A new density-independent function for microwave moisture content determination in particulate materials

Abstract

A new density-independent function for moisture content determination from microwave dielectric measurements on particulate materials is proposed. The definition of this function is based on the existence of a simple relationship between the bulk density and the two components of the relative complex permittivity and the principle of energy balance in dielectrics expressed by tan /spl delta/. Its validity and applicability are shown for a granular material, wheat, over broad ranges of microwave frequencies, temperatures, densities and moisture contents.