This barley malt moisture measurement application originated based on the requirements of a major producer and the largest consumer of brewing barley malt in North America. This customer specified the need for process equipment to continuously measure the moisture and temperature of the barley malt, in the kiln, through out the complete kilning cycle. This requires the measurement of malt drying from 48% to 4% moisture and temperatures ranging to 200 °F MESA Systems Co. satisfied this demanding application by adapting existing process moisture measurement devices to meet these unique requirements. Once proven to be repeatable and accurate, the equipment was installed in 20-kilns. In kilns where caramelized malt is produced moistures > 50% and temperatures ranging to 245 °F have been measured.

The actual configuration for each kiln bed that is being monitored is slightly different. A series of probes are mounted incrementally by height to measure the full bed depth. In the top deck of two-deck or single-deck kilns, three probes were installed. In the bottom deck one probe was installed. The probes are located in the center of the kiln bed.

Mission Critical Applications
Xentaur's Mission-Critical Moisture System Model ESS-SCVP has been designed for applications where the precise control of moisture concentration is mission-critical for a process.

The Challenge of Moisture Measurement
Conventional methods to measure moisture have so far proven too unreliable for industrial process control and are mostly used as indicators and alarm tools, using large safety margins.

Xentaur HTF™ Moisture Technology
Xentaur's breakthrough HTF™ aluminum oxide moisture technology has overcome the deficiencies inherent with conventional sensors, thus providing an accurate, stable and close to maintenance-free measurement solution, which in combination with our ESS modular sample conditioning solutions is suitable for mission-critical process control applications.

Self-Calibrating Moisture System
Additionally, in order to assure highest measurement accuracy and reliability in mission critical process control or alarm applications, Xentaur's ESS sample systems are available with a fully automatic self-calibration feature, in which the sensor is periodically exposed to a certified calibration gas.

By periodically adjusting the sensor calibration to read accurately when exposed to a certified calibration gas, accurate measurements in the vicinity of the calibration gas's moisture content are also assured when measuring in the sample gas, even if a sensor has drifted as a result of exposure to gas contaminants.
Xentaur's Mission-Critical Self-Calibrating Natural Gas Sample System takes advantage of the uniquely large and quasi linear response to moisture of Xentaur HTF™ sensors. The large response to moisture of HTF™ sensors is an absolute requirement for adjusted moisture computations based on a single point calibration.

Xentaur's Self-Calibrating Sample System is available in hazardous area approved versions for Class 1 Div 1 as well as Class 1 Div 2 applications.

Self-Calibration Procedure
To perform the calibration procedure, an electrically or pneumatically actuated 2-way valve is activated to feed calibration gas supplied from a certified bottle to the sensor. The sensor output is monitored and after equilibrium with the calibration gas is detected, the calibration curve is linearly adjusted over the full range to provide measurement computations which correspond to the known dewpoint. The 2-way valve switch deactivates, exposing the sensor again to the sample stream.
The interval at which the sensor needs to be re-calibrated is user programmable and application dependant. A bi-weekly calibration schedule has proven successful in tough industrial applications after glycol drying.

Certified Calibration Gas
The calibration gas is supplied in specially manufactured passivated aluminium bottles, which are certified to discharge gas with a constant moisture content. The moisture standards can be custom ordered in different bottle sizes with moisture contents ranging from 1-140ppm. The life of a calibration bottle is typically in excess of one year, based on a biweekly calibration interval.
The use of certified calibration gases is well accepted in most industries, and used for most process analyzers, such as chromatographs and spectrophotometers.
Manufacturers of conventional aluminum oxide sensors recommend sending sensors twice a year for recalibration at a considerable cost. The Xentaur Mission-Critical sample system provides 26 calibrations per year at a total cost of $300 (Cost of calibration gas based on biweekly calibrations.)

Field Proven in Challenging Applications
Xentaur's Mission-Critical Sample system is field proven to work in challenging applications. Download a PDF file describing a sample case of a natural gas application. For references please contact your local representative.

Moisture measurement in low parts-per-billion measurement ranges for ultra-high purity (UHP) gases is critical to a variety of semiconductor, LCD, and other manufacturing processes. HygroTrace™ uses a newly patented technique to provide accurate and reliable measurement for 0-100 PPB moisture levels with the sensitivity and speed of response matched only by current technology analyzers that are much larger in size and more expensive in price. Typical semiconductor applications include measurement of moisture in UHP gas delivery and distribution systems and point-of-use moisture measurement protection.

Current technologies for low PPB moisture measurement include tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS), vibrating quartz crystal, and phosphorous pentoxide. However, these technologies typically require a rack mount instrument package that is relatively large in size and includes complicated parts and temperature control. As a result, these analyzers cost $20,000-$50,000 per point of measurement. The new HygroTrace meter from GE Sensing uses aluminum oxide technology with a newly patented technique that vastly improves sensor speed of response to provide PPB moisture measurement in minutes. In addition, HygroTrace has the form factor of a transmitter package with the only wetted parts being essentially a flow-through ¼" VCR tee fitting. The HygroTrace package is 80-90% smaller than competitive analyzers and cost 50-70% less.

"Customers have always liked the form factor of aluminum oxide moisture sensor technology for moisture measurement in UHP gas systems because it's small and it can be mounted closer to the sample point than other technologies," says John Kerney, Moisture Product Manager for GE Sensing. Continuing his discussion of the new technology, Traditional diffusion-based aluminum oxide sensors have proved just too slow in terms of response time that customers need. We took a fresh approach knowing that these sensors tend to wet-up very rapidly. The new sensor technology employed in the HygroTrace applies a temperature pulse to 'dry' the sensor. Then the re-adsorption rate is measured while holding a constant sensor temperature. This measurement is proportional to the moisture concentration in the sample gas and provides the sensitivity and response time needed to effectively measure parts per billion levels of moisture.

HygroTrace™ features a large integrated backlit display, which users can easily read from several feet away. An integral six-button keypad allows users to program the unit for output range and to check on performance. The unit is loop powered using a 20-28 VDC source and provides a 4-20 mA output proportional to a user-programmed range.

About GE

GE (NYSE: GE) is Imagination at Work—a diversified technology, media and financial services company focused on solving some of the world's toughest problems. With products and services ranging from aircraft engines, power generation, water processing and security technology to medical imaging, business and consumer financing, media content and advanced materials, GE serves customers in more than 100 countries and employs more than 300,000 people worldwide. For more information, visit the company's Web site at www.ge.com.

About GE Sensing

GE Sensing is a world leader in advanced measurement and sensor-based technology solutions. GE Sensing designs and produces precision instruments and systems that measure temperature, pressure, liquid level, humidity, gas concentration, and flow rate for the most demanding customer applications. GE Sensing serves customers around the world in the aerospace, healthcare, transportation, process and industrial businesses.

Druck, General Eastern, Kaye, NovaSensor, Panametrics, Telaire, Thermometrics and Ruska are now part of one team, under one name: GE Sensing. For more information, visit http://www.gesensing.com.

For more information about the product, contact:
John Kerney, Moisture Product Manager
Email: john.kerney@ge.com

Vaisala has extended its moisture in oil product range with the Vaisala HUMICAP® Moisture and Temperature Transmitter for Oil MMT162. This new transmitter offers a compact and economical solution for reliable continuous measurement of moisture in oil.

The MMT162 incorporates the latest generation of the Vaisala HUMICAP® Sensor. This sensor is developed for demanding moisture measurement in liquid hydrocarbons and has been used in oil applications for over a decade.

The MMT162 measures moisture in oil in terms of water activity (aw) and temperature (T). Water activity directly indicates whether there is a risk of free water formation. The measurement is independent of oil type, age, and temperature. In transformer applications ppm units are traditionally used. The ppm calculation for mineral oil based transformer oil is optional in the MMT162.

The MMT162 has two analog outputs that can be scaled and the measurement ranges changed. Additionally, the transmitter has an RS-485 serial output. An optional LED-cable enables a visual alarm.

Typical applications for the MMT162 are lubrication systems, hydraulic systems, and transformers. Its measurements can be used for on-line moisture monitoring and as a control function, allowing dryers and oil purifiers to be started only when necessary.

When moisture vapor levels challenge the warranty limitations of high quality flooring products, Koester has the complete system.

The Koester VAP I resins were specifically formulated to cure under extreme moisture vapor conditions and remain unaffected by high levels of alkalinity.

A true one-coat system, easy to apply, V.O.C. compliant, little to no odor, that allows flooring to be placed after a 12-hour cure.

ASTM D-1308 test method: unaffected by a pH 14.

ASTM E-96 test method: 94% reduction in moisture vapor emissions.

ASTM D-4541 635 psi (100% cohesive failure of substrate).

Warranty for vapor levels of 25 pounds / per 1000 sq.ft. / 24 hr.

Our "New" adhesive line to be used directly over the VAP I System.

Single-Source, 10 year, multi-million dollar independently insured warranty covering our systems, and the specified flooring with an owner's umbrella included in the policy.

VAP I System can be applied to green concrete 7 days old, making the surface available for flooring after just 10 days of placement.

VAP I Systems are only applied by manufacturer trained and approved applicators.

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*l Semiconductor industry for monitoring common process gases *l Gas supplier Industry as a quality control instrument *l Electric power industry for checking moisture levels in transformer gases

Benefits:

*Monitors PPMv moisture levels in relatively clean, dry, inert gases

*Electrochemical sensor with proprietary diffusion membrane

*0.1 to 500 PPMv measurement; sensitivity below 1 PPMv

*Fast response; flow insensitive

The DewTrace™ moisture analyzer utilizes an electrochemical (phosphorus pentoxide-P2O5 coated) sensor in combination with a proprietary semipermeable diffusion membrane. This membrane freely passes water vapor molecules while protecting the sensor from larger molecules which might adversely affect performance. The sensing element itself is an interdigitated wafer electrode and is manufactured using a unique procedure. It doesn't utilize a wire wound component.

The interconnecting cable length between the sensor housing and electronics is of minor importance since the sensor outputs a DC current. A six-foot length is provided. The electronics unit supplies power for the sensor and converts the received analog signal into a moisture value in PPMv which is then digitally displayed on the front panel. The electronics is equipped with a stand-by position on the function switch which allows the cell to remain dry when not sampling, and which also gives indication of proper functioning of the cell. This feature significantly reduces or eliminates the amount of drying time prior to startup. The electronics is also equipped with a Cell Life Indicator which displays the useful life of the sensing element. If the sensing element is replaced, a Calibration Digital Switch, located on the rear panel, matches the new element to the electronics.

Principle of Operation:

The electrochemical cell consists of a hygroscopic material, phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5), coated on a semiconductor electrode element. Voltages are applied to the electrodes such that adequate field strength is obtained to dissociate absorbed water into hydrogen and oxygen, The current flowing is proportional to the quantity of water dissociated (Faraday's Law of Electrolysis). Thus, this instrument, which measures the dissociation current, makes a fundamental measurement of the moisture present.

Features:

This sensor design is easy to install, use, and maintain. The sensing element and membrane are mounted in a rugged 316SS stainless steel housing. The sensor assembly can be used in-situ with its own mounting flange, or it can be used in a flow stream with the optional 316 Stainless Steel Sample Chamber. It is less subject to contamination than other sensors because of the membrane. Also, when other oxide sensors fail, the whole sensor often needs to be replaced-a very costly procedure. In this sensor, only the membrane and/or wafer electrode would require replacement-an easy,inexpensive task. Measurements are very repeatable. Since measurements are independent of the mass of gas, the inaccuracies and calibration problems associated with most other electrochemical sensors are eliminated.