Paper manufacturing is a complex industry involving an even more complicated process. With speedy time demands, little margin for error, and the necessity for a top-quality final product every time, you need exact measurements and precision at every step of the process.
Using a moisture meter that gives accurate readings, and is calibrated specifically for paper, is one of the best ways to ensure a good final product.
The Paper-Drying Process
Paper-making consists of three steps and starts with the forming and pressing phases. Once paper is formed and pressed, it must enter the all-important drying phase. While some water has already been lost to gravitational forces and pressure in the forming and pressing phases, drying the paper to the correct level of moisture (typically between 6 and 7%) is done with heat, additional pressure, and water removal.
This process can be challenging because it can be different each time: the relative and absolute humidity in the air can affect the drying time. Additionally, with the massive volume of paper typically being produced at one time, complicated machinery, and variances in humidity and temperature, the drying portion of the paper-making process is the least understood and most variable process.
Depending on the temperature of the air, there may be more or less water vapor in the air, and this kind of variance can make it hard to achieve the ideal necessary percentage of humidity that remains in the paper, unless you are able to accurately gauge the moisture content using a moisture meter. Paper is hygroscopic, meaning it has a tendency to absorb moisture from the air to reach equilibrium, so any kind of change in humidity or water vapor can mean big changes in how the paper dries.
Too much moisture left in the paper can drastically affect its weight, dimensions, and flatness (creating "curl"), as well as its conductivity, strength, and ability to maintain a fold. Simply said, too much moisture remaining within the paper can ruin the entire batch.
Why Do You Need a Moisture Meter?
A paper moisture meter is practically a necessity in successful paper drying and manufacturing. Our moisture meters are designed to be used for near-line testing in paper manufacturing and processing facilities as well as printing plants and with corrugated cardboard. It can be used directly on the roll of paper for an instant accurate reading of the moisture within the paper on the large digital display.
Another upshot to using a moisture meter? It’s fast. Because testing is quick and accurate, there is no need for time-consuming sampling and pre-processing. You are able to instantly measure anything from a single sheet of paper to multi-layerpaper products. This will dramatically cut down on the time spent testing, allowing you more time to focus on the overall quality of the paper you’re manufacturing.
Our paper moisture meters can be used in paper rolls, but also in corrugated paper, kraft and copy paper, photographic paper (where moisture and chemicals have a big impact on the outcome of the photo’s development), and paper created for food packaging.
Do you have more questions about whether or not a paper moisture meter is right for you? Contact us today for more information on how a moisture meter can have a big impact on the time and success rate of your paper-making. We know you’ll love the results.
