The story of Computrac moisture analyzers begins in 1976, when Motorola Process Control, Inc. recorded the concept of a moisture balance. Initial prototype testing for what would become the MA-1 began in January 1978, with the first production unit rolling out in May of the same year. By the end of 1978, validation testing had confirmed the efficacy and reliability of the new moisture balance.
A NEW BEGINNING
In January 1981, Wally Raisanen and Chuck Byers recognized the potential of this technology and bought the moisture balance business from Motorola. They renamed the business Compu-trac Inc. and set about refining and expanding the product line. By July 1983, the company had rebranded to Computrac Instruments to better reflect its focus on moisture analysis technology.
EXPANSION AND EVOLUTION
The early 1980s were a period of rapid growth and improvement for Computrac. In 1982, the company introduced the MAX-50 moisture analyzer, offering unprecedented accuracy with two decimal place precision and a 10-gram capacity. This was quickly followed by the BLX-10 black liquor solids analyzer in 1983, which expanded the product line to cater to the paper and pulp industry. Continuing its trajectory of innovation, Computrac unveiled the EV-1 evaporometer in 1985, designed to measure volatile loss in paints and coatings.
In March 1987, the company changed its name to Arizona Instrument Corporation (AZI). This period marked significant milestones, including the introduction of the TMX moisture analyzer, a gain-on-drying gravimetric analyzer, in 1987. The TMX set new standards in moisture analysis with its precision and reliability.
The 1990s saw continued success with the introduction of the MAX 2000 advanced loss-on-drying (LOD) moisture analyzer in the summer of 1994, featuring three decimal place accuracy, 35-gram sample capacity, and real-time graphic display. This product exemplified AZI’s commitment to staying at the forefront of technology.
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, AZI launched several groundbreaking products, including:
*The Computrac Vapor Pro in January 2001, which featured a one-piece sensor block and was patented as a replacement for the Computrac 3000.
*The Computrac Vapor Pro Rx in March 2001, designed specifically for pharmaceutical applications.
* The Computrac Vapor Pro Fx in June 2001, featuring oil sample injection and a counterflow coil.
The progress continued with the introduction of the MAX 5000 moisture/ash analyzer in June 2004, which could handle temperatures up to 600°C and had a 100-gram load capacity. This was followed by the MAX 4000 moisture analyzer in January 2009, which featured a color graphic display, Ethernet interface, USB interface, and improved repeatability.
The Computrac Vapor Pro XL, introduced in July 2016, represents the pinnacle of AZI's expertise in moisture analysis. It features a color LCD touch screen, USB flash drive storage, Ethernet & web server, post-test fan cooling, and pharma vial inserts, replacing older models like the CT-3100, 3500, and 4100.
The Autosampler for the VaporPro XL (VPXL) from AMETEK Brookfield was released in November 2020. This device enhances the efficiency of moisture-specific analysis technology by automating the testing process for up to 16 samples, making it a chemical-free alternative to traditional methods like Karl Fischer titration. It is designed to increase productivity and consistency in moisture analysis across various industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, and coatings.
AMETEK BROOKFIELD
The most recent chapter in the Computrac story began in December 2017, when Arizona Instrument LLC was acquired by AMETEK Brookfield, a global leader in electronic instruments. This acquisition has provided the resources and support necessary to continue the tradition of innovation and excellence that has defined the Computrac brand. Under AMETEK Brookfield, Computrac is poised to reach even greater heights, offering enhanced solutions that meet and exceed the expectations of industries worldwide.
From its early days at Motorola to its current status as a global leader in moisture analysis, the Computrac story is one of continuous success, and a steadfast commitment to quality. Join us as we continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in moisture analysis, delivering solutions that help industries worldwide achieve their goals with confidence and precision.