Nondestructive method to estimate moisture content in single nuts and grain from RF impedance measurements with a parallel-plate sensor

C. V.K. Kandala; C. L. Butts

doi:10.1117/12.598439

5 May 2005 Nondestructive method to estimate moisture content in single nuts and grain from RF impedance measurements with a parallel-plate sensor

C. V.K. Kandala, C. L. Butts

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 5762, Smart Structures and Materials 2005: Industrial and Commercial Applications of Smart Structures Technologies; (2005) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.598439
Event: SPIE Smart Structures and Materials + Nondestructive Evaluation and Health Monitoring, 2005, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

A method to determine the moisture content from the complex impedance measurements of a parallel-plate capacitor with a single shelled or in-shell peanut between the plates, at two frequencies 1 and 5 MHz, is described here. Capacitance (C), phase angle (θ) and dissipation factor (D) of the parallel-plate system at the two frequencies were measured. Using these values in a derived empirical equation, the moisture content (mc) of the peanuts was estimated to an accuracy of within 1% of the standard air-oven value. The moisture range of the peanuts tested was between 5 and 20%. The method is rapid and nondestructive and was found earlier to be applicable in certain types of grain such as corn. The study establishes a basis for the development of a practical instrument that could be useful in the grain and peanut industry.

Citation Download Citation

C. V.K. Kandala and C. L. Butts "Nondestructive method to estimate moisture content in single nuts and grain from RF impedance measurements with a parallel-plate sensor", Proc. SPIE 5762, Smart Structures and Materials 2005: Industrial and Commercial Applications of Smart Structures Technologies, (5 May 2005); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.598439

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