Innovative moisture analyzers: The correct moisture percentage in the production of sand, cement and concrete

As a concrete producer, you would prefer to produce the concrete immediately with the correct moisture content. After all, this allows you to save significantly on unnecessary drying processes while ensuring the quality of the concrete. New in this area is the innovative microwave analyzer with which you can produce significantly better, more durable, efficient and economical concrete.

Text | Liliane Verwoolde  Image | Inventech Benelux BV

The measurement analyzer is supplied by Brabant-based Inventech and - unlike traditional moisture measuring devices - works with TEWS Elektronik's patented microwave resonance technology. This technique stands for fast and accurate analysis of the moisture content in a product and provides gains in many areas. The microwave resonance measures independently of size, color, (bulk) density and mass.

Sustainability

To use dryers in the process as efficiently as possible, it is necessary to produce close to the moisture specifications of the product. The more accurately this can be done, the lower the energy consumption and the lower the amounts of rework and waste. A benefit for producers, customers and the environment. Van der Sar: "Correction to the varying bulk units is also standard with the microwave analyzer and is done in one measurement, making the results very reliable. The microwave analyzer provides a great return on investment especially for companies that produce concrete and cement in large quantities."

Microwave analyzer

The microwave analyzer does not have the disadvantages of optical (NIR) measurement. The TEWS sensor measures moisture in solids both on the surface and in the core of the product. This makes the measurements suitable for a variety of processes. On the other hand, the measurements take place without the use of a lens. This eliminates the risk of a fogged or soiled lens. With the microwave analyzer, no dust can get against the lens, which also makes the measurement more reliable.

The sensor is placed in a bypass and measures in interval, making the sensor last longer.

Reliability

For applications involving abrasive materials, such as concrete, cement, sand and shards, Inventech offers a unique in-line solution. "Abrasive materials can cause sensors to wear out within just a few months," says Kees van der Sar, Inventech product manager. "With TEWS technology, the product is poured into a tubular cylindrical sensor, measured and fed back into the process stream. This can be done up to two to three times per minute, but a lower frequency is also possible.  Because the sensor is placed in a bypass, the product does not constantly scrape over the sensor, making the sensor last longer."

Representation

The moisture analyzer of TEWS is exclusively represented in the Netherlands and Belgium by Inventech Benelux. Besides the above mentioned in-line analyzer, there are lab analyzers and even portable analyzers for exact determination of moisture percentages.