Moisture Content in Frac Sand

The American Petroleum Institute (API) specifications have critical requirements to achieve accurate and repeatable moisture content levels. Typically, the frac sand is mined, washed, screened and stored in piles for supply of various grades. The sand needs to be dried to the required moisture content before it can be sold or further processed to add a resin or alcohol coating.

Dryers are much more efficient when the input moisture content is consistent. In reality, the moisture content of the sand entering the dryer varies constantly. Typical sand stockpiles can vary from 2%-8% moisture. This variation in the stockpile sand results in heating inadequacies wasting energy, money and out of spec frac sand.

MoistTech Corp. has a solution with their IR3000 series moisture measurement and control gauges. Using the 3000 Series sensors, we can rapidly control the drying system resulting in quality spec sand without wasting time, energy and money. Our quality sensors are designed for the harshest of installations. Simple Plug and Play mounting 4”-12” above the moving product we can measure with a repeatability of 0.1% moisture or better.

Standard outputs allow for a simple digital display or full PLC integration with many options in between. The 3000 Series sensors are designed as a one-time calibration with zero maintenance, allowing operating personnel to make immediate adjustments to the line. Insensitive to material variations such as particle size, material height & color, our moisture sensors provide continuous, reliable readings with zero maintenance and a one-time calibration with a non-drift optical design allowing operational personnel to confidently make immediate process adjustments based on real-time measurements. 

Benefits to utilizing the MoistTech 3000 series sensor include a Plug and Play design,
Durable enclosure (NEMA4 IP65 or Stainless Steel IP67) for harsh process environments,
Lower Operating Costs, More Efficiency and Consistent Drying.

Installation of the sensor is easy and can be in numerous locations depending on your need: Primary Screen, Sump Pump, Dewatering Screen, Dryer Infeed, Dryer Dump, Belt Filter, Press, Discarded Solids, Screw, Belt, and Pipeline.