Stop measuring total moisture. Start measuring the moisture that actually matters.

Reactive moisture drives degradation, caking, and stability failures in solid dosage and lyophilized product, yet Karl Fischer titration and loss on drying destroy the very samples you need to monitor over time. The FMS-Water Activity Analyzer measures water activity non-destructively, straight through the container.
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LIGHTHOUSE Water activity analyzer
A LIGHTHOUSE scientist preparing samples for headspace analysis

Track moisture without destroying a single sample

  • Measures water activity (%RH) non-destructively, directly through the container wall
  • Enables repeat measurements on the same sample over time instead of a single destructive result
  • Validated against known moisture standards across the full 0 to 100% RH range, with proven linearity and accuracy
  • Suitable for solid dosage, powder, lyophilized, and API bulk material
  • Delivers results in 5 seconds by default, supporting full-batch analysis instead of limited destructive sampling
  • Applicable to ampoules, vials, and bottles
Oral solid dosage ready to be measured on a LIGHTHOUSE Water activity analyzer

Replace Karl Fischer and Loss on Drying with a faster, non-destructive read

  • Removes the need to sacrifice product for Karl Fischer titration or Loss on Drying testing
  • Supports real-time moisture exchange studies to track uptake or loss across the product shelf life
  • Enables water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) studies for primary packaging selection and closure system qualification
  • Supports rubber stopper drying studies to verify moisture content before use
  • Temperature-controlled measurement from 19°C to 45°C for testing under defined conditions
  • 21 CFR Part 11 and Annex 11 compliant software, with a full validation package included

Why choose LIGHTHOUSE?

  • Non-destructive, quantitative water activity measurement from the industry leader in laser-based headspace analysis
  • Patented laser absorption technology, originally developed with funding from the FDA
  • Proven accuracy across the full 0 to 100% RH range, verified against known moisture standards
  • Enables repeat measurements on the same sample, supporting real-time and longitudinal studies
  • Compact benchtop design fits directly into existing lab or at-line workflows
  • Easy-to-use hard- and software require minimal operator training

The FMS-Water Activity Headspace Analyzer

The FMS-Water Activity Headspace Analyzer

FMS-Water Activity

SPECIFICATIONS

Required Headspace
3mm
Measurement Range
0 to 1.0 (0 to 100% relative humidity)
Product Types
dry sterile product, oral solid dosage, API bulk material
Container Closure Systems
Ampoules, vials and bottles
Configuration Sizes
10.5 to 52mm outer diameter of the container closure system
Temperature Controller Range
19 to 45°C
Glass Types
tubing and molded
Software
21 CFR Part 11 and Annex 11 compliant

Trusted by the pharmaceutical industry

  • More than 30 years of experience in laser-based headspace analysis
  • Used by all of the top 10 global pharmaceutical companies
  • GMP certified services aligned with global regulatory expectations

Our other benchtop instruments

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FMS-Carbon Dioxide

The FMS-Carbon Dioxide Headspace Analyzer enables the rapid non-destructive analysis of headspace carbon dioxide in sealed parenteral containers. Applications include container closure integrity testing and automated inspection of media fill containers.

LIGHTHOUSE Headspace Moisture and Pressure Analyzer

FMS-Moisture/Pressure

Lost vacuum and moisture ingress after freeze drying threaten product stability, yet many methods can't measure these headspace conditions directly. The FMS-Moisture/Pressure Headspace Analyzer measures moisture and total pressure simultaneously and non-destructively, straight through the container wall.

FMS-Oxygen Headspace Analyzer with NIST traceable standards from LIGHTHOUSE

FMS-Oxygen

The FMS-Oxygen Analyzer enables precise, non-invasive oxygen analysis in sealed containers — ideal for pharma QC, process validation, and container closure integrity testing (CCIT).

Get in touch with Tom

Do you have questions about our services or need expert advice for your project? Our dedicated team is here to help. Contact us today to learn how we can support your specific needs.

Tom Millner

Water Activity Expert Manager

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