Our plant in Stuttgart works fully automatically with a total of eight SONO moisture probes. Thanks to the convincing moisture measurement, even of coarse aggregates, we can now also better comply with and control concrete recipes. We have checked the measured moisture values of the SONO probes in our laboratory and can confirm accuracies of 1-2 litres per m³. In both summer and winter operation, everything runs without recalibration.

Our research includes investigations in rice and wheat fields in Nepal. Specifically, we evaluated different tillage and grain-specific measures on soil physics to assess subsequent plant growth. The measurement of soil moisture in different soil profiles is crucial for the assessment and interpretation of different plant growth. For this purpose, we have purchased a TRIME-T3 tube probe system. We have successfully used this system in both rice and wheat fields. The TRIME tube probe measurement system guaranteed us flexibility, repeatability and representativeness of the measurement results. The TRIME system is lightweight, exceptionally easy to use and quick to transport between the individual measuring points. Based on the positive experience, a colleague at our institute has ordered another TRIME system.

A value of EUR 1.92 per mixing process means EUR 19.20 with at least ten incorrect measurements per day. Multiplied by 200 production days, this amounts to EUR 3,840 per year. This alone, plus the savings on lime surcharges, fully compensates for the costs of converting to the SONO-Vario within the first year. I can recommend the SONO-Vario for moisture determination at any time.

The Heidelberg Cement Group uses IMKO SONO sensors at many locations in Europe and Asia. The probes are typically installed under the dosing flaps in our ready-mix concrete mixing plants to measure the material moisture, especially of the fine aggregates. Heidelberg Cement considers the IMKO TDR technology to be the top solution for online measurement of aggregate moisture, as it provides very accurate results over a very long period of time without the need for recalibration due to wear of the probe head.