Moisture Control

H2O is the #1 Ingredient in your mix, why take a chance on anything but the best for controlling it?

For over 10 years, JA King has standardized on moisture probes that we recommend and supply – Hydronix. No matter the bin shape/size or mixer style – they have a probe that meets the need and will last!

Hydronix is the world’s leading manufacturer of digital microwave sensors for moisture measurement in process control industries. Established in 1982 and with over 50,000 systems installed worldwide, Hydronix is the preferred choice for manufacturers in the Concrete, Aggregate and Asphalt industries.  It’s continued success in reducing cost and waste is leading manufacturers in animal feed, grain, sugar and other industries to incorporate Hydronix sensors into their own system.

Cost Savings and Improved Quality

• Accurately measure moisture levels in real time
• Reduce the number of wasted or spoilt batches
• Consistent quality batch after batch
• Control drier or burner process more effectively

The digital microwave moisture measurement technique developed by Hydronix is used in free flowing bulk materials to measure and control moisture levels throughout the manufacturing process. With the increasing cost of raw materials, producers are looking at ways in which to reduce costs without affecting quality. By accurately measuring the amount of water or liquid in a mix, manufacturers can reduce the amount of wastage and consistently produce quality products.

Moisture Measurement in Concrete Mixing

Hydronix sensors were originally designed for moisture measurement in concrete production, and are built to survive the harsh environment of flowing aggregates and the turbulence of a concrete mixer. Manufacturers need to produce quality concrete to a rigorous specification, batch after batch while keeping costs to a minimum.

Benefits

• Consistent batch quality
• Consistent batch sizes when using the Hydro-Probe
• Alarm function for high or low moisture contents
• Reduction in cement use
• Reduction in wastage due to incorrect moisture or slump
• Reduced mix cycle times

One of the major problems of inconsistency in batching concrete is the ever varying moisture content of the sand and aggregates from one batch to another. Good storage of the sand and aggregates can help, but even for materials stored in covered silos the moisture will be forever changing due the inevitable effects of drainage. Moisture content in stored sand and aggregates can have dramatic effects on the water/cement ratio, the aggregate/cement ratio, yield and the colour of the mix. Measuring the moisture content of the raw materials can enable the plant controller to adjust water addition into his mix in real time, minimising these effects. This enables batch after batch of concrete to be produced to the same, consistent quality.

The installation of moisture measurement sensors into the manufacturing process provides the producer with an on-line system that operates in real time and enables the accurate control of the water/cement or aggregate/cement ratios. Knowing the moisture levels of the raw materials allows the producer to accurately calculate not only the amount of water to be added to the mix but also the correct amount of cement and aggregates. This will reduce costs and also the level of rejected batches.

Hydronix microwave moisture measurement sensors can be installed in a variety of locations depending upon the individual requirements of the plant. The Hydro-Probe can be installed either in or underneath an aggregate bin and measures moisture as the raw material exits the bin. Alternatively it could be mounted above a conveyor and measure the aggregate as it flows past the sensor head. The Hydro-Mix has been designed to fit level with the floor and measures moisture in the mixer. Alternatively, the Hydro-Probe Orbiter can be mounted to the scraper arm or the side of the mixer and measures moisture content directly in the mix. All sensors connect directly to the plant control system using an analogue output or digital communications. For optimum accuracy the mixer sensors will also connect to a water control system such as the Hydro-Control VI, allowing precise control of the water into the mixer.