Wood is an environmentally friendly material, in demand in the construction of various types of objects, at all stages of construction and installation work, as well as in the manufacture of furniture and interior items.
To determine the quality of wood, there are special instruments and devices that facilitate the implementation of work on incoming control of raw materials and compliance with production technologies for products and blanks made from wood.
Moisture meters for wood - types and descriptions of popular models, how to choose, as well as an overview of prices for the most popular models, this is the topic of this article.
Using the meter, you can almost instantly determine the percentage of moisture content in a wooden product or the raw materials used
Benefits of using a moisture meter
A device such as an electronic moisture meter can determine not only the degree of readiness of timber for use. Also, such a device is often used in companies involved in the storage of bulk solids, powders, and grain crops. Many cereals in warehouses (if storage conditions are not met) can accumulate moisture and spoil.
The advantages of using a moisture meter include:
- No material damage. Both non-contact and needle moisture meters do not have a destructive effect on cereals, powders, wood, timber and other materials. For a qualitative assessment, there is no need to take a sample; it is enough that the surface is accessible to the receiving part of the instrument.
- Simple conditions of use. Even a novice farmer can determine the moisture content of barley or wheat using a universal moisture meter model.
- All modern devices are error-free, and therefore the final result is not influenced by the ambient temperature or the temperature of the object being studied.
- The device is capable of operating in field conditions, for example, in a sawmill, warehouse, or large production workshops.
The devices have high accuracy and sufficient sensitivity at a very affordable price.
Combined
| Series | MOISTEC PRO | EVO FC with external sensors |
| Model | — | — |
| Peculiarities | Moisture measurement of wood and building materials | For planed wood products and for measuring air humidity and temperature |
| Measuring depth | wood - 20 mm, building materials - 10 mm | 8 mm (min. thickness 5 mm) |
| Humidity measurement range | wood – 2–65%, building materials – 0.1–35% (10% depends on the material) | 2–99 % |
| Operating temperature range | +5– +40 °C | 0 – +40 °C |
| Ready-made programs | For 8 groups of wood, for 4 groups of building materials | For 21 wood groups |
| Temperature adjustment | Automatic | Automatic |
| Indicator | — | Humidity with rating, temperature, measurement depth, absolute density and wood group |
| Menu languages | — | German, English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Czech, Russian, Italian |
| Dimensions | 110 x 43 x 25 mm | 145 x 65 x 27 mm |
| Weight | 75 g | 266 g |
Advantages of a needle moisture meter
One of the most common devices is a moisture meter with a needle operating principle. To determine the humidity level of the object under study, there are special probes or needles on the instrument body.
At the end of the needle-shaped parts, a pulse is formed, the magnitude of which indicates the quantitative moisture content in the wood or bulk substance.
The only rule of application is the technique of immersing the probes, which must be positioned strictly perpendicular to the horizontal axis.
The advantages of using this moisture meter model include:
- Compact size and low weight.
- Simple technique to use.
- Very high accuracy of the final result.
- Affordable cost of equipment.
However, it should be remembered that this device leaves grooves after inserting the probes, so it is better to conduct the study on the side surfaces. The device also has a sensitivity threshold of 4%. The moisture level below this indicator is not determined by the needle.
All contact moisture meters are divided into surface and deep designs. The immersion depth of the probe for the second type exceeds 4 cm. Using such devices, you can determine the water content in large bars and logs. In this case, you should always remember about the increased fragility of the working probe.
Operating principle of the device
Before the advent of electronic moisture meters, the humidity level was determined according to GOST. This is a long and labor-intensive process, which gave accurate indicators only with strict adherence to research algorithms. The disadvantage of the method is that it is difficult to obtain the value.
Moisture meters are designed to determine the moisture content of a material almost instantly . The operating principle of the devices is based on measuring the electrical resistivity of wood. This parameter changes depending on the amount of water in the structure of the material, to which the device reacts. The meters calculate the degree of humidity with an error of 0.5 to 4% based on several parameters:
- Local measurements. In one trunk, in different areas, the level of moisture saturation is different. To reduce inaccuracy, measurements are taken in several places on the workpiece.
- Rocks have different densities. Coniferous and deciduous trees have different characteristics. For example, by density. Many moisture meters whose software includes a rock identification function can take this feature into account.
The undoubted advantage of using a device for measuring humidity over the GOST method is maintaining the integrity of the product.
Features of inductive moisture meters
All contact devices, although to a small extent, violate the integrity of the material under study. Among the non-contact models, induction moisture meters should be highlighted, the features of which include:
- Determination of the moisture content in wood or other material is carried out using electromagnetic waves.
- The waves emitted by the moisture meter pass through the material.
At the same time, wet wood conducts an induction pulse much worse than dry material. The only drawback is the high cost of the device.
General information about the device
Most modern moisture meters, or hygrometers, are based on the electronic principle of data presentation. Direct determination of the humidity value is carried out by a sensitive element that reacts to molecules of the aquatic environment. The sensor then transmits the recorded information to the microprocessor. Based on the processed data, custom readings are displayed on the device display. But there are other functions that moisture meters can perform. The latest models of wood moisture meters are capable of storing the received information in memory, maintaining statistics, and also transmitting information to a computer via wireless channels. The device itself is mobile and independent of the power supply. Batteries or an accumulator are enough to power it.
Features of ultrasonic moisture meter
Among non-contact devices, moisture meters operating on the basis of ultrasonic waves are also known. One of the parts of the apparatus is placed directly in front of the object under study, the second part is placed behind the material.
The degree to which an ultrasonic wave travels through wood or other surfaces is an indicator of moisture. Such designs usually have an affordable price.
However, there is always an error in determining the results. This fact is associated with the different densities of different types of wood.
VIT-2
VIT-2
Country of origin: Russia. The psychometric type hygrometer is designed for measuring temperature and relative humidity in domestic, office and warehouse premises. The body of the model is made of plastic and has a mount for hanging on the wall. The instrument readings are displayed on a metal scale. Relative humidity measurement range from 20 to 90%.
Dignity:
- low cost;
- simplicity of design.
Main disadvantage:
- the need to periodically add distilled water to the device.
Rules for choosing a moisture meter
Choosing equipment for the home or for a small furniture company will allow you to select the optimal materials for the work process. Moreover, even the high cost will quickly pay off if the device is highly efficient.
When purchasing a moisture meter, you should pay attention to the following points:
- Purpose of a moisture meter. A tool like this can be used in many areas, such as warehouses or private granaries.
- Frequency of use should be assessed.
- The next step is to evaluate the operating principle of the design. If a small needle mark on the surface of the log is not of particular importance, you can purchase a standard needle moisture meter. Its efficiency and measurement accuracy, coupled with low cost, are obvious advantages for the buyer.
- If wooden products, varnish, paint or other decorative coatings are subject to qualitative assessment, it is better to give preference to non-contact devices.
- You should also check with the seller or check the technical data sheet for the width of the humidity scale. It is better if the range of determined parameters starts from 1% and reaches maximum values. For example, needle models have a minimum moisture threshold of 4%, so sometimes you can miss the initial signs of material deterioration.
- A very important parameter is the depth of determination of the water content in wood. For example, the top layers of the material remain dry, but the core has already been exposed to moisture. For such a situation, it is better to use deep-depth devices.
- You should definitely find out about the availability of additional functions for the selected moisture meter model. For example, many modern devices are capable of determining the resistance index of a furniture façade to damaging factors (not only moisture, but also dust). Some types of moisture meters are capable of working with other types of materials, for example, concrete, plaster, and soil.
The kit may also include flashlights, device charge indicators, a buzzer and an electronic journal of the research performed.
Do not forget to inspect the device body for defects and malfunctions.
In soil, air and grain
Manufacturers present several more types of products. These are instruments that measure moisture in soil, air and grain. Most of these devices are quite expensive, but there are no complaints about their performance. The products are made of very high quality and will serve their owner for a long time.
LASERLINER MoistureMaster Compact 082.333A
A German-Chinese company has launched the production of simple and reliable moisture meters. The device is designed to measure parameters in different materials. The instrument error is only 0.2%. This is a very good indicator. Measurement interval from 0 to 66.5%. Users enjoy the wide reading range and versatility of applications.
In the construction industry, the product is used to measure the humidity parameter in gypsum plaster, concrete and cement screed. The device is also used in woodworking. It has its own flavor. Woodworkers are attracted to the moisture meter by the presence of 56 types of wood in its memory. The indicator consists of 12 segments. Data is processed very quickly, and the backlight will help you use the product in the dark. The model is in first place in the ranking. Users like the low accuracy, ease of use and unpretentiousness. The disadvantages include the high price.
LASERLINER MoistureMaster Compact 082.333A
Advantages:
- excellent quality;
- high measurement accuracy;
- multifunctionality;
- The device provides readings quickly.
Flaws:
- high cost.
Megeon 20540
The cost of the device is 6557 rubles. A universal device will help measure the amount of moisture in a standard and non-contact way. The device is used mainly for researching cereal crops. The product has an impressive size display, which is equipped with bright backlighting. Therefore, the tool can be used even at night. The device is multifunctional. The most useful options will be automatic shutdown, battery charge indication and storage of current measurements. The body of the product is made of durable material, so the device is resistant to minor shocks and falls.
Megeon 20540
Advantages:
- multifunctionality;
- wide backlit display;
- low error.
Flaws:
- Batteries have to be changed frequently.
CEM DT-172
The product is made in China. Products from this country are winning the market from their competitors every year. The device is popular due to its low price, light weight and compact size. The main advantage is that the moisture meter is included in the state register. Now you can carry out tool verification in special centers. Not every manufacturer can boast of such services.
Humidity is measured from 0 to 100%. The device can detect air temperature. It responds well to changes in humidity. The error of the device is about 3%. It is equipped with a USB output. Through the port you can transfer information to another medium.
CEM DT-172
Advantages:
- light weight and small dimensions;
- there is a certificate;
- verification can be carried out in a specialized center;
- low cost.
Flaws:
- relatively large error;
- runs on a rare type of battery that is difficult to buy.
