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.

Wood Biomass May Also Encompass:

• wood
• sawdust
• trim ends and edgings
• chipped tree trimmings
• needles and bark

Moisture Content in Wood Biomass

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.

Measure the Moisture Content Accurately with MoistTech’s IR-3000

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. It can also measure temperature, chemical content, and coating thickness.

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.

Contact Us for Wood Biomass Moisture Measurement Sensors

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.