Importance And Uses Of Moisture Absorber Desiccant Tablets - MVTR (Moisture Vapor Transmission Rate) Testing

Inside the pharmaceutical packaging, that packages different pharmaceutical products such as tablets, and many electronic device packaging, the moisture absorber tablets are used as adsorbents. The moisture absorber tablets work by measuring the moisture levels from the top of the bottle as it is being packaged that is maintained inside the bottle packaging during storage or shelf life. The adsorbents are placed inside the packaging bottles and are also used in MVTR testing, and to test the effectiveness of moisture barrier coatings and films.

Desiccant tablets contain high-porosity molecular sieves and binder materials to remove contaminants and obtain high end positive results. They can be used for extended periods of time in various external environmental conditions and do not damage or disintegrate. These moisture absorbers are highly sustainable, durable, and affordable desiccant products that also provide better results and are a long-lasting solution. When a high-performance desiccant is used straight from the production process, excess space is eliminated during packaging of the tablets and the product.

The role of absorber desiccant tablets in MVTR testing

Desiccant tablets are essential for MVTR testing, particularly in the packaging sector.  These moisture absorber desiccant tablets are small, round tablets available in a compressed form, made of highly porous materials like silica gel or molecular sieves that absorb moisture from the surrounding air, creating a low humidity environment around the material being tested.

MVTR testing can be done in a number of ways, including as electrical, gravimetric, and cup techniques. Desiccant tablets are less expensive, easier to use, and have the capacity to produce a regulated atmosphere when compared to alternative approaches. Desiccant tablets, on the other hand, are less effective for large-scale testing and might not be appropriate for materials that are not sensitive to variations in humidity.

The role of absorber desiccant tablets in MVTR testing for drug blister packs is to effectively measure the moisture vapor transfer rate or MVT of the packaging. Desiccant tablets are placed inside the drug blister packaging with the drug product and the entire package is exposed to control temperatures and humidity conditions to test the performance and other parameters for various elements of packaging and storage. The absorber desiccant tablets help to maintain a low level of humidity, which helps to accurately measure the MVTR of the drug blister pack.

How to use moisture absorber desiccant tablets for Moisture Vapor Transmission Rate testing?

To conduct effective moisture vapor transmission rate MVTR testing, it is important to follow a step-by-step process. You can start with considering and using the necessary and suitable size and quantity that best matches the thickness and dimensions of the material you are testing. Then you need to place the desiccant absorber desiccant material in a sealed airtight container that cannot be damaged or altered that will prevent moisture from entering or leaving during the MVTR test.

You need to ensure that the sealed container is placed in a temperature and humidity controlled environment to ensure uniformity throughout the entire process.Now you can leave and allow the material and the desiccated tablets to interact for 24 hours or a specified time.

After the incubation period is done, remove the material and measure the desiccant tablet’s weight to accurately measure the absorbed moisture by it and then use this weight information to calculate the molecular weight transfer MVTR of the material to understand the moisture absorption or moisture transfer properties. By performing the MVTR testing process we can evaluate the material’s ability to control moisture under controlled environments.

Tips to consider during MVTR testing

• To obtain high quality MVTR test results you should choose the material for absorber desiccant tablets such as silica gel, molecular sieves, and silica gel powder that are highly absorbent material and can efficiently absorb moisture from the surrounding air and maintain optimum levels.
• Use an airtight container that is large enough to hold both the test material and the moisture absorber desiccant tablets while maintaining a controlled test environment to obtain the best end results in MVTR testing.
• Make sure to check and maintain external and environmental factors, and that the temperature and humidity of the test environment are constant throughout the test period to avoid any variations that could affect the results.
• Before and after MVTR  testing, it is essential to weigh the desiccant tablets using a well calibrated scale which will allow you to accurately calculate the moisture absorption and the MVTR values.
• Use desiccant tablets that contain a high moisture absorption capacity, this way you are bound to get high end results with the testing.
• Make sure the desiccant material is pure, and void of any contaminants, etc. this will enhance the end results of the MVTR test.
• Make sure to use an airtight case that is big enough to hold the test material and the dry tablets both so that there is no comprising with the testing or the results.
• You can also run the test more than once to make sure the results are consistent and reliable.

MVTR testing methods Vs.  cup, gravimetric, and electrical methods

When compared to other methods of MVTR testing, such as the cup method, Gravimetric method, and electrical method, the desiccant tablet has several benefits that make it a preferred method. Unlike the cup method, which requires a complicated setup, and gravimetric methods, which usually require precise weighing equipment, desiccant tablets used in the MVTR process, are easy to use, sustainable, and affordable options. The process can offer a straightforward yet effective method of creating a controlled environment that allows for precise MVTR testing with no specialized equipment.

Desiccant tablets are also more user-friendly, reliable, and practical in testing the moisture barrier properties of different materials, as desiccant tablets absorb moisture effectively and allow for simple testing procedures, which are a preferred choice for MVTR testing due to their ease of use, affordability, durability, sustainability, and convenience. They also allow for the ability to create a controlled environment during the testing process and do not cause any damage to the material or the environment.

We are the leading global manufacturers and suppliers of moisture absorber desiccant tablets - MVTR(moisture vapour transmission rate) testing that is highly sustainable and affordable for various testing samples.