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IMKO Micromodultechnik
IMKO SOIL BROCHURE

IMKO SOIL BROCHURE

Product catalog summary

Company History
IMKO GmbH, established in 1984, specializes in moisture measurement technology. Initially focused on science and meteorology, the company expanded into agricultural applications in the 1990s. The introduction of the SONO series in 2010 enhanced precise moisture measurement across various materials. Since 2017, IMKO has been part of the Endress+Hauser Group, continuing to produce high-quality products in Germany.

Application Fields
IMKO's moisture sensors are utilized in fields such as concrete, soil, and bulk solids. Their TRIME-TDR technology is central to their products, offering precise moisture measurement by analyzing the dielectric properties of materials.

TRIME-TDR Measurement Method
The TRIME-TDR method employs Time Domain Reflectometry to measure moisture by correlating electromagnetic wave propagation speed with material dielectric properties. This robust method requires minimal calibration and offers long-lasting performance even in challenging environments.

Product Innovations
IMKO's TRIME-TDR technology has received multiple awards for innovation, providing a compact, cost-effective solution for moisture measurement, overcoming traditional challenges such as electrical conductivity interference.

PICO Probes

PICO32: Designed for high-resolution, near-surface monitoring, suitable for laboratory and greenhouse applications. It features a compact design and various interfaces for integration.
PICO64: Ideal for heterogeneous soils, offering a large measuring field for reliable data. It is durable and suitable for infrastructure projects.
PICO IPH2: A mobile solution for depth-profile measurements, providing insights into vadose zones for applications like flood warning and slope modeling.

Applications
IMKO sensors are used in agriculture, infrastructure, and environmental monitoring. They help optimize soil conditions for crop yield by measuring moisture, salinity, and temperature, contributing to sustainable land management.

Introduction to PICO Systems
The document discusses the utilization of the PICO IPH2 and PICO T3PN systems for measuring soil moisture, electrical conductivity, and temperature in various soil conditions. These systems are designed for both stationary and mobile applications, providing precise data for agricultural and environmental monitoring.

Specifications and Features
The PICO T3PN system is highlighted for its ability to measure soil profiles simultaneously at different depths, such as 5, 10, and 25 meters. It is compatible with SDI-12 networks and can be connected to a PC via the IMKO interface for cost-effective data logging. Key features include a durable design, easy handling, large measuring fields, and minimal calibration requirements due to TDR technology.

Installation and Configuration
The document details the installation process of the PICO T3PN, which involves connecting 20cm probe segments with spacer elements to achieve the desired measurement depth. The system is suitable for depths up to 3 meters and can be easily integrated into existing data logging systems.

Applications and Use Cases
The PICO systems are used in various agricultural applications, such as monitoring soil moisture in strawberry cultivation. The document emphasizes the importance of soil moisture measurement for effective irrigation management and preventing root diseases. The systems provide high-resolution data that helps in optimizing irrigation and fertilization practices.

Technological Advancements
The document mentions the development of the IMKO SONO VARIO series, which is designed for industrial applications. This series builds on the same measurement principles as the PICO systems but is adapted for different environments.

Conclusion
The document concludes by highlighting the importance of precise soil moisture measurement for sustainable farming practices, especially in the context of climate change. The IMKO technology offers significant advantages in data acquisition, supporting efficient resource use and environmental protection.

Backfilling in Underground Cavities
The document discusses the use of backfilling in underground cavities and mines to support geological layers and reduce fluid mobility. The University of Resources in Freiberg, Germany, is researching the long-term stability of such backfilling, particularly using salt grit in saline formations.

GESAV Project Overview
The GESAV project focuses on developing rapid structural stabilization methods for salt grit backfilling. A salt cement is used to stabilize the salt grit, promoting artificial re-crystallization and maintaining mineral strength. The project aims to achieve optimal mechanical integrity of the backfill.

Research and Testing
Parameters such as settlement, permeability, and mechanical properties are examined using sensors. Approximately 80 tons of material are used per test batch, consisting of salt grain, binder, and solution. Various installation methods are tested to achieve high density, including pneumatic, centrifugal, and vibratory techniques.

Monitoring Techniques
Special calibration is required for moisture sensors due to high salt content. Continuous monitoring of salt mineral formation is conducted using moisture measurement systems and cyclic P-XRD tests.

Applications and Acknowledgments
The techniques developed are applicable in various infrastructures for environmental monitoring. The document acknowledges the collaboration with the University of Resources in Freiberg and highlights the contributions to understanding salt grit crystallization.

Catalog excerpts

Moisture sensors for agricultural engineering, hydrology and irrigation The right moisture sensor for every application Moisture Sensor Experts

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-► Founded in 1984 as an engineering firm, IMKO GmbH has been working on moisture measurement for over 30 years now. -► 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. -► Since 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 ofjust a few drops of water in solids, for...

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IMKO – Application fields Bulk solids

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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...

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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...

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The PICO probe as a "moisture tomograph" The diagram illustrates how the guided radar wave (in green) spreads with a velocity close to the speed of light. The sensor measures the material in a disk-like manner layer by layer similar to a computer tomograph. What may seem complicated at first glance has substantial advantages in practical use of the sensor. Due to this method the sensor has a large and robust measuring field, able to measure without measuring disturbances, even if the prevailing soil is very heterogenous and varies. The innovative sensor design is available in different adapted...

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The determination of the electrical conductivity (EC) is very important for soils in agriculture. It correlates directly with the prevailing mineral concentration and can provide suppositions on the current fertilization status. Deviations from an optimal concentration of minerals have a negative impact on the crop yield. Our measurement technology enables a valuable contribution to an economically and ecologically sustainable management of farmland. Plants require main nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium in larger quantities. But micronutrients or trace elements such...

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PICO32 – The measurement solution for high quality in resolution and selective measurement tasks Very compact dimensions Small cylindrical measuring field for high-resolution and near-surface monitoring (approx. 750ml measuring field size with 110mm rod length) Variable rod lengths: 50mm, 80mm and 110mm (standard 110mm) available Also suitable for laboratory applications Multiparameter probe (humidity, temperature and electrical conductivity) Various interfaces available Little calibration requirements thanks to TDR technology Durable and robust design in IP68 PICO32 – For near surface Monitoring...

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PICO32 for measurements into soil - as a mobile probe, usually used with our HD2 handheld device or our Bluetooth® interface PICO-BT PICO-BT Bluetooth Module to enable communication between PICO probes and any mobile Android device or smartphone. Incl. Battery, charger and software. The PICO-BT is an interface module and cannot save measurement data. Measurement field of the PICO32 (size 750cm³) Installation example close to the surface including cabling at the data station

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PICO64 – The measurement solution for heterogeneous soils and various measurement tasks Very rugged design Large measuring field for reliable measurement data even under difficult conditions Variable rod lengths 100mm, 160mm and 200mm (standard 160mm) available Suitable for measurements in stony heterogeneous soils Multiparameter probe (humidity, temperature and electrical conductivity) Various interfaces available Little calibration requirements due to TDR technology Durable and robust design in IP68 PICO64 – Precise measurements with a large measuring field in challenging conditions As previously...

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PICO64 for measurements in the topsoil - as a mobile probe, usually used with our HD2 handheld device or our Bluetooth® interface PICO-BT HD2 mobile handheld device to connect PICO probes for soil, sand and material moisture measurement. charger and rugged carrying case. Qualitative representation of the PICO64 measuring field distribution (size approx. 2500cm³) Example of the installation of PICO64 in an undisturbed subsoil

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+■ Durable and rugged design +■ Easy to use +■ Very large measuring field for reliable measurements +■ Simple installation of the measuring tubes without heavy equipment +■ Profile measurement down to 3m depth +■ Multiparameter probe (humidity and electrical conductivity) +■ Little calibration requirements thanks to TDR technology PICO IPH2 - Exact findings on the water balance in the vadose zones with easy to install equipment A major unknown factor to establish a water balance model in a geography is the vadose zone, the unsaturated zone below soil surface and above the groundwater level. The...

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Measuring with the PICO IPH2 using a pre-installed special polycarbonate tube Auger equipment for precise and gap-free installation of the installation tube down to 1m depth Qualitative display of the PICO IPH2 measuring field (size approx. 2500cm³) Example of the utilization of an IPH2 in the undisturbed subsoil the special polycarbonate tube is displayed in the center

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All IMKO Micromodultechnik catalogs and technical brochures

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