Alternative Measurement Techniques - Hydronix Hydro-Probe XT User Manual

Configuration
during this time should be excluded from the batch average value as they are likely to be
unrepresentative static measurements. The 'Average/Hold' delay value sets the duration
of this initial exclusion period. For most applications 0.5 seconds will be adequate but it
may be desirable to increase this value.
Options are: 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 5.0 seconds.
4.4.2 High Limit and Low Limit (Alarms)
The High Limit and Low Limit may be set for both the moisture % and the sensor Unscaled
value. The two parameters operate concurrently.
If the sensor reading falls outside of these limits during sensor average the data will be
excluded from the average calculation.
The Bin Empty output will activate when the reading is below the Low Limit.
The Data Invalid output will activate when the reading is above the High Limit or below the
Low Limit.

5 Alternative Measurement Techniques

The Hydro-Probe XT has the option of selecting alternative measurement modes. The modes
have been carefully designed to ensure that the sensor may be configured for maximum
sensitivity across a wide variety of materials.
The default measurement mode for the Hydro-Probe XT is 'Mode V'. This mode has been
designed for the best performance in agricultural, organic and biomass materials.
Options are: Mode V, Mode E and Standard Mode.
It is recommended that the modes are only changed after comparing the effectiveness of each
mode in the specific application. In-situ trials may be conducted using the Hydronix Hydro-Com
software to record data and compare the effectiveness of each mode.
When to use alternative measurement techniques
5.1
The most appropriate mode will be determined by the requirements of the user, the
application and the material being measured.
Precision, stability and density fluctuations as well as the working moisture range are all
factors that may determine the choice of measurement mode.
Mode V is often associated with agricultural and biomass materials. It is also suited to other
variable or low density materials.
Mode E is designed to be used for measuring in similar materials to Mode V. Mode E is more
sensitive than Mode V and therefore the sensor reading may become saturated at a lower
moisture percentage. This may limit the maximum moisture percentage that the sensor can
measure.
Standard Mode is recommended for sand and aggregates.
The objective is to choose the technique that gives the most desirable (often smoothest)
signal response and most accurate moisture determination.
Effects of selecting different modes
5.2
Each mode will give a different relationship between the sensor's 0-100 Unscaled values and
the calibrated moisture percentage.
When measuring in any material it is usually beneficial that a large change in Unscaled
sensor readings equates to a small change in moisture levels. This will give the most precise
Hydro-Probe XT User Guide HD0538 Rev: 1.6.0 39
Chapter 4