Moisture is one of the most important variables to control when growing, harvesting, buying/selling, processing, preparing and shipping grains, seeds, and other small agricultural products.
When deciding on the best moisture measurement technology, however, it is important to avoid choosing solely on the initial purchase price of the instrument.
Weighing the benefits of owning and using a moisture meter and understanding how it can impact both efficiency and profit is key to making a successful long-term acquisition.
Compared to traditional moisture measurement methods, an advanced technology using NIR measurement offers significant benefits.
Today, NIR moisture meters can help grain facilities achieve substantial production labor savings and superior product quality, while optimizing raw input purchase price, end product sales price and shipping cost.
Advantages of NIR technology
Understanding the basics of how NIR technology works, and for which uses it is best suited, will help grain facilities appreciate how it can save them money and improve the bottom line.
NIR measurement uses reflectance and absorbance principles for calculating the moisture content of an item. The meter bounces a beam of light off the product and in some cases, transmits the light through the sample.
The light is filtered to a wavelength or multiple wavelengths that excite the moisture molecules, according to John Bogart, managing director of Kett US, a manufacturer of a full range of moisture and organic composition analyzers.
“The higher the moisture content, the higher the amount of light absorbed," says Bogart.
"The instrument measures the light reflected back, and an algorithm determines the light absorbed by the sample.".
He notes that the moisture meters enable very accurate measurement of solids, pastes and liquids without contact or sample preparation, so there is no contamination in handheld and online models.
Grain facilities can benefit from NIR technology in three notable ways:
1. More Efficient Personnel and Production
If a grain facility is still using the Karl Fischer (KF) or loss on drying (LOD) method for determining moisture, chances are that a considerable amount of personnel time is being tied up conducting these tests when they should be carrying out more profitable activities.
The KF test involves adding chemical reagents to the sample to separate the water from the remaining product. The water removed is then compared with the initial mass or volume.
Since chemical reagents are used, skilled personnel must determine the initial parameters, confirm that the system is properly calibrated and maintained and, at times, are required to conduct the tests. These tests take time and destroy the sample. Disposal of the waste products can be very costly and time consuming as well.
The LOD test, which measures the total material weight change after drying, typically requires a sample to be prepared and brought to a lab. The test takes at least 15 minutes to several hours to perform, which is too slow when more immediate measurements are necessary. It also requires the sample to be altered or destroyed.
In contrast, NIR technology enables the user to get the accurate measurement results needed instantly and is simple enough for virtually anyone to use with minimal training. Generally, only seven to 10 samples are needed for a valid calibration, and once calibrated the moisture level in a product is determined immediately.
As an example, with Kett’s KJT130 Handheld Portable Instant Moisture Meter, the user simply points the instrument at the product and the moisture content is instantly shown on a digital display, with results accurate to .01% in a 0-100% measurement range.
The unit, which is the size of a camcorder, is designed for frequent spot checks wherever necessary, on both stationary and moving (process line) products. Moisture measurement data may be stored in the instrument, downloaded continuously, or manually recorded.
2. Improved Quality Control
Quality can be compromised if grain facilities do not have the correct amount of moisture in their product. This can result in either product loss or reduced shelf life.
Just as important, it can also result in unhappy customers who could forgo future purchases and even share their displeasure on social media.
Fortunately, the speed and accuracy with which grain facilities can obtain results from NIR technology will enable them to conduct more tests within a given time period. Because facilities can conduct more tests and at a higher frequency, production managers will achieve tighter control of their product quality.
“Since no direct contact or sample alteration is required with NIR moisture meters, particle size variation and unusual textures are not an issue," says Bogart.
"This can be important when used with a range of feedstocks, formulations, or end products in different settings."
The versatility of this technology means grain facilities can achieve accurate moisture measurements when needed, whether on the process line, in the lab or in the field.
All of this equates to faster test results and feedback. The approach enables managers to ensure high quality at all levels of production.
Because the process is non-destructive, samples also remain unaltered so they can be used for additional tests or, if removed for a desktop test, may be returned into the product stream.
3. Optimized Buy/Sell Transactions and Shipping Cost
When moisture level is a factor in the purchase price of raw inputs or the end product sales price, accurate moisture measurement and adjustment can help to secure the best deal.
For instance, if purchasing raw inputs with high moisture content, negotiating a discount might be possible in some circumstances. If selling a product by weight, moisture content could be kept within acceptable limits, but modified to secure the best price.
Having the incorrect amount of moisture in a product can also reduce profit by increasing the cost of shipping. With extra moisture in the product the total shipment will be heavier, resulting in higher shipping costs. Properly drying a substance to acceptable limits before it is transported can substantially reduce shipping costs.
Although grain facilities are more familiar with traditional moisture measurement methods like KF and LOD, the availability of advanced NIR technology is presenting an opportunity to the industry.
By taking advantage of the speed, accuracy, versatility and ease of NIR moisture meters, grain facilities can dramatically improve production, quality and profit.
