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Digital Microwave Moisture Measurement for Concrete, Asphalt and Process Industries from Hydronix

Moisture measurement applications for Hydronix sensors are many and varied. Our standard range of sensors continues to be the world's preferred choice for abrasive materials such as sand, aggregates and asphalt. In addition, Hydronix has a full range of sensors that cover applications 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 exhaustive but demonstrates the breadth of application and materials in which our sensors can measure. We are continually looking to expand our experience and to work with partners to develop new applications. If you have a requirement that is not listed or require further information please contact us as we may be able to assist you.

Hydronix can measure moisture in:

Aggregates / Sand

Sand and aggregate moisture contents may be measured very precisely. Used in batch or continuous processes, the sensors are installed in bins or on conveyors to determine the correct dry weight of the material. This helps to maximise yield and accurately control material blending. More..

Asphalt

Used in both batch and continuous asphalt plants, cost savings may be achieved by measuring the moisture content of the raw materials. This helps to control the blend of materials and ensures that a consistent density is achieved. This ensures efficient use of asphalt cement and ensures conformity to specification. See also Recycled Asphalt Pavement (RAP). More..

Recycled Asphalt Pavement (RAP)

Measure moisture in RAP (Recycled Asphalt Pavement)
Used in both batch and continuous asphalt plants for Low Energy Asphalt (LEA) or Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA) manufacturing Hydronix sensors accurately measure the moisture content of various sizes of recycled asphalt. This allows for the correct moisture content to be achieved before the addition of the emulsifying agent.

Foundry - Green Sand

Measure moisture in foundry sand
Measuring moisture in foundry sand (Bentonite and Coke) to maintain a consistent moisture level to ensure repeatable compression and shear strengths. It is advised to measure ahead of the mixer. Please contact Hydronix for further information.

Glass - Sand

measure moisture in sand for glass manufacture
Widely used to measure the moisture content of sand in glass plants around the world.
Clay Bricks

To monitor and control the moisture content of clay. This ensures consistent density, maximum quality, repeatable de-molding and efficient kiln drying times. More..

Concrete

Measuring the moisture levels of the aggregates ensures that the dry weights are correct. It is also possible to measure the moisture in the concrete mixer to control final water addition. Moisture measurement ensures a consistent water to cement ratio and strength, workability, product finish and colour. Cost savings are significant in terms of maximising the yield for the amount of cement used and the reduction of waste. More..

Pulverised Fuel Ash
(Blast Furnace Slag)

Measure moisture in pulverised fuel ash (PFA)
The sensors measure moisture in pulverised fuel ash (PFA) and PFA slurry. When using PFA as a cementitious material the sensors are used to control the correct dry weight of material used in the process. They may also be used to measure in PFA slurry to improve control when manufacturing products such as autoclaved lightweight block. This ensures correct and and consistent water cement and PFA ratios.

Roof Tiles

Measure moisture in roof tiles
Measuring in the raw materials ensures that the dry weights are correct and the final water addition in the mixer accurately controlled. This ensure the correct ratio of materials are used providing a consistent finish, colour, clean de-moulding and avoids wasted batches due to poor quality.

Sand Lime Bricks

Measure moisture in 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.
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. More..

Rice

Moisture measurement in paddy rice. More..
Animal Feed

Hydronix sensors may be used in a number of installation locations to measure moisture during animal feed production. Sensors may be used to measure in dried beet pulp as well as ahead of the pelletising process to control steam addition. More..

Pet Food / Kibble

Measure moisture in pet food
Hydronix sensors are used to measure moisture in pet food during the production of both dry / kibble and wet pet food.

Sugar Beet

Measuring the moisture content of sugar beet shreds (cossettes) enables adjustment of the temperature, drying time and speed through the dryer. This ensures that the material exiting the dryer is always at the correct moisture content and is optimised for the pelletizer or for storage. More..
Almonds

Measure moisture in almonds
The moisture content of nuts such as almond kernels is strictly controlled for quality and hygienic reasons. Hydronix can accurately measure the moisture of nuts allowing the producer to ensure that the product is within the allowable moisture tolerances. This maximises profitability and reduces waste due to mould or other moisture related defects.

Beans & Pulses

Measure moisture in beans and 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.

Coffee

Measure moisture in coffee
The moisture content of green coffee beans or other similar products may be accurately measured to control the drying and processing of the beans.

Nuts

Measure moisture in nuts
Measuring in nuts during processing. See Almonds above.

Seeds

Measure moisture in 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

Measure moisture in soya
Hydronix sensors precisely measure moisture in soya beans and soya cake giving a linear moisture output that may be directly integrated to third party controls.

Hops

Measure moisture in hops
Measuring the moisture in hop beds.
Calandria

Measuring the moisture in a Calandria to determine the optimum point at which to discharge the concentrate. This application may simply be used to ascertain the target point at which to discharge the calandria or may be calibrated to a moisture percentage or Degrees Brix content of the concentrate. See also Spray Drying and Powered Drinks.

Powdered Foods

A sensor can be used in a calandria before the pasturisation point when reducing a liquid. See also Calandria and Spray Drying. More..

Spray Drying

To ensure consistent results from a spray drying process it is important to know the maximum solids content of a concentrate before it enters the spray dryer. Hydronix sensors may be used to measure in the concentrate within a Calandria to ensure a consistently viscous material is fed to the spray dryer. More..

Sugar Manufacturing

The Hydrotrac sensor is used to measure the Degrees Brix content in massecuite or syrup and is widely used to control the point of discharge in a continuous vacuum during sugar production. More..
Biomass Materials

measure moisture in biomass materials
Moisture measurement in wood pellets.

Biological Waste

Measure moisture in 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

measure moisture in wood chips
To monitor and control the feed rate of wood pellets into industrial burners.

Coal

Measure moisture in coal
The moisture content of coal may be measured. Pulverised Coal Injection is a common method of burning low grade or low carbon coal to create electricity. Small particle size low grade coal is measured as it is injected into 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 which can result in very significant financial loss and plant downtime.
Pulped Paper

Measure moisture in pulped paper
To determine the moisture content of pulped paper.
Oils

Measure moisture in oils
Hydronix sensor are used for measuring moisture in oils and have successfully been used in many types of oils including: Engine Oil, Recycled Engine Oil, Olive Oil, Rapeseed Oil and Vegetable Oil.