Moisture analysis determines the amount of water in a substance, important in manufacturing and industrial applications. Thermogravimetric analysis is commonly used. Moisture affects coal burning and natural gas production. Soil moisture is measured for agriculture. Large-scale bakeries test for moisture in dough.
Moisture analysis is the determination of the amount of water in a substance. Usually, moisture analysis is reported as a percentage of moisture by weight. This measurement is important in many manufacturing and industrial applications for many reasons.
Use caution when preparing samples for moisture analysis. The water in the sample will tend to evaporate if the ambient humidity is lower than the sample conditions or if the temperature is warmer. Similarly, water can condense in the sample if the ambient humidity or temperature is high relative to the sample. Collection containers should be airtight and sealed to the atmosphere and have little overhead space.
Thermogravimetric analysis is commonly used to determine moisture content. Weight loss due to water is calculated by weighing the sample before and after heating, drying and cooling. As long as the sample collection is good and there are no low molecular weight volatile compounds in the sample, this is a standard and accurate technique.
In many industrial processes, moisture is a key property that must be known before further processing. In coal burning, moisture affects the carrying capacity of the ground coal, the heat required to burn the coal, and the energy derived from the coal. When the coal feed is a slurry, or a mixture of very finely ground coal and water, the moisture content must be determined in real time to obtain the proper burning conditions. Moisture analysis is performed on a moving conveyor belt, which is also a dewatering station. A microwave receiver above the belt calculates the percentage of water based on the percentage of the original microwave energy received versus that transmitted from below the conveyor belt and through the coal slurry layer.
The water content of natural gas is important to gas suppliers. Natural gas, as drilled, is saturated with water and various hydrocarbons that must be removed. A moisture analysis is performed continuously on the natural gas production stream. As the natural gas stream passes the analyzer, the water passes through an attractive layer between two electric plates. Subsequent changes in conductance are calibrated to report the moisture content.
Soil moisture is measured by farmers and scientists to predict crop yields, prevent plant diseases, and evaluate irrigation or other agricultural technologies. While thermogravimetric techniques can be used, simple probes can measure soil conductivity and therefore moisture content. Soil moisture measurements over time help scientists understand drought cycles and long-term effects on forests.
Beginner bakers are often told to pay attention to the humidity in the room when making bread. The addition of flour into the dough will be directly related to the humidity in the air. Large-scale bakeries also test for moisture in the dough stage to ensure their products taste good and have a nice texture and acceptable shelf life. Thermogravimetric techniques are generally used in these production lines.
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