Abstract: An instrument and process for measuring moisture content of an article. A microstrip resonator receives a signal from a microwave sweep oscillator. A holder holds the article wherein the article under test is placed over a substrate of the resonator and covers the resonator and provides orientation to the article under test in a desired direction to the sample. A detector receives transmitted as well as reflected signals from a resonator sensor for measurement of Q factor and frequency shift of the resonator. The moisture content of the article is determined by the change in effective permittivity of a cross-section of the miscorstrip.

Abstract: An instrument and process for measuring moisture content of an article. A microstrip resonator receives a signal from a microwave sweep oscillator. A holder holds the article wherein the article under test is placed over a substrate of the resonator and covers the resonator and provides orientation to the article under test in a desired direction to the sample. A detector receives transmitted as well as reflected signals from a resonator sensor for measurement of Q factor and frequency shift of the resonator. The moisture content of the article is determined by the change in effective permittivity of a cross-section of the miscorstrip.

Abstract: A process for measuring moisture of grains, fruits, nuts and the like (a sample) by connecting the input of a multilayer microstrip hybrid circuit (MMHC) to a pulse generating source, precalibrating the pulse generating source and a time domain reflectometer and connecting the output of the MMHC to a detector. The time domain reflectometer is then calibrated to obtain a characteristic reference reflection and time of propagation through the MMHC is recorded. The sample is placed on the MMHC and a time delay is measured in response to the characteristic reference reflection. The effective permittivity is then calculated based on the parameters of the time domain reflectometer, time delay, reflection coefficient and characteristic impedance of the MMHC. The calculated effective permittivity is then calibrated against moisture.