Importance of Bauxite Moisture

Bauxite is the main component of aluminum and is often used in various manufacturing processes. The increased demand is an even better excuse to observe production more closely. MoistTech’s CCS3000 sensor will monitor the bauxite moisture levels closely and guarantee a more profitable conveyor system, by improving the quality of the products produced and reducing waste.

Our sensors are preset with moisture testing calibrations, measurement wavelengths, sensor optical requirements, and algorithms at the factory. Accuracy is typically about ±0.1% moisture. Typical analog range is 5–15% moisture. The outputs can be adjusted to optimize PLC or recording requirements. Although the bauxite and excess particles won’t create permanent damage, dust in the production environment may cause build-up on the sensor’s window. We recommend installing the air purge system to prevent any problems.

Before the implementation of the CCS3000, it was essential for employees to continuously monitor the crusher dryer operation and transport moisture samples between the dryer and the laboratory. Delays in obtaining lab results often led to the production of off-spec products, particularly those that were too wet. This resulted in significant downtime, machine restarts, and the need to recycle lost products at a high cost. By eliminating the need for manual labor at the dryer and preventing shutdowns to clear dryer blockages, the dryer’s production rate has increased by approximately 10%.