Electromagnetic fields and waves are very sensitive to the dielectric properties of the material in which they exist. In turn, these dielectric properties are sensitive diagnostic indicators of numerous physical properties of the material, such as moisture content, density, concentrations of constituents, porosity, chemical reactions and state of cure, etc. There are two dielectric parameters of main interest: the dielectric constant (e') which characterizes the material's ability to store and release electromagnetic energy, and the dielectric loss factor (e") which characterizes the material's ability to absorb (attenuate) electromagnetic energy to create heat. By monitoring the electromagnetic fields/waves that are interacting with the material, it is possible to simultaneously and independently determine these two dielectric parameters (e', e"), and/or two independent physical parameters (e.g., moisture content and density), while all other physical properties are held constant. This determination is generally done through emperically modeled relationships. Compared to lower radio frequencies, microwave frequencies (0.5 to 12 GigaHertz for most sensing applications) are particularly appropiate for on line monitoring of material properties for several reasons. Three of the most important are: (a) the physical size of the microwave hardware is very manageable (b) interactions with nearby metals and other materials can be mitigated (c) ionic conduction effects (e.g., due to disolved salts) are greatly diminished or negligible . Compared to higher (millimeter, infra red and optical) frequencies, microwaves have the advantages that: (a) bulk properties are monitored, rather than just near-surface properties (b) two independent electromagnetic parameters are measureable with precision. By design, both the MDA-1000 and the MMA-2000 instruments monitor two independent field/wave parameters, although these two parameters are quite different for each instrument type as discussed on the next page. As explained above, this enables simultaneous, independent determination of two physical properties of the test material. For example, either the moisture content and/or the density can be determined independent of each other with the MDA-1000. With the MMA-2000, either the moisture content and.or the basis weight [weight per unit area] can be determined independent of each other. Such two-parameter capabilities are absolutely essential for accurate and repeatable determination of either moisture content, density (or basis weight) using any electromagnetic sensing method. |
Innovations in Microwave Sensors for Industry |
KDC Technology Corp. |
Principles 1 |
Principles of microwave sensing |
Flat MDA 1000 sensor mounted on a glide sled |
MDA 1000 hand-held probe for liquids and particulates |
Flush mounted MDA 1000 sensor for liquids and small particles |
Flush mounted, abrasion-resistant MDA 1000 sensor for large and small size particles |
