Wood Biomass Moisture
Measuring Moisture Content Saves Money
Wood biomass such as mill residues and forest residues has long been used in energy applications like boiler fuel. They represent a large fraction of the total bioenergy produced in the USA. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in conversion or replacement of fossil fuel fired boilers to wood biomass ones.
The levels of moisture tolerated in the fuel vary according to the make, size, and style of the boiler and its fuel transfer system. Most biomass boilers are designed to burn wood chips at about 35% moisture level.
A high-moisture content in the wood chip can cause a boiler to shut down. Low-moisture wood chips it will burn too quickly. Having a reliable supply of high-quality wood chips at the right moisture content is probably the most significant factor affecting the operation of a biomass boiler. Wood biomass may also encompass:
- wood
- sawdust
- trim ends and edgings
- chipped tree trimmings
- needles and bark
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
IR-3000 Near Infrared Sensor
With the help of industry partners, the engineers at MoistTech have developed the IR-3000, an extremely accurate moisture sensor, that mounts above the wood biomass and gives reliable, real-time readings on moisture measurement or water content of wood chips, barks, wood pellets, wood shavings, round wood, sawdust and more. It provides long-term, reliable performance in even the harshest industrial environments, and is unaffected by particle size or color, product or ambient temperature, humidity, dust, or gaps in product flow.
Typical moisture accuracy is about ± 0.05%, with coating accuracy varying from 0.1 to 0.01 micron, depending on the coating type. Typical analog range is 0-10% moisture. The outputs can be adjusted to optimize PLC or recording requirements.
What is the 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
At MoistTech, we are always available to answer your questions about moisture sensors. Contact us with your questions or to request a quote for your applications. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff will be glad to talk with you.
Understand the Process
Wood fiber moisture can affect many aspects about the wood or wood-based products. It is important for those involved in the manufacturing of wood fiber products to have accurate readings on moisture content in order to deliver top-quality products to their customers. Reliable and real-time moisture sensors for this process can improve quality control as well as increase production. Energy is not wasted by over-drying wood fiber, and rejected material is significantly reduced.
At MoistTech, our goal is to assist those who are involved in processing and manufacturing wood fiber to get accurate readings on the moisture in their product, so that only the highest quality is delivered to their customers.