Moisture measurement with temperature display and material flow monitoring

M-Sens 3

Microwave sensor for continuous moisture measurement in dry bulk solids, with flow detection and process temperature measurement

Sensors for continuous moisture measurement and installation on conveyor belts, screw feeder or hoppers.
Two types of sensor-technology to cover a wide range of applications. Both sensors penetrate the product for most reliable measurements.
Microwave based sensor for high resolution and accuracy.

  • highly resistant to abrasion
  • integrated temperature reading
  • flow detection function

Reliable moisture measurement with high resolution

  • Moisture ranges 0 … 65 % (depending on material)
  • Measurement accuracy 0.1 %
  • Online moisture measurement
  • Instant and accurate process/material temperature measurement from 0 °C to 120 °C
  • Flow detection alarm
  • Independent of the material colour
  • Temperature-resistant up to 120 °C
  • Recording of surface moisture and capillary moisture
  • ATEX-certified
  • Cement
  • Chemistry
  • Asphalt
  • Food
  • Glass
  • Grain
  • Lime
  • Minerals
  • Steel
  • Wood
  • Foundry
  • Construction materials
  • Biomass
  • Recycling
  • Building materials
  • Power plant
Technical Specifications
Material to measure Dust, powder, granulates and other bulk solids
Place to measure Screw conveyor, belt conveyor, container, slide, dryer, mixer
Working principle Microwave
Moisture range 0 to 65% (depending on application)
Material temperature Max. 120°C
Temperaure measurement Included
Mounting Flange
ATEX rating Category 1
Output 4…20mA, Modbus, Profibus
Flow detection Included
  • Moisture ranges: 0 – 65 % (depending on material)
  • Measurement accuracy: 0.1 %
  • Temperatur resistant: up to 120°
  • ATEX – certified
  • Materials: alls types of dust, powder, granulates and other bulk solids
  • Different mounting positions possible
Sensor Technical Data
Housing Stainless steel 1.4571
Sensor surface Ceramic
Ex-protection (optional) Zone 20 (Dust), Zone 0 (Gas)
Protection category IP 67 according to EN 60529
Material ambient temperature 0 … +80 °C, optional 120 °C
Working pressure Max. 10 bar
Power consumption 0.6 W
Response time 0.1 sec
Weight Approx. 1000 g
Measuring range 0 … 65 % residual moisture
(depending on material)
Temperature measurement 0 … +120 °C
± 0,6 °C (typical) betw. 0 and +120 °C
± 1 °C (Max.) betw. 0 and +70 °C
± 2 °C (Max.) betw. 0 and +120 °C
Flow Detection alarm YES
Accuracy 0.1 % absolutely
in the calibrated measuring range
Connection cable shielded cable 4-wired, 0.25 mm2
Transmitter Technical Data
Transmitter (DIN Rail) Transmitter (field housing)
Power supply 24 V DC ±10 % 110 / 230 V AC 50 Hz
(optional 24 V DC)
Power consumption 20 W / 24 VA
Protection type IP 40 to EN 60 529 IP 65 to EN 60 52 910.91
Ambient operating temperature -10 … +45 °C
Dimensions (W x H x D) 23 x 110 x 121 mm 258 x 237 x 174 mm
Weight Approx. 190 g Approx. 2.5 kg
DIN rail fastening DIN 60715 TH35 /
Interface ModBus RTU (RS 485) / USB RS 485 (ModBus RTU) / USB
Cable screw connectors / 3 x M20 (4.5 – 13 mm Ø)
Connection terminals cable
cross-section
0.2-2.5 mm2 [AWG 24-14]
Current output 2 x 4 … 20 mA (0 … 20 mA),
load < 500 Ω
3 x 4 … 20 mA (0 … 20 mA),
load < 500 Ω
Pulse output Open Collector – max. 30 V, 20 mA
Relay contact Max. rated load: 250 V AC
Max. peak current: 6 A
Max. rated load 230 V AC: 250 VA
Max. breaking capacity DC1: 3/110/220 V: 3/0.35/0.2 A
Min. switching load: 500 mW (10 V / 5 mA)
Data backup Flash memory
Flexible positioning
The M-Sens 3 was developed to offer maximum flexibility during assembly. The following aspects should be taken into account in the positioning of the probe: The measuring field penetrates the densest materials (e. g. sand). With a minimum depth of 120 mm, the probe should always be directed at the material to avoid reflection problems.

Installation situations

Container
For a simple installation, a standard connection flange is available.

Conveyor belt
Measurement of material moisture on a conveyor belt. A constant material height is generated by attaching a material skimmer. This offers ideal conditions for an online measurement.
The installation in the lower third of a conveyor screw has the advantage that the material volume that passes over the sensor is almost constant, allowing for an optimal measurement. The movement of the auger flights is hidden.

Free fall pipe
To be able to measure in free fall pipes or inclined pipes (chutes) with the M-Sens 3, it is possible to gather material in front of the probe in the short term, for the duration the measurement, with a catching mechanism. After the measurement, the flap will open again and allows the gathered material to continue to drop. The measuring process can be permanently repeated in short or long intervals according to requirements.

m-sens moisture measurement container installation process solids
m-sens moisture measurement conveyor belt process solids
m-sens moisture measurement screw conveyor process solids
m-sens moisture measurement free fall process solids

Cases Studies