Kaolin Clay Moisture Sensor

Measuring the moisture content of kaolin clay, also known as china clay, is extremely important piece of the production process, When originally mined, it is approximately 15% to 22% moisture content. It is stored in large piles in open-sided warehouses for purposes of further drying the product. A moisture content of about 1% is the target for finished shipped product, although many steps are involved in the processing of the clay to reach this end level. The in-process control of moisture content at various stages of production can have a significant positive impact on process profitability.

Why Kaolin Clay Operations Need Networked Moisture Sensors

Kaolin clay operations require real time, continuous, non-contact moisture analysis in order to properly run their processes and meet plant and regulatory goals. The need for accurate, fast, and networked moisture analysis and adjustment to online processes is critical for many production needs including:

• Raw mineral dumped by the backhoe or front loader onto the conveyor belt to be transported to the drying operations.
• Moisture content of conveyed product prior to entering the rotary dryer. Incoming moisture content is required for feed forward temperature control to the dryers. These moisture levels are often in the range of 15-22% but can be upwards of 40% depending upon uncovered stockpile storage that may be exposed to the environment. Dryer overloading can lead to wet product exiting the dryer and causing screening plugs, product backup, equipment shutdown, centrifuge over-amperage and excessive labor and downtime to clean out the equipment and restart.
• Final dryer exit moisture analysis is needed in case a further change is needed to the rotary dryer temperature setting or a change in flow rate to the dryer is required to reach moisture set point. Typical exit moisture is in the range of 0-2% for most dried kaolin clays.
• Further after-dryer processes also require real time moisture analysis. These would include screening to meet particle size distribution (too much or too little water content affects the particle size).
• Finished product shipping weight: Kaolin product is typically bagged (powder) but is often shipped via barge or truck whether it be powder or slurry. Excessive moisture can cause accidental overweight loading and result in fines. Finna Sensors offers solutions that provide instantaneous operator feedback to assure product meets the TML (Transportable Moisture Limit) before it is shipped.

Picking the correct kaolin clay moisture measurement method

Stop depending on a laboratory for moisture analysis that is time-consuming and often inaccurate (product is exposed to the atmosphere at each sample handling step, taking it out of the real-time, real-environment through which it is processed). Instead, depend on real-time measurements that require no contact and provide continuous feedback so you can make the adjustments that are needed the moment they are needed. This minimizes waste, increases your efficiency, and makes your mining and manufacturing processes better and more connected than ever.

Finna Sensors would be pleased to discuss your particular production needs and recommend the most efficient and effective on-line, in process moisture meter.