A portable grain meter is a digital measuring device for determining the moisture content of grain. It is used during harvesting, as well as during drying, storage, transportation and processing. Express analyzers are indispensable when working in the field, when there is no time or opportunity to use a drying cabinet and other equipment.
Constant moisture control is necessary to ensure that the quality of the grain and its price remain at a high level. You can choose the appropriate equipment taking into account its varieties and technical characteristics.
What types of moisture meters are there?
Portable Grain moisture meter according to the principle of operation can be conductometric and dielectric. The accuracy of the indicators is approximately at the same level, so a more important parameter when choosing a meter is its design.
The device can be:
- submersible;
- backfill.
The result of the analysis and the error in the readings largely depend on the type of filling of the container.
Based on the type of filling of the measuring chamber, devices are divided into three types:
- with spring-loaded sealing cover;
- with grain grinding;
- with free fall of grain.
Different types of containers should ensure a stable density of the filled grain and an accurate result, a pattern between analyzes. Devices with grain grinding and a sealed lid also give accurate readings. The error can be up to 0.5%. The most accurate results are obtained with a free-fall device that uses an additional measuring cup. This humidity meter allows an error of up to 0.3%.
In the measuring cup there is a conical electrode onto which the grain should be poured. When falling from the same height, the density readings are repeated between measurements, so the numbers on the scale are as accurate as possible.
The most reliable grain analyzer humidityis a device with built-in strain gauges. It has a higher cost and a larger number of scales. Before you start using it, you need to enter into the device’s memory the indicators that the laboratory drying cabinet will give. By default, standard averages may be used. Microprocessor circuits also help determine the nature of the grain and its density after falling asleep.
Technical features of moisture meters
In addition to the principle of operation and design, moisture meters may differ in service capabilities, additional functions and chamber volume. Productive and high-quality humidity measurement can provide devices from different manufacturers. The advantage for such a technique will always be:
- presence of strain gauges;
- automatic temperature stabilization;
- possibility of scale calibration;
- extended number of scales;
- express mode.
A high-quality modern moisture meter allows you to download the necessary work templates from the Internet and customize the equipment to individual needs. At the same time, the necessary settings are saved in the device’s memory, they can be used at the next measurement. A large number of scales and the presence of strain gauges indicate the high class and quality of the equipment. All this reduces the error to a minimum and makes the determination of grain moisture accurate and fast.
How to choose a moisture meter?
When choosing an express meter, take into account its cost, the presence of strain gauges and the ability to adjust the scale. Expensive foreign-made moisture meters guarantee precise control of humidity, so you can have no doubt about the measurement results. The difference in price between devices of foreign and domestic production is becoming less and less noticeable, due to which the choice is becoming wider.
Selection criteria
Most accurately measure humidity is helped by moisture meters with strain gauges. Such devices are more expensive and provide minimal error. Adjustment for grain nature occurs automatically. If the equipment is not equipped with strain gauges, then it is important to be able to adjust the scale. In this case, you can set the necessary parameters and achieve good results. The more the set parameters correspond to reality, the clearer and more accurate the indicators will be.
For comfortable work devices are equipped with displays that display all the data. Control and adjustment of parameters are carried out using buttons. A large display and convenient button placement can also influence the choice of equipment.
Modern moisture meters can last for years without needing repair or replacement. Nevertheless, the condition of the parts must be carefully monitored – mechanical damage can negatively affect the measurement results. In moisture meters with sealing covers, the seal springs may fail. Threads and springs wear out and require regular replacement of these parts. Availability and accessibility of consumables is another important point when choosing.
Moisture may remain on the walls of the measuring chamber, which over time spoils the container and leads to distorted results. Before use, it is better to wipe and dry the chamber walls – this will help avoid distortion. If the measurement error reaches 1% or more, then the moisture meter requires serious repairs or its complete replacement.
For additional information and advice, please call:
☎ +38 (067) 822-85-58.
