Grain moisture meter: what it is, how it works, application

Increased moisture can spoil the crop at all stages from ripening to storage in the elevator. If this figure is increased, the grain class is reduced. Increases the risk that pathogens, bacteria and fungi begin to multiply in the grain. Therefore, grain moisture is checked with a special electronic device - moisture meter. Based on the results, you can take measures in time to reduce the moisture level and prevent spoilage of the crop. Grain moisture meters can be:

• stationary and high-precision - for use in the laboratory;
• portable - small devices that are used in the field.

How does the grain moisture meter work

To understand how a grain moisture meter works, let's understand the basics of physics. Grain consists of solid components and liquid. Each layer of grain - shell, germ, aleurone layer has a different dielectric permittivity. Where there is a boundary between the dry matter and the moisture, polarization occurs. This determines the dielectric properties and the ability to dissipate electromagnetic energy. The operation of the grain moisture meter is based on this property.

Under the action of the electromagnetic field of the apparatus by high-frequency currents the sample of grain is heated. The degree of current decay determines the moisture content of grain.

The ability of grain layers to conduct current varies depending on many factors: the strength of the electromagnetic field, signal strength, the presence of impurities in the composition of the grain, the presence of air gaps, etc. The moisture meter is calibrated for the type of grain. Standard samples of grain, which has an ideal moisture index, are taken as a reference.

Grain moisture meter application

Grain moisture meter is used not only in laboratory conditions. The devices can be used in the field or at the elevator. A brief algorithm of use looks like this:

• In the settings of the apparatus specify the type of crop to be examined.
• Grains, pre-cleaned from debris and dust, poured into a special chamber in the device.
• After a few seconds the result appears on the display.

To be sure that the moisture content is determined correctly, several samples of grain are tested. Samples are taken from the same batch of crops.

What the grain moisture meter is used for:

• In the field, they measure the moisture content of grain and determine when it is time to start harvesting.
• If the moisture indicator in the granary is high during the analysis, turn on the aerators with ventilation and dry out the grain. This prevents the formation of mold and bacteria. The crop remains of high quality.
• When the crop is delivered after threshing, the moisture content is checked.

Such monitoring of grain moisture allows to prevent premature swelling and germination of grain, reduction of loose properties, changes in quality of gluten and protein content. After moisture correction based on moisture meter data, grain is preserved suitable for food or saved for sowing.