In-line Grain Moisture Meter UmiGrain: Continuous Readings at the Dryer and in Storage

The UmiGrain in-line grain moisture meter by Marrari Automação measures the moisture content of grains and seeds continuously and in real time, right in the process flow. Installed at the dryer inlet and outlet, on conveyors and at the silo inlet, it uses robust sensors that measure the dielectric properties of the material. These properties track both the internal and surface moisture of the grain, giving a complete and accurate measurement. It is also known as an in-line grain and cereal moisture tester.

Why Measure Grain Moisture In-Line, at the Dryer?

When moisture is checked by manual sampling, the dryer runs blind between one sample and the next. With UmiGrain installed in the line, the sensor samples the grain flow continuously, at 5 readings per second, and the operator adjusts the dryer to the real data.

• Less over-drying, because adjustments happen before the grain comes out too dry.

• Less wet grain in the silo, because the reading at the inlet confirms every load.

• A record of every batch, with 4-20 mA and Modbus (RTU or TCP) outputs to the PLC or SCADA system.

Why Use the UmiGrain Grain Moisture Meter?

Accurate control of grain moisture is a critical factor for maintaining quality, avoiding losses, and maximizing financial return. The UmiGrain moisture meter offers numerous advantages across drying, storage, and shipment processes:

• Preserves grain and seed quality, preventing cracks that promote fungal growth and compromise product grading.

• Prevents losses due to excessive moisture, which can lead to mold and bacterial growth, rendering large volumes of product unusable.

• Avoids commercial penalties: Grains with moisture levels outside accepted standards are often devalued in the market.

• Reduces losses from over-drying, which directly affects total mass.

With UmiGrain, measurements are performed continuously and automatically, with the option for complete process registration and traceability. This reduces the need for frequent laboratory analyses, increases efficiency, and ensures documentation of final product quality.

Where Should the UmiGrain Grain Moisture Meter Be Installed?

Strategic installation of the UmiGrain moisture meter sensors is essential to ensure quality control and efficiency at every stage of the production process. Key application points include:

• Grain reception: Identifies initial moisture content and supports decision-making regarding the need and intensity of drying.

• Dryer outlet: Enables automatic adjustments to the drying process, preventing under or over-drying.

• Transfer line to storage: Ensures moisture stability during internal transport.

• Silo inlet: Confirms moisture content before storage, preventing losses during stockpiling.

• Final shipment: Verifies that the grain meets required standards before delivery to customers.

How Does the UmiGrain Moisture Meter Work?

As the product passes through the measurement area, it enters an electric field generated by the sensor. The moisture present—both on the surface and inside—interferes with this field, and the variation is instantly interpreted by the sensor’s processor. The result is a highly accurate measurement, performed hundreds of times per second.

• Conventional process: 2 samples/hour (0.5 kg/h)

• UmiGrain: 18,000 readings/hour (180 kg/h)

That means UmiGrain delivers 360 times more mass analyzed per hour than a conventional analysis, ensuring exceptional reliability.

Why Is UmiGrain So Accurate?

Its precision is the result of a combination of advanced features:

• Cutting-edge physical measurement principle

• High sensor stability

• Fast data processing

• Massive volume of readings per hour

• Product-specific calibration curves

• Continuous improvement via the Tracker software

Is the UmiGrain Moisture Meter Pre-Calibrated?

Yes! UmiGrain is compatible with a wide variety of grains and seeds. It comes pre-calibrated for products such as:

• Soybean

• Corn

• Rice

• Beans

• Sorghum

• Barley

• Wheat

• Peanuts

• Coffee

• Oats

• And many more

If you require a specific calibration for your product, simply send a sample to Marrari’s Umilab laboratory. We’ll develop a personalized calibration curve based on the actual characteristics of your grain or seed.

What Are the Gains from Using the UmiGrain Moisture Meter?

The benefits of implementing UmiGrain are significant and measurable:

• Reduces over-drying losses – Drying 1% more than necessary in a 100t/h process results in 1,000 kg/hour loss, or 24,000 kg/day.

• Prevents spoilage losses – Ensures grains are not stored with excess moisture.

• Avoids commercial discounts – grain delivered above the moisture standard is discounted by weight at sale.

• Speeds up drying with greater precision and control.

• Remote operation via computer, smartphone, or PLC.

• Analog and digital outputs, allowing easy integration with other plant systems.

What Are the Benefits of Measuring Moisture Post-Harvest?

The post-harvest phase is one of the most critical moments for preserving grain quality. Performing accurate and continuous moisture measurement immediately after harvest brings a series of strategic advantages to operations:

• Enables quick and informed decisions regarding the necessity and urgency of drying, avoiding logistical delays and spoilage losses;

• Reduces the risk of fermentation and microorganism proliferation, which are common when grains remain too moist for extended periods;

• Ensures greater uniformity in moisture content during storage, preventing hotspots and minimizing the need for reprocessing;

• Increases operational efficiency, by integrating moisture data into production management and planning for drying and storage logistics;

• Preserves the commercial value of the grain, avoiding downgrades due to off-spec moisture levels at the very start of the supply chain.

By incorporating post-harvest moisture monitoring with UmiGrain, producers and industries ensure immediate response to product conditions, reduce risks, and enhance quality control from the very first stage after harvest.

How Does the UmiGrain Sensor Read Moisture in the Flow?

The sensor uses the capacitive method: it is installed on the belt, conveyor, dryer or another point, and as the grain passes it (1), the moisture of the product is read second by second across a field up to 150 mm high (2 and 3). This way, the measurement reflects the moisture inside the grain, not just on its surface.

Trusted and Recommended

Dozens of UmiGrain systems are already in operation throughout Brazil and Latin America, serving agribusiness companies that seek efficiency, accuracy, and full control over the quality of their grains.

AND WHY USE MARRARI EQUIPMENT?

Our equipment is optimized for your company! We create ways to improve the performance of production processes without excessive loss, using methods such as OEE and Industry 4.0. This creates a more effective, productive and modern production environment.

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WARRANTY

Marrari offers a 6-month warranty for all its systems and equipment to ensure that your process is always as productive as possible!