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Robust capacitive moisture measurement through the underside of the conveyor belt for demanding bulk material processes. Classification of the measurement method In many bulk material processes, online moisture measurement is typically performed from above on the conveyor belt. However, not every plant provides suitable conditions for this approach. Problems occur in particular when the material height is low, the particle size distribution varies significantly between coarse and fine fractions, or when the operation involves heavy contamination and mechanical stress. Under these conditions, stable and reproducible measurements from above are often not achievable. In such cases, an alternative installation point has proven effective. Moisture measurement is performed from underneath, through the conveyor belt. Design and operating principle The sensor is mounted in a sled made of hardened tool steel directly beneath the belt. The sled and the ceramic measuring surface remain in mechanical contact with the underside of the conveyor belt. The robust design is engineered to operate reliably

ACO measures coffee bean moisture directly in the process – precise, reproducible, and loss-free for consistent quality and full flavor. After roasting, the decisive phase begins for coffee roasters: the residual moisture in the bean determines whether the aroma, taste and shelf life can develop optimally. It also influences the filling weight, flow behaviour and storability of the coffee – the key quality characteristics in further processing and packaging. Why residual moisture is so crucial While green coffee beans still have a moisture content of between 10% and 13%, this is deliberately reduced during roasting. The heat of around 200–230 °C causes water to evaporate, cell structures to change and the typical roasted aroma to develop. However, if the bean is too moist, it can ferment further, lose aroma and become unstable. If it is too dry, the coffee tastes flat and loses intensity. This is why precise control of the residual moisture immediately after the roasting process plays a key role – both for consistent taste and for economic process reliability in production. Inline moisture

Precise moisture measurement in bulk material processes: Discover how moisture measuring sensors measurably improve quality, efficiency, and process reliability. Accurate moisture determination is essential for stable and efficient bulk material processing. ACO moisture measuring sensors enable reliable inline, online, and atline measurement directly within the process line. They can be flexibly integrated into silos, on or under conveyor belts, inside screw conveyors, as well as in chutes, mixers, or hoppers. The process diagram illustrates typical installation points within automated process chains. With customized installation kits and optimized sensor technology, almost any bulk material – from powders to granulates and mixtures – can be monitored precisely and continuously. Flexible Integration into Existing Systems The sensors can be easily connected to existing control systems. Via PLC and PC interfaces, real-time data can be collected, analyzed, and used for process control. This enables consistent product quality, shorter drying times, and improved energy efficiency across the entire production process. Technical

23. – 25. September 2025 - Hall 10.0 / Booth Number 10-634 In September 2025, the doors of the PowTech-TechnoPharm in Nuremberg will open once again. ACO is looking forward to welcoming you at this year’s PowTech. We are excited to present the latest developments in moisture measurement and provide customer-oriented, tailor-made solutions for (almost) every moisture measurement challenge. Discover our current and future innovations – and test our equipment live at our booth. Best regards from the Black Forest ACO – Automation Components Team (Hall 10 – Booth 634)

Examples: moisture measurement of wood chips in free fall; of sawdust mounted in a screw conveyor Biomass - this umbrella term mainly coveres organic and biogenic but non-fossil material that successfully can be used for extracting energy. Mainly this material finds its field of application in biomass heating systems. You can differentiate between, inter alia sawdust, wood chips, wood pellets, straw and so on. Based on the material, on its shape and on the production and funding process different measuring locations have to be evaluated against each other. Especially in the wood pellet branch of Germany, Austria and Switzerland moisture measuring systems made by ACO have become indispensable for the real time determination of the moisture content. Even tricky applications could be managed successfully by using the broad variety of ACO’s homemade integration kits. Frequently requested: * Wood pellets * Wood chips * Sawdust Feasible measuring positions: * Chute * Free fall * Bypass * Drag chain conveyor * Screw conveyor

Inline moisture measurement directly in the production process results in optimization of product quality & operating costs and improved flow behavior & storage Making good things even better To be able to provide customers with a precise and reliable moisture measurement system in a wide range of applications, a company has to be one step ahead. ”Excuse me - I’m the new one” The new capacitive moisture measurement sensor type BMMS from ACO is setting a new standard in terms of precision, accuracy, reliability and is ideally prepared for future requirements. With its state-of-the-art technology, it measures the material moisture in real time. In addition, it is insensitive to external influences and easy to integrate into the production process. The BMMS moisture measurement sensors are factory calibrated and allows a complete reproducibility of the measurement data. When the moisture sensor is replaced, existing calibration data can be used across all sensors, avoiding the need for recalibration. Easy installation In operation, the humidity sensor requires nothing but a power supply, a display or a controller