Hydronix applications

Hydronix sensors were originally designed for the ready-mix and pre-cast concrete industries to increase the accuracy of batching and slump control. However, microwave moisture measurement has also proved to be invaluable in other industries that use sand or aggregates during processing.

With increasing costs in raw materials, asphalt manufacturers are looking at ways to reduce costs while continuing to produce a consistent quality product. On-line moisture measurement in asphalt production is a cost effective method of reducing costs without affecting quality.

Moisture measurement and control is an important factor in maintaining consistency and quality when producing clay bricks. Traditionally the moisture content has been controlled manually. However producers have found that introducing microwave sensors from Hydronix is an extremely accurate and effective method to measure moisture in clay brick manufacture.

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 are required to produce quality concrete to rigorous specifications, batch after batch while keeping costs to a minimum. Hydronix sensors can be used to control the moisture content of every batch to within +/- 0.1% moisture.

Around 50% of the world`s paddy rice production is parboiled. This process involves steaming or boiling the rice kernel while it is still in the husk and then drying it. Measuring moisture in the rice during the drying process can directly reduce the amount of energy required to dry the rice and will also reduce the amount of wasted material.

When manufacturing powders, for example dried drinking chocolate, it is common practice to concentrate a liquid before spray drying and this is typically done in an evaporator. The material is then processed through a spray drier where the remaining moisture is evaporated leaving fine particles of powder.  Measuring the precise level of concentration of the liquid to identify the point at which it can be discharged can achieve considerable savings in the reduction of wasted materials and also provides increased and consistent product quality.

The Hydrotrac sensor has been designed to specifically measure Brix or dissolved solids in sugar and sweetener applications. Using advanced digital microwave measuring techniques, the water content of a syrup or massecuite can be precisely measured and the Degrees Brix measurement derived.

Used in both batch and continuous asphalt plants for Low Energy Asphalt (LEA) or Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA) manufacturing Hydronix sensors accurately measure the moisture content of various sizes of recycled asphalt. This allows for the correct moisture content to be achieved before the addition of the emulsifying agent.

Measuring moisture in foundry sand (Bentonite and Coke) to maintain a consistent moisture level to ensure repeatable compression and shear strengths. It is advised to measure ahead of the mixer. Please contact Hydronix for further information.

Widely used to measure the moisture content of sand in glass plants around the world.