ACO Feuchtemessung – Moisture Measurement

The moisture content of bulk materials can have a significant impact on the quality and durability of the end products. Similarly, minimising costs and increasing efficiency are high on the agenda, especially in today’s economy situation. Knowing where improvements can be made and leaner operating procedures can be implemented leads to immediate and positive results in the process. Accurate and reliable moisture measurement in production is therefore simply essential. ACO moisture measurement systems are instrumental in reliably determining moisture and improving the product and overall efficiency of the plant.

1 The BMMS moisture measurement sensor combines the innovative advantages of the digital DMMS system and the “simplicity” of analog moisture measurement sensors
© ACO

1 The BMMS moisture measurement sensor combines the innovative advantages of the digital DMMS system and the “simplicity” of analog moisture measurement sensors

Quality management and process optimisation

Today’s manufacturing processes are complex and require a view of the whole. Starting from raw material extraction, processing, transport, production, life cycle and disposal, moisture measurement is always an issue. Moisture often has a direct influence on the quality of the bulk material. For example, excessive moisture can lead to mould formation, lumping or chemical reactions. The storage, durability and transport of bulk goods can also be positively influenced by, for example, ensuring pourability or storing bulk goods in optimum condition and protecting them from deterioration.

The moisture of the bulk material can also influence the production process itself. Excessive moisture can make processing difficult, for example due to blockages or clumping in the plant components. But a bulk material that is too dry can also disturb the production environment or endanger employees, for example, due to a high level of dust formation. Moisture measurement helps to ensure efficiency.

2 The residual moisture of a wide range of pourable materials, such as sand, minerals, clay etc. can be precisely determined
© ACO

2 The residual moisture of a wide range of pourable materials, such as sand, minerals, clay etc. can be precisely determined

Poka Yoke is the process of avoiding and eliminating human error in processes through standardisation or automation. In automated production lines, the integration of moisture measurement helps to minimise human error. In summary, every stage of the manufacturing process is more efficient when moisture content can be determined and controlled. By determining the moisture content, common problems can be prevented, resulting additional costs can be reduced and resources can be optimised.

BMMS sensor

In order to be able to offer customers precise and reliable moisture measurement in a wide range of applications, a company must always be one step ahead of the times and not rest on its laurels.

3 During operation, the sensor requires nothing but a power supply and a display or a controller that can receive the measurement signal
© ACO

3 During operation, the sensor requires nothing but a power supply and a display or a controller that can receive the measurement signal

The new capacitive moisture measurement sensor type BMMS from ACO sets a new standard in terms of precision, accuracy, reliability and is equipped for future requirements. With its advanced technology, it detects the material moisture in real time. In addition, it is insensitive to environmental influences and easy to integrate. The BMMS moisture measurement sensors are factory calibrated and allow full reproducibility of the data. When replacing a sensor, existing calibration data can be used across sensors and recalibration is not necessary.

In operation, the sensor requires nothing but a power supply, a display or a controller that waits for the measurement signal. The BMMS sensors are designed for applications in which no multi-part systems are to be used and yet the highest precision is required. Calibration in the process directly compensates for all influences resulting from sensor installation. The parameters are conveniently set using the newly designed and intuitively operated BMMScontrol calibration software. The measuring signal is output as an analogue 4...20 mA standard signal.

As usual, the measuring electronics are embedded in a robust and durable stainless steel housing with an extremely resistant ceramic disc. Optimisations in the area of sealing allow other installation positions. The pluggable sensor cable ensures optimum shielding, facilitates installation, but also the replacement of a sensor. Due to identical dimensions to other ACO sensors, the new BMMS can be retrofitted as desired.

The BMMS sensor is a completely new development and is based on the experience of over 22 years of dedication to moisture measurement. The sensor was developed with a great deal of practical relevance and many problems and requirements from everyday use were incorporated. The aim was to produce an uncomplicated, reliable and robust sensor that is easy for everyone to put into operation. Compact, powerful and SMART, the new BMMS sensor with digital measurement technology and integrated microprocessor evaluation provides a high-quality solution with convenient calibration, simple installation and a very good price-performance ratio.

Booth 4A-127