERN DLB vs. KERN DAB – Which Moisture Analyzer Should You Choose?

KERN DAB – Versatile Routine Moisture Testing

The KERN DAB series includes halogen and infrared heating versions.

It offers different weighing capacities and resolutions for routine laboratory and industrial applications.

KERN DLB – High Resolution and Intuitive Operation

The KERN DLB series combines graphical operator guidance with two weighing performance classes.

The DLB 60-4A offers 0.1 mg readability.

The DLB 160-3A provides a larger 160 g weighing capacity.

KERN DBS – Advanced Drying Methods and Integrated Data Management

The KERN DBS is particularly distinguished by:

• Single-Cell weighing technology

• Four drying profiles

• Maximum drying temperature of 200 °C

• Storage for 10 drying programs

• Memory for 100 measurement results

• Up to 99 sample identifications

• Password protection

• USB data transfer

The KERN DBS is especially interesting for laboratories that regularly test different materials using established and reusable drying methods.

Calibration, Adjustment, and Temperature Verification

Maintaining Reliable Moisture Measurements

Reliable moisture determination depends on weighing performance, heating temperature, and appropriate sample handling.

The KERN DBS supports adjustment using a suitable external calibration weight.

KERN recommends an appropriate 50 g F1-class weight for this purpose.

Temperature verification is another important part of laboratory quality assurance.

A suitable verification program may include:

• Regular weighing checks

• Balance adjustment when required

• Heating temperature verification

• Repeatability testing

• Appropriate reference materials

• Cleaning and maintenance

• Documentation of verification intervals

Mass calibration and temperature verification are separate procedures.

Practical Tips for Repeatable Moisture Analysis

Use Representative Samples

The sample should accurately reflect the material being tested.

Distribute the Material Evenly

A uniform sample layer supports consistent heating.

Select the Appropriate Drying Profile

Standard, Rapid, Gentle, or Step drying should be selected according to the material's properties.

Choose the Temperature Carefully

Excessive heating can cause unwanted chemical or physical changes.

Define a Suitable Switch-Off Criterion

The drying endpoint should correspond to the analytical method.

Store and Document Established Methods

Saved drying programs simplify repeated testing and improve consistency between measurements.

Frequently Asked Questions About the KERN DBS Moisture Analyzer

What is the KERN DBS 60-3?

The KERN DBS 60-3 is a professional thermogravimetric moisture analyzer featuring Single-Cell weighing technology, halogen heating, programmable drying methods, and internal measurement storage.

What is the maximum weighing capacity?

The maximum weighing capacity is 60 g.

What is the weighing readability?

The instrument offers a readability of 0.001 g, equivalent to 1 mg.

What is the moisture display resolution?

The moisture display resolution is 0.01%.

What is special about Single-Cell weighing technology?

KERN highlights the technology's stability, reliability, and fast response characteristics.

What is the drying temperature range?

The temperature can be adjusted from 50 °C to 200 °C in 1 °C increments.

Which drying profiles are available?

The KERN DBS provides Standard, Rapid, Gentle, and Step drying.

Can drying methods be stored?

Yes. The instrument can store 10 drying programs.

How many measurement results can be saved?

The KERN DBS provides memory for 100 measurement results.

Can samples be individually identified?

Yes. Up to 99 programmable sample identifications are available.

Does the instrument have password protection?

Yes. Password protection is available for stored settings and data.

Can the KERN DBS connect to a computer?

Yes. It features USB connectivity, and the technical documentation also lists RS-232.

Is the KERN DBS suitable for temperature-sensitive samples?

The Gentle drying profile provides additional flexibility for temperature-sensitive materials. Suitability must be verified for each sample.

Can the KERN DBS analyze wastewater sludge?

Yes, provided the sample and analytical method are suitable for thermogravimetric testing.

Are sample pans included?

Yes. KERN specifies 50 sample pans and a protective working cover as included accessories.

What electrical supply does the KERN DBS 60-3 require?

The documented version is specified for 220–240 V AC at 50 Hz. Electrical compatibility must be verified for the intended installation.

Buy the KERN DBS Moisture Analyzer at SMI

At SMI, laboratories, research institutions, and industrial quality control departments can explore the professional KERN DBS 60-3 moisture analyzer.

Its advanced Single-Cell weighing system, four drying profiles, and integrated method management make it a compelling solution for laboratories performing recurring moisture tests.

The combination of 10 stored drying programs, 100 measurement memory locations, programmable sample identification, and USB data transfer supports structured analytical workflows.

Whether your application involves food testing, plastics processing, chemical analysis, or dry matter determination in suitable environmental samples, the KERN DBS offers professional capabilities for controlled loss-on-drying measurements.

Explore the KERN DBS 60-3 moisture analyzer at SMI and select a professional instrument designed for standardized laboratory testing and industrial quality assurance.