METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MEASURING VOLATILE CONTENT

摘要

A method and apparatus for measuring volatile content of samples particularl y suitable for samples that tend to burn when heated. The method includes the steps of applying microwave radiation at a predetermined power level to a moisture-containing sample in a cavity to drive volatiles from the sample, monitoring the weight of the sample during the application of microwave powe r, monitoring the temperature of the sample during the application of microwave power without contacting either the sample or anything in contact with it an d moderating the microwave power being applied to the sample based upon the monitored temperature to maintain the temperature at or below a predetermine d temperature below which the sample will not burn. The apparatus further includes an infrared photosensor to measure the temperature, an analytical balance for measuring the weight of the sample, a power source for microwave s and a processing unit in communication with the infrared photosensor and the power source.