Moisture Meter Coating Thickness
Paper moisture measurements are critical throughout most stages of the paper making and converting process as manufacturers are constantly adjusting moisture to maintain the quality of their product. Additionally, online measurements of coating thickness are very important on webs during the manufacturing process allowing users to eliminate waste, reduce energy usage and produce quality products within specification 100% of the time.
With the help of industry partners and 30 years of knowledge and experience, MoistTech has developed the IR3000 NIR moisture sensor that is optimized for online web moisture and coat weight measurements. This moisture meter is designed with the latest electronics and new low wavelength technology and was developed specifically for the measurement for online installation and to withstand a variety of process conditions regarding temperature and pressure. As a result, the IR3000 trace moisture analyzer provides users with the highest accuracy and measurement speed that is up to 20 times faster than conventional NIR instruments. With the pre-calibration of the IR3000, users install and commission their sensor within minutes.
Moisture in paper plays an important role in the printing and converting process as it can vary from 1-12% depending on the relative humidity and type of pulp and chemicals used. It is essential to control the moisture content of paper and keep it stable during the converting process as poor moisture control can have a negative effect resulting in curl, poor stability and out of specification product.
Measuring coat weights is also important factor during paper converting for the precise control of films, water based adhesives, resins and hot melt glue applications. Polyethylene, polypropylene and other coatings such as PVC can also be measured and controlled to a high degree of accuracy. The IR3000 helps control the re-moisturizing process, monitor any additions of adhesive coatings and detect coating defects.
MoistTech’s IR3000 moisture meter is installed where 100% inspection is required and quality needs to be maintained to very high standards. Our sensor calibrations, measurement wavelengths, algorithms and sensor optical requirements are pre-set at the factory. Typical paper moisture accuracy is ±0.05%, coating accuracy varies from 0.1 to 0.01 micron depending on coating type. Typical analog range is 0-10% moisture and up to as much as 80%, subject to application. The outputs can be adjusted to optimize PLC or recording requirements.
Moisture Meter Locations
In the paper converting process there are many locations throughout manufacturing that the sensor can be used. Generally a sensor is located in the most critical stages in paper converting such as pre-lamination of pressure sensitive adhesive materials or following re-moisturizing. However, the location is often determined by the space availability and accessibility on the web/converting machinery as well as manufactures moisture requirements.
With coat weight measurements the IR3000 can be installed either at the wet end, where the coating is being applied or at the dry end, after the dryer or curing process. Once installed, a manufacturer can continuously monitor the process and can control the moisture content, either manually or automatically. Additionally, the sensor can be directly connected to the users PLC or any laptop. Ethernet and 4-20 ma are included as well as our high-tech Windows operating software. DPM (Digital Panel Meter) and a Color Touch Screen Operator Interface are also available as read-out options.
Types of Coating Applications:
- Packaging
- Pressure Sensitive Paper
- Textiles
- Film Substrates
- Corrugated
- Copy Paper
- Fiberglass Webs
- Water Soluble Films
- Remoisturizing
- Wax Coating
- Water/Solvent Based Glue
- Polyethylene (PE)
- Polypropylene (PP)
- Polyamides
- Polyurethane (PU)
- Acrylate (Hot Melt)
- Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)