IMPS-4400
Online RF Moisture Sensor Array
The Sensortech Instant Moisture Profiling System (IMPS-4400) is a non-contact RF moisture profiling system for board manufacturers to improve and optimise production processes and meet quality standards, reduce energy costs, increase productivity, and generate revenue. The IMPS-4400 utilises radio-frequency antennas to analyse board moisture characteristics below the surface, which is critical information for ensuring consistent quality of finished boards.
True Moisture Profiling for Paper & Board Products
Benefits
- Total Moisture Control: IMPS-4400 delivers the most advanced level of direct moisture profiling with an accuracy range of ±0.05%, helping operators make data-driven decisions to manage board quality
- Powerful Visual Insights on Your Process: Proprietary software provides multiple graphical representations of moisture distribution for individual boards entering or exiting a kiln or dryer, helping mediate energy expenses
- Integrate Into Your Process Control System: Integrating the IMPS-4400 into your process provides advanced profiling features for moisture management across multiple decks
Features
- RF dielectric measurement provides a true moisture profile
- Non-contact multi-sensor profiling array
- Easy communication between the profiler and an HMI system
- Proprietary software offering board product diagnostics
- Data-logging and trend time plot for statistical analysis
Applications – Penetrating RF Moisture Analysis
The IMPS-4400 is engineered specifically for board manufacturers in a wide range of industries.
- Construction/Building Materials: Drywall, hardboard, particle board, gypsum/fibre board, cement/fibre board
- Wood Manufacturing: Hardwood veneers, plywood veneers, dimensional lumber
- Paper Manufacturing: Cardboard, laminates, pulp bales, sheets
How It Works
The IMPS-4400 is mounted directly between rollers in a conveying board process line, with individual sensors mounted in an array spanning the width of the total board line. As a board passes through a conveyor – either entering or exiting a dryer or kiln – the IMPS-4400 transmits RF signals from the array of sensors, which capture up to 30 moisture readings per second.
Measurement information is displayed in proprietary software and stored in an X-Y matrix based on the number of sensing points in a configuration. The graphs, tables, and trend charts in the software illustrate the moisture profile from different perspectives, providing real-time moisture measurements.
RF Technology
IMPS-4400 utilises RF technology, a penetrating measurement method that uses radio-frequency dielectric measurements to analyse the full moisture composition of the product. It is an alternative to near-infrared (NIR) technology, which measures the surface of a product without penetrating. Read this article for an explanation of the key differences between NIR and RF.Software
In board manufacturing operations, having quantifiable data on moisture content before and after drying is essential for product quality. The proprietary software that comes with the IMPS-4400 provides multiple graphical representations of moisture distribution for individual boards, yielding extraordinary discoveries to help producers save time, reduce waste, and lower energy costs.
Visualise your production process in a way no other moisture measurement management system can offer.
- View graphic profiles in multi-deck displays, cross-direction moisture profiles, bar graphs, and more
- Dryer exit visualisation shows the moisture profile of every board. As shown below, the wetter region indicated in blue on the right-lower mid decks could result in inconsistent board quality.
- The third image below illustrates the cross-board moisture profile of every deck in a 12-deck triple-wide dryer. The spread between traces indicates dryer imbalance.
View graphic profiles in multi-deck displays, cross-direction moisture profiles, bar graphs, and more.
Dryer exit visualisation shows the moisture profile of every board.
A cross-board moisture profile of every deck in a 12-deck triple-wide dryer.
| Dimensions | Customizable Array |
|---|---|
| Weight | Varies by Configuration |
| Resolution | Moisture: 0.01% |
| Measurement Range | Moisture: 0-25% |
| Accuracy | Gypsum Board = ±0.02%; Wood Panel Board = ±0.10% |
| Computer | OS: Windows 10 IoT Enterprise 2016 LTSB High End (i7, Xeon) – 64 Bit, Processor: 1 x Intel i7-6700TE (Skylake) 2.4 GHz Processor: LGA1151 – SR2LP, Memory: 1 x DDR4 2133 SO-DIMM Memory – 8 GB, Primary Storage Drive: 1 x Samsung 850 EVO mSATA SSD – 250 GB, AC Adapter: 1 x Power Adapter DC 12 V, 6.67A, 80 W Level 5, Mounting: 1 x Wall Mounting Brackets |
| Sensor Array | Maximum 128 Sensors, Each with Resolution of 50 mm (2 in Squared) |
| Maximum Sensor Array Width | 6502 mm (256 in) |
| Outputs | 4-20mA, 0-10VDC, 0-5VDC (Optional), OPC Server (Optional) |
Optional I/O for Seamless Integration
While the IMPS-4400 can operate as a standalone instrument, KPM Analytics has made it easy to integrate IMPS-4400 into your process control system through the I/O option.
The I/O option offers real-time (not latched) analog signals providing 0-10VDC and 4-20mA outputs to your processor or PLC. Additionally, logic outputs to your processor or PLC provide alarm signals indicating user defined levels of moisture and board lengths. This helps board manufacturers simplify their quality control procedures by adding moisture profiling into their process.
