What's New - Hydro-Mix VII
Hydronix is proud to announce the release of the next generation of microwave sensors for mixers and screw conveyors, the Hydro-Mix VII. It will be officially launched at the World of Concrete exhibition in Las Vegas on 2nd – 5th February 2010, and will also be on display in Europe at Bauma, Munich in April. Building on the success of the Hydro-Mix VI, the new Hydro- Mix VII features:
- Advanced Digital Signal Processing and a choice of measurement modes for optimising sensor performance
- Improved temperature stability
- Redesigned ceramic faceplate and wear ring for easier replacement
- Two analogue outputs
Full technical specifications, features, connection and installation details for the Hydro-Mix VII can be found in our product pages with further information on the new features detailed below.
New Signal Processing Features and Measurement Technique
The new Hydro-Mix VII has been enhanced over the previous model with the addition of advanced Digital Signal Processing (DSP) filters. Although they have been used for many years in industry, Hydronix have combined these with existing filtering parameters to further smooth the sensor’s signal without loss of data which leads to improved performance. The DSP maximises the attenuation of the noise in the signal while preserving all the speed of response of the sensor to the changes of moisture in the material. The DSP filters may be configured to operate with or without the existing filtering parameters giving a new dimension to controlling the measurement signal. For many applications such additional control will be unnecessary. However, for someone installing a sensor in the most demanding application, it gives them peace of mind to know that they now have additional tools to ensure that the sensor can be easily configured to output the smoothest signal with the fastest possible response.
The most advanced development in the Hydro-Mix sensor has not however been in the area of digital processing, it has been a fundamental change to the measurement technique used to obtain moisture data from the material. The new Hydro-Mix VII now has the added ability to accurately measure the amplitude of the microwave signal using a digital technique. Both the frequency and amplitude are measured independently of one another, unlike an analogue sensor that only ‘sees’ the combined signal. These two totally separate digital measurements are combined using precise mathematical formulae and can be used to calculate various properties of the material. In real terms, this means that the user now has a greater degree of choice when configuring a sensor. The Hydro-Mix VII offers a choice of 3 operating modes, the original ‘standard’ mode, which will be suitable for nearly all applications, and two further modes that may be selected to further improve either sensitivity or stability.
Improved Temperature Stability
Hydronix has also improved the temperature stability in the latest version of the Hydro-Mix. All Hydro-Mix VII sensors are monitored during production and are individually configured to ensure that they meet our precise temperature stability specification. This is embedded in the software to give the highest possible level of temperature stability in a microwave sensor.
Redesigned Ceramic Faceplate
From the perspective of the end user, and to improve the already excellent cost effectiveness of the sensor, the Hydro-Mix VII has been redesigned to include the strongest ever ceramic faceplate used in a Hydronix sensor. This improved design also allows for much easier and quicker changing of the ceramic in the unlikely event of it being damaged. With regular cleaning and routine maintenance, the Hydro-Mix VII should last for many years.
Two Analogue Outputs
A second analogue output has been added making it possible for the sensor to output two different readings simultaneously.
Hydronix developed the first microwave sensors over 28 years ago, and then continued to break new ground with the introduction of the digital measurement technique. This technique is used in the current generation of sensors such as the Hydro-Probe II for use with aggregates, and the Hydro-Mix VI for mixers, chutes and screw conveyors. These sensors have become the dominant ‘industry standard’ with tens of thousands of installations worldwide. With our excellent reputation for customer service and our ongoing commitment to developing our sensors and associated technology, Hydronix remains the moisture sensor company for the future.
If you wish to read the full press release it is available in our Downloads Section
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