Why do moisture analyzers need quantitative moisture readings?
Difference Between Qualitative and Quantitative Moisture Readings
1. Quantitative moisture readings indicate the moisture content of the sample material by using a moisture meter specially calibrated to test the moisture in that material. For example, the moisture readings provided by a wood moisture meter when testing wood, or by a drywall moisture meter when testing drywall.
2. Qualitative moisture readings are estimates using an arbitrary scale. A good example of a qualitative moisture reading is the result given by a reference scale moisture meter. Actual figures are rough approximations of moisture content only and may not convert to exact moisture content percentages.
The difference between quantitative and qualitative moisture readings can be attributed to specificity differences. Quantitative readings are specific and represent an absolute measurement of the moisture content in a given material. Qualitative readings are estimates that can be used for comparison, but ultimately are imprecise for many professionals.
Why do you need quantitative moisture readings?
Why is quantitative moisture measurement so important? The reasons may vary from one industry to another. To highlight the importance of quantitative moisture readings, here are some examples from various industries:
1. Agricultural industry and moisture quantitative reading
In the agricultural industry, the importance of accurate moisture measurements to optimize harvest time and verify that harvested crops are ready for storage cannot be overemphasized. However, for some applications, the issue of hygrometer accuracy is more pressing than others.
In the agricultural industry, the part where accurate, quantitative moisture measurement is of undeniable importance is the storage of hay or other tightly baled forage. If the hay is too wet when collected, bacteria can grow out of control. In milder ways this results in bacteria that can cause the hay to decompose, losing its nutritional value and forcing farmers to abandon their hay.
In worst-case scenarios, growing bacteria can cause bales of hay to spontaneously burn, causing fires and dust explosions in barns or hay bins. This clearly poses a risk to the health and safety of farmers, livestock or anyone within the blast and shrapnel radius of the explosion.
The desired moisture content of a bale depends on the type of bale. Generally, the denser the bale, the less moisture it will hold before it becomes a serious safety hazard. The following are acceptable moisture ranges for different types of hay:
Small square bag. These bales tend to be less dense than other types of bales. Desirably, these bales should have a moisture content of 18% to 20% for a good balance of quality and safety.
Generous package. Density is higher than small square bales, but large square bales are less resistant to moisture. The desirable moisture range for these bales is 12% to 16%.
Round hay bales. These bales are similar in density to the large square bales. Therefore, it is usually better to keep their moisture content at 15%.
Without quantitative moisture readings, it is nearly impossible to determine that the moisture content of tightly packed hay is within acceptable moisture limits. If the bale is too dry, the nutritional value of the hay will be compromised by the loss of leaves. If the bale is too wet, the bale may catch fire.
Therefore, in the case of measuring hay moisture, it is necessary to have accurate readings.
Quantitative readouts are also useful for other crops such as cotton, tobacco and grains to prevent spoilage or release free dry weight when these crops are sold.
