| The moisture content of wood chips being fed to a kraft digester was measured using an off-line nuclear gauge and an on-line dielectric probe. Quantifying that variation will lead to enhanced process control, and less variation in the degree of pulping. The moisture measurement systems used in this project were supplied by Troxler Electronics Laboratories. The research was conducted at Avenor Inc.'s kraft mill in Thunder Bay, Ontario.;Statistical analysis confirmed seasonal moisture variation in delivered chips. Variation due to sampling and the oven drying method were analyzed. The nuclear gauge calibration is species independent, and frozen wood can be tested. The gauge accurately determines moisture in four minutes. This device would be useful for measuring wood chip moisture in incoming truckloads. The dielectric probe failed twice while installed in the mill chip bin. However, when it did function, its potential for measurement of moisture in unfrozen wood was evident. |
