Biofuel Moisture
Measuring Moisture During Production
Wood pellet stoves, furnaces, and heating appliances have gained popularity as a sustainable alternative to fossil fuel heating. These pellets are made from scrap sawdust and wood particles that would otherwise be discarded from various industrial processes. To create the pellets, the wood materials are brought into the processor using a front loader. The wet and dry sawdust is carefully selected by the tractor operator to maintain the right moisture balance. The wood material is then mixed and compressed into a die, giving it its pelleted form.
By integrating on-line NIR technology from MoistTech on the dryer out-feed, the subjectivity of moisture analysis is eliminated. This technology continuously measures moisture levels before the material enters the pellet mill. These applications not only reduce batch-to-batch variation in the final product but also help operators save energy costs associated with drying and pelleting machines. As the biofuels industry expands, NIR technology offers various applications to optimize processes, reduce energy costs, and ensure consistent quality of substrates.
Why MoistTech?
The moisture level in biofuels determines the amount of air required when burning the fuel for optimum heat or energy output and burn efficiency. Mix a biofuel with too little or too much air and the fuel could burn incompletely or burn too quickly. Biofuel producers must monitor biofuel moisture during production to ensure that moisture levels meet fuel use standards and expectations. The most cost effective and efficient use of today’s biofuels requires accurate biofuel moisture measurement during fuel production and when the fuel is burned. MoistTech has developed the industry-recognized moisture measurement system capable of meeting these requirements.
The IR-3000 biofuel moisture transmitter is MoistTech’s non-contact, near infrared (NIR), online moisture sensor. It was developed to capture thousands of measurements per second, providing instant information in real-time. The sensor’s product loss software capability includes algorithms and precision filters to account for the small gaps in product on the conveyor, inert material, and foreign objects. Its componentry is ruggedly built to outlast and outperform the competition. It can be installed at virtually any point of the production or burn process, including above conveyors, in down chutes, or in storage bins. With the installation of the optional base and stand, the unit provides instant offline or at-line measurements.
non-contact
Our equipment never comes into contact with the product, allowing for less waste
zero drift
Our sensors are guaranteed not to drift over time – which saves time and money
closed loop
Create a closed-loop process by tying a moisture sensor into your PLC. Full control over the line!
no recalibrations
We’ve mastered the art of moisture sensors – your unit will never need to be recalibrated for the same product twice!
What is the Solution?
With more than 40 years experience in measuring moisture, MoistTech has incorporated state-of-the-art features into the IR-3000 NIR online moisture management system, including:
- Large, intense, quartz halogen light source
- Efficient optical system
- High speed motor
- Easy installation
- Very low maintenance
- Most advanced, Windows-based software for management and control
- Surface-mounted electronics
- Factory pre-calibrated with no calibration drift
Assess
Locate the point in the production process in which measuring moisture will be the most crucial and beneficial. Identify how you will use the moisture measurement data for improvements and if it will tie into your PLC.
Remember this could involve more than one installation point!
Contact
A MoistTech instrumentation specialist would be happy to demonstrate how the IR-3000 NIR online moisture sensor would capture biofuel moisture measurements in your process. When you’re ready to install the system in your facility, request a quote.
Understand the Process
Using the IR-3000, you’ll save money throughout the entire production process, while making the best quality product at the same time. With MoistTech, you don’t need to compromise.