Customized solutions for moisture measurement in bulk solids The right moisture sensor for every application Moisture Sensor Experts

X Founded in 1984 as an engineering company, IMKO GmbH has been working on moisture measurement for over 30 years now. X Based on the unique TRIME-TDR technology, IMKO experts developed sensors for science and meteorology in the early 90s. A few years later, the product range was extended with solutions for measuring moisture in grain, primarily for applications in the agricultural sector. X Si nce the introduction of the SONO series in 2010, IMKO GmbH now offers a product portfolio that enables moisture measurement in any material, even for detection of just a few drops of water in solids, for...

IMKO – Application fields Bulk solids

The IMKO TRIME-TDR measurement method The sensors developed by IMKO are based on measurement with Time Domain Reflectometry, or TDR for short. In principle, this measurement method is suitable for a range of applications, such as cable break detection or even measurement of fill levels. When applied specifically for measuring moisture in bulk solids and liquids, the physical effect is used, which correlates the propagation speed of electromagnetic waves with the dielectric properties of the material to be measured. Since water has a significantly higher dielectric constant than the materials...

TDR measurement with the patented TRIME method Implementing a TDR measurement is usually associated with significant technical effort. Very accurate pulses must be generated and the measurement requires the utmost in precision. Therefore, for a long time, TDR technology remained a laboratory measurement method kept back for science. Measuring devices based on TDR were not only very expensive, but also large and unsuitable for field use. The TDR technology optimized by IMKO specifically for material moisture measurement, the TRIME method (Time Domain Reflectometry with Intelligent Micromodule...

The SONO probe as a "moisture tomograph” The guided radar wave (in green) propagates at approximately the speed of light. The sensor measures the material layer by layer discoidally and transverse to the sensor surface, as is familiar from a computer tomograph, for example. This method results in a sensor with an exactly defined measurement field, which can measure without errors even in the event of fluctuating fines or varying grain size. By measuring transverse to the sensor surface, the mechanical condition of the sensor surface does not represent a disturbance variable, i.e. the recurring...

SONO process moisture probes for the bulk solids industry Increase your plant safety and save time and resources through innovative sensor technologies All foodstuffs and bulk solids contain a proportion of water. The moisture content not only determines the quality of products, but also their shelf life and due to the weight, their price. Legal requirements lay down the framework. With material moisture measurement, you can determine the water content in your foodstuffs and bulk solids. IMKO is presenting a new generation of moisture probes in the form of its SONO probes. These were specifically...

SONO-View, display SM-USB, Sensor cable available Universal holder with Sliding carriage incl. and configuration interface in 4 m/10 m/25 m tilt mechanism mounting material unit converter

TRIME-GWs Precise moisture measurement in heterogeneous bulk solids with low mineral content and low to medium moisture Moisture range: 0 to 50% Conductivity range: 0 to 2 mS/cm Bulk solids density: 0.3 to 1.0 kg/dm³ TRIME-GWs transmitter Transmitter for measuring moisture in a continuous material flow and at hard to reach places, such as in vertical dryers. Used in conjunction with GR, GRr or WS2 probe. Temperature range: -10 to +70°C 1x GR/GRr/WS2 probe can be connected GR probe SONO version 2-rod probe, round with temperature sensor integrated in the rod with PEEK protection cap, for connection...

Predictive sensor networking through intelligent device communication SONO probes enable easy and user-friendly sensor networking Standard RS485 interfaces often pose significant challenges. They are not galvanically isolated and there is always the risk of ground loops or interference pulses, which can result in significant safety problems. For long cable lengths in particular, a shielded and twisted cable must be used. Depending on the wiring plan (topology), a 100 Ohm terminating resistor must be installed at sensitive locations in the RS485 network when there are individual spurs. In practice,...

Grain drying application example (TRIME-GWs) Using TRIME® GWs enables: xx Direct moisture measurement in the material, even at hard to reach places xx Continuous recording and monitoring of moisture content and temperature xx Improved and more accurate process control during all steps xx Improved process stability and thus lower product losses (overdrying/underdrying) xx Cost savings due to improved energy efficiency (due to less overdrying) Drying of bulk solids in vertical dryers When grain is harvested, it usually contains excess water. If the grain is stored in a silo, this excess water would...

Installation example for a continuous dryer Note: Do not install at the very top as there is a risk of frost! On-line measurement during the drying process directly at the start of the heating zone Inlet zone Heating zone Cooling zone TRIME-GWs On-line measurement at the discharge Continuous monitoring and recording during grain delivery, with report printout SONO-VIEW Installation in the control room or distribution cabinet Mix Process Status Normal Water Dosing Mix Overview Total Water Existing Water Runover Needed W ater Needed Water Need ed W ater Developing of Mixer Values 0,4 0,3 Optional...

Application example in sawdust and wood chips/wood pellets (SONO-GS1) Using SONO-GS1 enables: xx Direct moisture measurement in the material, even at hard to reach places xx Continuous recording and monitoring of moisture content and temperature xx Improved and more accurate process control during all work processes xx Increased process stability and thus lower scrap rates xx Cost savings due to increased energy efficiency (due to less overdrying) Drying bulk solids in belt dryers When drying bulk solids with belt dryers, an air-permeable belt is filled with the product to be dried. The height...