How do you measure moisture in paper / wood pulp?
Paper is not just for writing materials. It is used in paper towels, disposable kitchen items (such as plates, bowls and cups), and also in cardboard boxes and tubes. Because of the wide variety of potential items that can be made from paper, paper manufacturers need to have an efficient system in place to keep this cycle going.
Just like hay and grain producers or building inspectors need to constantly be aware of the moisture content of the materials they use, so too do paper producers. It cannot be overstated how important it is to know how much water is in your product and what happens to it when it is finished, by using a hygrometer at every step of the production process - as you might have guessed.
Some paper moisture meters use contact pins and electrical resistance characteristics to measure the moisture content of paper pulp. These meters are useful for manual inspection of paper products. However, there are other types of electrodes that can be used to measure the moisture content of paper.
During the papermaking process, some paper moisture meters do not use a pin to test the moisture content of the pulp on the pulp, but instead use a special electrode with a rolling contact head (such as Delmhorst's 12-E electrode). These special contact heads allow the instrument to read the moisture content of the pulp on the line without stopping production.
If there is too much moisture in the pulp as it passes through a given process, the paper may fall apart.
The importance of measuring %MC in paper extends to the fact that moisture can affect the efficacy of equipment involved in the papermaking process.
Measuring moisture in pulp and paper
Since moisture in the paper can be a make-or-break factor in the final quality of the product, using technology to ensure proper moisture levels is extremely valuable. Delmhorst has two paper moisture meters: the RDM-3P and the P-2000.
These moisture meters make direct contact with a variety of materials suitable for cardboard, corrugated and paper tubes, and feature three different scales for more unique moisture measurements.
Keep paper well hydrated
There are other non-portable moisture meters available for measuring moisture in paper and wood products. Additionally, there are some precautions you can take to keep your current paper products at a good moisture level.
For example, when paper goods come in, the placement of the delivery should be considered. The paper should have time to adjust to the ambient temperature, especially if it is opened here.
To maintain a consistent temperature, it is also recommended not to place the paper in areas with nearby heaters or cooling devices, as these devices may interfere with the paper's acclimation process. During the paper production process, the packed paper should remain wrapped until it needs processing - no more hours should be left unused.
Finally, the use of vapor-proof wrapping paper is highly recommended. Using these wrappers between paper production steps helps the paper stay tightly bound and fresh while keeping excess, unwanted moisture away from the final product.
