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Moisture Measurement Systems Automate the Process

Moisture Measurement Systems Automate the Process - Bulkinside
7 Apr 2023  |
Reducing front-end expenses and increasing quality and efficiency has always been a top priority for producers, highlighting the need for companies to thoroughly evaluate their current methods of reducing waste – wasted efforts, wasted energy and wasted product. Evaluating and implementing lean manufacturing principles assists in eliminating waste and improving overall plant production. With the implementation of moisture control systems, manufacturing plants can save a large amount of money in a short amount of time.

When considering the many challenges that plant operators are tasked with, moisture control plays a large role. Moisture content can affect product quality and equipment function, making it a crucial focus point in proactive avoidance of quality control issues. Dryer effectiveness is critical, as dryers consume a large amount of energy during operation. The implementation of moisture measurement before and after the dryer provides immediate control over the temperature and operational efficiency.

MoistTech manufactures the diamond standard in moisture measurement and control sensors for both use directly on the production line and for laboratory use. This allows our equipment to be a staple for a wide range of sectors and disciplines, including adhesives, biomass, chemicals, coatings, food, forest products, minerals, renewable energy, textiles and wood products. Unsurpassed in performance, stability, reliability, and cost of ownership, the MoistTech series of moisture analysis sensors can increase both the quality and efficiency of the manufacturing process.

Designed to provide accuracy and repeatability, the MoistTech technology is a ratio-based measurement with prime beam; this eliminates sensitivity due to distance, improves stability and accuracy. The technology captures hundreds of detailed, accurate measurements per second, providing the ability to pre-set the measurement rate to match the production rate is available on the technology and because there are no routine re-calibrations, this technology is low to zero maintenance which makes it an ideal solution for the manufacturing process.

Moisture measurement and control sensors are located in countless applications all over the world, saving manufacturers time and money by quickly detecting the variable manufacturing process, allowing corrections to be made in real time. Near-infrared (NIR) technology is best suited for instant online, offline and laboratory moisture instrumentation. Controlling moisture levels in powdered and granular applications production is a critical process during various stages of production, as the product can easily become too wet or dry, causing immediate production and quality issues.

Over-drying a product can result in a dusty environment that can lead to a fire or dust explosion. As such, greater plant safety is achieved with a proper moisture measurement system and cost savings are enhanced. The overuse of dryers results in overpaying on energy costs. By implementing a moisture detection process, producers can monitor 100% of their product quality instantly and consistently. Additionally, active adjustments can continuously be made to the process, optimizing the outcome.

NIR spectroscopy and imaging are fast and non-destructive analytical techniques that provide chemical and physical information of virtually any matrix. NIR can tell us things about a product in a similar way to visible light.

When light hits a product, it will interact in various ways – transmitted light will pass through the product; backscattered light will reflect from the product; and some light will be absorbed into the product, which is the key to NIR analysis. Other common technologies experience issues such as constant recalibration and height interference, resulting in drifting over time and less reflective light energy. The user is there provided with more of an estimated guess, rather than accurate data.

NIR moisture control technology helps provide high-level equipment to manufacturing facilities in a multitude of applications. A ratio-based measurement with prime beam eliminates sensitivity to distance; improves stability and accuracy; and provides a non-drifting design. These features allow for extremely accurate measurements with high sensitivity. NIR technology is specific and stands out among other options because it is non-destructive, never comes in contact with the product and provides instant, repeatable results.

Real-time process control with moisture detection provides true product data that can be used to improve operation efficiency. This reduces wasted effort and materials, and decreases the frequency of downtime, manual intervention and defective goods. Increased plant efficiency, lower energy costs, higher accuracy, instant return on investment (ROI) and low to zero maintenance are just a handful of benefits seen when implementing a moisture control system.

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MoistTech Corp. is the original manufacturer of Near-Infrared (NIR) technology in the Industrial Moisture industry, manufacturing a range of on-line sensors & at-line instruments for moisture measurement and real-time moisture process control. Non-contact and insensitive to material...

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