Pelletized Biomass
Testing for Moisture
Two of the most important properties of pellet fuels are the moisture content, and inorganic ash content. The Pellet Fuel Institute (PFI) standards require that for even the lowest commercial grade of pellets, the moisture content cannot exceed 10% and the inorganic ash content cannot exceed 6%. This means that great care must be taken when choosing and drying feedstocks for pelletization.
Testing for moisture and ash can be a time-consuming process. The ASTM standard test methods can take upwards of 4 hours and require an oven, a furnace, and a mass balance to run. Moisture measurement and control is a crucial aspect in the bioenergy application and MoistTech’s new IR3000 Moisture Sensor allows you to do instant, non-contact, continuous moisture measurement.
Optimize Your Production Quality
PERFORMANCE
Unsurpassed in performance, our sensors can accurately measure moisture within tenths of a percent of most applications
STABILITY
MoistTech sensors withstand the test of time and are low to zero maintenance
RELIABILITY
Rely on MoistTech’s NIR moisture sensors to never drift or need re-calibration
COST OF OWNERSHIP
A moisture measurement system is essential for the production process and in some cases will pay for itself in less than 30 days
Unique Differences
MoistTech recommends installing sensors in several locations throughout the pelleting process for the most optimum results
- Ability to monitor the product with small gaps in product
- Unaffected by ambient lighting
- State-of-the-art Near-Infrared Technology provides the most accurate measurements for moisture
- Ideal for installations on chain conveyors and screw conveyors, can be installed at an angle
Save Time & Money
First, installing a sensor prior to the dryer will monitor the moisture levels going in. Too dry of a product will result in over drying causing a dusty, ambient environment but could also result in a fire. Installing sensors after the dryer, prior to the pelletizer will also result in significant cost savings. Product too dry will prevent pellets compacting and not molding together very well. Product too wet could cause the pelletizer to plug up – both resulting in shutting down the line and product waste.
Efficiency is a top of the line priority for manufacturers and the dryer can drain a lot of that. Measuring the moisture before and after the dryer allows the user to optimize the dryer settings to save time and money. A proper moisture control system will pay for itself with the energy savings from the dryer in less than 30 days. Efficiently controlling the dryer within the facility can drastically change the productivity levels.
Use the Best Solution
MoistTech has studied moisture and its applications in manufacturing for over 40 years. That’s why we’re confident our moisture analyzers are a step above the rest. We’re constantly working to develop the latest, most advanced moisture testing technology—which is how the IR-3000 came about.
We’ve combined our decades of experience and knowledge with feedback from our industry partners to create a moisture sensor capable of taking instant, non-contact measurements of moisture, temperature, and other vital levels with the utmost accuracy. When it comes to moisture sensors, the IR-3000 is the most advanced system available.
Assess
Locate the point in the production process in which measuring moisture will be the most crucial and beneficial. Identify how you will use the moisture measurement data for improvements and if it will tie into your PLC.
Remember this could involve more than one installation point!
Develop
A closed loop process is achieved by incorporating a moisture measurement system into the manufacturing process. Developing a proactive solution to moisture control will avoid costly downfalls.
Support
MoistTech’s experts will assess your specific application with lab tests, calibrations and accuracy results to ensure our equipment will peform for you. All of our sensors are pre-calibrated prior to being shipped to create a plug-and-play operation for the end-user.
Contact
We offer service and support throughout the world for our moisture measurement sensors and would be happy to connect you with a rep in your area. Contact us today for more information!
Understand the Process
Using the IR-3000 drastically cuts production costs. It is energy efficient, low maintenance, and decreases startup and down times. Over dried product causes waste; so does product that is too moist. With the IR-3000, these problems will no longer be an issue.
Using the IR-3000, you’ll save money throughout the entire production process, while making the best quality product at the same time. With MoistTech, you don’t need to compromise.