Meaning
Mathematical adjustment of raw analytical data removes the influence of moisture introduced by the testing environment or carrier gas. By applying blank subtraction, a technician isolates the actual water content of the resin from the background moisture present in the vial or the tubing. This calculation proves essential when measuring engineering grades like nylon where even ten parts per million change the processing outcome.
Accurate records of the atmospheric humidity help in calibrating the offset used in the final report.
Error Correction
Bias in the results often stems from the small amount of water that clings to the surface of the sample container or leaks through the seals of the instrument. The software uses blank subtraction to deduct this constant value from the total titration result.
Background Measurement
Determination of the offset value requires running a test cycle without any polymer sample inside the heating chamber. This procedure establishes the baseline moisture rate that the system contributes over a specific time interval.
Data Integrity
Reliability of the final moisture percentage depends on the stability of the environmental conditions during the test run. Accurate calculation of the offset ensures that the quality control data remains valid across different laboratory shifts.
