Objective: To make a low cost, automatic IR moisture balance to measure the loss on drying (LOD).

Introduction: There are many type of IR moisture balance are available in the market. But all are expensive which minimum costs around 150000/-*. It is used measure the LOD to calculate the moisture content in the sample. It gives accurate and repeatable results for any sample type. It mainly consists of 3 components:

  • Electronic weighing balance
  • Infrared heat source (IR heater/ IR lamp)
  • Thermometer

Brainstorming 1: 27/04/2021

During the brainstorming session it is discussed that, why are we making this machine? This machine can be used measure the moisture content of any sample. Generally we use it for calculating LOD of powders, grains and vegetables.

The existing electric heater we are using is of 2 KW, let’s see how much cost it take for LOD.

Electric Oven: 2KW

On an average for a single reading we do require 5 hours to calculate it’s LOD.

Therefore, 2Kw × 5 hours = 10 KWh

We require to know the LOD of our samples 4 times in week, so we use it 16 times in a month.

So for a month the energy consumption is,

10KWh × 16 = 160 KWh

Electricity cost : 10 rupees/ kW

Total cost of electricity in a month for LOD:

160kWh × 10Rs. = 1600 Rupees/ month

For 1 year = 1600*12 =19200/-

IR moisture balance power consumption= 600 Wh max =0.6kW

It gives the all LOD reading under 1 hour on an average.

So the power consumption for 1 month if we use it for 16 times in a month:

0.6 × 1.6= 9.6 kWh

by taking cost of electricity as 10 Rs per kW energy, it will cost:

9.6 kWh × 10rs = 96 Rupees/ month

hence, it become 1152 Rupees/ year cost for IR balance

Price of IR moisture balance : 60000- 200000 rupees.

If we make DIY IR moisture balance, the costing will be as follows:

IR heater: 2000/-

Temperature controller : 2000/-

Electronic balance : 3000/-

Other costs: Not confirmed yet

Design and development cost: Not confirmed yet

Manpower cost: Not confirmed yet

Concept design: