A More Detailed Look…
Microwave Moisture Analysis and the LFM Analyser Explanation
A microwave generator produces two discrete frequencies which discriminate the number of phase cycles occurring in the total phase change. These signals are transmitted by a low profile antenna which transmits a beam through the material on the conveyor belt. The signal is received by a receiver patch located below the conveyor belt and compared to the transmitted signal for phase and amplitude change.
The methodology and electronics used to detect these phase changes are part of the proprietary technology of the LFM. These phase and amplitude changes are passed to an industrial grade computer which uses a third part QNX operating system together with a CSIRO-developed algorithm (patents approved) to calculate the moisture content.
The LFM Moisture Analyser requires calibration with physical time-stamped moisture contents. These are provided by the operator and are subject to linear regression analysis by the LFM Moisture Analyser supplier.
The LFM Moisture Analyser is also fitted with third party mobile or fixed phone modems to enable remote monitoring and upload of calibration settings.
