TRAMEX MEX5 User Manual
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TRAMEX MEX5 User Manual

Moisture encounter
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MOISTURE ENCOUNTER
MEX5
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MEX5
USER GUIDE

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  • Page 1 MOISTURE ENCOUNTER MEX5 MEX5 USER GUIDE...

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Pin Probe mode ..............5 Hygrometer / Psychrometrics mode.......6 In-Situ Equilibrium Relative Humidity Probe mode..................6 Settings & Advanced Features.......6-7 How the MEX5 works - Overview Non-destructive testing, Scales and Sensitivity, Shallow-Depth Functionality........8-9 Pin Probe, Wood, Drywall, WME (Wood Moisture Equivalent)..............10-11 Psychrometrics and Built-in ambient Hygrometer................12...
  • Page 3 MOISTURE ENCOUNTER MEX5 USER GUIDE TABLE OF CONTENTS Non-Destructive Testing Measurement Mode Guide..28 Wood-Timber Scale Guide..........29 • Introduction..............29 • Using the Wood-Timber Scale ........30 • Relative Humidity & Moisture Content....32 • Specific Gravity...............33 • Table of Wood Specific Gravities (SG)..34-35 Shallow Depth Scale Guide..........36...
  • Page 4 MOISTURE ENCOUNTER MEX5 USER GUIDE TABLE OF CONTENTS In-Situ Equilibrium Relative Humidity Probe Mode Guide......................55 Building Envelope In-Situ Equilibrium Relative Humidity..................56 Concrete In-situ Equilibrium Relative Humidity..................56 Calibration Check Salts............63 Limitations....................65 Calibration....................65 Warranty....................66 Product Development................67 Safety......................67 Wood Species Correction Charts........68-79...

  • Page 5: Introduction

    INTRODUCTION Thank you for trusting our brand and choosing the Moisture Encounter MEX5 from Tramex. It is our goal to ensure that you are always happy with your Tramex products, so please let us know if you have any questions and rest assured, we are always here to help.

  • Page 6: 3. Hygrometer/ Psychrometrics Mode

    ● ‘Baseline’ reference reading for the non-destructive scales is comparable to a ‘known dry reading’ or ‘dry standard reading’ . The MEX5 can be set to show how far or close the readings are to that ‘drying goal’ .
  • Page 7 MOISTURE ENCOUNTER MEX5 USER GUIDE ● Specific Gravity of Wood adjustment allows for adjustment of the sensitivity of the non- destructive readings to correlate to the density of the wood under test according to that wood. ● Surface Temperature thermometer provides...

  • Page 8: How The Mex5 Works - Overview

    MOISTURE ENCOUNTER MEX5 USER GUIDE HOW THE MEX5 WORKS - Overview In Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) mode, the instrument operates on the principle that the electrical impedance of a material varies in proportion to its moisture content. To measure/detect moisture, the three co-planar...

  • Page 9: Shallow-Depth Functionality

    Wood Moisture Equivalent reading (NDT WME 0-30) in non-wood materials. NDT Shallow-depth functionality The Moisture Encounter MEX5 incorporates non- destructive dual-depth functionality. The regular non- destructive penetration depth is 30mm (1 ¼ inches) when using the Wood-Timber scale, Drywall-Roofing scale, Plaster-Tile scale, or Masonry scale.
  • Page 10 MOISTURE ENCOUNTER MEX5 USER GUIDE In Pin Probe mode the Moisture Encounter MEX5 is a resistance-type pin-meter that works on the principle of DC resistance. When the electrode pins are pressed or driven into the wood, the electrical resistance between the electrodes is measured.
  • Page 11 Both types are calibrated based on gravimetric or oven- drying test methods. The Tramex MEX5 combines both of these methods in one instrument so it is important to understand how each test method works as the results from the two tests may sometimes be different and appear to be contradictory.

  • Page 12: Hygrometer

    MOISTURE ENCOUNTER MEX5 USER GUIDE In Psychrometrics mode the MEX5 uses its built-in Hygrometer and Infrared Surface Thermometer for psychrometric calculations. The Hygrometer measures Ambient Relative Humidity, Temperature, Dew Point and Humidity Ratio of the environment. The Infrared Surface Thermometer on the base of the meter measures the temperature of the surface.

  • Page 13: Operating Instructions - Overview

    MOISTURE ENCOUNTER MEX5 USER GUIDE OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS - Overview The instrument face with brief notes on the push button controls and LCD is shown below. 85mm Ambient RH Probe Digital display Menu button Hold button Bluetooth ON/OFF Bayonet connection for Wood Probe...

  • Page 14: Quick Start Operating Instructions

    Hold freezes reading to facilitate ease of recording readings. When the Moisture Encounter MEX5 is in HOLD mode, ‘II’ is visible on the top left of the display. If HOLD was selected prior to the Moisture Encounter X5 automatically powering off, the frozen display reading is digitally...

  • Page 15: Non-Destructive Testing (Ndt)

    Wood- Timber, Shallow Depth, Drywall-Roofing, Plaster-Tile, and Masonry scales. Method: Hold your Moisture Encounter MEX5 directly on the material being tested ensuring the electrodes on the base are fully in contact with the surface. The meter should be held by the rubber grips when taking readings.
  • Page 16 MOISTURE ENCOUNTER MEX5 USER GUIDE Comparative/relative, REL scales: The Drywall-Roofing, Plaster-Tile and Masonry scales provide comparative readings from 0 to 99. The Low/Med/High LEDs help indicate low, medium and high moisture values. The readings on these scales are not to be interpreted as a measurement of percentage moisture content (MC%) or relative humidity (RH).
  • Page 17 The ‘Baseline’ Reference reading can be used as a ‘known dry reading’ or ‘drying goal reading’ . When placing the MEX5 on a known dry area, that reading can be recorded to be the baseline reading, and readings in other areas will be compared to that baseline reading.
  • Page 18 MOISTURE ENCOUNTER MEX5 USER GUIDE The range of SG covered is 0.30 to 0.80. The SG increases and decreases in increments of 0.01. A chart showing the approximate specific gravity of a range of different species is shown on pages -35.

  • Page 19: Pin Probe

    20 options. The readings are in % Moisture Content values on a scale of approximately 6.5% to approximately 50%MC. An additional 500+ wood species are available through the Tramex Meters App. Wood LED Low/Med/High indicator: The LED indicator breaks down as follows for Wood: Green 0 -13.9% /...
  • Page 20 MOISTURE ENCOUNTER MEX5 USER GUIDE WME: WME Wood Moisture Equivalent readings are used in non-wood materials as a standard comparative scale, based on an equivalent reading in wood. The readings are not percentages. The WME scale ranges from 0-99. WME LED Low/Med/High indicator: The LED indicator breaks down as follows for WME: Green 0 -13.9 / Yellow...
  • Page 21 MOISTURE ENCOUNTER MEX5 USER GUIDE Pin Probe Mode - Advanced Features To access the Advanced Features, press to access the Menu, to scroll and to select Settings. In Settings press to select Advanced Features. Within Advanced Features choose from the following options relevant to the Pin Probe testing modes.

  • Page 22: Psychrometrics

    (temperature at which condensation is likely to form). Once selected, the MEX5 screen will show the Delta T in the center of the screen, with the ambient conditions listed at the foot of the screen, the surface temperature top left, and the Emissivity value top right of the screen.

  • Page 23: In-Situ Equilibrium Relative Humidity

    MOISTURE ENCOUNTER MEX5 USER GUIDE Thermal Hygrometer: Once selected, the MEX5 screen will show the ambient conditions readings of temperature, relative humidity, dewpoint, humidity ratio, surface temperature and enthalpy (heat content in the air) values in full screen. In-Situ Equilibrium Relative Humidity Mode - Operating...

  • Page 24: Settings

    The ‘Baseline’ Reference reading can be used as a ‘known dry reading’ or ‘drying goal reading’ . When placing the MEX5 on a known dry area, that reading can be recorded to be the baseline reading, and readings in other areas will be compared to that baseline reading.

  • Page 25: Specific Gravity Of Wood

    MOISTURE ENCOUNTER MEX5 USER GUIDE ● Specific Gravity of Wood adjustment This allows for adjustment of the sensitivity of the meter readings to correlate to the density of the wood under test according to that wood’s SG value. When in the Advanced Features menu, use the...

  • Page 26: Pin Temperature Correction

    MOISTURE ENCOUNTER MEX5 USER GUIDE ● Pin probe temperature correction The Pin Temperature Correction option allows for the meter to make the corrections to the %MC readings depending on the temperature of the wood. When in the Advanced Features menu, use...

  • Page 27: Backlight Timeout

    MOISTURE ENCOUNTER MEX5 USER GUIDE Choosing Celsius will also change the Humidity Ratio to g/kg and Enthalpy to kJ/kg. Choosing Fahrenheit will also change the Humidity Ratio to GPP and Enthalpy to Btu/lb. ● Backlight Timeout To turn the Backlight Timeout on/off, press the menu button, scroll to ‘Settings’...

  • Page 28: Non-Destructive Testing Measurement Mode Guide

    MOISTURE ENCOUNTER MEX5 USER GUIDE NON-DESTRUCTIVE TESTING MEASUREMENT MODE GUIDE Note - Scale Choice, Material density and Scale Sensitivity: It is important that the appropriate scale is used for the type of material being tested. This ensures that the most accurate and meaningful readings are obtained.

  • Page 29: Wood-Timber Scale Guide

    Slide Protectors are available to protect the electrodes online at tramexmeters.com (Product Code: MESP). The Moisture Encounter MEX5 enables dual-depth, non-invasive moisture measurement of % Moisture Content in wood, and comparative (REL) readings in wood by-products and a wide range of building materials including drywall, roofing, plaster, tiles and masonry.

  • Page 30: Using The Wood-Timber Scale

    MOISTURE ENCOUNTER MEX5 USER GUIDE If readings are in the high range (red LED) and if the audio is turned on, it will sound when readings go above 18%. For operation instructions of the NDT Wood- Timber scale, see page 15...
  • Page 31 MOISTURE ENCOUNTER MEX5 USER GUIDE Avoid taking readings on wood from the top of a stack stored outside as these may be affected by surface moisture from recent rainfall. When measuring in chemically treated wood, consider the effects chemical treatment may have on readings.

  • Page 32: Relative Humidity & Moisture Content

    MOISTURE ENCOUNTER MEX5 USER GUIDE Relative Humidity and Moisture Content Acceptable levels of moisture content depend on the climate conditions and we advise you check the levels acceptable in your area. The table below shows the approximate relationship between the ambient relative humidity and equilibrium moisture content in wood, and is useful when testing in NDT mode.

  • Page 33: Specific Gravity

    MOISTURE ENCOUNTER MEX5 USER GUIDE Specific Gravity If the SG adjustment is not switched ON in ‘Settings, Advanced Features’ , a default SG of 0.50 is used. The specific gravity (SG) of wood is the ratio of the density of wood to the density of water at a specified temperature (generally 4ºC where the density of water...

  • Page 34: Table Of Wood Specific Gravities (Sg)

    MOISTURE ENCOUNTER MEX5 USER GUIDE Table of Wood Specific Gravities (SG) HARDWOODS ( Am. = American ) Alder, Red (Am. Alder, Western Alder) Alnus rubra........0.41 Ash, White (Northern / Southern Ash) F. americana......0.60 Aspen, Quaking (Am. Aspen) Populus tremuloides.......0.38 Basswood (Am. Basswood, Linden) Tilia americana......0.37 Beech Fagus Grandifolia..................0.64...
  • Page 35 MOISTURE ENCOUNTER MEX5 USER GUIDE SOFTWOODS Cedar, Alaska (Alaskan Yellow)..............0.44 Cedar, Incense......................0.37 Cedar, Port-Orford....................0.43 Cedar, Western Red...................0.32 Douglas Fir, Coast....................0.48 Douglas Fir, Interior West................0.50 Fir, California Red....................0.38 Fir, Grand........................0.37 Fir, Noble........................0.39 Fir, Pacific Silver....................0.43 Fir, White........................0.39 Hemlock, Western....................0.45 Larch, Western.......................0.52 Pine, Lodgepole.....................0.41...

  • Page 36: Shallow Depth Scale Guide

    MOISTURE ENCOUNTER MEX5 USER GUIDE SHALLOW-DEPTH SCALE GUIDE The Shallow Depth scale will read to a depth of up to 9mm (⅜ inch) in the materials under test, giving % moisture content measurements for wood and comparative readings in non-wood materials. These...

  • Page 37: Using The Wood-Timber Scale Alongside The Shallow-Depth Scale For Wood

    MOISTURE ENCOUNTER MEX5 USER GUIDE Using the Wood-Timber scale alongside the Shallow- Depth scale for Wood The Shallow Depth scale is calibrated to work in conjunction with the Wood-Timber Scale. When using both shallow and regular wood scale the user can get a comparative of %MC moisture conditions up to a depth of 9mm (⅜...
  • Page 38 When using the Shallow depth, in this situation, the MEX5 will read up to a depth of 9mm (⅜ inch), thus reducing the influence of the substrate. Shallow depth readings on hardwood flooring are % moisture content measurements.

  • Page 39: Drywall-Roofing Scale Guide

    Drywall The Moisture Encounter MEX5 can identify excess moisture within and behind drywall. As NDT calibration is not practical on this type of construction, readings are comparative or relative (REL).
  • Page 40 In addition moisture can cause considerable damage to the contents and fabric of the buildings as well as heat loss through wet insulation. Your MEX5 can be used to help confirm a new roof has been installed dry. When the waterproofing membrane develops...
  • Page 41 It is recommended that a core be cut to determine the depth and extent of the moisture before carrying out roof repairs. Alternatively, the area can be checked with the MEX5 and the optional external resistance type pin probe with insulated pins.

  • Page 42: Plaster-Tile Scale Guide

    The readings will be comparative in nature and can be considered as non- destructive WME Wood Moisture Equivalent readings. The Moisture Encounter MEX5 will help identify the different levels of moisture, even if not apparent on the surface. Moisture can often be trapped behind the wall coverings.
  • Page 43 MOISTURE ENCOUNTER MEX5 USER GUIDE Note - Acceptably Dry Plaster: The Moisture Encounter MEX5 will give low readings when the plaster is acceptably dry. Due to the hygroscopic nature of this material, moisture values are affected by ambient humidity and thus can vary according to the climate conditions.

  • Page 44: Masonry Scale Guide

    However, a useful comparative indication of the moisture conditions of the concrete or subfloor can be obtained with the MEX5 set on the Masonry Scale. Note: Acceptably Dry Brick, Block: The Moisture Encounter MEX5 will give low readings when the brick, block is acceptably dry.

  • Page 45: Pin Probe Mode Guide

    This mode is automatically activated by plugging one of the optional Pin Electrodes into the bayonet socket at the top of the Moisture Encounter MEX5. In pin probe mode the Moisture Encounter MEX5 works on the principle of electrical resistance. When the...

  • Page 46: Wood Species

    There are an additional selection of 500+ in the Tramex Meters App that can be used in conjunction with the MEX5 in Pin Probe mode. Just select the appropriate species in the menu and the MEX5 will do the species adjustment automatically. There is a species correction table available at the end of this user guide for reference if needed.

  • Page 47: Factors Affecting Moisture Readings In Wood

    A temperature correction adjustment is needed. In the MEX5 advanced settings, select the temperature correction ON for the correction to be done automatically by the meter.

  • Page 48: Pin Moisture Readings And Wood Flooring

    Your MEX5 in PIN Probe mode can be used to measure the moisture content of the wood floor to ensure it meets specification.

  • Page 49: Pin Temperature Correction

    Note - Concrete and Pin Probes Pin Probe mode and pins should not be used for concrete or other cementitious materials. A concrete moisture meter such as the Tramex CME5 or CMEX5 are advised. PIN TEMPERATURE CORRECTION The Pin Temperature Correction option allows for the meter to make the correction to the %MC readings when testing at different temperatures.

  • Page 50: Humidity And Moisture Content Relationship

    MOISTURE ENCOUNTER MEX5 USER GUIDE HUMIDITY AND MOISTURE CONTENT RELATIONSHIP The table below shows the approximate relationship between relative humidity (RH) and equilibrium moisture content (EMC) of some woods. (These figures are approximate values and may vary for different species.) Table 1.

  • Page 51: Psychrometrics Mode Guide

    Choosing Celsius will also change the Humidity Ratio to g/kg and choosing Fahrenheit will also change the Humidity Ratio to GPP. In Psychrometrics mode in the MEX5 main menu you can also select between the following display screens: ● Delta T temperature display ●...

  • Page 52: Surface Temperature

    MOISTURE ENCOUNTER MEX5 USER GUIDE ● Surface Temperature: The surface temperature display shows the temperature of the material under test as measured by the non-contact infrared surface thermometer on the base of the meter. The ambient conditions as measured by the hygrometer are displayed, and emissivity is adjustable between 0.08 and 1.00.
  • Page 53 MOISTURE ENCOUNTER MEX5 USER GUIDE Typical Emissivity Values: Substance Thermal Substance Thermal Emissivity Emissivity Asphalt 0.90 to 0.98 Cloth (black) 0.98 Concrete 0.94 Human Skin 0.98 Cement 0.96 Lather 0.75 to 0.80 Sand 0.90 Charcoal 0.96 (powder) Earth 0.92 to 0.96 Lacquer 0.80 to 0.95...

  • Page 54: Thermal Hygrometer And Enthalpy

    MOISTURE ENCOUNTER MEX5 USER GUIDE ● Thermal Hygrometer: The Moisture Encounter MEX5 uses its built-in hygrometer that measures the ambient relative humidity (RH), ambient temperature (Ta), dew point temperature (Td) and humidity ratio (HR) of the environment as well as the surface temperature and Enthalpy.

  • Page 55: In-Situ Equilibrium Relative Humidity Probe Mode

    MOISTURE ENCOUNTER MEX5 USER GUIDE IN-SITU EQUILIBRIUM RELATIVE HUMIDITY PROBE GUIDE A range of Tramex external relative humidity probes can be used with the MEX5. Tramex RH Probe sensors utilize state of the art electronic technology to provide an easy to use and...

  • Page 56: Building Envelope In-Situ Equilibrium Relative Humidity

    Building Envelope In-Situ Equilibrium Relative Humidity Tramex relative humidity probes can be attached to the MEX5 through the bayonet connection at the top of the meter. These resilient and re-usable RH probes allow the user to evaluate moisture conditions within the building structure.
  • Page 57 When performing moisture testing of concrete it is important to get the most accurate and most useful data from the tests. For this reason Tramex recommends a two-pronged approach. ● The first step is to carry out a non-invasive moisture test with the Tramex Concrete Moisture Encounter CME5 or CMEX5.
  • Page 58 Tramex recommends that the RH probes are not left in-situ for prolonged periods of time when RH values are above 93%. With the Tramex system it is possible to remove the probe and seal the sleeve for future testing, thus giving a more reliable and accurate test.
  • Page 59 Cut hole liner to match drilled depth. Check cap fits. Connect with Tramex Electronic Interface Use supplied Retrieval tool to position the probe into place. For more information please visit: www.tramexmeters.com Tramex 2014. All right reserved. | HL-INS Ref: 1.2...
  • Page 60 MOISTURE ENCOUNTER MEX5 USER GUIDE HOOD INSTRUCTION Ensure the surface is clean Seal cap to achieve an airtight seal Hygro-i2 probe Hygrohood Seal the Hygrohood to the surface with butyl tape provided Place the probe in the RH hood. Leave the Hygrohood in place...
  • Page 61 MOISTURE ENCOUNTER MEX5 USER GUIDE (b) On Surface RH tests (RH hood method) The Tramex RH Hood can be used to perform testing to International Standards such as BS 8201, 8203, 5325. The following components are required to perform a RH...
  • Page 62 MOISTURE ENCOUNTER MEX5 USER GUIDE Please refer to the period of time as specified by the standard being followed for the duration of the test. The user should always refer to national standard guidelines for definitive and current procedures and specifications.

  • Page 63: Calibration Check Salts

    MOISTURE ENCOUNTER MEX5 USER GUIDE CALIBRATION CHECK SALTS A saturated salt solution is the most suitable method for on-site testing of humidity sensors. The advantage of the on-site salt calibration check is that the user can check that the sensors are performing satisfactorily without having the need to send the sensors to a testing laboratory, which can be expensive and time consuming.
  • Page 64 MOISTURE ENCOUNTER MEX5 USER GUIDE The test can be ended when RH% readings do not drift by more than 1% RH over a 5 minute period within the acceptable +/- 2% tolerance of the nominal 75% relative humidity. A temperature difference of +/- 1°C (1.8°F) can cause an error of up to +/-3 to 5% at 50%...

  • Page 65: Limitations

    For regular on-site assessment of your Moisture Encounter MEX5 in moisture measurement mode, a calibration-check box is available from the suppliers of your Moisture Encounter MEX5. Should it be found that readings are outside the set tolerances, it is recommended that the Moisture Encounter MEX5 be returned for re-calibration.

  • Page 66: Warranty

    In no event shall Tramex, its agents or distributors be liable to the customer or any other person, company or organization for any special, indirect, or consequential...

  • Page 67: Product Development

    MOISTURE ENCOUNTER MEX5 USER GUIDE PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT It is the policy of Tramex to continually improve and update all its products. We therefore reserve the right to alter the specification or design of this instrument without prior notice. SAFETY This Users Guide does not purport to address the safety concerns, if any, associated with this instrument or its use.

  • Page 68: Wood Species Correction Charts

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  • Page 80 FIND US ON: Tramex Ltd. Unit F, Glencormack Business Park, Kilmacanogue, County Wicklow, Ireland. Email: sales@tramexmeters.com USA (toll free) & Canada: Tel: 1800-234-5849 EU & Rest Of World: Tel: +353 1 681 4450...

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