Quick Method for Measuring Date Moisture Content
2003
Ismail, K. M. | Alyahya, S. A.
Moisture content is an important property to be managed in the harvesting, storage, marketing, and processing of dates. Because the determination of moisture content is usually destructive, laborious, and time–consuming, this article introduces a quick method for measuring date moisture content using a simple and inexpensive electronic circuit. The developed circuit senses the voltage response (output voltage) as the whole date is held in contact between the moisture sensors. This circuit is a modification of a Colpitts oscillator using a 2N743 transistor. Four types of dates (Sokary, Nabtit–Aly, Rawthana, and Om Al–Khashab) were collected and maintained in the refrigerator until the time of measurement. The vacuum oven method was used to calibrate the circuit performance; about 5–g samples of dates were placed in the oven for 48 h at 65.C under a vacuum pressure of 762 mm Hg. The relationship between the measured voltage response and the moisture content of dates was developed. The coefficient of determination (R2) was found to be 0.95. This new technique is rapid, accurate, and simple. Thus, it can be recommended as a quick method for measuring date moisture content.
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