Drick DRK112 High-Frequency Paper Moisture Meter (Tri-Clamp / Pin-Type Probe Optional)

Overview

The Drick DRK112 High-Frequency Paper Moisture Meter is a portable, field-deployable instrument engineered for rapid, non-destructive moisture content assessment in fibrous packaging materials. It operates on the principle of high-frequency (RF) dielectric impedance measurement—where a fixed-frequency electromagnetic field (typically in the 1–10 MHz range) interacts with the dipole moment of water molecules within the sample matrix. Variations in moisture content alter the effective dielectric constant and loss factor of the material, resulting in measurable shifts in resonant frequency and signal attenuation. These analog frequency deviations are converted via an integrated frequency-to-current transducer and digitized using a precision analog-to-digital converter (ADC), yielding a stable, temperature-compensated %w/w readout. Unlike oven-drying or Karl Fischer titration, the DRK112 enables real-time, in-line verification without sample preparation or destruction—making it suitable for continuous quality monitoring during papermaking, corrugating, converting, and warehousing operations.

Key Features

• Compact handheld design (0.2 kg, 165 × 60 × 27 mm) optimized for operator mobility and ergonomic one-handed operation
• Six-position material calibration switch enabling rapid adaptation across common paper grades—including kraft linerboard, testliner, bleached board, newsprint, and corrugated medium
• Integrated high-frequency sensor module with shielded electrode geometry minimizing edge effects and surface interference
• Optional tri-clamp contact probe for consistent pressure-controlled measurement on moving webs (e.g., at rewind stations or slitter lines)
• Optional pin-type insertion probe for depth-resolved spot checks in stacked pallets or laminated composites
• Battery-powered operation (9 V alkaline, IEC 6F22) supporting >8 hours of continuous use; no external power supply required
• IP54-rated enclosure providing protection against dust ingress and incidental water splashes in industrial environments

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The DRK112 is validated for use with homogeneous, low-density cellulose-based substrates ranging from 0.05 to 1.2 g/cm³ bulk density and thicknesses between 0.08 mm (tissue) and 8 mm (double-wall corrugated board). It complies with fundamental measurement principles outlined in ISO 287 (Paper and board — Determination of moisture content — Oven-drying method) as a comparative screening tool, and supports internal QA/QC protocols aligned with TAPPI T 412 om-22 and ASTM D2865–21 (Standard Test Method for Moisture Content of Paper and Paperboard by Oven-Drying). While not certified for regulatory submission under GLP or FDA 21 CFR Part 11, its repeatable output (RSD < 1.2% at 8–12% moisture) supports traceable process control logs when paired with documented calibration records and operator training logs.

Software & Data Management

The DRK112 is a standalone analog-digital hybrid instrument with no embedded firmware, Bluetooth, or data logging capability. All measurements are displayed in real time on a 3½-digit LCD with automatic polarity and decimal point positioning. For enterprise integration, users may manually record readings into LIMS or MES platforms using standardized templates (e.g., CSV or Excel). Calibration verification is performed using NIST-traceable moisture reference standards (e.g., conditioned filter paper strips at 5%, 10%, and 15% w/w per ISO 638), with logbook entries recommended per ISO/IEC 17025 clause 7.7. No software validation package is supplied; instrument qualification follows user-defined IQ/OQ protocols.

Applications

• In-process moisture verification at paper machine dryers, size presses, and reel-up stations
• Final product release testing of cut-size paper, folding cartons, and retail-ready packaging
• Warehouse humidity impact assessment on stored reels and palletized boxes
• Supplier incoming inspection for compliance with contractual moisture specifications (e.g., ≤8.5% for litho-grade coated board)
• Troubleshooting curl, dimensional instability, or adhesive failure linked to out-of-spec moisture gradients
• Correlation studies with gravimetric reference methods to establish site-specific correction curves

FAQ

What measurement principle does the DRK112 employ?
It uses high-frequency dielectric impedance spectroscopy at a fixed carrier frequency, detecting changes in capacitive reactance and conductive loss induced by water’s polarizability.
Can the DRK112 measure coated or laminated papers?
Yes—provided the coating layer is non-conductive and ≤15 µm thick; thicker metallized or PVDC-coated substrates may require empirical correlation due to signal shielding.
Is temperature compensation automatic?
Yes—the internal thermistor provides real-time ambient temperature feedback to the analog front-end, adjusting gain and offset to maintain accuracy across –5 to +60 °C.
How often should calibration verification be performed?
Before each shift when used in critical control points; at minimum, once per 8-hour workday using two-point verification (e.g., 6% and 12% reference standards).
Does the tri-clamp probe require mechanical adjustment?
No—it features spring-loaded, self-aligning jaws with 2.5 N clamping force and integrated wear-resistant tungsten carbide contacts for consistent electrode contact area.