ST-3300
The Sensortech ST-3300 is a smart analyzer for process moisture measurement and control of materials used in chemical, mining, textiles, agriculture, and other industrial industries. Used by quality assurance professionals, the ST-3300 improves methods for controlling moisture at key areas in a manufacturing process, helping operations conserve energy, reduce waste, increase capacity, and generate revenue.
Smart RF Moisture Analyzer for Industrial Manufacturing
Since many materials used in industrial processes have quality standards relating to moisture, the ST-3300 is a smart, simple, and effective solution to help operators manage and control moisture at critical stages of their process. As a radio frequency dielectric measurement (RF) technology, the ST-3300 provides a rapid and complete moisture profile of products at full line speeds.
Benefits
- Customizable to your operation: Select from a wide range of configurations to integrate moisture measurement capabilities almost anywhere in your process
- Simple implementation: A powerful configuration software package provides management utilities for all sensors in your process from a laptop or PC
- Ruggedized design: Designed to function virtually maintenance-free in challenging operating conditions and in temperatures up to 540°C (1000°F)
Features
- Signal processing capabilities can be integrated into transmitter electronics
- Mounting options available to accommodate diverse process locations
- Interfaces directly with your preferred HMI (PC, PLC, and optional 305 mm (12 in) touch screen display)
- Advanced digital conditioning for improved standard of resolution and stability
- Optional product temperature measurement capabilities available
Applications
Industrial Applications for In-Process RF Moisture Detection
- Lumber and Wood: Saw dust, hog fuel, veneer, plywood, biomass, wood pellets
- Building Products: Gypsum products, brick, board products
- Textile Mill Products: Broad-woven fabric, non-woven fabric
- Paper Products: Pulp, paper, paperboard, containers and boxes, converted paper and paperboard products
Product Lineup
How It Works
Full Moisture Profiling With Penetrating RF Technology
ST-3300 utilizes RF technology, which is a penetrating measurement method that uses radio frequency dielectric measurements to analyze the full moisture composition of the product. It is an alternative moisture measurement to near infrared (NIR) technology, which measures the surface of a product without penetrating. This article explains the key differences between NIR and RF.
As product passes across rollers, the ST-3300 transmits a RF signal from the upper and lower sensor electrodes surrounding the passing material. The measurement area at the bottom of the sensor antenna measures the moisture conditions in the local environment. This reading is displayed in real-time on a PC, laptop, or optional touch screen display, allowing operators to adjust their process to control moisture or other parameters as needed.
System Components
The ST-3300 features a patented radio frequency (RF) measurement principle enhanced by all-digital phase lock loop signal conditioning, presenting a radically improved standard of resolution and stability. Signal processing capabilities are integrated into the transmitter electronics, which interfaces directly with a PC, PLC, HMI, or other preferred platform. User-friendly configuration software manages the operation of the ST-3300 from a PC, laptop, or optional touch screen display.
The ST-3300 is an open-frame configuration that is installed between conveying belts or rollers exiting or entering a kiln or dryer.
- Antenna lengths available from 150 mm to 2440 mm (6 in to 96 in) dependent upon operating temperature
- Ideally suited for board materials (gypsum, plywood, etc.)
Installation
Accessories
Software
The ST-3300 includes a powerful configuration software package that provides management utilities for all sensors in your process through a laptop, PC, or optional touch screen display. Moisture and other parameters are displayed in a clear and easy-to-use interface.
- Graphic display and data-logging features for saving historical data to a .xls or .csv file formats
- Select up to 50 stored calibrations (product codes) for quick and simple system setup
- Monitor sensor health and performance from the Diagnostics Screen
The ST-3300 includes a powerful configuration software package that provides management utilities for all sensors in your process through a laptop, PC, or optional touch screen display. Moisture and other parameters are displayed in a clear and easy-to-use interface.
- Graphic display and data-logging features for saving historical data to a .xls or .csv file formats
- Select up to 50 stored calibrations (product codes) for quick and simple system setup
- Monitor sensor health and performance from the Diagnostics Screen
Specifications
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but the window should be non-metallic, stable in moisture, and have an overall thickness of not more than 3mm (.125 in.)
First, the distance from the product. The maximum air gap (distance the antenna surface is from the product) is 6.4mm (.25 in.). The second would be maintaining that distance as product passes over the antenna. Any variation in air gap will affect the reading. Avoid an install at the exit of radio frequency ovens/dryers, as this would interfere with the reading.
The choice truly depends on the product because a Radio Frequency (RF) sensor penetrates a product to measure moisture, while a near-infrared (NIR) sensor measures moisture from the surface of the product. RF is recommended for products such as boards and gypsum, for example, whereas, NIR is recommended for measuring oil/fat or moisture in food, paper, and pet food.
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