Popcorn Moisture

Superior Moisture Control

The optimum bulk moisture content for maximum expansion of popcorn has been reported by Metzger et all (1989) as 13.5% for oil popping and 14% for air popping. Smaller kernels require more moisture to achieve maximum expansion. Whether drying the kernels, sorting by colors, measuring temperature, or spraying with oil and flavorings

MoistTech can accurately and instantly give you non-contact measurements of not only oil, but also moisture, temperature, fat, sugar, seasonings, protein, and more. Uniformity of spray or oil deposition can be monitored and adjusted either manually or automatically.

Measure Moisture in Real Time Now!

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

Accuracy

MoistTech has developed one of the most accurate moisture sensors ideally suited to measure popcorn during the drying and manufacturing process, the IR-3000 moisture sensor. The sensor is coated in a food grade Teflon with a polymeric viewing window enabling manufacturers to improve product quality without any contamination.

Our sensor calibrations, measurement wavelengths, algorithms and sensor optical requirements are pre-set at the factory.

  • Typical accuracy is about ±0.1% moisture
  • Typical analog range is 0-10% moisture
  • Outputs can be adjusted to optimize PLC or recording requirements

Take a look at our other food moisture sensor applications.

MoistTech’s Solution

The sensor should be installed several inches above the belt or screw conveyor so that a production worker can continuously monitor the process and can control the moisture content either manually or automatically in the finished product. After an oil spray, it is important to install the sensor at an angle to cut down any reflection from the oil coating.

If the popcorn moisture sensor has to be installed where it will be susceptible to extreme heat conditions, it is necessary to cool the sensor with either air or water. Furthermore, if the sensor is located near an oil spray, it is necessary to clean the sensor’s optical window during regular routine cleaning.

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

Quality and consistency are crucial when it comes to maintaining a manufacturing line. Continuous monitoring of moisture content provides proactive avoidance of potential issues caused by out of tolerance moisture levels. Producers focus to minimize cost, reduce waste, increasing product quality, and maximizing plant efficiency. Wasted efforts are certainly a drain on resources in addition to wasted product, creating the need to evaluate and implement lean manufacturing principles.