Controlling moisture at the correct level

Increase profitability with Hydronix Moisture Measurement

Controlling moisture at the correct level throughout all stages of processing can be one of the biggest problems for feed and grain manufacturers. Too wet, and the raw material can become mouldy during storage or sticky during processing. Too dry and it will become brittle and turn to ‘flour’ or dust.  Either circumstance leads to waste and therefore directly impacts on profit.

Microwave moisture sensors are not affected by dust, colour or vapour arising from processing and have proved to be the most cost effective, reliable and easy to use method of controlling moisture in grain and feed manufacturing.

Raw materials are passed across the ceramic faceplate of the sensor which radiates an extremely low powered electromagnetic microwave field. The resonant frequency of the material changes with variations in moisture content, and with 25 readings taken per second, the sensor detects changes in moisture levels almost instantaneously. This allows adjustments to the water addition process to be automatic and in real time.

A perfect system would have sensors positioned throughout all of the various elements of the processing plant. Hydronix have a range of sensors that can be positioned in a variety of different locations depending upon specific requirements. The Hydro-Probe is designed to be located in the neck of a bin, underneath the gate, or in the material on a conveyor, and takes readings as the material flows around the sensor.

For applications with a high ambient temperature, the Hydro-Probe Orbiter can be mounted above belt conveyors. Finally for applications that use a screw conveyor, chute or mixer, the Hydro-Mix is a flush mounted sensor that enables the material to pass across the faceplate.

Hydronix has 30 years experience in moisture measurement, and is the original developer of the digital microwave moisture measurement method.

Tel: +44 1483 468900

www.hydronix.com

This blog is written by Martin Little, The Global Miller, published and supported by the GFMT Magazine and the International Milling Directory from Perendale Publishers.