Precise Moisture Measurement Sensors for Grain Producers

Hydronix digital microwave moisture sensors are designed specifically for use in flowing materials such as Animal Feed, Grain, Rice, Nuts and Liquids. Hydronix sensors help to maintain moisture targets, react instantly to change, and improve efficiencies. They are manufactured from food-safe materials and can be installed in various locations as well as configured and controlled remotely over a network connection. Hydronix has a full range of sensors suitable for various environments such as high temperature, food safe and explosive atmospheres. The sensors are simple to install in mixers, conveyors, ducting systems or bin/silos.

NIR and microwave sensors: Both can measure moisture, but each has its advantages and disadvantages. These must be taken into account when measuring and monitoring moisture. There is a common misconception that, where moisture measurement is required, there is a choice between NIR and microwave sensors. Both technologies can measure moisture, but each has its advantages and disadvantages in different applications that must be considered. This article compares both NIR and microwave systems and explains that, when it comes to measuring and controlling moisture, these technologies do not compete against each other but are complementary solutions. Each system should be selected based on what they do best. Comparison: NIR and Microwave NIR sensors can, in addition to moisture, measure other constituents like fat and protein content. They do not require contact with the actual substance being measured; and as they measure only the surface layer are able to measure small amounts and static material. As they only measure the surface of the material NIR sensors will not give a representative measurement if the surface layer is a different

Hydronix is releasing the latest version of the Hydro-Control (model HC07)water controller compatible with the Hydro-Mix and the Hydro-Probe Orbiter. Hydronix, the leader in digital microwave moisture measurement, is releasing the latest version of the Hydro-Control (model HC07), a 10.1” touchscreen water controller compatible with the Hydro-Mix and the Hydro-Probe Orbiter. The Hydro-Control is a stand-alone unit designed to accurately add water into a mixer, including weighed, metered, and timed methods. Different operating modes can be chosen for each recipe, enabling the most suitable option to be selected. Over 99,000 recipes can be stored. Hydronix Hydro-Control (HC07) The latest release of the Hydro-Control enables connection to a control system via ethernet, WEB API or an RS232 serial link. It is now possible to secure remote access through a web browser. Neal Cass, Sales Manager at Hydronix, explains that “at Hydronix, we understand our customers’ challenges and data connectivity is becoming vital. We have updated the Hydro-Control with connectivity in mind, and the updated unit provides a flexible

Getting the perfect cup of coffee has many steps before you can enjoy that rich aroma and taste. Controlling moisture content is essential to ensure the highest quality. With its focus on bringing every coffee drinker the perfect cup, the coffee bean processing industry must ensure quality at every stage. One of the critical parameters that needs to be measured and controlled at many of these stages is the coffee beans’ moisture content. Accurate, repeatable inline moisture measurement is essential to the coffee bean processing industry and the latest Digital Microwave Technology makes this possible, ensuring a plant-wide solution that can guarantee final product quality. Controlling moisture from bean to pack Controlling moisture can bring benefits at many stages of the process, but until now, the high purchase costs and the extensive maintenance required by existing solutions has restricted where this technique can be used. Many stages of the process, from the green beans to final packaging of the finished product, demand moisture control to improve the yield and quality of the coffee. Laboratory tests Laboratory tests

Hydronix digital sensors are now proven to give highly accurate and reliable results allowing rice processors the ability to more accurately control their process. Around 50% of the worlds’ paddy rice production is parboiled. This is a process during rice production in which the paddy (raw) rice is steamed in the husk and then dried. This hardens the individual grains making them easier to handle and reduces the amount of broken kernels during milling. Other benefits include an increased product storage life, an increased nutritional value and sterilisation of the grain. The need to measure moisture There are three basic steps to the parboiling process. While in the paddy form, the rice is soaked to achieve an optimum moisture level typically around 30%. The rice is then heat treated by steaming or boiling which gelatinizes the starch within the kernel. This part of the process increases the moisture content of the rice grains to around 38% Finally the rice is dried to a moisture level of 12-14% where it can then be stored or moved through to a milling process. Incorrect moisture levels in the parboiled rice leads

In the manufacture of foodstuffs, getting the moisture content right is paramount. So, what do we need to consider in moisture measurement in food production - and what moisture sensors will be suitable in this demanding application? Too little moisture in the ingredients and the product might go stale too quickly or have an incorrect consistency. Too much moisture content and certain foods could develop moulds. Texture, weight, colour, taste, shelf life – all can be affected by incorrect moisture content, with the risk of costly product recalls and lost production time. Getting ingredients to the right moisture content often involves drying them, so moisture measurement is vital if manufacturers are to avoid using excess energy. So, what do we need to consider in moisture measurement in food production – and what moisture sensors will be suitable in this demanding application? 1. When and where do I measure moisture? Moisture measurement of foodstuffs is carried out at various stages depending on the processes used. For example, ensuring the moisture content of coffee is controlled precisely will give a more consistent product quality and reduce wasted materials. The next stage is