Aggregate Moisture Probe

What is an aggregate moisture probe?

An aggregate moisture probe is a specialized device used in the construction and building materials industry, particularly in concrete mixing. Its primary function is to quickly measure the moisture content in aggregates, which are materials like sand, gravel, and crushed stone that are mixed with cement and water to make concrete.

Understanding the moisture content in aggregates is crucial because it affects the water-to-cement ratio in the concrete mix. This ratio is a key factor in determining the strength, durability, and workability of concrete. If the aggregates are too wet or too dry, it can lead to problems like weakened concrete or difficulties in mixing and applying it.

*Microwave PLANT probes measure the amount of water inside the materials CREDIT: elettrondata.com*

How does the aggregate moisture probe work?

The aggregate moisture probe works by using sensors to detect the level of moisture present. These probes are typically inserted into the aggregate material, and they use various technologies like electrical resistance, capacitance, or microwave technology to measure moisture levels. The readings from the probe help operators adjust the amount of water added to the concrete mix, providing real time information on site.

The use of such probes is particularly important in large-scale construction projects where precision and consistency in concrete quality are essential. They help in reducing guesswork and enhancing the efficiency of the concrete mixing process. The results provide reasonable accuracy, however, they are open to operator error, and are not as accurate as laboratory moisture content tests.

Top 3 Hand HELD aggregate moisture probes

Wood and Aggregate Thermo-Moisture Meter

This digital moisture meter, compact enough to fit in your pocket, features integrated 10mm replaceable electrodes and is designed for quick and easy measurement of moisture content in various materials. It's suitable for wood (including sawn timber, cardboard, and paper) and aggregate materials (such as plaster, concrete, and mortar). The device works by measuring electrical resistance and then converting this data to display the moisture content as a percentage. It also measures temperature. The colour display includes a tri-colour bargraph (green indicating 0 to 22%, yellow for 22.1 to 51%, and red for levels above 51%). Additional features include Data Hold and Max Hold functions, a durable, impact-resistant ABS case, and a function check that displays reference readings. It also has an auto power-off function that activates after 2 minutes of inactivity, a low battery indicator, and comes with a carry pouch, protective cap, and 5 batteries.

Sano m1 aggregate moisture meter

The SONO-M1 Aggregate Sensor, developed by Imko in Germany, employs Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) technology for accurately and rapidly determining the moisture content in aggregates. This innovative sensor is equipped with a practical two-rod probe, making it ideal for measuring moisture in materials like sand, gravel, expanded clay spheres, and various other aggregates. The moisture levels can be conveniently displayed using either the Hand-held SONO-Dis Read-out Meter or the Pico HD2 Meter. In terms of specifications, the sensor requires a 7V to 24V DC power supply and has a current consumption of 100mA at 12V/DC. It boasts an impressive measuring range of 0 to 40% volume, with an accuracy of ±0.2% volume in water and a conductivity range of 0.5dS/m. The sensor maintains repeat accuracy and temperature drift at ±0.3% and operates effectively within a material temperature range of -15°C to 50°C. The measuring accuracy of material temperature is ±0.5°C when permanently installed. It covers a measuring volume of 1L (130 x 100 mm diameter) and is calibrated for sand, gravel, and aggregate, with up to 15 bespoke calibrations available. The probe is IP68 rated, with dimensions of 155 x ⌀ 63 mm, a length of 130 mm, and a diameter of 6 mm. It also includes a 1.5 m cable with a 7-pin coupling socket for connectivity.

AGGRAMETER®

The Aggrameter® T-T-100 is a cutting-edge microwave meter designed for the rapid determination of moisture content in sand, fine, and coarse aggregates. Utilizing advanced microwave and microprocessor technology, it measures moisture content in a variety of materials. The process involves inserting the probe's prongs into the material, and the moisture content is instantly displayed as a percentage of dry weight on an easy-to-read screen. To ensure accuracy, an average of five to ten readings is recommended. The device, pre-calibrated for sand and aggregate, allows user programming for up to ten different materials, and can test materials with a maximum particle size of about 3/8" (9.5 mm) in diameter.

The Aggrameter® is capable of storing over 150 readings, complete with time and date, for future reference, and these can be transferred to a PC via USB. The Aggralinx® software enhances this feature, allowing data upload to Windows 7, 8, or 10 PCs for quality control reports or analysis, and also enables customization for specific materials, improving accuracy.

Key specifications include a moisture range of 0-20% by dry weight, a frequency of 50 MHz, power from 2 AA batteries, a trans-reflective display of 2 x 16 characters, USB data link, and a weight of 1.8 kg (4 lbs). The extended length of the device is 1000mm (36 inches), and it has a substantial data storage capacity of over 1000 readings. For orders outside the United States and Canada, contact is required for a complete quote. Additional options include an extended warranty and the Aggrameter® manual is available for detailed guidance. This product is specifically designed for use with sand and aggregates, and for soil moisture measurement, the Aquaprobe is recommended. The Aggrameter® is praised for its ease of use, accuracy, portability, and customizability for different materials.