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Methods for measuring moisture in soy

As a producer, knowing the moisture content during each production phase is a must for quality and cost control.  There are several methods to measure moisture in soy:

 

  • Karl Fischer Titration
  • Loss on Drying
  • Near-Infrared (NIR)
  • Based on conductivity
  • Microwave resonance

How to choose the best methods for moisture analysis in soy?

Choosing the right method for moisture determination in soy can be tricky. There are a number of factors that can help you determine the best measurement method for your process:

Why is it important to measure the moisture percentage in soy?

Did you know that TEWS microwave technology can play a very important role in the drying process of soybeans? With a moisture content of 12%, the soybeans release the most oil during pressing. The TEWS microwave technology ensures that the soybeans are dried to the set point for storage and prevents over-drying, ensuring that the beans are in the best possible condition for subsequent processing steps. This oil is/is currently becoming very valuable! Don't miss the chance to get the most out of it.

Mr. B. van den Bosch, Production Director Rombouts Coffee also talks about his experiences with the inline moisture analyzer from TEWS:

"Mr. B. van den Bosch, Director production Rombouts Coffee: "There are many different ways to measure moisture. With the inline moisture analyzer from Tews we have a method to quickly and accurately measure moisture deep into the beans. easily demonstrate compliance with the legally permitted moisture percentage of less than 5% in the finished coffee".

vocht meten in soybeans

How quickly do you want results with a moisture measurement in soy?

The Karl Fischer Titration and Loss on Drying are methods that are used in the laboratory and take considerably longer. With the Karl Fischer Titration it is important to get your product in solution. For solids such as soy, this can cause difficulties. In addition, it is important that there are analysts in-house who can interpret the measurements.

In the LOD method, volatile components such as grease that evaporate just like water are also measured. The first two methods are destructive to the sample you are using. If you wish to adjust the process immediately, you can opt for an in-line measurement.

Only the methods Near Infrared and Microwave Resonance can be applied in line in the process for moisture analysis. You can link the moisture analyzer directly to your process automation.

If the moisture content threatens to go beyond specifications, you can immediately change numerous process parameters. Your process is thus better under control, which ensures savings through less waste or lower energy consumption, but also better and more consistent product quality.

A consideration is also the shape of your product. In soybeans, it's easy to imagine that the moisture content in the core of the bean is higher than on the outside. The penetration depth of Near Infrared is less than microwaves. Near-Infrared analyzers could therefore be less reliable in such a case. However, with NIR you can directly measure the fat and protein content. If you want to measure these three parameters at the same time, NIR can offer an economically attractive solution.

Amount of moisture is present in the soy?

The dynamic measuring range of the moisture analyzer must match the specifications of your product. Moisture measurements are ideally made at the raw materials at the beginning of the process, before and after the drying step and at the end of the process. Depending on your process installations, however, it is sufficient to measure the moisture content of soy immediately after the drying process. The temperature of your product also plays a role in this. Higher temperatures can negatively affect the reliability of the measurements.

Inventech Benelux; your partner for measuring moisture in soy

Inventech Benelux is a specialist supplier of advanced analytical instruments. With our range, complementary service and expertise, we emphasize the complete unburdening of our customers around measurement processes. We advise, provide service and carry out calibration and maintenance work. Our range of analysis instruments for the accurate measurement of moisture in soy can be used in the laboratory, at-line or in-line. Contact us today.

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Measuring moisture for quality control in soy