Measuring Moisture in Other Applications
Moisture measurement applications for Hydronix sensors are many and varied. Although our moisture probes were originally designed for the concrete industry, Hydronix sensors have also been used very successfully across a wide range of other applications. Our standard rage of sensors continue to be the World's preferred choice for abrasive materials such as Sand, Aggregates and Asphalt. In addition, our XT sensor with its advanced measurement technique provides precise results in organic materials such as grain, animal feed, wood chips, nuts and pulses and biomass materials.
There are many applications where measuring moisture using our digital technique has proved to be successful. A selection of these materials and applications is listed below. This list is not conclusive and we are continually testing and measuring moisture in many different industries. If you have a requirement that is not listed, please contact us as we may be able to assist you.
Hydronix can measure moisture in:
Alcohol |
– | Determining the moisture level in alcohol or isopropyl alcohol requires the Hydro-Probe SE. This sensor is the most protected against degradation caused by harmful substances. Basic field test are recommended before full commissioning. For more details about the Hydro-Probe SE please contact Hydronix. |
Almonds |
– | Measuring in nuts and almond kernels during processing. The moisture content of blanched almond kernels is strictly controlled for quality and hygienic purposes. Our range of sensors can be used to accurately measure the moisture content of the almond kernels during processing. |
Aggregates / Sand
|
– | Measuring in bins or on conveyors to determine the correct dry weight of materials purchased or in use. |
Animal Feed
|
– | Measuring in various areas of the process to ensure maximum yield, optimum nutritional value and to minimise pellet machine running costs. |
Asphalt
|
– | Numerous cost saving applications for both batch and continuous asphalt plants. Measuring in virgin materials, Recycle Asphalt Pavement (RAP) and controlling the production of Low Energy Asphalt (LEA) or Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA). |
Beans & Pulses
|
– | The XT range of sensors will measure in all types of beans, seeds and organic material in bins, hoppers, conveyor belts, mixers and screw and en-masse conveyors to control drying and wetting processes. |
Biomass Materials
|
– | Moisture measurement in wood pellets. |
Calandria
|
– | Measuring the moisture in a Calandria to determine the optimum point at which to discharge the syrup. This application may simply use a set point or may be calibrated to a moisture % or Brix content of the syrup. |
Clay Bricks
|
– | To monitor and control the moisture content of clay to ensure consistent density, maximum quality, repeatable de-molding and repeatable kiln drying times. |
Coal
|
– | The moisture content of small particle size low grade coal is measured as it is injected in to the burners. The rate of injection is a direct function of the moisture content of the coal. As the material becomes drier the throughput is reduced to avoid serious overheating. |
Coffee
|
– | The moisture content of green coffee beans may be accurately measured with any of the Hydronix sensors. |
Concrete Production
|
– | Measuring in the materials to ensure that the dry weight is used to maximise yield and the efficient use of cement. Measuring in the concrete mixer to control water addition to ensure consistent water cement ratio, workability, product finish and colour as well as reducing waste. |
Foundry Applications
|
– | Measuring moisture in foundry sand (Bentonite and Coke) to maintain a consistent moisture level to ensure repeatable compression and shear strengths. This application requires a basic field trial before commission and it is advised to measure ahead of the mixer. |
Glass Manufacture
|
– | Widely used to measure the moisture content of sand in glass plants around the world. |
Grain / Cereals
|
– | Hydronix sensors are used to reduce drying costs and to ensure accurate moisture content at various stages of the process. The sensors are also used to control the precise addition of mould inhibiting additives. |
Hops
|
– | Measuring the moisture in hop beds. |
Nuts
|
– | Measuring in nuts during processing. |
Oils
|
– | Hydronix sensor are used for measuring moisture in oil and have successfully been used in many types of oils including:- Engine Oil, Olive Oil, Rapeseed Oil, Vegetable Oil. |
Pet Food
|
– | To determine the moisture content of both dry and wet pet food during manufacture. |
Powdered Drinks
|
– | A sensor can be used in a calandria before the pasturisation point when reducing a liquid. |
Pulped Paper
|
– | To determine the moisture content of pulped paper. |
|
Pulverised Fuel Ash
(Blast Furnace Slag) 
|
– | The sensors measure moisture in pulverised fuel ash (PFA) and PFA slurry. The sensors are used to control the correct dry weight of material used and when measuring in PFA slurry may be used to improve control in the manufacture of autoclaved lightweight block to ensure correct and consistent water:cement:PFA ratios. |
Rice
|
– | Moisture measurement in paddy rice. |
Roof Tiles
|
– | To ensure the correct ratio of materials are used to provide a consistent finish and colour. Hydronix sensors may also be used to control the mixing process to ensure Homogeneity. |
Sand Lime Bricks
|
– | Moisture and temperature can be easily measured in the production of Sand Lime bricks. When using a rotating pan mixer the Hydro-Probe Orbiter is the ideal solution due to the combination of accurate moisture measurement and an extremely fast temperature response. |
Seeds
|
– | Hydronix sensors will measure in all types of beans, seeds and organic material in bins, hoppers, conveyor belts, mixers and screw and en-masse conveyors to control drying and wetting processes. |
Soya
|
– | Moisture measurement in soya beans and soya cake. |
Sugar Manufacturing
|
– | The Hydrotrac sensor is used to measure the Brix content in massecuite or syrup and is widely used to control the point of discharge in a continuous vacuum during sugar production. |
Sugar Beet
|
– | Measure the moisture content of sugar beet shreds (cossettes). Adjust the temperature / drying time / speed through the dryer ensuring the exiting material is always at the correct moisture level ready for the pelletizer or for storage. |
Waste Water
|
– | Measuring and controlling the moisture content of sewage sludge and municipal solid waste to ensure the optimum moisture content for use as secondary fuel. |
Wood Pellets
|
– | To monitor and control the feed rate of wood pellets into industrial burners. |
