Minerals

Efficient Process Control

Mining operations rely on real-time, continuous, non-contact moisture analysis to effectively manage their processes and achieve plant and regulatory objectives.

Proactive avoidance of such issues can be done by utilizing a moisture measurement and control system from MoistTech. We have experience in thousands of applications worldwide and offer both online and laboratory moisture control sensors for the continuous reading of moisture measurement and laboratory NIR sensors for spot tests near lines or in quality control labs.

    • Ash, power station and fly
    • Bentonite or Laponite® (powdered)
    • Coal (crushed/powdered) Coke breeze (powdered)
    • Furnace slag (milled)
    • Iron
    • Limestone (crushed)
    • Magnesium
    • Sodium
    • Talc (powdered)
    • Zeolite (powdered) 
    • Zinc oxide

Get Accurate Results Now

Accurate, fast, and networked moisture analysis is crucial for various production requirements, including:

  • Monitoring the moisture content of raw minerals dumped onto the conveyor belt by the backhoe or front loader for transportation to the drying operations.
  • Determining the moisture content of the conveyed product before it enters the rotary dryer. This information is essential for feed-forward temperature control in the dryers. Moisture levels typically range from 4-14% but can be as high as 50% depending on the exposure of stockpile storage to the environment. Overloading the dryer can result in wet product output, leading to issues such as screening plugs, equipment shutdown, and increased labor and downtime for cleaning and restarting.
  • Conducting moisture analysis of the final dryer exit to determine if any adjustments are necessary in terms of rotary dryer temperature settings or flow rate to achieve the desired moisture set point. The typical moisture range for most mined materials at this stage is 0-5%.
  • Performing real-time moisture analysis during subsequent processes after the dryer. This includes screening to ensure the particle size distribution meets the required specifications, as excessive or insufficient water content can affect the particle size.
  • Monitoring the weight of the finished product during shipping. Excessive moisture can lead to overweight loading, resulting in fines for truckers or, in severe cases, even causing a barge to topple. MoistTech Sensors offers solutions that provide instant feedback to operators.

Asphalt Shingles

Excessive moisture during the production of asphalt shingles can result in durability issues post-installation, such as blistering, curling, or raised areas on the shingles. While minor imperfections may occur naturally over time, larger blisters could indicate a manufacturing flaw often caused by water retention. These blisters may lead to premature loss of mineral granules after installation, due to exposure to weather elements or foot traffic from roof or chimney repairs. Granule loss exposes the asphalt fiber base mat to rain and heat, creating conditions that encourage leakage, significantly reducing the quality and lifespan of the shingles and potentially damaging your reputation as a reputable asphalt shingle manufacturer. MoistTech NIR Sensors, which are online moisture meters, play a crucial role in the production process by ensuring the removal of excess water after shingle washing and detecting any remaining moisture on the dried shingles. Our NIR sensors can be utilized at various stages throughout the manufacturing process, including ensuring the granules used to coat the final roofing shingle meet the required low moisture levels.

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!

Top of the Line Solutions

Relying on traditional laboratory methods for moisture analysis can be inefficient and prone to inaccuracies due to exposure to the atmosphere during sample handling. Opt for real-time measurements that are non-contact and offer continuous feedback for immediate adjustments. This approach reduces waste, enhances efficiency, and improves the connectivity of your mining and manufacturing operations.

Assess

The on-line sensors can be installed into any hopper, silo, material line, belt or screw conveyor and the moisture results are displayed onto an external display or PC. Installing a moisture measurement system prevents bad product due to undesirable moisture levels. Fine tuning the setup and process of the manufacturing line allows for instant improvements both in the product and in the efficiency of production.

 

Contact

We offer service and support throughout the world for our moisture measurement sensors and would be happy to connect you with a rep in your area. Contact us today for more information!

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.