Moisture measurement is the key for maintaining proper moisture levels. When moisture levels are incorrect, it can lead to a host of issues, including increased downtime, material waste, lowered project quality, higher energy consumption and non-uniform products. Many industries rely on precise moisture levels. Product often needs to be scrapped if the moisture levels are too wet or too dry, as quality and uniformity will be compromised. By implementing a moisture measurement method, adjustments can be made to return moisture content to the correct levels before adverse effects take hold.
Which Industries Benefit from Moisture Monitoring?
There are several industries that are affected by incorrect moisture levels. From food production to energy, here are some of the industries that can benefit from moisture monitoring.
- Animal food
- Human food
- Tobacco
- Bioenergy
- Minerals, mining and bulk materials
- Wood
- Chemical
- Snack food
- Pharmaceuticals
- Converting
- Textile/nonwovens
How Are Correct Moisture Levels Determined?
It can vary by industry how correct moisture levels are determined. Industry standards and regulations often have guidelines for the proper moisture levels during production. In other industries, moisture levels are regulated by the FDA.
Popular Moisture Measurement Methods Available
Although there are several methods available to measure moisture, most manufacturers use one of three techniques: thermogravimetric, chemical and spectroscopic.
Thermogravimetric: This method measures moisture by monitoring how a sample’s weight changes over time as it is heated. Since water evaporates as temperature rises, the sample will become lighter. To measure moisture with this method, a sample is placed in a thermogravimetric analyzer and either heated at a controlled rate or held at a consistent temperature. After continuously recording the sample mass, the difference between the initial and final mass relates to moisture content. Although this method is highly accurate, it is time consuming and product waste is necessary for sample collection.
Chemical: Moisture content is measured with this method by initiating a chemical reaction between water and a specific reagent. This method boasts very fine precision, and it can detect very low moisture concentrations, but it poses the risk of working with dangerous chemicals. It is necessary for highly skilled personnel to conduct the analysis. Calibration must be performed since not all of the water in the sample in involved in the reaction.
Spectroscopic: There are several measurement methods that fall under the spectroscopic technique, including microwave, near infrared (NIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Equipment for spectroscopic measurement can be complex and require calibration by using multiple samples.
How MoistTech Stands Out from the Rest
MoistTech has taken traditional NIR measurement methods and made vast improvements. The IR-3000 moisture sensor uses NIR technology to continuously collect samples. Unlike other methods that require material waste for sample collection, the IR-3000 is non-contact. The sensor will not drift and will not require calibration. Thanks to plug-and-play technology, the sensor can be placed virtually anywhere on the production line, such as above the conveyor belt or before and after dryers. View data in real time to make adjustments before product quality is compromised.
Discover the MoistTech Advantage
When faced with the choice of several different moisture measurement methods, it is important to weigh the advantages and negatives for each technique. Where some require working with hazardous chemicals, others waste materials with frequent samples. MoistTech has combined the accuracy of spectroscopic moisture measurement and made it more efficient. Contact us for more information.