Spectroscopic Analysis
Infrared light absorption at specific wavelengths provides a non destructive method for determining the water content within a bundle of plant fibres. In the context of linen production, nir moisture measurement allows for the continuous monitoring of flax roving as it moves through the drafting zone. The system detects the vibration of the O-H molecular bonds to calculate the exact percentage of water present.
This data is essential for maintaining the correct humidity for optimal spinning performance.
Process Control
Automated sprayers adjust the amount of added moisture based on the real time readings from the sensor. If the flax becomes too dry, nir moisture measurement triggers an increase in the damping system to prevent fibre breakage. Conversely, it prevents over-wetting, which can lead to mold growth or sticky rollers.
The system provides a much faster response than traditional oven drying tests.
Measurement Boundary
Darker dyed fibres or heavily contaminated stalks can absorb the light and skew the results. To ensure accuracy, the sensor must be calibrated for each specific grade and color of linen. The distance from the sensor to the material surface must also be kept constant to avoid errors in the reflected signal intensity.
