Moisture AACC Method 44-11
Page 1 of 2
Moisture—Dielectric Meter Method
Final approval October 8, 1976; Reapproval November 3, 1999
Objective
This method determines moisture content in cereals, legume grains, and a
number of other commodities for which conversion tables are available. The
method closely agrees with oven methods established for the same commodities
under official U.S. Standards.
Apparatus
1. Motomco moisture meter, model 919, and conversion charts, or equivalent.
2. Balance capable of weighing 150–270 g within accuracy of ±0.5 g.
3. Moistureproof containers for samples.
4. Thermometers, range from –25 to 45° (–10 to 110°F) in 1° divisions and
with accuracy of ½ scale division at all points.
5. One-hole rubber stoppers to fit containers (apparatus 3). Insert thermometer
through hole of stopper to such depth that bulb will be approximately in center of
sample.
Procedure
Preparation of sample
Obtain representative sample as directed in Method 64-70A. Transfer
immediately to moistureproof container and stopper with 1-hole rubber stopper
containing thermometer. See Note 1.
Calibration
1. Switch to “on” position. Meter does not need warm-up period but is
instantly ready for use.
2. Turn “Function” switch to “CAL” (calibrate) position.
3. Turn dial control knob until dial reading of 53, as indicated by red arrow
and the word “CAL,” is directly beneath hairline.
4. Rotate calibrating knob on left-hand side of instrument until meter needle
reaches lowest point on scale. See Note 2.
Moisture determination
1. Turn “Function” switch to “OP” (operate) position.
2. After thermometer has reached equilibrium with sample, read and record
temperature.
3. Weigh out specified sample weight as indicated on proper conversion chart
and place weighed sample into dump cell. See Note 3.
4. Push dump cell release button to dump sample uniformly into test cell.
Remove dump cell and invert it to reset mechanism for next sample.
Moisture AACC Method 44-11
Page 2 of 2
Moisture—Dielectric Meter Method (continued)
5. Rotate dial knob until meter needle reaches its lowest position on scale. See
Note 2.
6. Note dial reading directly beneath hairline and record. Estimate readings to
nearest 0.1 scale division. If readings off scale, proceed to step 8.
7. From proper conversion chart, convert dial reading to percent moisture,
making sure to apply correction for temperature.
8. Calibration circuit and operating circuit of Motomco are linear at all levels.
With calibration at 63 instead of 53, all dial values are lowered by 10 scale
divisions and thus readings are 10 scale divisions below zero. Conversely, with
calibration at 33, each meter reading is raised 20 scale divisions; this permits
readings 20 scale divisions above 100. Charts involving this principle are
available, and the point of calibration is clearly indicated on them.
Range of usefulness of meter is further extended by reducing size of sample. A
150-g sample is used for very wet samples. Special charts for some commodities
are available on this basis.
Notes
1. Any gain or loss of moisture due to a partly filled container is negligible. A
partly filled container permits shaking the sample to ensure uniformity.
2. The lowest position on the scale is seldom zero and may be close to
midscale when very dry or very wet samples are being tested. The proper
technique is to turn the knob back and forth slowly when near the end point until
the needle rests at the lowest point on the scale.
3. The Motomco meter averages moisture content of mixtures of wet and dry
grains. It is unnecessary to equalize mixed-moisture samples for several hours
before testing.
References
1. Hunt, W. H., and Neustadt, M. H. 1966. Factors affecting the precision of moisture measurement
in grain and related crops. J. Assoc. Off. Anal. Chem. 49:757.
2. U.S. Department of Agriculture. 1962. Addenda to instruction manual for Motomco Moisture
Meter Model 919. GR Instruction 918-12. (September.)
3. U.S. Department of Agriculture. 1963. Comparison of various moisture meters with the oven
method in determining the moisture content of grain. AMS Bull. 511. (August.)
4. U.S. Department of Agriculture. 1968. Federal Grain Inspection Serv., Equipment Manual, GR
Instruction 916-6, chap. V. (Sept.)
5. Zeleny, L., and Hunt, W. H. 1962. Moisture measurement in grain. Am. Soc. Agric. Eng. Paper
No. 62-926.
