Moisture testing?

[ibeamcarver]

Yes, this is off topic for tractors...
I'm trying to find a reasonably priced meter for measuring moisture of walnuts (shell + kernel). I have dehydration equipment but seem to get them too dry, thus losing money. They can be up to 8% moisture but yesterday I came in at only 2.5%. I know there is a lot of variability from the top to bottom if the drying bin but still feel that I should be able to get by without over drying them so much if I could measure them. The place I sell the nuts has a bench top tester - they grind the nuts and shells and drop it all in. The closest I've found to this system is about $3000 which is a bit much for our small family operation. I see plenty of grain moisture meters for a few hundred, but none mention being able to calibrate for walnuts. Any ideas?

 

[bosshogg]

Any type of moisture reading equipment should be fine. It is all based on an initial weight then how much weight is lost during drying. You could check out a "Speedy" soil moisture tester but I will warn you the chemical is expensive to ship. That would give you instant moisture levels.

 

[ibeamcarver]

Thanks Bosshogg. Guess I'll look through online owners manuals to see how long different models take to get a measurement.

 

[bosshogg]

Thanks Bosshogg. Guess I'll look through online owners manuals to see how long different models take to get a measurement.

Most moisture testing devices consist of an accurate scale and heating element. It records the initial wet weight then drys the material until no further loss in weight occurs and then calculates moisture levels. Any grain or lab soil meters work this way but the process can take hours to dry the sample. I personally use a small convection countertop oven and electronic scale for accurate readings with soil. A "Speedy Moisture Meter" uses calcium carbide that reacts instantly and violently with water producing acetelyne gas whos pressure can be measured and a moisture estimate obtained almost instantly. Not as accurate as oven methods but fast and fairly accurate. The speedy meter is not cheap and the chemical costs an arm & leg to ship since it is explosive. I would recommend trying the counter oven and scale method with a total investment of under $100.