Low frequency microwave technique for on-line measurement of moisture

The measurement of the moisture content of materials is a key control param eter in a very wide range of industrial processes. A low frequency (1 GHz) microwave transmission technique has been developed for the on-line analysi s of moisture in thick beds of high moisture materials. The technique has b een successfully applied to the analysis of black coal, brown coal and iron ore in the laboratory. An industry prototype low frequency moisture analys er has been developed and trialed at an Australian coal export facility. (C ) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.